Roro Shipping VS Container Shipping

Shipping a car overseas is always a source of trouble and headache for car owners. Driving the car isn’t an option and hiring a regular open or enclosed trailer isn’t possible as well. So, vehicle owners, in such a scenario, have three possible options, air freight, roll-on roll-off transport, or container shipping. 

Because air freight costs a fortune and is only used for high-end and classic cars, one is left with the other two, RoRo and container shipping.

Transporting a car overseas isn’t very common among car owners, so there’s a very humble knowledge and experience about this matter. No one knows which is the best option and what a client should go for depending on their and their car’s needs.

So, in this article, we’re introducing both overseas shipping methods, RoRo, and containers, their definition, and their pros and cons.

What is roll-on roll-off shipping?

With roll-on roll-off shipping, a vehicle is driven onto a cargo vessel alongside other vehicles. Cars on a RoRo carrier are strapped to the deck and covered with a trampoline. 

This shipping carrier is more affordable than its counterpart, as there’s no machinery required, nor are there special strategies involved. Rather, an operable vehicle will be driven smoothly onto the carrier, and an inoperable one could be hauled on the container using a forklift. 

What is container shipping?

Container shipping is more accepted for transporting heavy-duty equipment and classic and high-end cars. It provides more security and privacy than its counterpart, as it works as a mini, enclosed trailer that fits up to four vehicles. 

Vehicles are placed in the container using a forklift, regardless if it’s an operable or inoperable vehicle. 

Pros of roll-on roll-off shipping 

1. Affordability

One of the main advantages of RoRo shipping is the reasonable price that suits each vehicle owner’s budget. Because one ferry can accommodate many vehicles safely and comfortably, the fee isn’t expensive for each client. 

In addition, the hauling process is simple and applicable to any driver; there’s no expertise required. 

2. Versatility

RoRo vessels and their large stowage bays allow accommodating vehicles of different sizes at ease, and that’s due to its racking system. This plus point, in addition, contributes to the previous one, as the more vehicles on the ferry, the less the fee per vehicle, and a vehicle owner at the end will pay for the space on the trailer. 

Cons of roll-on roll-off shipping 

1. Risks

Vehicles on a RoRo carrier are exposed to weather conditions that could be extremely harsh on them; In addition, theft chances at ports are high, as cars are out in an open space. 

2. Long shipping time

Only a few ports support RoRo carriers, and that’s because RoRo ships require ports with special facilities of low berth and storage facilities. Subsequently, routes are few, and shipping time will be extensive. 

Pros of container shipping 

1. Safety

The chance for human error is few while loading and unloading vehicles into a transport container, such as a crane or a forklift, which will fully carry on the process. Furthermore, a closed, hard box will accommodate shipped vehicles and keep any external element from getting to them. 

2. Short shipping time

Ships that carry shipping containers have more global routes and don’t require special ports or specific routes. Rather, container ships are faster and more flexible than the RoRo ones. 

Cons of container shipping 

1. High costs 

Container shipping is more expensive than RoRo shipping, as there’s machinery involved for loading and unloading the shipped vehicles. The cost, however, could be slashed by going for a shared container instead of a private one; a shared container fits up to three medium-sized vehicles so that the fee could be distributed to many clients. 

2. No control 

Some clients prefer to get their vehicle by themselves on the transport carrier for additional safety precautions. This option, however, is only accessible with RoRo shipping, as clients can get to the port and easily roll their vehicle onto the ferry. 

On the other hand, a vehicle owner won’t be able to operate special machinery for loading their vehicle into the container. So, they will need to leave this task for the auto transport company to handle.

The final judgment

Both shipping methods are safe and ensure the shipped vehicle arrives safe and sound, particularly if a client collaborates with a reputable auto transport company. However, container shipping is always the safest, fastest, and smoothest method, so if one’s budget allows, container shipping definitely prevails. 

Recommended auto transport company 

Port-to-port shipping is increasingly challenging and risky, as the considerations involved are more than any other type of land shipping. That’s why collaborating with a reputable, trustworthy auto transport company is essential. 

Tempus Logix is a reputable auto transport company that has been transporting vehicles of all kinds, including yachts, heavy-duty vehicles, cars, and motors, for approximately eight years. 

During this period and till now, Tempus Logix has developed an unquestionable reputation in the auto transport market for being reliable and professional.

The bottom line 

Deciding on the best auto transport method overseas isn’t easy, especially for someone who doesn’t have sufficient knowledge about the two options. So, hopefully, a client can use this guide to compare both options and decide which prevails based on their car’s needs and budget.