RoRo Shipping Explained: How It Works Step by Step (2026)

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) shipping is a method of transporting vehicles by sea where the car is driven onto a purpose-built vessel under its own power, lashed to a vehicle deck, and driven off at the destination port. The ships — called car carriers or PCTCs (pure car and truck carriers) — can hold several thousand vehicles across up to 13 decks, and they run fixed liner routes between major ports.

For most people exporting a single running car from the UK, RoRo is the cheapest and simplest option. There is no container to pack, no loading equipment beyond a ramp, and the car sits in an enclosed, weather-protected deck for the voyage. It is the method behind our RoRo shipping service and the backbone of the car export trade to the Gulf, Africa, North America and Australia.

1. Quote and booking. You give us the vehicle, its size and the destination. We match it to the next suitable sailing and confirm the price. Use our quote form or check the RoRo sailing schedule.
2. Paperwork. We prepare the export declaration and check the V5C, ID and proof of value. See the documents required page.
3. Delivery to the port. You drop the car at the terminal — typically Southampton, Portbury or Tilbury — or we arrange UK collection.
4. Terminal inspection. The car is checked, photographed and a condition report is completed. It then waits in the compound for its vessel.
5. Loading. Stevedores drive the car aboard and lash it to the deck with straps at four points.
6. Bill of Lading. The line issues the Bill of Lading, your proof of shipment and title.
7. Voyage. Transit time depends on the route — see our transit times guide.
8. Discharge and clearance. The car is driven off, customs duty and taxes are paid, and the car is released to you or your agent. Our customs clearance service can handle this end.

RoRo is priced by vehicle size (cubic metres) and route, not by weight. As a guide, shipping a standard saloon from the UK typically costs less by RoRo than a sole-use container on the same route, and larger 4x4s and vans cost more because they occupy more deck space. Port charges, documentation and marine insurance are added on top, and destination duties and taxes are separate.

For current figures by destination, see car shipping costs and our pricing page, or try the cost calculator. For import taxes, use a destination calculator such as the UAE import duty calculator or Australia import duty calculator.

| | RoRo | Container | |---|---|---| | Price | Usually lowest | Higher for sole use; shared can be competitive | | Car must run | Yes | No | | Personal items | Not allowed | Allowed if declared | | Protection | Enclosed deck | Sealed steel box | | Best for | Single running cars, vans, 4x4s | Classics, high-value cars, non-runners, relocations |

In short: choose RoRo for an ordinary running car where cost matters most; choose container shipping for a classic, supercar, non-runner, or when you are moving belongings with the vehicle. Our full RoRo vs container guide goes deeper.

Advantages
• Typically the cheapest way to ship a running vehicle.
• Frequent, scheduled sailings on major routes.
• Enclosed decks protect the car from weather and sea spray.
• Suits oversized vehicles — vans, trucks, motorhomes and plant — that will not fit in a container.

Disadvantages
• The car must be empty of personal belongings.
• It must be driveable, with a working key left in it.
• Other people (stevedores) drive the car on and off.
• Not every port is served; smaller destinations may require container shipping.

For large and commercial vehicles, see commercial vehicle shipping and heavy machinery shipping.

Regular RoRo services run from UK ports to the Gulf (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), West and East Africa (Tema, Lagos Tin Can Island, Mombasa, Durban), North America (USA, Canada), Australia and New Zealand. Browse every route on our destinations page or the ports directory.

Yes. Car carriers are designed specifically for vehicles, and cars are secured with purpose-made lashings on non-slip decks. Damage is uncommon, but it is still wise to take marine insurance and to photograph the car at handover. Follow our car export preparation checklist and you remove most of the avoidable risks.

Ready to book? Get a RoRo quote and we will confirm the next sailing for your route.