Roll on Roll-off Services

RORO vessel with built-in ramps for vehicle loading

HOW IT WORKS

Drive On, Drive Off

RORO vessels are purpose-built ships with ramps that let vehicles and equipment drive straight on and off. Think of it like a massive floating parking garage. Multiple decks, adjustable ramps, and space for everything from compact cars to oversized construction equipment. It's the simplest, most affordable way to move wheeled cargo across oceans.

Purpose-built vessels with built-in loading ramps
Multiple interior decks for different vehicle sizes
Secured and lashed on deck by trained stevedores
Regular sailing schedules on all major routes

Various vehicles and heavy equipment ready for RORO shipping

CARGO TYPES

What Ships RORO?

Pretty much anything with wheels. Or anything that can be put on wheels. Cars, trucks, buses, trailers, heavy machinery, construction equipment, boats on trailers, farm equipment. If it rolls, it ships. We've moved everything from family sedans to 80-ton excavators this way.

Cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, and buses
Construction equipment. Excavators, loaders, cranes
Boats and yachts on trailers or cradles
Trailers, RVs, and agricultural machinery

RORO vs Container

Not sure which method is right for you? Here's a side-by-side comparison.

Feature	RORO	Container (FCL)
Cost	Lower. Usually the most affordable option	Higher. You're paying for the full container
Protection	Parked on enclosed deck, secured by crew	Fully enclosed in a steel container
Vehicle Condition	Must run or be towable	Can ship non-running vehicles
Personal Items	Not allowed inside vehicle	Can load items in vehicle and container
Oversized Cargo	Handles oversized and heavy equipment	Limited to container dimensions
Loading Method	Drives on via ship's ramp	Loaded into container at warehouse
Best For	Running vehicles, heavy machinery, budget-friendly	High-value cars, non-runners, mixed cargo

How RORO Shipping Works

Four straightforward steps from booking to delivery.

1

Book Your Spot

Tell us what you're shipping and where it's going. We'll find the next available RORO sailing and lock in your space on the vessel.

2

Deliver to Port

Drop your vehicle or equipment at the port terminal before the cutoff date. Or we can arrange inland transport to get it there for you.

3

Drives Onto Vessel

Trained stevedores drive your cargo up the ramp and onto the vessel. It gets parked, secured, and lashed down for the ocean crossing.

4

Drives Off at Destination

At the destination port, your cargo rolls right off the ship. Clear customs and it's ready for pickup. Or we arrange delivery from there.

RORO Shipping FAQ

Common questions about roll-on roll-off shipping.

What qualifies for RORO shipping?

Anything that can roll on and off the vessel under its own power or be towed. That includes cars, trucks, SUVs, vans, buses, motorcycles (on pallets), trailers, RVs, boats on trailers, construction equipment like excavators and loaders, and agricultural machinery. If it doesn't have wheels, it usually can't go RORO. But we can sometimes put static cargo on rolling platforms called Mafi trailers. Just ask us.

Can I ship a non-running vehicle via RORO?

It depends. If the vehicle can be towed or placed on a flatbed trailer, some RORO terminals will accept it. But most prefer that vehicles can at least steer and brake. If your vehicle can't move at all, container shipping is usually the better option. We can forklift or winch it into a container. Give us a call and we'll figure out the best approach for your specific situation.

How is my vehicle secured on the ship?

Once your vehicle is parked on the cargo deck, professional stevedores secure it using heavy-duty lashing straps, wheel chocks, and tie-down points built into the deck. The parking brake is set, and for heavier equipment, additional chains or blocking may be used. RORO vessels are designed for this. The cargo decks have thousands of lashing points, and the crew knows how to keep everything locked down even in rough seas.

Which ports offer RORO service?

In the US, the major RORO ports are Baltimore, Brunswick (Georgia), Jacksonville, Houston, Galveston, and Newark. On the receiving end, most large ports worldwide have RORO terminals. We cover West Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Asia and Oceania. Not every port has weekly sailings, though, so timing can vary. We'll match you with the best port pair for your destination.

Is insurance included with RORO shipping?

The shipping line carries basic liability, but it's minimal. Typically around $500 per unit, regardless of what your vehicle is worth. That won't cover much if something goes wrong. We strongly recommend adding marine cargo insurance that covers the full declared value of your vehicle or equipment. It's surprisingly affordable and covers you for the entire journey, including loading and unloading. We can set it up for you in a few minutes.