2026-08-05

RoRo vs Container Shipping: Which Should You Choose?

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the cheapest per unit — cars are driven onto the vessel and secured on decks. It's ideal for 1–10 standard vehicles heading to ports with RoRo terminals like Jebel Ali or Mombasa.

Container shipping costs more per car but offers far better protection: sealed 20ft or 40ft units with professional lashing, moisture absorbers and GPS trackers. Luxury vehicles, EVs with sensitive batteries, and mixed cargo almost always go container.

Rule of thumb: under $35k vehicle value to a major port → RoRo. Above that, or to smaller ports → shared or exclusive container. A 40HC fits up to 4 sedans, which can drop per-unit freight below RoRo for volume buyers.