Two ways to move a vehicle across an ocean
Roll-on/roll-off vessels carry vehicles that are driven aboard and secured on decks. Container shipping loads vehicles into standard boxes. Both are routine; the right choice depends on destination, quantity, vehicle size and how much protection the cargo needs.
Roll-on/roll-off
Advantages. Lower cost per unit at volume, no loading or lashing labour inside a box, no size constraint for tall or long vehicles, and faster port handling at both ends. Buses, coaches and large trucks are usually shipped this way because they simply do not fit in containers.
Limitations. RoRo runs on fixed trade routes with fewer sailings, so schedules are less flexible. Vehicles are exposed to the vessel environment and to handling by port drivers, which raises the risk of minor cosmetic damage. Nothing loose can be left inside the vehicle, so accessories and spare parts must ship separately.
Container shipping
Advantages. Reaches far more ports, since container services call almost everywhere. The vehicle is enclosed and protected from weather and handling. Accessories, spare parts and documentation can travel inside the container with the vehicle. Container shipping also allows consolidation: two to four cars in a 40ft high cube depending on size.
Limitations. Loading and lashing add labour cost and require skilled work; poor lashing is the main cause of in-transit damage. Height and length limits exclude many commercial vehicles. Per-unit cost is usually higher than RoRo for large volumes.
Practical comparison
| Factor | Roll-on/roll-off | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per unit at volume | Lower | Higher |
| Port coverage | Limited to RoRo terminals | Very wide |
| Size limits | Effectively none | Height and length constrained |
| Protection from weather | Deck dependent | Enclosed |
| Loose items inside vehicle | Not permitted | Permitted |
| Typical damage risk | Minor cosmetic from handling | Lashing-related if poorly loaded |
| Best for | Volume orders, buses, large trucks | Small orders, distant ports, high-value units |
Choosing for your order
For a single vehicle or a small mixed order to a port without RoRo service, container shipping is normally the only practical option. For ten or more units to a major RoRo port, roll-on/roll-off usually wins on landed cost. For buses and heavy commercial vehicles, RoRo is effectively the only option. For high-value or specialist vehicles, the enclosed protection of a container often justifies the extra cost.
Points to settle before booking
- Battery state of charge. Shipping lines cap lithium battery charge for ocean transport. Plan for vehicles arriving with low charge.
- Insurance. Confirm the marine cargo policy covers the mode used and check the deductible per unit, not per shipment.
- Inspection record. Photograph every vehicle before loading. Without a pre-loading record, damage claims are difficult to substantiate.
- Destination handling. Confirm the receiving port can handle the mode. Not every port has a RoRo ramp.
- Fuel level and immobilisers. RoRo terminals have specific rules on fuel level and key handover; comply with these or loading will be refused.
Send us the destination port and order quantity and we will quote both modes where both are available, including inland transport, terminal handling and the pre-loading inspection record.