Choosing how to ship your car is a big part of moving it internationally or sending it to a new destination. The shipping service you choose can shape your costs, the logistics of the trip, and how safe your car stays. You\u2019ll hear about two main shipping services: RoRo and container car shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide explains how each shipping method works and when you might choose one over the other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RoRo shipping, short for roll-on\/roll-off, uses ships designed to handle vehicles by simply driving them on and off. These vessels have wide ramps and inside decks, almost like a moving garage. During a roro shipment, vehicles stay parked inside for the whole trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
RoRo works best if your car, SUV, truck, or bus can move on its own. It\u2019s a popular choice for sending vehicles overseas on busy trade lanes because it\u2019s quick and often cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Container car shipping places your car inside a shipping container. The car and any extra cargo stay protected from the weather and rough handling once the container is sealed shut. This shipping method works for any vehicle, even if it can\u2019t move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can use a 20ft container or a 40ft container<\/a> to ship more vehicles. You can also choose an exclusive container, called FCL (Full Container Load), if you want the whole box just for your car and personal cargo. Or you can share space in a shared container, also known as LCL (Less than Container Load), if you\u2019re only shipping one car and want to keep costs down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In either case, your car and any other cargo stay sealed during the trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to see how many cars can fit in a container, check out this guide: How many cars fit inside a shipping container<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a simple way to see how RoRo and container shipping stack up. RoRo shipping is often cheaper and faster, while container shipping gives you better protection and more flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RoRo shipping works best if you have a standard car that can drive. It\u2019s the most cost-friendly choice when you just want to move the car itself without any extras. RoRo ships leave often on busy trade lanes, and their fast loading and unloading makes them a good choice if you need to get your car moving quickly and safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n RoRo works well for car dealers moving bulk shipments on trade lanes with frequent departures. It\u2019s also the best choice if your car is too big for a container.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Container shipping is the better pick if you need extra protection for your car. It\u2019s also handy if the car doesn\u2019t run or if you want to pack extra items with it. The sealed container keeps your car safe from the weather and bumps along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For luxury cars, classic models, or if you\u2019re moving your whole home, container shipping is often the safer bet. It might cost more, but it gives you peace of mind and the chance to ship other belongings with your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A car dealer in Auckland wants to send a few Toyota Hilux trucks to Kenya. These are standard, reliable vehicles that can drive on and off a ship without trouble. For them, RoRo shipping is a smart choice. It costs less and ships out faster, so the dealer can keep up with demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In another case, someone moving to the UK wants to take their classic 1968 Mustang. They\u2019ve spent years fixing it up and want to make sure it stays safe during the trip. For them, container shipping makes more sense. It costs a bit more, but the Mustang stays locked in a sealed box, safe from the salty air and sea spray. Plus, they can ship a few spare parts and personal items in the same box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you\u2019re shipping a car overseas you also need to think about insurance and customs paperwork. RoRo shipping usually has limited insurance, only covering total loss. That can keep costs down but doesn\u2019t help if your car has small damage along the way. Container shipping often has better insurance because the sealed box makes it easier to track and protect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t forget to think about insurance. It can save you a lot of trouble if things don\u2019t go to plan. You\u2019ll also need a Bill of Lading<\/a> to show what you\u2019re shipping, where it\u2019s going, and who\u2019s handling it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nKey Differences: Quick Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Factor<\/th> RoRo Shipping<\/th> Container Shipping<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Cost<\/strong><\/td> Usually cheaper for moving standard cars<\/td> More expensive if you need your own container, cheaper if you share<\/td><\/tr> Protection<\/strong><\/td> Cars is free standing inside RoRo vessel.<\/td> Fully sealed inside container, so it\u2019s safe from the elements<\/td><\/tr> Speed<\/strong><\/td> Quicker since ships leave often<\/td> Can take longer if you\u2019re sharing a container<\/td><\/tr> Car Condition<\/strong><\/td> Only for cars that can move<\/td> Works for cars that can\u2019t drive too<\/td><\/tr> Extra Items<\/strong><\/td> Only the car itself<\/td> Can include spare parts or furniture if you need<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhen to Choose RoRo Shipping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhen to Choose Container Shipping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nExamples: When to use which transport method<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCustoms, Insurance, and Documents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n