When it comes to shipping vehicles internationally, not all shipping methods are created equal. Although Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels have traditionally been used for heavy machinery, trucks, and oversized vehicles, container shipping has become the preferred method for most cars, motorcycles, and classic vehicles. It provides superior protection, flexibility, and global availability without being limited by vehicle size or port infrastructure.
While RoRo remains practical for oversized cargo, it is not inherently cheaper or more expensive than container shipping—both depend on destination, vessel schedules, and port conditions. However, container shipping’s versatility and comprehensive protection make it the smarter choice for everyday vehicles and collectible cars.
This article explains why shipping cars in containers is the best option for most importers, detailing its benefits, security features, and cost structure compared to RoRo.
Understanding the difference between the two shipping methods is essential when determining which option suits your vehicle best.
RoRo Shipping: Vehicles are driven directly onto a specialized ship using ramps. Once onboard, they are parked in open or semi-enclosed decks. RoRo vessels mainly carry oversized vehicles such as buses, excavators, heavy-duty trucks, and machinery that cannot fit inside containers.
Container Shipping: Vehicles are loaded and secured within sealed steel containers—protecting them from weather, salt exposure, and handling damage. Containers come in 20-foot (one car) or 40-foot (up to four cars) sizes and travel on standard ocean freight vessels. Containers are also ideal for running and non-running vehicles alike.
In short: if your shipment is a car, SUV, van, or motorcycle, container shipping is the right choice. If it’s a bulldozer or a commercial truck, RoRo might be your only option.
Container shipping offers complete enclosure, shielding your vehicle from environmental hazards during long ocean journeys. Vehicles inside containers are sealed off from salt spray, heavy rain, humidity, and sun exposure.
Protection from salt corrosion, a major threat during extended transoceanic transport.
Blockade against moisture and condensation that can damage interiors or electrical systems.
Elimination of UV fading and sun damage to paint and trim.
In contrast, RoRo ships expose vehicles to the open sea atmosphere. Although secure, vehicles are parked on decks that can be affected by weather changes—making this unsuitable for high-value or vintage vehicles.
Unlike RoRo, container shipping accommodates both running and non-running vehicles. This flexibility is crucial if you’re importing classic cars, project vehicles, or motorcycles that cannot be driven onto a RoRo ship.
Classic or collector vehicles.
Non-running restoration projects.
Motorcycles and ATVs.
Modified performance cars or race cars.
Personal cars from overseas relocations.
RoRo cannot service these fully—if the vehicle doesn’t start, steer, and brake, it generally won’t qualify.
Container shipping minimizes human contact and handling compared to RoRo loading processes.
Sealed steel doors prevent unauthorized access.
Tamper-evident seals track any opening attempt.
Vehicles are loaded once at origin and unloaded once at the destination.
RoRo shipments, on the other hand, involve multiple handlers—vehicles are driven on and off ships by port staff at both ends. Container vehicles stay untouched during the entire transit, reducing the risk of theft, scratches, or dents.
Another major advantage of container shipping is space flexibility. When properly documented, vehicles can be shipped with spare parts, tools, or equipment safely stored in the same container. This makes container shipping ideal for restorations or track vehicles needing extra components.
Spare wheels, tires, or engine parts.
Restoration materials or custom components.
Helmets, tools, or motorcycle accessories.
RoRo services prohibit personal items, spare parts, or accessories inside the vehicle—making container shipping the more practical choice for multi-purpose shipments.
Container shipping can be surprisingly affordable thanks to vehicle consolidation. Multiple cars share one container, splitting the total ocean freight costs among shippers.
For example, a 40-foot container can fit up to four standard vehicles on some routes, lowering costs by 40–60% compared to single-vehicle shipments. That means you receive all the benefits of container security and protection at a competitive price.
While some importers assume RoRo always costs less, that’s not necessarily true. Depending on route and frequency, RoRo and container rates can be comparable—but container shipping consistently delivers better value through increased protection and flexibility.
Container shipping offers far greater global reach than RoRo. Almost every major port in the world has container facilities, offering flexibility for route planning and scheduling.
Weekly departures from most international ports.
Easy routing flexibility between Europe, Asia, and the U.S.
Access to inland transport networks and bonded warehouses.
RoRo ports are limited and often concentrated only in industrial shipping hubs. If you want direct delivery from origin to your preferred U.S. coast, container service offers far more choices.
Depending on your needs, West Coast Shipping offers both dedicated and shared container options:
Dedicated containers provide a private, exclusive container for one car—ideal for supercars, collectibles, or private collections.
Shared containers reduce cost by consolidating multiple vehicles from different customers in the same shipment.
Both services receive equal levels of care, professional loading, and full weather protection.
Explore detailed comparisons in our container shipping guide.
In summary, container shipping outperforms RoRo for most use cases involving standard vehicles, motorcycles, and collectible cars. It offers superior safety, global accessibility, additional cargo flexibility, and secure handling—all without limiting you to operational or oversized vehicles.
RoRo remains an effective choice for heavy equipment or machinery but cannot match container shipping’s versatility, reliability, and comprehensive protection.
Weatherproof protection and controlled handling.
The ability to ship any vehicle type, running or not.
Additional cargo flexibility and global routing options.
Value-driven consolidation without sacrificing safety or access.
Compare both methods in our import calculator for a transparent cost estimate including shipping, customs, and duty fees.
Ready to ship your car, motorcycle, or classic vehicle abroad with complete container protection? Use our car import calculator to get an instant estimate, including shipping rates, duties, and all costs to the U.S.
Let our team handle every step—from pickup and loading to customs clearance and final delivery.