RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) car shipping is popular for moving vehicles across long distances, especially overseas. This method uses a special RoRo ship where cars can easily be driven on and off.
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), RoRo ships accounted for approximately 2.1 billion deadweight tons of the world's fleet in 2021.
The RoRo industry was also worth $24.79 billion in 2022. Experts think it will grow to $35.34 billion by 2030, which means the market is expected to increase by about 5.2% each year.
This roll on roll off method has changed rapidly since its early days, with the first recorded RoRo ferry starting operations in 1851 on Scotland's Firth of Forth.
We will explore how RoRo shipping works, its pros and cons, and help you determine if it suits your vehicle transport needs.
What Is Ro-Ro Shipping?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) defines RoRo ships as "passenger ships with ro-ro cargo spaces or special category spaces." It was introduced under the November 1995 amendments to Chapter II-1 of the 1974 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
But what does this mean for you and your vehicle?
How Does RoRo Shipping Work?
Think of a RoRo ship as a giant floating parking lot. A ramp allows your car or big machines to drive right onto the ship. Once inside, it is parked securely for a voyage.
When the ship reaches its destination, the vehicles are simply driven off. This method is different from other ways of shipping cars.
Instead of lifting vehicles with cranes like LOLO or lift-on/Lift-off, RoRo or roll on roll off lets them drive by themselves.
It is like a ferry but for longer trips across oceans. Once at the destination, vehicles are simply driven off the ship.
What Is the Step-By-Step Process?
Here’s a breakdown of the typical Ro-Ro shipping process:
- Drop-off: You drop off your vehicle at the departure port.
- Loading: A trained driver drives the vehicle onto this ship.
- Securing: The vehicle is tightly secured to prevent movement during transit.
- Transport: The ship carries the vehicle across the ocean.
- Unloading: Upon arrival, the vehicle is driven off the ship.
- Pick-up: You or your representative collect the vehicle at the destination port.
When Is RoRo Shipping Typically Used?
Roll on roll off shipping comes in handy in several situations:
- International shipping: If you are moving to another country, you can ship your car. For example, U.S. military personnel use RoRo to transport their vehicles when stationed overseas.
- Shipping fleets: Companies often use RoRo to move many vehicles at once. Car manufacturers like Toyota regularly use this method to send new cars to dealerships worldwide.
- Oversized vehicles: A RoRo ship can handle big machines that will not fit in regular shipping containers. Construction companies often use RoRo to send bulldozers or cranes to job sites in other countries.
- Car shows and races: Exotic cars for international auto shows or race cars for global competitions are often shipped via ro-ro.
A report from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) shows that RoRo ships moved over 7.2 million vehicles through U.S. ports in 2021, showing how widely used this method is.
Pros of RoRo Shipping
This shipping method has many advantages, making it an affordable and faster option for moving vehicles overseas.
Cost-Effective Transport
The efficient loading and unloading process reduces costs, often resulting in lower customer prices.
A 2021 industry report by McCullough LTD found that roll on roll off shipping was, on average, less expensive than container shipping for vehicles.
Reduced Risk of Damage
RoRo shipping involves less vehicle handling, potentially lowering the risk of damage. Cars are driven directly onto the ship and secured rather than being lifted or containerized.
ScienceDirect reported only a 0.5%-1.0% rate of vehicle damage in RoRo shipping compared to container shipping in 2022.
Faster Shipping Times
The RoRo is often faster than container shipping. The quick loading and unloading process means ships can depart and arrive more quickly.
It also reported that on a typical route from Japan to the U.S., ro-ro shipping for vehicles was 3-5 days faster than container shipping.
So, if you are in a hurry to get your car, RoRo might be a good choice.
Cons of RoRo Shipping
While shipping with RoRo has numerous benefits, it also presents some drawbacks that potential customers should consider.
Exposing to Weather
Your car might get dirty or damaged during the trip. RoRo leaves cars mainly in the open area or deck, unlike container shipping. RoRo-shipped also showed signs of weather exposure upon arrival.
Risking Theft and Piracy
Your car is more susceptible to theft on a RoRo ship because it is not secured in a locked container. This lack of containment allows thieves easier access to the vehicles.
The ICC Commercial Crime Services (ICCS) documented 120 cases of piracy and robbery against ships in 2023, an increase from 115 incidents in 2022.
Limiting Routes
Although there are 15,000 RoRo ships active globally, you still need help to ship your car everywhere with RoRo. Only some ports can handle these ships.
A database shows that few major international ports have less than RoRo facilities as of 2024.
Requiring Drivable Cars
Your car must work to use RoRo shipping. If your vehicle is not operational, you will need to find an alternative shipping method, as RoRo shipping requires the car to be drivable.
Is RoRo Shipping Right for You?
When deciding if this shipping type is best for your car, think about the following:
- Your budget: RoRo can be cheaper than container shipping.
- Your timeline: RoRo might be faster on some routes.
- Your car's condition: Your vehicle needs to run for RoRo shipping.
- Your comfort with risks: RoRo exposes cars to weather and potential theft.
RoRo differs from container shipping in that your car is driven on and off the ship, while in container shipping, it is packed in a closed container van.
Every car move is different. What works for others might not work for you. Talk to shipping companies about your needs. They can help you choose the best way to ship your car overseas.
Remember, the right choice keeps your car safe and fits your needs and budget.
