When shipping your vehicle from the USA to Spain, choosing between RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping can significantly impact your experience, costs, and peace of mind. At West Coast Shipping, we've facilitated thousands of vehicle shipments to Spanish ports since 2007, and while both methods have their merits, container shipping emerges as the superior choice for most importers in 2025. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand why container shipping offers better value, security, and flexibility for your Spain-bound vehicle.
RoRo shipping involves driving vehicles directly onto specialized vessels equipped with ramps and multiple vehicle decks. Your car is parked and secured on the ship's deck for the ocean journey to Spanish ports like Barcelona or Valencia.
Vehicles must be operational and able to drive on/off the vessel
Cars are parked on open or semi-enclosed decks
Personal belongings cannot remain in the vehicle
Limited availability for certain routes and vehicle types
Lower upfront costs for standard vehicles
Quick loading process at departure ports
Direct drive-on/drive-off convenience
Exposure to elements during transit
No personal belongings allowed inside vehicles
Limited route availability to Spain
Vehicle must be operational - no non-running cars
Minimal cargo protection from weather and handling
Container shipping places your vehicle inside a secure 20ft or 40ft shipping container, providing complete protection throughout the journey from the USA to Spain's major ports.
Vehicles are carefully loaded and secured inside weatherproof containers
Professional tie-down systems prevent movement during transit
Containers protect against saltwater, weather, and handling damage
Both running and non-running vehicles accepted
1. Superior Vehicle Protection
Container shipping provides unmatched protection for your investment. Spanish routes often involve rough Atlantic crossings, where vehicles on RoRo decks face saltwater exposure, extreme weather, and potential deck cargo shifting. Inside a sealed container, your vehicle remains pristine throughout the journey.
2. Personal Belongings Accommodation
Unlike RoRo restrictions, container shipping allows you to include personal belongings inside your vehicle, adding significant value to your shipping investment. This feature alone can save hundreds of dollars in separate shipping costs.
3. Non-Running Vehicle Acceptance
Container shipping accommodates project cars, salvage vehicles, and non-operational classics that RoRo services cannot handle. This flexibility makes container shipping essential for collectors and restoration enthusiasts shipping to Spain.
4. Enhanced Security
Sealed containers provide superior security compared to open RoRo decks. With rising concerns about cargo theft at international ports, the added security of container shipping offers invaluable peace of mind.
While RoRo may appear cheaper initially, container shipping often provides better overall value when considering protection, flexibility, and included services.
Consolidated container service: $1,150-$1,800 per vehicle
Dedicated container: $2,800-$4,400 for exclusive use
Additional value: Personal belongings accommodation included
Base rates: $900-$1,400 per vehicle
Restrictions: Operational vehicles only, no personal items
Limited availability: Fewer departure options from US ports
When factoring in the cost of shipping personal belongings separately, potential weather damage repairs, and the peace of mind from superior protection, container shipping delivers exceptional value for Spain importers.
Container shipping offers superior route options and departure frequency for Spain-bound vehicles.
Weekly departures from California, Florida, and New Jersey
Direct service to Barcelona and Valencia
Flexible scheduling with guaranteed container space
Year-round reliability regardless of weather conditions
Limited departure frequency from US ports to Spain
Seasonal variations affecting service availability
Restricted port options for loading and unloading
Weather-dependent operations causing potential delays
Our comprehensive shipping guide to Spain details how consistent container service ensures predictable arrival times for your vehicle import planning.
Container shipping accommodates a much broader range of vehicles and shipping scenarios than RoRo services.
Classic and collector cars requiring maximum protection
High-value vehicles needing security during transit
Non-running vehicles including project cars and salvage titles
Modified vehicles with custom parts or low ground clearance
Electric vehicles (subject to carrier-specific policies)
Operational vehicles only - must start and drive reliably
Standard height restrictions may exclude lifted trucks or modified vehicles
No protection for delicate paint or custom modifications
Limited insurance coverage for damage during transit
Spain's major ports are well-equipped for container operations, providing advantages for importers.
Advanced container terminals with efficient handling equipment
Streamlined customs processing for containerized cargo
Secure storage facilities while awaiting customs clearance
Easy inland transportation connections throughout Spain
Europe's fourth-largest container port with extensive capacity
Modern automation reducing handling time and damage risk
Excellent rail and highway connections for onward distribution
Competitive port fees for container operations
Our Spain car shipping specialists leverage these port advantages to ensure smooth customs clearance and delivery throughout Spain.
Container shipping aligns better with evolving environmental regulations and industry standards.
Reduced emissions per vehicle through efficient container stacking
Better fuel efficiency compared to dedicated RoRo vessel space
Compliance with emerging EU regulations on maritime emissions
Supporting sustainable shipping practices increasingly valued by Spanish customs
Enhanced documentation security within sealed containers
Reduced inspection requirements due to container sealing
Compliance with Spanish import regulations for various vehicle types
Simplified customs procedures for containerized automotive cargo
Container shipping provides superior insurance options and cargo protection for Spain shipments.
Comprehensive coverage options up to full vehicle value
Protection against weather damage during Atlantic crossings
Theft prevention through secure container sealing
Professional handling standards reducing damage claims
Limited coverage options for open-deck cargo
Weather exposure exclusions common in RoRo policies
Higher deductibles due to increased risk exposure
Potential coverage gaps for non-standard vehicles
Several industry developments in 2025 strengthen the case for container shipping to Spain.
Real-time container tracking providing shipment visibility
Advanced securing systems preventing cargo movement
Digital documentation streamlining Spanish customs procedures
Automated loading equipment reducing handling damage
Increased container capacity on Spain routes
Improved scheduling reliability with dedicated container slots
Enhanced customer service through digital platforms
Competitive pricing making container shipping more accessible
Stricter vehicle condition requirements favoring protected transport
Enhanced security protocols supporting container advantages
Environmental regulations promoting efficient container shipping
Spanish customs preferences for containerized vehicle imports
While RoRo shipping maintains relevance for specific scenarios, container shipping emerges as the clear winner for most vehicle shipments to Spain in 2025.
Importing valuable, classic, or modified vehicles
Requiring maximum protection during Atlantic transit
Shipping non-operational or project vehicles
Including personal belongings with your vehicle
Prioritizing security and comprehensive insurance coverage
Needing flexible departure scheduling
Shipping standard operational vehicles with minimal value
Operating on extremely tight budgets
Requiring the absolute fastest loading process
Shipping oversize vehicles that won't fit in containers
At West Coast Shipping, our container shipping expertise ensures your vehicle reaches Spain safely and efficiently.
Weekly consolidated departures from California, Florida, and New Jersey
Professional vehicle preparation and secure container loading
Comprehensive insurance options protecting your investment
Expert customs clearance at Barcelona and Valencia ports
Door-to-door delivery throughout Spain
17+ years of experience shipping to Spanish ports
Competitive consolidated rates saving up to 50% on shipping costs
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or surprises
Dedicated account manager throughout the shipping process
Proven track record with thousands of successful Spain deliveries