iLines International
Dedicated ocean vehicle shipping service

RORO Shipping
Roll-On / Roll-Off

Ship cars and other qualifying rolling cargo internationally using a vessel designed for vehicle loading. RORO uses ramps so eligible vehicles can be driven or rolled aboard, safely secured for the voyage and discharged at the arrival port.

Vehicles moving down the ramp of a ship at a port terminal, illustrating roll-on and roll-off operations
What is RORO?

Vehicles travel on a specialized ocean vessel

Unlike a conventional container ship, a roll-on/roll-off vehicle carrier has ramp access and internal vehicle decks. RORO is an established way to move wheeled cargo across oceans, subject to vessel schedules and route availability.

Cars & SUVs

Operable passenger vehicles are common candidates for RORO shipping, subject to the departure terminal’s conditions.

Trucks & vans

Some routes can accept larger vehicles. Dimensions, ground clearance, weight and handling restrictions must be checked.

Rolling equipment

Selected machinery and other wheeled cargo may qualify on suitable vessels, depending on the carrier and port.

How RORO shipping works

01

Get a tailored quote

Provide origin, overseas destination, vehicle details, condition and estimated dates.

02

Documents & preparation

We explain the required export documentation and vehicle preparation instructions for your booking.

03

Vehicle at the port

Following terminal acceptance, the vehicle is driven or rolled aboard a RORO vessel and secured.

04

Destination port

The vehicle is discharged and released after the applicable arrival, customs and terminal procedures.

Getting your vehicle ready for RORO

The carrier and ports set acceptance criteria. Specific instructions will be confirmed for your route and booking.

Vehicle eligibility

  • Vehicles typically need to start, steer and brake safely
  • Battery, fuel level, tire condition and leaks may be checked
  • Oversized, modified or non-running cargo requires advance review
  • Photograph the vehicle and document its condition before handover

Documents & contents

  • Provide ownership and export documents as required
  • Remove personal belongings and loose items
  • Confirm destination import eligibility and any taxes or registration rules
  • Check both origin and destination port charges in your quote

Important: Availability, accepted vehicle condition, documentation and applicable charges vary by country, carrier and terminal. We will review the requirements relevant to your shipment.

RORO vs. other vehicle transport

Container Auto Shipping

The vehicle is loaded and secured inside a sea container. This may be considered when additional enclosure or different cargo arrangements are needed.

Compare Ocean Auto Shipping Options →

Open & Enclosed Auto Transport

Ground-based vehicle transportation uses a truck trailer, not an ocean vessel. Our separate Auto Transport service explains both trailer types.

View Road Auto Transport →

RORO frequently asked questions

Can I ship a vehicle that does not run?

Standard RORO car-carrier services generally require an operable vehicle. Tell us about any mechanical issues so we can review alternative container or specialized solutions if available.

Can I pack household items in my RORO vehicle?

Personal belongings are generally not permitted inside a vehicle shipped by RORO. If you need to ship household goods, ask us about separate freight or container options.

Is shipping door to door?

RORO is often quoted port to port. Road pickup and destination transportation may be available as separate services depending on the route and the quote.

Are import duties and port fees included?

Not automatically. Customs charges and local fees vary. We recommend reviewing the written quote for included and excluded services and charges.

Request Your RORO Shipping Quote

Tell us your vehicle’s year, make, model, operability and preferred origin and destination. Our team can help you review suitable RORO shipping options.

Request a RORO Quote

Call 866-898-1841 · Info@iLinesInternational.com