Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a specialized maritime transport method designed for oversized vehicles and heavy equipment that cannot be accommodated in standard shipping containers. If you're looking to transport construction machinery, agricultural equipment, motorhomes, or other specialized vehicles, understanding RoRo shipping can help you make informed decisions about your international transport needs.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping uses specialized vessels designed to transport vehicles that can be driven or rolled on and off the ship via built-in ramps. This method is specifically ideal for oversized vehicles, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery that are too large for standard shipping containers.
RoRo shipping is designed to handle:
Heavy Equipment & Construction Machinery: Bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and industrial equipment
Oversized Commercial Trucks: Large commercial vehicles exceeding container dimensions
RVs and Motorhomes: Recreational vehicles and large motorhomes
Agricultural Equipment & Tractors: Farming machinery and specialized agricultural vehicles
Buses and Coaches: Commercial passenger vehicles and tour buses
Specialized Industrial Vehicles: Custom machinery and oversized industrial equipment
Boats on Trailers: Marine vessels requiring transport with their trailers
While both methods serve international vehicle transport, they cater to different needs:
Your vehicle is oversized and won't fit in a container
You're shipping heavy equipment or construction machinery
You have agricultural equipment or industrial vehicles
Cost efficiency for large equipment is a priority
Your vehicle is operational and can drive on/off the vessel
For standard cars and motorcycles, container shipping offers better pricing, allows personal items inside the vehicle, and provides more destination options. Container shipping is recommended for most passenger vehicles due to enhanced protection and flexibility.
The process begins with vehicle assessment and documentation of dimensions, weight, and destination requirements. Use the instant quote calculator to determine shipping costs based on your specific needs.
Required documents include:
Bill of Sale: Proof of vehicle ownership and purchase
Original Vehicle Title: Clear title documentation
Power of Attorney Form: Authorization for shipping procedures
Completed Shipping Form: Detailed vehicle and shipping information
Identification: Copy of Passport (international citizens) or EIN Letter (US citizens)
Vehicle Specifications: Detailed dimensions and technical specifications
Collection of your vehicle from any US location
Professional transport to the nearest RoRo port (CA, FL, or NJ)
Vehicle inspection and preparation verification
Vehicle inspection and documentation at the port
Professional loading onto the RoRo vessel using built-in ramps
Ocean transport to destination port
Transit times vary by destination and route
Customs clearance at destination port
Vehicle unloading and inspection
Delivery to your specified location
RoRo shipping rates typically range from $900 - $2,000 per vehicle, depending on size and destination. Several factors influence final pricing:
Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles command higher rates
Destination: Different ports and regions have varying costs
Seasonal Demand: Peak shipping periods may affect availability and pricing
Special Requirements: Oversized cargo may require additional handling fees
Vehicle Collection: Nationwide pickup and transport to RoRo ports
Port Handling: Special equipment charges for oversized vehicles
Import Duties: Vary by destination country and vehicle type
Customs Clearance: Professional handling of import documentation
Direct relationships with major RoRo carriers ensure competitive rates for oversized vehicles, heavy equipment, and specialized machinery.
Vehicle Must Be Operational: RoRo requires vehicles that can start, drive, and brake for loading/unloading procedures
Fuel Restrictions: Fuel tank must be limited to 1/4 full or less per safety regulations
Fluid Drainage: All other automotive fluids may need to be drained depending on destination requirements
Personal Items: No personal belongings allowed inside the vehicle during transport
Ensure vehicle is in good working condition
Remove all personal items and loose parts
Clean vehicle interior and exterior
Secure or remove any detachable components
Document existing condition with photographs
Standard auto policies don't cover international RoRo shipping. Due to the open-deck nature of RoRo vessels and the size of specialized vehicles, protection is strongly recommended.
Limited Standard Liability: Without Cargo Damage Protection, liability is capped at $500 per the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act
Open-Deck Exposure: RoRo vessels expose cargo to weather and maritime conditions
Specialized Vehicle Value: Heavy equipment and specialized machinery represent significant investments
Comprehensive Coverage: Protection covers your vehicle from port arrival through overseas delivery
Learn more about comprehensive vehicle protection: Cargo Damage Protection
West Coast Shipping handles RoRo shipments from major US ports:
California (CA): West Coast departure point
Florida (FL): Southeast US and Gulf access
New Jersey (NJ): Northeast corridor and Atlantic routes
RoRo services connect to destinations worldwide, with varying port availability and sailing schedules. Direct access to major RoRo ports ensures efficient routing and competitive transit times.
Construction and industrial equipment requires specialized handling, securing, and documentation. Dedicated logistics teams coordinate complex projects ensuring safe transport of valuable machinery.
Farm machinery and agricultural equipment benefit from RoRo's ability to handle oversized implements and specialized vehicles that cannot be containerized.
Buses, coaches, and commercial trucks requiring international transport find RoRo an efficient solution for operational vehicles that can drive on/off vessels independently.
Wire transfers (preferred for international transactions)
Certified bank checks
Direct bank deposits
Note: Credit card payments are not accepted for RoRo services.
International customers should consider banking fees when making payments from overseas. Detailed information about international payment procedures is available upon request.
RoRo is ideal for heavy equipment, construction machinery, commercial trucks, buses, RVs, motorhomes, agricultural equipment, and specialized industrial vehicles that are too large for containers.
Rates range from $900-2,000 depending on vehicle size and destination. Additional overseas port charges and destination fees vary by location.
Essential documents include bill of sale, original vehicle title, power of attorney form, completed shipping form, identification, and detailed vehicle specifications.
Yes, Cargo Damage Protection is strongly recommended as standard auto policies don't cover international shipping, and liability is otherwise limited to $500.
Transit times vary by destination and route. Specific timelines are provided during the quote process based on your departure and destination ports.
With over 20 years of experience in specialized vehicle shipping, we've helped thousands of customers transport oversized equipment worldwide using roll-on/roll-off vessels.
Professional RoRo shipping service for heavy equipment and specialized vehicles
Direct access to major RoRo ports worldwide
Competitive RoRo shipping rates with transparent pricing
Complete customs clearance and documentation handling
Expert loading and unloading of oversized vehicles
Dedicated logistics team for special projects
Your dedicated account manager specializes in RoRo shipping procedures and oversized vehicle transport requirements to ensure a smooth export process.
Get an Instant Quote: Use our shipping calculator to determine costs for your specific vehicle and destination
Consult with Experts: Speak with our RoRo specialists about your unique requirements
Prepare Documentation: Gather required paperwork and vehicle specifications
Schedule Collection: Arrange vehicle pickup and transport to departure port
For detailed information about RoRo shipping services, visit our dedicated RoRo shipping page.
Ready to transport your oversized vehicle or heavy equipment? Our experienced team provides comprehensive support throughout the entire RoRo shipping process.
Calculate your RoRo shipping costs today using our instant quote calculator and discover why thousands of customers trust West Coast Shipping for their specialized vehicle transport needs.