Effective November 14th, RoRo shipping prices are increasing due to the newly implemented USTR Recovery Fee targeting non-US manufactured vessels. The fee applies to all Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ships built outside the United States, resulting in rate increases of 15-30% depending on the ocean carrier. However, the good news for vehicle shippers is that container shipping rates remain unchanged, as ocean carriers have not passed this fee on to customers using containerized transport.
The USTR Recovery Fee has introduced significant cost adjustments across the RoRo shipping industry. While the recovery fee also targets containerized vessels made, owned, or operated by Chinese companies, container shipping rates have remained stable. For those relying on RoRo shipping services for international vehicle transport, understanding these new pricing structures is essential for accurate budgeting and logistics planning.
The increase in RoRo shipping prices varies by carrier:
Wallenius Wilhelmsen: Approximately $19 per cubic meter of cargo
K Line: Approximately $22 per cubic meter of cargo
These increases translate to rate hikes of 15% to 30%, depending on the specific ocean carrier and route. For example, RoRo shipping prices from New York to Zeebrugge have increased from $3,350 to an estimated $4,020 for an average-sized boat—a $670 increase representing approximately 20% higher costs.
An important development for vehicle shippers is that container shipping rates have not increased. West Coast Shipping confirmed with COSCO Shipping Lines, a Chinese-based ocean carrier operating Chinese-made ships, that they have started paying the additional USTR recovery fees but are absorbing the additional costs rather than passing them on to customers. Container rates remain unchanged, making containerized vehicle shipping an increasingly attractive alternative to RoRo services for international vehicle transport.
The RoRo shipping price increases create several important considerations for international vehicle logistics:
Budget Adjustments Required: Shippers using RoRo services should anticipate 15-30% cost increases and adjust budgets accordingly for shipments after November 14th.
Evaluation of Shipping Methods: With RoRo shipping prices rising while container rates remain stable, many shippers may find containerized vehicle transport more economically attractive than previously. Container shipping also offers additional benefits including complete weather protection, accommodation of non-running vehicles, and enhanced security throughout transit.
Long-Term Planning: The USTR Recovery Fee represents a structural cost change rather than temporary market fluctuation, suggesting these elevated RoRo shipping prices will persist for the foreseeable future.
Route-Specific Impact: Different carriers and routes face varying degrees of impact—obtaining current quotes for specific routes is essential for accurate cost projections.
Learn more about RoRo shipping options and current pricing for your international vehicle transport needs.
With recent changes to RoRo shipping prices, obtaining current quotes for your specific routes is more important than ever. West Coast Shipping provides both RoRo and container shipping solutions for international vehicle transport, enabling cost comparisons to identify the most economical option for your needs.
Contact our team today for updated RoRo shipping quotes reflecting current market conditions, or explore container shipping alternatives that may offer superior value and protection in the current rate environment.