RoRo Vs Container Shipping To Poti, Georgia | 2025

Shipping vehicles to Georgia’s Port of Poti requires choosing the right method—Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) or container shipping—based on your cargo type, budget, and logistical needs. For standard cars, motorcycles, and SUVs, container shipping offers superior flexibility and protection. RoRo, in contrast, is a valuable solution for oversized vehicles and heavy machinery, especially when shipping from European hubs. This guide breaks down practical differences, costs, routes, and decision factors for your 2025 Georgia imports.

What Is RoRo Shipping—and When Is It Used?

RoRo shipping means vehicles are driven or rolled directly onto specialized vessels, then off at the destination port.

Pros:

• Fast loading/unloading for running vehicles

• Popular for trucks, buses, construction equipment, and bulk inventories

• Available from key European ports directly to Poti

Cons:

• Limited direct service from the USA; usually routed via transshipment in Europe (Germany, Turkey, etc.)

• Only accepts fully operational, drivable vehicles—non-running units not allowed

• Less protection from weather, salt spray, and port handling than containers

RoRo rates fluctuate seasonally and by market demand. On U.S.–Georgia lanes, RoRo is generally less common than container service, and may be more helpful for European shippers or enterprises moving fleets of oversized vehicles.

Container Shipping: The Preferred Choice for Most Cars

Container shipping secures vehicles—including non-running, salvage, or specialty cars—inside metal boxes for ocean transit. Containers are loaded at the port and travel directly to Poti.

Advantages:

• Maximum protection from weather, damage, and port handling

• Accepts cars, motorcycles, SUVs, specialty and damaged vehicles

• Cost-effective for consolidated shipments—e.g., 4 cars per container

• Simplifies customs paperwork and cargo tracking

Sample Container Rates (Full Container, 4 Cars):

• New York to Poti: $3,300 ($825 per car, 80–90 days)

• Florida to Poti: $3,700 ($925 per car, 35 days)

• California to Poti: $5,800 ($1,450 per car, 80–90 days)

Most importers to Georgia choose container shipping for its balanced costs, flexible scheduling, and reliable protection.

Get the latest comparison and hands-on shipping experience in the 2025 Guide to Shipping Cars from the USA to Georgia via Port of Poti.

Europe-Poti Routes: Availability and Pricing

Direct RoRo service is more available from European hubs than from the USA. Vehicles often ship via:

• Germany (Bremerhaven or Hamburg)

• Turkey (Istanbul or Izmir)

• Other Mediterranean ports (Italy, Spain, Greece)

For European exporters: RoRo can compete on cost and turnaround depending on commodity and seasonal volume. For private car shipments, however, container options frequently provide better rates and easier handling, especially for non-standard or damaged units.

For U.S. exporters: Most cars, SUVs, and motorcycles must use containers due to limited RoRo infrastructure and higher rates. RoRo is best reserved for specialized equipment, vintage buses, or oversized machinery.

Learn all current shipping choices at West Coast Shipping’s Georgia hub.

Which Method Is Right for You?

• Choose Container Shipping: Whenever possible for private vehicles, motorcycles, small SUVs, and most dealer inventory. Offers flexibility, savings, and protection.

• Opt for RoRo: Only when shipping from Europe with oversized, operational vehicles—heavy equipment, trucks, or when fleets demand simplified logistics.

Key Point: On most U.S.–Georgia lanes, container shipping tends to be more cost-effective and flexible than RoRo, which is used mainly for European-to-Poti oversize shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does RoRo offer direct service from the US to Poti?

Very limited—nearly all RoRo shipments from the U.S. require European transshipment.

Is RoRo always cheaper than containers?

Not necessarily; rates vary by season, route, and vehicle type. For standard cars, containers remain most affordable.

Can I ship a non-running or salvage car via RoRo?

No; only operational vehicles accepted. Use containers for all other units.

Which shipping method do most Georgia importers use?

Container shipping is preferred for its protection and flexible delivery schedules.

Ready to Ship to Port of Poti, Georgia?

West Coast Shipping provides transparent container rates, expert support, and reliable logistics for cars, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles to Georgia. For rates, service comparisons, and departure options, use our Georgia shipping calculator, or see the 2025 US-to-Georgia shipping guide.