Roll On Roll Off, commonly known as RoRo, is a popular method of shipping wheeled cargo on a boat. The name itself defines how the process works; vehicles are driven or rolled onto the vessel at the origin port and rolled off at the destination. The primary criteria for RoRo shipping is that the cargo must be wheeled, self-propelled or towable.
At Montway Auto Transport, we arrange RoRo transportation for a variety of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, motorcycles and electric vehicles.
Roll on roll off car shipping vs container shipping
When it comes to vehicle shipping, both RoRo and container shipping have their unique advantages and considerations.
| Roll On Roll Off | Container Shipping | |
| Usage | Used mainly for vehicles and wheeled cargo | Used for all types of cargo, not just vehicles |
| Pros | More cost-effective, simpler process, faster loading/unloading | Greater security and flexibility in cargo types |
| Cons | Limited to wheeled cargo, fewer departure options | Greater security, and flexibility in cargo types |
Is RoRo shipping safe?
Absolutely! In fact, the majority of car manufacturers ship their brand new vehicles on RoRo shipping vessels. The vehicles are securely fastened within the ship to prevent any movement during transit.
Thousands of vehicle owners moving to or from the Hawaiian Islands or international locations also have this service included as part of their overall car shipping process.
Types of vehicles shipped using RoRo shipping
RoRo shipping is ideal for any self-propelled, wheeled cargo. This includes:
- Cars
- Motorcycles
- Golf carts
- SUVs
- Trucks
- ATVs
- UTVs
- Vans
U.S. cities with RoRo ports
Several U.S. cities have ports that support RoRo shipping, such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Jacksonville and New York. For more detailed information, Ports America provides a comprehensive list.
Port-to-port vs door-to-port shipping
Port-to-port delivery involves shipping your vehicle from one port to another, requiring you to drop off and pick up your vehicle at the port. On the other hand, door-to-port shipping includes pickup from your location, but you still need to retrieve your vehicle from the destination port. With port-to-door service, your vehicle is picked up at port and delivered to your door or assigned destination.
RoRo shipping to Hawaii
Shipping your car to Hawaii is simple with Montway’s services. We offer port-to-port and door-to-port shipping options. For more information on the process, read our guide on how to ship cars to Hawaii. You can also check out our blog post on the cost to ship a car to Hawaii.
From Hawaii port to your door
Whether you’re shipping your car from Hawaii to another state or receiving your car at a Mainland port, we can help coordinate the transportation of your vehicle from the port to your doorstep. Learn more about some of the most popular routes for RoRo shipping:
Roll On Roll Off shipping costs
Montway includes the cost of RoRo shipping as needed when auto transport involves a cargo vessel. Overall, car shipping quotes are based on several factors, including origin and destination, types of vehicle, timeframe and more. For an accurate quote, visit our page on car shipping costs.
Frequently asked questions
How many cars are there in a RoRo ship?
The capacity of a RoRo ship can vary greatly, from a few hundred to several thousand vehicles.
Is RoRo or container shipping cheaper?
Generally, RoRo shipping is more cost-effective than container shipping.
What’s the difference between a vehicle carrier and a RoRo ship?
A vehicle carrier is a trailer, usually attached to a truck or semi-truck, that is designed for transporting vehicles on land. A RoRo ship is a vessel that can carry any type of wheeled cargo. The name “Roll-On, Roll-Off” refers to how the cargo can be loaded and unloaded from the ship.
What is the largest RoRo vessel in the world?
The MV Tønsberg has held the title of largest RoRo vessel since 2012. It measures 265 meters in length and has six decks for carrying cargo.
