Roll-on Roll-off Vehicle Shipping

What roll-on roll-off shipping actually involves

RoRo, short for roll-on roll-off, uses purpose-built vessels with internal decks that a vehicle is driven onto under its own power and driven off again on arrival. There is no crane, no container and no lifting equipment involved in the loading process itself, which is why RoRo is usually the cheapest way to ship a car that still runs.

The vessel decks are designed for cars, vans and light trucks, with fixed lashing points and ramps between decks for taller units. Cargo is chocked and strapped down by dedicated stevedores rather than left to roll around, and the ship's crew record the condition of every vehicle as it is driven aboard.

Because the vehicle is the cargo unit, pricing is based on the vehicle's dimensions rather than a container size, which makes RoRo predictable to quote once we have the make, model and any modifications recorded.

Vehicle types and eligibility for RoRo decks

Saloon cars, estates, 4x4s, pickups, panel vans and small buses all travel comfortably on RoRo decks, and self-propelled plant such as diggers and forklifts can often go the same way. The vehicle must start, steer and brake reliably, because it has to be driven on and off by the stevedoring team rather than towed or pushed.

Height matters as much as length on RoRo, since taller vehicles are often routed to a different deck with limited headroom, and this can change which sailing is available. Modified vehicles, wide-body trucks and anything with a non-standard turning circle need a quick call before booking so we can confirm the vessel will actually take it.

• Cars, 4x4s and estates of any make
• Pickups, panel vans and small buses
• Motorcycles secured on pallets within the same booking
• Self-propelled plant that can be driven aboard

UK collection and port delivery

We can collect the vehicle from a home address, dealership or auction site anywhere in the UK using a trade plate driver or an enclosed transporter, or you can drive it into the port yourself on the booked date. Ports such as Southampton, Tilbury, Sheerness and Grimsby run regular RoRo sailings and each has its own drive-in procedure and cut-off time.

Missing the port cut-off is one of the most common reasons a booking slips to the next sailing, so we confirm the drop-off window in writing and send a reminder ahead of the date. If you are driving in yourself, we provide directions to the specific RoRo terminal gate rather than a general port address, since large ports often have several separate entrances.

Preparing a vehicle for RoRo shipment

The vehicle must travel with no more than a quarter tank of fuel, the battery securely connected, and no loose items inside the cabin or boot. Aftermarket alarms should be disabled or the fob left with the vehicle, since an alarm going off mid-voyage can trigger delays at some terminals.

Personal effects cannot legally travel inside the vehicle on a RoRo booking; anything found during the pre-shipment inspection will usually be removed and left behind, so it is worth checking door pockets and boots thoroughly. We recommend photographing the vehicle from all four corners plus the odometer immediately before drop-off, which gives you a clear record to match against the condition report issued on loading.

Customs, the V5C and export documentation

Every vehicle leaving the UK needs an export customs declaration, and most destinations will also ask to see the original V5C registration document at the port. We prepare the export entry from the vehicle's details and VIN, and confirm which of the V5C's parts need to travel with the car versus which you should retain.

New vehicles or those still on finance need extra paperwork before they can be exported, including a letter of no objection from the finance company where applicable. NOVA notification applies to certain vehicles moving within the UK and EU, and we flag whether it is relevant to your specific move during the booking call.

Pricing structure and what changes the rate

RoRo freight is quoted per vehicle based on its dimensions and the trade lane, with separate charges for UK collection, port handling, export entry and destination agent fees. A standard saloon typically prices lower than a raised 4x4 or double-cab pickup purely because of the deck space it occupies.

Sailing frequency also affects price: routes with weekly or fortnightly departures tend to be more competitively priced than lanes served only a few times a year, where space is scarcer. We always separate the freight, port and destination charges on the quote so you can see exactly what is driving the total rather than a single bundled figure.

Transit times and insurance

Transit time depends entirely on the trade lane: European coastal routes can take under a week, while sailings to West Africa or the Gulf typically run three to six weeks door to door once port dwell time is included. We give a realistic range at booking rather than the fastest theoretical figure, because RoRo schedules do shift with vessel availability.

Marine insurance is optional but worth considering, since standard motor insurance policies rarely cover a vehicle once it has left UK waters. Cover is priced against the vehicle's declared value and protects against total loss, and in some cases partial damage, during the sea passage and port handling.

Common mistakes and destination handling

The most frequent issues we see are vehicles arriving at the port with more fuel than allowed, alarms left active, or personal items left inside — all of which can delay loading on the day. Booking too close to the sailing date is another common problem, since space on popular lanes can sell out a week or more in advance.

At destination, a nominated agent meets the vessel, manages the discharge and coordinates import clearance so the consignee is not left dealing with an unfamiliar port process alone. We brief the destination agent with your file before the vessel sails, so questions about the vehicle or paperwork can be answered without waiting for a reply from the UK.