The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has suspended the Section 301 service fee on RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels for one year. During the suspension window (Nov 10, 2025 → Nov 9, 2026), no USTR RoRo surcharge is applied. If you received a quote from West Coast Shipping in the past 3 weeks, contact us to requote—we’ll remove/credit that fee where applicable and confirm the next available sailing.
For the past months, the USTR fee added a per-CBM cost on non-U.S.-manufactured RoRo vessels, pushing up prices for vehicle exporters and private shippers. The one-year suspension lowers the effective cost to ship cars, motorcycles, and machinery via RoRo and can improve route options and sailing choices.
Bottom line: RoRo rates are down versus the fee-in-effect period. If your shipment is flexible, you can often secure a lower all-in rate by booking during the suspension window.
What changed: USTR suspended the RoRo service fee for one year.
When: Nov 10, 2025 – Nov 9, 2026 (inclusive).
Who’s affected: Anyone shipping via RoRo on non-U.S.-built vessels (classic cars, daily drivers, bikes, SUVs, light trucks, project vehicles, etc.).
Containers: Addressed under different annexes. Most carriers have not passed container-related fees to shippers. If that changes, we’ll update this article.
Action: If we quoted you within the past 3 weeks, reply to your email or contact us for a free requote.
Requote recent estimates
If your quote included a USTR RoRo fee, we’ll reconfirm and remove/credit it where applicable and share any cheaper route options.
Lock in sailings early
Lower pricing increases demand. Holding a booking with the required docs avoids last-minute rollovers.
Compare RoRo vs. container
Some vehicles are better candidates for RoRo (running, standard height, clean of personal items). If you’re moving parts or non-running projects, a container may still be optimal. Our team can compare both on the same call.
Single classic from East Coast → EU: RoRo savings + earlier cut-off often beats shared container timing.
Multiple motorcycles: Consolidated RoRo can undercut container minimums.
SUVs/over-height vehicles: RoRo avoids racking or lift-van charges typical in containers.
Project cars / non-runners: We’ll price both RoRo (where feasible) and container with loading support.
Does the suspension apply worldwide?
It applies to RoRo vessels under the USTR action. Route availability still depends on the port pair and carrier schedules.
Will prices keep changing?
Ocean rates fluctuate with capacity and fuel. The fee suspension removes one surcharge, but market pricing can still move. Get a timestamped requote before you plan trucking or export clearance.
What if I already booked?
If your booking sits within the suspension window, we’ll adjust where applicable and confirm the updated invoice.
Are container rates impacted?
Containers are governed separately. Most ocean carriers have not passed container-specific fees to shippers. We’ll publish an update if that changes.
Accurate requotes fast: We refresh your price against current carrier advisories and sailing windows.
Lane by lane guidance: We’ll compare RoRo vs. container by route, transit time, and port fees.
Compliance & docs: Title checks, AES filing, export clearance, and destination guidance.
Dedicated support: One coordinator from pickup to discharge.
Get RoRo rates now and ask us to price container as a comparison.