RoRo Car Shipping: How It Works

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) car shipping is a popular and cost-effective method for transporting vehicles across long distances, particularly for international shipping and to island destinations like Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and various global ports. RoRo shipping provides a streamlined process, making it a convenient option for shipping cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other wheeled cargo worldwide. This guide will walk you through the RoRo shipping process, its costs, its advantages, and how to prepare your vehicle for safe transport.

What Is RoRo Car Shipping?

RoRo, or Roll-on/Roll-off, is a shipping method designed for transporting vehicles by driving them onto specialized vessels rather than loading them into containers. The vehicles are rolled on and off the ship via ramps, making the loading and unloading process quick and efficient. RoRo ships are built to transport large numbers of vehicles simultaneously, and they are equipped with ramps and secured decks to ensure that cars are safely transported to their destination.

Key Benefits of RoRo Shipping

RoRo shipping offers several important advantages over other types of vehicle shipping, particularly when transporting standard vehicles or fleets. Some of the key benefits include:

Cost-Effectiveness

RoRo shipping is often the most affordable method of transporting a vehicle internationally. Since the vehicle does not need to be placed inside a container, fewer resources are required for handling and storage. The cost per vehicle is lower because RoRo ships are capable of transporting hundreds or even thousands of vehicles at once, resulting in reduced operational expenses for shipping companies.

Efficient Loading and Unloading

The roll-on/roll-off process is designed to streamline the logistics of loading and unloading vehicles. Cars are driven onto the ship via ramps and secured in place for the duration of the journey. When the vessel reaches its destination, the vehicles are simply driven off the ship. This efficiency translates into lower costs and quicker turnaround times, which is particularly advantageous for large-scale or frequent vehicle shipments.

Versatility of Routes

RoRo services are available on many major shipping routes worldwide, offering flexible transport options to various regions, including Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Whether you’re shipping a car across the Atlantic or to an island destination like Puerto Rico or Hawaii, there are likely RoRo routes that suit your needs. This flexibility makes RoRo shipping a practical choice for businesses, individuals relocating overseas, and even car dealerships looking to transport multiple vehicles internationally.

How Does RoRo Car Shipping Work?

RoRo shipping is a simple process that involves several stages, from choosing the right shipping provider to preparing your vehicle for the journey. Below is a detailed overview of the steps involved:

Step 1: Choose a RoRo Shipping Service Provider

The first step in RoRo shipping is selecting a reliable shipping provider. There are many international shipping companies that offer RoRo services, but it’s important to choose one that has a solid reputation and experience in transporting vehicles. When comparing providers, consider factors such as price, service quality, and the availability of your desired shipping routes.

Tips for Selecting a Provider:

• Check Licensing and Insurance: Make sure the company is licensed to operate internationally and has the necessary insurance coverage for your vehicle.

• Look for Customer Reviews: Search for reviews from previous customers to gauge the reliability and reputation of the company. Trusted shipping providers will have positive feedback regarding service quality, timeliness, and customer support.

• Confirm Routes: Verify that the company serves your desired departure and destination ports. Not all providers cover every region, so ensuring that your route is covered is crucial.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle for RoRo Shipping

Before you can ship your vehicle via RoRo, you must properly prepare it for transport. Vehicle preparation ensures that your car is safe for shipping and complies with the regulations of both the origin and destination ports.

Vehicle Preparation Checklist:

• Wash the Vehicle: Clean both the exterior and interior of your car to facilitate inspection. A clean vehicle makes it easier for the shipping company to document its condition before loading.

• Remove Personal Items: Remove all personal belongings from the vehicle, as they will not be insured during transport. The shipping company is not responsible for any items left inside the car, so it’s important to remove anything of value.

• Perform Maintenance Checks: Ensure that the car’s fluid levels are topped off, the tires are properly inflated, and the battery is charged. These basic maintenance checks help avoid complications during loading and unloading.

• Disable Alarms: Any alarms in the vehicle should be deactivated to prevent them from going off during transit, which could cause delays or issues at the port.

• Fuel Level: Keep the gas tank about one-quarter full. This ensures there is enough fuel for the vehicle to be driven onto and off the ship, while keeping the overall weight of the car manageable.

Step 3: Drop Off Your Vehicle at the Port

Once your vehicle is prepared, it will need to be dropped off at the designated port of departure. Most RoRo shipping providers require you to deliver the vehicle to the port yourself, though some offer door-to-port services for added convenience.

At the Port:

• Inspection: Before loading the vehicle onto the ship, a thorough inspection will be conducted by the shipping company to document the condition of the car. This includes noting any pre-existing damage, dents, or scratches. These details will be compared to the vehicle’s condition at the destination to ensure no new damage occurred during shipping.

• Paperwork: Be sure to bring all necessary paperwork to the port, including the vehicle title, identification, and the shipping contract. The shipping company will provide you with a bill of lading, which is a receipt for the cargo being transported.

• Hand Over the Keys: You will be required to hand over the car keys to the shipping company. These keys are necessary for driving the vehicle onto and off the RoRo vessel.

Step 4: Vehicle Loading and Transport

After your vehicle is processed at the port, it will be driven onto the RoRo vessel using a ramp. Once aboard, the vehicle will be secured on the ship’s deck to prevent movement during transit.

During Shipping:

• Secured Transport: Vehicles are secured using straps and other mechanisms to ensure they do not shift during the voyage. This stability is crucial, especially when the ship encounters rough seas.

• Protected from the Elements: While vehicles are not enclosed in containers, they are stored inside the ship’s decks, where they are protected from the elements such as wind, rain, and saltwater spray.

Step 5: Pick Up Your Vehicle at the Destination Port

When the vessel arrives at its destination, your vehicle will be driven off the ship and made available for pickup. You will be notified of the pickup time and location by the shipping company.

Picking Up Your Vehicle:

• Inspection: Upon arrival at the destination port, you should inspect your vehicle carefully to ensure there is no new damage. Compare the condition of the vehicle to the original inspection report.

• Paperwork: You’ll need to present your bill of lading, proof of identification, and any other required documents to claim your car. The shipping company will guide you through the paperwork process to finalize the pickup.

• Customs Clearance: For international shipments, your vehicle may need to go through customs clearance at the destination port. You may be required to pay import duties, taxes, or fees before the vehicle is released to you. Make sure you understand the customs requirements of the destination country in advance to avoid delays.

Additional Considerations for RoRo Shipping

Customs Regulations and Documentation

When shipping a vehicle internationally via RoRo, customs regulations can vary greatly depending on the destination country. Some countries have strict import restrictions or additional taxes that need to be paid upon arrival.

• Customs Documentation: You will need to provide a range of documents, including the vehicle title, bill of lading, and any necessary customs forms. Additionally, you may be required to submit proof of purchase or a sales invoice to verify the car’s value for tax purposes.

• Import Duties and Taxes: Many countries charge import duties or taxes on vehicles being brought in from abroad. These costs vary depending on the vehicle's value, make, model, and country of origin. It's important to research the destination country’s customs regulations to avoid unexpected costs.

• Regulatory Compliance: Some countries have specific requirements regarding vehicle emissions, safety standards, or left-hand versus right-hand drive cars. If your vehicle doesn’t comply with local regulations, you may need to modify it to meet the requirements.

Insurance Considerations for RoRo Shipping

While RoRo shipping is generally safe, it’s important to protect your vehicle with adequate shipping insurance. Most shipping companies offer basic insurance coverage, but it may not fully cover the value of your car. Consider purchasing additional coverage if your vehicle is particularly valuable or if you’re concerned about potential damage during transit.

• Basic Coverage: Many RoRo providers include limited insurance coverage as part of their service, which typically covers damages caused by the shipping company’s negligence. However, this coverage may not account for natural disasters or accidents during loading/unloading.

• Comprehensive Insurance: For added peace of mind, comprehensive shipping insurance provides more extensive coverage, including protection against unforeseen events like storms or accidents during transit. Consult with your shipping provider or

your own insurance company to ensure you have adequate coverage for your vehicle’s value during the shipping process. Comprehensive insurance can cover potential damages from weather-related events, accidents during loading or unloading, and even theft, depending on the policy.

Insurance Consideration Tips:

• Review Existing Policies: Check whether your existing car insurance policy covers shipping incidents. Some insurance providers may offer limited coverage for vehicles in transit, but often, this needs to be supplemented by specialized shipping insurance.

• Compare Insurance Options: If your shipping provider offers different insurance tiers, compare the coverage amounts and terms to choose the option that best fits your needs. Consider factors such as your car’s value and the shipping route (some regions may have a higher risk of extreme weather or rough seas).

Challenges During RoRo Shipping

Although RoRo shipping is one of the most efficient ways to transport vehicles internationally, there are some potential challenges you should be aware of when opting for this method.

Weather-Related Delays

One of the most common issues that can impact RoRo shipping is bad weather. Since RoRo ships travel across large bodies of water, they are susceptible to the same weather conditions as any seafaring vessel. Storms, hurricanes, or other severe weather can delay the vessel’s departure, extend the transit time, or slow down the unloading process. It’s important to keep these potential delays in mind when scheduling the transport of your vehicle.

Port Congestion

At busy ports, particularly those handling high volumes of RoRo traffic, congestion can lead to delays in loading or unloading vehicles. Peak shipping times, especially around holidays or during specific seasons, may increase the likelihood of delays. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and book your shipping well in advance if your car needs to arrive at its destination by a specific date.

Customs Delays

For international RoRo shipments, clearing customs can be a time-consuming process. Vehicles shipped overseas must go through customs at both the origin and destination ports. If your paperwork is incomplete or your vehicle does not meet the destination country’s import regulations, it may be held up in customs until the issue is resolved. To avoid customs-related delays, ensure that all necessary documents are in order before shipping and that you are familiar with the destination country’s import laws.

Potential for Minor Scratches or Dings

Although RoRo shipping is generally safe, there is a small risk of minor damage to vehicles, such as scratches or dings, due to the high number of cars being loaded and unloaded on a single ship. Vehicles are parked close together, and while they are secured for transit, there is always the chance of minor cosmetic damage occurring during loading or unloading. Investing in comprehensive shipping insurance can provide extra peace of mind in these situations.

Alternatives to RoRo Shipping

While RoRo shipping is cost-effective and efficient, there are alternative methods for transporting vehicles internationally, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Container Shipping

Container shipping is another popular method for transporting vehicles, particularly for high-value cars, classic vehicles, or those that need additional protection. Unlike RoRo shipping, where cars are parked on the vessel’s deck, container shipping places the vehicle inside a metal container, which is loaded onto the ship. This method provides added protection from the elements and potential damage during transit.

Pros of Container Shipping:

• Enhanced Protection: The car is fully enclosed inside the container, providing protection from weather, sea spray, and potential damage from other vehicles on the ship.

• Multi-Car Containers: For those shipping multiple vehicles (such as dealerships), container shipping allows you to place more than one car in a single container, which can reduce costs.

Cons of Container Shipping:

• Higher Cost: Container shipping is more expensive than RoRo shipping due to the additional handling, space, and protection involved.

• Longer Loading/Unloading Times: Loading a vehicle into a container takes more time and care, which can extend the overall shipping process.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest method of shipping a vehicle internationally, but it is also by far the most expensive. Air freight is typically used for time-sensitive shipments or for transporting extremely high-value vehicles, such as rare luxury cars or race cars.

Pros of Air Freight:

• Speed: Air freight is much faster than sea freight, reducing the shipping time to a matter of days rather than weeks.

• Maximum Protection: Vehicles shipped by air are handled with the utmost care and stored in climate-controlled environments, making this method ideal for high-value cars.

Cons of Air Freight:

• Cost: Air freight is prohibitively expensive for most vehicle owners, often costing several times more than RoRo or container shipping.

• Limited Availability: Not all routes or destinations offer vehicle air freight services, making this option less accessible for most people.

Best Practices for Reducing Costs with RoRo Shipping

Although RoRo shipping is already one of the most affordable vehicle shipping methods, there are several strategies you can employ to further reduce costs.

Book Early

Like most transportation services, booking your RoRo shipping early can help you secure a better rate. Shipping companies often offer discounted rates for customers who plan ahead and book several weeks or months in advance. Early booking also ensures that your preferred shipping date is available, particularly during busy seasons.

Compare Quotes

It’s always a good idea to request quotes from multiple shipping companies to compare prices and services. Shipping costs can vary significantly depending on the company, the route, and the time of year. By gathering multiple quotes, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible deal for your vehicle shipment.

Choose Off-Peak Shipping Times

Shipping rates tend to be higher during peak times, such as summer months or around major holidays. If possible, consider shipping your vehicle during off-peak times, when demand is lower. Shipping companies may offer lower rates during these periods to fill their vessels, which can result in significant savings for you.

Opt for Standard Insurance

While comprehensive insurance provides extra protection, it comes with added costs. If your vehicle is not particularly high in value or you feel comfortable with the shipping provider’s basic coverage, you can opt for the standard insurance included in the service. However, be sure to assess the risks and value of your car before making this decision.

Conclusion

RoRo car shipping is an excellent option for those looking to transport vehicles internationally or to island destinations in a cost-effective and efficient manner. By understanding how RoRo shipping works and preparing your vehicle for transport, you can enjoy a hassle-free shipping experience. Whether you’re relocating overseas, shipping a vehicle for business purposes, or purchasing a car from abroad, RoRo shipping offers a reliable solution for getting your vehicle to its destination.

When choosing a RoRo service provider, be sure to research the company’s reputation, compare quotes, and understand the full scope of services offered. Additionally, consider factors such as insurance coverage, customs requirements, and any potential challenges that may arise during the shipping process. By planning ahead and following best practices, you can ensure that your vehicle arrives safely and on time.

For reliable RoRo shipping services, consider working with trusted providers like AmeriFreight, who specialize in vehicle transportation and can help you navigate the complexities of international car shipping.