What Is RORO Shipping? How Roll-On Roll-Off Ships Carry Your Vehicle

How does a RORO ship work?

A RORO ship is a floating multi-storey car park. Vehicles drive in through a large ramp at the stern or side and up internal ramps to one of many decks. Some decks can be raised or lowered, so the same ship carries small cars, tall motorhomes, buses, trucks, tractors and construction machinery. The largest car carriers take several thousand vehicles.

Once parked, each vehicle is lashed to the deck with straps or chains so it cannot move at sea. The decks are enclosed, so vehicles are protected from sea water and weather throughout the voyage.

What happens on the day of loading?

1. You or a transport company deliver the vehicle to the port terminal, usually in the week before sailing.
2. The terminal checks the documents, records the vehicle's condition and keeps the key.
3. The vehicle waits in the terminal compound until the ship arrives.
4. Port drivers drive it onto the ship and it is lashed in place.
5. After sailing, the bill of lading is issued and sent to you.
6. At the arrival port it is driven off, cleared by customs and released for collection.

Which vehicles can go by RORO?

• Cars, 4x4s and vans
• Motorhomes, campervans and expedition trucks
• Classic cars, if you are happy for port drivers to drive them
• Trucks, buses, tractors and machinery, as "high and heavy" cargo
• Non-runners and items on trailers or mafi roll trailers, by arrangement and at extra cost

What can I leave inside?

In a car, 4x4 or van, only the standard equipment such as the spare wheel and toolkit. Motorhomes and campers may carry limited tourism items on some carriers, stowed out of sight and at your own risk. If you want to ship belongings, a container is the better choice.

Preparing your vehicle for shipping: the checklist →

RORO or container?

RORO

Lower cost for a vehicle that runs; sails regularly; vehicle is driven by port staff; no belongings in cars

Sole-use container

Sealed from loading to unloading; takes belongings and non-runners; costs more

Shared container

Container security at a lower price, shared with another shipper's vehicle

Flat rack

For vehicles and machinery too tall or wide for a container that cannot go by RORO

Most of our customers ship by RORO. Classic and high-value cars and moves with household goods usually go by container.

How long does it take?

Sea time depends on the route: about 2–3 weeks across the Atlantic between the UK or northern Europe and the US East Coast, and longer to Australia, New Zealand and South America. Add a week or so for delivery to the port before sailing, and a few days for customs clearance at arrival. Each route page shows the current sailings.

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