RoRo shipping – how it works and when to use it

What is RoRo shipping?

RoRo or ro-ro stands for Roll-on/Roll-off and is a specialized shipping method designed specifically for wheeled cargo. Whether it’s a massive bulldozer, a new sports car or even a boat on a trailer, if it has wheels or can be put on a trailer with wheels, it’s a candidate for RoRo shipping.

How does a RoRo vessel work?

Think of a RoRo vessel as a floating parking garage. Unlike traditional cargo ships that use cranes to lift boxes, the vessel uses built-in ramps that allow the cargo to “roll” on and “roll” off between the terminal and the ship’s internal decks.

Inside, the vessel is arranged to handle large numbers of vehicles safely and efficiently. Once loaded, the cargo is secured in place for the ocean journey.

How Roll On/Roll Off shipping works

The process is straightforward, which is why it’s so efficient:

Loading: Vehicles or machinery are driven or towed onto the ship using a ramp. Skilled port drivers drive the vehicles directly into the ship’s interior decks.

Securing: Once inside, the cargo is fastened using straps, chains, or other securing equipment.

Unloading: At the destination port, the process is reversed. No cranes, no heavy lifting, just a quick drive down the ramp.

What cargo is suitable for RoRo?

RoRo cargo typically includes cars, vans, trucks, buses, trailers, and motorcycles. It can also include heavy equipment shipping for machinery such as excavators, loaders, and other mobile units. In some cases, non-containerized cargo that is not self-propelled can still be shipped by RoRo if it is loaded onto a mafi trailer or similar wheeled platform.

RoRo vs. container shipping

The main difference between RoRo and container shipping is how the cargo is handled. In container shipping, the cargo is loaded into a container and lifted by crane. In RoRo shipping, the cargo rolls directly onto the vessel.

RoRo is often a strong option for vehicles and wheeled machinery, while container shipping may be better for boxed, palletized, or more protected cargo.

Advantages of RoRo shipping

RoRo shipping can reduce handling, simplify loading and unloading, and offer an efficient solution for oversized or wheeled cargo. It is often chosen when the cargo is difficult to containerize or when a direct vehicle-focused shipping method is preferred.

When to choose RoRo shipping

RoRo shipping is a good choice when you are moving cars, trucks, trailers, or heavy machinery by sea and the cargo can be rolled onto the vessel. It may be especially suitable when you want efficient port handling and a simple loading process.

RoRo services with ACL

ACL offers shipping solutions for a wide range of cargo types across the Atlantic. If you want to learn more about RoRo services and whether they are right for your shipment, contact our team.