How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Car Roll-On/Roll-Off?

Cost of RORO Shipping

RORO is one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to move to another country. As with any type of shipment, costs will vary based on the distance and the vehicle's weight, as well as any special services or handling that are required.

What Is RORO?

It is one of the primary methods of hauling to another country (the other being container). RORO stands for “roll on, roll off,” which more or less describes the process. The car is “rolled” or driven onto the ship, which is stored securely below the deck in a cargo area designed for moving.

Once in the cargo area, the car is held in place by skids, soft ties, or other methods of keeping it from moving during the process. Upon arriving at the destination port, the auto is unattached and simply driven off the boat. It can be an efficient way of hauling since it doesn’t involve unloading a craft full of containers and emptying their contents. Once it arrives, it’s ready to go.

It’s important to keep in mind that RORO means your car is hauled on a boat, which in turn means it must first be delivered to the appropriate port. This can be an added cost, especially if you need to have it moved from the Midwest to a seaport.

Understanding Costs

Pricing is relatively straightforward and consistent. Since the process is so streamlined and very little preparation is required, you should see similar pricing even from different companies. Certain factors can increase the cost with this method, which we will briefly review in the section below.

• Distance - It shouldn’t be surprising that distance is one of the most important aspects of determining cost. While there is less prep work involved than with containerized, hauling by RORO still involves the same types of expenses as other types, mainly fuel and labor costs. More distance (or transport to areas that are not easily accessible) equates to higher costs.

• Import Taxes - Taxes on imported vehicles can be high, excessively so in some countries. Depending on the trade regulations and federal standards, you may face an import tax that is equal to the value of your auto! Important information to get squared away early if you’re trying to get an accurate price.