Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping is a specialized maritime transport method designed specifically for oversized vehicles and heavy equipment that cannot fit into standard shipping containers. If you're planning to transport construction machinery, agricultural equipment, motorhomes, or other large vehicles internationally, understanding RoRo shipping can help you determine if this method suits your specific transportation needs.
RoRo vessels are essentially floating parking structures equipped with built-in ramps and multiple vehicle decks. The name "Roll-on/Roll-off" describes exactly how the process works: vehicles are driven directly onto the ship at the port of origin and driven off at the destination port.
These specialized vessels feature wide stern ramps that can handle extremely heavy loads, with some capable of supporting up to 500 tonnes. The ships themselves can have up to 13 decks connected by liftable ramps, creating a multi-level parking system designed specifically for wheeled cargo.
Vehicle Arrival: Your vehicle arrives at the RoRo terminal
Inspection and Documentation: Port personnel verify vehicle condition and paperwork
Professional Driving: Qualified stevedores (professional handlers) drive your vehicle onto the vessel via the stern ramp
Deck Assignment: Vehicles are placed on appropriate decks based on height, length, and weight specifications
Securing: Vehicles are secured to lashing points using specialized braces and straps to prevent movement during transit
Want to learn more about how RoRo shipping works? Check out our step-by-step guide to the RoRo shipping process for a complete breakdown of each stage—from port drop-off to overseas delivery.
During ocean transport, vehicles remain secured on their designated decks. Upon arrival at the destination port, the process reverses: stevedores drive vehicles off the ship and park them in designated areas for customs clearance and collection.
RoRo shipping serves a specific market segment focused on oversized and specialized vehicles:
Bulldozers and excavators
Cranes and industrial equipment
Mining equipment and specialized machinery
Large commercial trucks exceeding container dimensions
Buses and coaches
Specialized delivery vehicles
Farm tractors and combines
Harvesters and specialized farming machinery
Agricultural implements and equipment
Large RVs and motorhomes
Boats on trailers
Specialized industrial vehicles
Want to learn more about shipping oversized vehicles and machinery? Check out our article on specialized RoRo services for heavy equipment and oversized vehicles to understand capabilities, requirements, and cost factors.
Your vehicle must be fully operational. This is the most critical requirement - vehicles must be able to start, drive, steer, and brake reliably for the loading and unloading process.
Fuel tanks limited to 1/4 full maximum for safety compliance
Complete drainage of other fluids may be required depending on destination
All tires must be properly inflated
Essential documents include:
Bill of Sale: Proof of vehicle ownership
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 or EIN Letter
Vehicle Specifications: Detailed dimensions and technical specifications
No personal belongings allowed inside the vehicle during transport
All loose or detachable parts must be secured or removed
Vehicle must be clean and free of debris
Any damaged components should be properly secured
The drive-on/drive-off process eliminates the need for cranes or complex loading equipment, significantly reducing port turnaround times and handling costs.
RoRo shipping rates typically range from $900 - $2,000 depending on vehicle size and destination, making it economical for oversized cargo that would require dedicated container space.
Want to understand what drives RoRo shipping prices? Check out our complete 2025 guide to RoRo shipping costs and pricing factors for detailed breakdowns by vehicle type, port, and seasonal trends.
Since vehicles are driven rather than lifted, there's reduced risk of damage during the loading and unloading process compared to traditional cargo handling methods.
RoRo vessels can accommodate various vehicle types and sizes, making them ideal for specialized industrial and commercial equipment.
Unlike container shipping, vehicles transported via RoRo are exposed to maritime conditions during transit. While decks are covered, they are not fully enclosed like sealed containers.
RoRo services are available at fewer ports compared to container shipping, which may affect routing options and scheduling flexibility.
The requirement for vehicles to be operational can be limiting for non-running vehicles, project cars, or damaged equipment.
Open deck transport provides less security compared to sealed container shipping, though professional securing methods minimize movement risks.
Standard auto policies don't cover international RoRo shipping, and maritime liability is limited to just $500 under the Carriage of Goods at Sea Act. Given the open-deck nature of RoRo vessels and the value of specialized equipment, we strongly recommend Cargo Damage Protection.
This exclusive coverage protects your vehicle from port pickup through overseas delivery, providing comprehensive protection that standard policies cannot match. Learn more about this essential protection: Cargo Damage Protection.
Vehicle exceeds standard container dimensions
You're shipping operational heavy equipment or construction machinery
Cost efficiency for large equipment is a priority
Vehicle can drive on/off the vessel independently
For standard cars and motorcycles, container shipping typically offers better protection, pricing, and flexibility. Container shipping allows personal items inside the vehicle and provides sealed protection from maritime elements.
Major US RoRo ports include:
California (CA): West Coast departure point for Pacific routes
Florida (FL): Southeast access for Atlantic and Caribbean routes
New Jersey (NJ): Northeast corridor for European destinations
RoRo services connect to destinations worldwide, with particularly strong networks serving:
European ports including Rotterdam
African destinations via specialized RoRo carriers
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean routes
Select Pacific and Latin American destinations
Want to learn more about which countries and ports accept RoRo shipments? Explore our complete 2025 guide to global RoRo destinations and port access for region-by-region insights and planning tips.
Before proceeding with RoRo shipping, ensure your vehicle:
Is operational and can drive on/off vessels
Meets size requirements for RoRo accommodation
Has proper documentation and clear title
Falls within the oversized category that justifies RoRo over container shipping
Expert guidance helps determine if RoRo is the optimal shipping method for your specific vehicle and destination. Professional assessment considers vehicle specifications, route availability, and total cost analysis.
With over 20 years of experience in specialized vehicle shipping, we provide comprehensive RoRo services including:
Professional vehicle assessment and method recommendation
Complete documentation handling and customs support
Direct access to major RoRo ports worldwide
Dedicated account management throughout the shipping process
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
For detailed information about our RoRo shipping services and capabilities, visit: RoRo Shipping Services
This introduction to RoRo shipping covers the fundamentals, but there's much more to learn about costs, processes, documentation, and choosing the right shipping method for your needs.
For comprehensive coverage of all aspects of RoRo vehicle shipping, including detailed comparisons, cost analysis, and step-by-step processes, visit our complete guide: The Complete Guide to RoRo Vehicle Shipping: Everything You Need to Know
Use our instant quote calculator to determine costs for your specific vehicle and destination.