If your business ships vehicles, heavy machinery, or anything else that can roll or be driven, RO-RO shipping is worth understanding. It’s one of the more straightforward methods in Freight Forwarding, but knowing when it applies — and when it doesn’t — helps you plan shipments more efficiently.
What Is RO-RO Shipping?
RO-RO stands for “Roll-on/Roll-off.” It refers to vessels designed so that wheeled cargo can be driven directly onto the ship at the origin port and driven off at the destination, rather than being lifted by crane and loaded into a container. This makes RO-RO a practical option for cargo that is already mobile on its own wheels or a chassis.
What Kind of Cargo Moves via RO-RO?
- Cars, trucks, and other vehicles
- Construction and agricultural machinery
- Trailers and semi-trailers
- Buses and specialty vehicles
- Any wheeled or track-mounted equipment that can be driven or towed
RO-RO vs Container Shipping for Vehicles
Vehicles can technically be shipped inside containers, but RO-RO is often simpler and more cost-effective for full vehicle shipments, since it avoids the extra handling of loading and securing a vehicle inside a container. Container shipping may still make sense when a vehicle needs to be shipped alongside other cargo or when additional protection from the elements is a priority.
What to Prepare Before a RO-RO Shipment
- Confirm the vehicle is operational or can be towed — RO-RO relies on cargo being mobile.
- Prepare ownership and registration documents required for export and import.
- Remove personal belongings and loose items from vehicles before shipping.
- Check destination port requirements, as regulations for vehicle import vary by country.
PEX Logistics coordinates RO-RO shipments as part of its Project Cargo solutions, helping businesses move vehicles and rolling equipment with the right documentation and planning in place. See our RO-RO service or reach out to discuss your shipment.