Car shipping is often associated with selecting the most cost-effective and convenient method and shipping a vehicle overseas is no different. Container shipping and RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) are two means of transporting motor vehicles over international shipping routes. While both methods have their particular advantages and disadvantages, knowing their differences can help make a more informed decision.
Shipping Cars offers effective and hassle-free car shipping services. For instance, if you wish to ship a car, truck, or motorcycle, our service provides both RoRo and container shipping alternatives which can meet your timelines and level of protection requirements.
The purpose of this article is to explain what RoRo and container car shipping is while analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each to help the reader make an informed decision.
What Is RoRo Car Shipping?
One of the most popular methods of shipping cars around the world is known as Ro Ro Shrimping. Based on the name, vehicles are driven on and off of the ship at the corresponding ports. It is predominantly used to transfer and transport economical automobiles such as sedans, pickup trucks, SUVs and other vehicles of similar class and make.
How RoRo Works
Once a vehicle is laden with vehicles, they are prevented from moving in crossways during the entire voyage. These ships are fitted with large ramps that allow rolling access for vehicles. After these retention measures have been taken, the ship is ready for setting sail.
Vehicles are usually collected and delivered RoRo shipping is done port-to-port and captured at a set terminal. For automobiles of newer models towards premium sports cars, this method is ill-advised due to the humble exposure to precipitation, humidity, wind, heat and hail.
What is Container Car Shipping?
Container car shipping is the method employing the placement of a motor vehicle into a container and transporting it within a securely locked container. The motor vehicle leaves the region of departure in a container of a ship; later on the container will be placed on board a ship. At the destination port, the container is unlocked and the vehicle is either taken to the shipment terminal or delivered to the consumer’s address depending on chosen service level.
Upon the vehicle arriving at the initial pickup point, the shipping company has the option to transfer the vehicle to one of the company ports for shipping, or transfer it directly to the customer’s address. As is the case with Roll-on Roll-Off (RoRo) shipping, door-to-door shipping is not offered. Unlike RoRo services, however, container ship services do provide this option which makes the whole process more convenient for customers. Unfortunately, these types of offerings come at a greater cost than RoRo offerings.
How Container Shipping Works
Vehicle shipping does not provide the same level of security as container shipping. While a vehicle is within the container, there is no possibility of harm coming to it from outside forces. If proper loading procedures are followed, the contents of a container will not be subject to dust, debris, or water.
You are still able to make use of the loading facility during the arrival port. Still, container shipping guarantees service of delivery straight to the door. Travels to the terminal is not required for the vehicle to be placed at a specified address. This constitutes a landmark improvement in the level of customer service.
The Differences Between RoRo and Container Car Shipping
When considering the RoRo and container options, consider the pricing schemas, insurance policies, convenience, and other factors that differ. For this article, we will unify these two options and explore them at length.
- Cost
RoRo: More often than not, the RoRo method of shipping is the cheapest and most economical option due to the simplicity of the procedures involved when compared to container shipping. Vehicles using the RoRo method only have to be driven on and off the ship, which vastly lowers the time needed and cost associated with handling. If you’re looking to transport a standard vehicle on a budget, this method is ideal.
Container Shipping: Shipping by container is more expensive because of the extra protection a container affords. In addition to this, the convenience of door-to-door service raises the shipping price further. The cost also includes renting the container, which adds to the cost of shipping. This is triply true for large containers and vehicles which require specially tailored loading or unloading processes.
- Safekeeping
RoRo: Considering the RoRo type of shipping, it is secure and reliable, though not without its flaws. Your vehicle will endure exposure to the weather; rain, salt and wind. this can do some level of damage as time goes by. If you possess a vintage, luxury or valuable car, this option may not be ideal due to partial protection.
Container Shipping: Container shipping is unlike other methods in the sense that it has the best protection to offer your vehicle. The risk of the car being damaged or ruined because of the weather or outside elements during transit is almost eliminated, since the vehicle is securely locked within the container. This is of great importance for timeless vehicles, significant cars and any vehicle that needs special care when shipped internationally.
- Ease
RoRo: You will find that numerous methods of RoRo shipping employ port-to-port services. That means you need to bring your vehicle straight to the departure port and pick it up at the destination port. This could be an inconvenience for you as it adds to your overall trip distance.
Irrespectively of the challenges at hand, RoRo does have merits for those who do not mind a unit- port transfer and travel to pre-specified locations for car drop off and pick up.
Container Shipping: It provides maximum flexibility and ease especially when it comes to door-to-door service. The transport company collects the vehicle from the home or workplace and subsequently takes it to the port. The vehicle can be dropped off at the location of the customer’s choice. However, this convenience comes at a price.
- Time
RoRo: The more straightforward the system, the faster the speed will tend to be, and with RoRo shipping, that is the case. There is a better chance that your vehicle will reach its destination promptly with fewer stop-and-go load and unload actions.
Container Shipping: In container shipping, the extra time that has to be spent hauling the car out of the container will add to the time taken. Not to mention, the delivery to the door or business premise option is usually quicker than waiting for a delivery time for the container.
- Suitability for Different Types of Vehicles
RoRo: Most simple and standard vehicles are easily covered by RoRo, such as sedans, SUVs, and trucks. This mode of transport does not work well for exotic cars, or expensive classic cars as they need extra protective cover during transportation. For more highly valuable or delicate vehicles, container shipping is more suitable.
Container Shipping: The process of Container shipping adds an additional layer of security for rearward controlled ships (RoRo) that carry luxury and classic automobiles. This ranges from vintage to motorcycles that routinely need container shipping so that they can ‘arrive’ on time without sustained damage.
Which Option Is Right For You?
Your suggested option between RoRo and car container shipping is defined by the type of vehicle, the cost you are willing to pay, and your perception of the shipment conditions.
– For a tighter budget: If you are working with limited funds, RoRo shipping is the best option for standard vehicles, as it s circular without incurring additional costs, making it the more reasonably priced choice. From a non-luxury vintage car perspective, RoRo works wonderfully for those who prefer port-to-port services.
– For added protection: Container shipping offers higher levels of protection, although at a greater cost. Alternatively, it provides additional protection for vehicle expensive shipping luxury classic high-value cars and ensures no external damage occurs.
– If you are someone who prioritizes saving time and effort: For people whose primary concern is saving effort in organizing transport both to and from the port, container shipping offers door-to-door service and is best suited to their needs. RoRo is less expensive. However, there is no door-to-door service: it is port-to-port.
Why Choose Shipping Cars?
This is the reason why at Shipping Cars, we try to simplify choosing a shipping option as much as possible. Be it supporters of container ships due to their convenience and safety, or proponents of the lower cost and simplicity of RoRo shipping, we cater to diverse needs and budgets.
– A Variety of Shipping Methods: We offer both RoRo and container shipping, ensuring selection of the best method based on the client’s vehicle and financial capabilities.
– Pricing Guarantee: Our platform is unique in the sense that it has no additional charges that are undisclosed. There are no hidden costs.
– Backup Network: With the experts we partner with, your car is in safe hands and the shipping company’s cars arrive on time and safely.
– Professional Assistance: From the moment planning begins, we provide assistance in deciding on the course of transport, and method of shipping. We guide you through the final preparations for transport.
Final Thoughts
The choice between RoRo and container shipping relies on personal preferences, the kind of vehicle, and their budget. RoRo is a cost-effective and convenient option for the majority of vehicles, while container shipping is superior for safeguarding luxury, vintage, and high-value cars.