Understanding Vehicle Shipping: RoRo vs Container

Once a vehicle is purchased, it has to actually get to its destination — and there are two established ways this happens: RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) and container shipping.

RoRo shipping means the vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized vessel designed to carry vehicles, secured in place, and driven off again at the destination port. It's a widely used, cost-effective method for standard passenger vehicles and is generally faster to arrange.

Container shipping means the vehicle is loaded into a shipping container, either on its own or alongside other cargo. This method offers more protection from the elements during transit and is often preferred for higher-value vehicles or when additional security is a priority.

Neither method is inherently "better" — the right choice depends on the vehicle, the route, and the buyer's priorities around cost versus protection. A sourcing team experienced in both should be able to recommend the right fit rather than defaulting to whichever is easiest for them.

Whichever method is used, ask for tracking visibility during transit. Not knowing where your vehicle is for weeks at a time is avoidable, not a normal part of the process.