--- title: "RoRo Shipping Just Got Cheaper: USTR Section 301 Fee Suspended For One Year" description: USTR pauses the Section 301 surcharge on RoRo vessels for one year. Learn what this means for car shipping costs and how to requote recent estimates now. --- [International Car Shipping Blog ](https://www.wcshipping.com/blog) # [RoRo Shipping Just Got Cheaper: USTR Section 301 Fee Suspended For One Year](https://www.wcshipping.com/blog/roro-ustr-section-301-fee-suspended-2025-2026) Written by [Dmitriy Shibarshin](https://www.wcshipping.com/blog/author/dmitriy-shibarshin) | November 11, 2025 at 8:39 PM ## Summary 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. ## Why this matters 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. ## Quick facts - **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.** ## What you should do next 1. **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. 2. **Lock in sailings early** Lower pricing increases demand. Holding a booking with the required docs avoids last-minute rollovers. 3. **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. ## Example scenarios we can optimize - **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. ## FAQs **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. ## How West Coast Shipping helps - **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. ### **Got a quote within the last 3 weeks?**  **[Get RoRo rates now](https://www.wcshipping.com/)** and ask us to price container as a comparison. 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