If you were looking into ways to ship your car overseas, you’ve no doubt come across the term RoRo shipping.
RoRo shipping is by far one of the most popular methods of shipping all kinds of vehicles, from cars to motorcycles, trucks, and others.
But what does RoRo shipping entail and how is it different to the other popular car shipping method, container shipping? In this article, we are going to cover everything you need to know about RoRo shipping.
What is RoRo Shipping?
RoRo shipping got its name from the method used to load the vehicles onto a vessel, “Roll on, Roll off”. These specialized vessels were designed specifically for the purpose of shipping vehicles overseas.
These ships are equipped with loading ramps that allow for the shipping company to simply drive the car on board (Roll on), and drive it off upon arrival (Roll off).
RoRo Ships
As we mentioned earlier, these vessels were specifically designed to transport vehicles and are used by all the major players in the automotive industry, from Mercedes to Jaguar as their preferred distribution method. These enormous vessels can also carry other types of cargo, including boats and other machinery or specialized equipment.
RoRo vessels can carry as much as 6000 cars per trip. They are equipped with multiple ramps so they can load more vehicles at the same time. Their efficiency paired with incredible capacity is the main reason why this shipping method is extremely affordable.
The decks where the vehicles are kept during transport are completely shielded from outside elements and have securing points used to strap the cars to keep them in their place. The decks are carefully planned so a classic car won’t end up close to heavy construction machinery.
How Does It Work?
You can choose to deliver your car to the port personally or have a company handle the process for you. Your vehicle is loaded onto the vessel, where it is secured until the end of the trip.
It should be noted that you cannot ship your personal belongings along with your car. The departure and arrival dates are much more reliable compared to container shipping.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Trip
There are several guidelines you should follow if you choose to ship your car via a RoRo vessel. First of all, the car must be completely empty. That means navigation devices and other electronics, personal belongings and even accessories like cell phone holders or chargers.
You have to make sure that your car is not leaking fluids and that the tank is exactly one quarter full. In order to avoid hefty cleaning fees, you should thoroughly clean your vehicle before shipping. That includes vacuuming, scrubbing and cleaning the engine bay and the bottom of the body.
Cargo Insurance for Your Vehicle
When transporting your car via RoRo it’s advised to purchase a marine cargo insurance. It covers any losses sustained during the transit. The coverage is valid from the moment your car is loaded to the moment it arrives at the destination.
If you don’t insure your car, you won’t be able to claim any repayment for the damage or the shipping costs.
The Price
Last but not least, the main reason why so many car owners pick RoRo as their preferred shipping method is the price. Even compared to the cheapest container shipping method, RoRo is much more affordable.
If you need your car to arrive faster and at a fixed date, there’s no better or cheaper way than RoRo. However, your car has to be empty and in drivable condition.