Roll On/Roll Of Auto Transport (RORO) is the most common mode of shipping used to move motor vehicles from the mainland U.S. to the Hawaiian Islands. If that’s the first time you’re hearing the term “RORO,” it’s a method of car transport that refers to being shipped in a storage area of a large ship designed to move vehicles. The name comes from way the vehicle is loaded onto the ship, which is by simply driving it into the cargo area, securing it for the trip to Hawaii, and then driving it off when it arrives—the car is “rolled on,” transported, and then “rolled off.”
About RoRo Vessels
RORO ships are large boats that are equipped with a ramp to make it easier to load cars onto the ship where they are stored for shipping, usually below the deck in a cargo hold. Using tie downs, each car is individually anchored in place so that they can safely be transported. The holding area is much like a large parking garage that is designed to hold many vehicles, sometimes as many as several hundred cars. One of the biggest advantages of using RORO ships to move your car to Hawaii is the fact that it is the least expensive option to safely relocate a car, truck or other vehicle by ocean transport.
Preparing Your Car For Roll On, Roll Off (RORO) Transport
Before your vehicle can be loaded onto the RORO carrier, there’s a few basic steps you’ll need to take in preparation, which include the following:
- Your car will need to be emptied of all personal content including luggage or boxes.
- The fuel tank should be no more than one-quarter full of gas.
- The car should be clean and make sure all dirt is removed from the wheels and undercarriage, so it will not blow onto the other cars during shipment.
- You will need to show proof of ownership as well as the title and registration prior to the car being loaded for transport.
One of the biggest advantages of using RoRo ships to move your car to Hawaii is the fact that it is the least expensive option to safely relocate a car, truck or other vehicle by ocean transport. On average, a RoRo ship will carry up to 300 cars per shipment.
You can drive your car directly to the shipping port if you live nearby or you can schedule highway transport with the auto transport company to have it hauled to the port for you. When the car arrives in Hawaii it’s easy to have it scheduled for door-to-door delivery, so it can be brought directly to you instead of having to pick it up at the port. The company you use to have your car shipped by RORO should be able to arrange for the overland transport as well, both from the mainland to the port and from the port to its final destination in Hawaii.
Hawaii Car Shipping Resources
Hawaii Auto Transport - Learn more about our car shipping services and delivery options to and from Hawaii from our official shipping page, as well as other companies that deliver vehicles in the area.
Military POV Shipping To Hawaii - Are you a member of the military in need of car shipping services for your POV to Hawaii? We’ve got a great service for you too that includes a military discount! Click on the link to learn more.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
