How it works
RoRo ships work a bit like a huge ferry. The back opens up, cars are driven onto one of several decks, parked and lashed down, then driven off at the destination port.
There is no container to load or unload, which takes cost out. That is why manufacturers use RoRo to move new cars around the world.
When we would use it
For most private customers we still use containers. From some regions, though, RoRo works out cheaper, and if it does we will say so in your quote.
It can also be quicker than a container, depending on when the next vessel leaves and whether it is already full.
Is it safe?
The ships are built for exactly this job. The usual risk is a scuff during loading, and the people loading your car are the same people who load for the big manufacturers, so problems are rare.
Ports that run RoRo services
Most major routes are covered. A few of the ports we see often:
- Antwerp, Bremerhaven and Rotterdam in Europe
- Baltimore and Brunswick in the United States
- Halifax in Canada and Veracruz in Mexico
- Durban in South Africa
- Melbourne in Australia and Auckland in New Zealand
- Southampton, where they land in the UK
Questions people ask
What does RoRo mean?
Roll on, roll off. The car is driven onto a purpose-built car carrier, parked and lashed down, then driven off at the destination port.
Is RoRo cheaper than a container?
From some regions it works out cheaper, and if it does we will say so in your quote. It can also be quicker, depending on sailings.
Does the car need to run for RoRo?
Yes. It has to drive on and off the ship, and it should normally be empty inside.
Which routes use RoRo?
It is the usual route from Japan, and it works well on busy routes such as North America.
