If you are looking for how to ship a car from the UK, one of the most important decisions to make is to decide between RoRo vs Container shipping. Both of these methods are commonly used for international car shipping, and they each have their advantages depending on the car you are shipping, your finances, and what you are looking for.
This guide introduces each method in simple terms, compares costs, considers safety, and helps you decide the best way to ship a car from the UK.
RoRo vs Container Shipping Cost UK: Cost Comparison from The UK
The cost of shipping is often the first thing consumers think about. Let’s start out by looking at rates, comparing the differences between RoRo and Container cost UK.
RoRo Shipping Costs
RoRo shipping (as in roll-on roll-off shipping) is usually cheaper. In this process, your car is driven into a Ro-Ro vessel, packed, and driven off at the destination port. This alternative is for running cars.
For instance, if you are shipping a standard-size car from the UK to Lagos, Nigeria, then for RoRo it might cost around £795. Larger vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and vans, can be more expensive — about £1,060.
Container Shipping Costs
In container shipping, your car goes inside a container, which is then loaded on the ship. The container may be shared with other vehicles (shared container) or may be dedicated to a single vehicle (exclusive container).
- A shared container could be about £1,350.
- A 20ft exclusive container may be priced at £2,600 or more.
- A 40ft exclusive container, which can take up to 4 vehicles, may cost up to £4700.
Those costs can vary depending on the shipping company, the port, the availability of containers, and extra services, including customs clearance and insurance.
RoRo is usually cheaper, whereas container shipping is more versatile and secure.
RoRo vs Container Shipping: Which is the Safer and More Reliable?
In addition to cost, safety is another major consideration when choosing RoRo vs Container Shipping.
Safety of RoRo
A reliable shipping company parks your car on an open deck below the cargo. Straps secure them in place during the trip. But it still might be some sea air, moisture, or slight scratches to it.
RoRo doesn’t allow any personal items in the car. You have to take everything out of the car for shipping. This decreases the chances of theft, but provides flexibility.
Safety of Container Shipping
Container shipping offers higher protection. Your car is loaded into a sealed container, sheltered from the elements, from dust, and from contact with other freight. It does tend to be the safer option for higher value or classic, or non-running vehicles.
And if you want to ship your items, extra tires, or work in some small pieces of furniture, you can do that too! This makes it a viable option for those frequently moving abroad.
So, even though RoRo is both safe and secure for the average vehicle, cars in container shipping have increased security and privacy.
RoRo vs Container Shipping for UK Car Exports: What You Need to Know
Before you plan out vehicle international shipping, understanding what you will need and how it works can help prevent bumps in the road.
Here’s what to consider for each:
When to Choose RoRo
- Your vehicle runs well.
- You should not be shipping extra items.
- You want lower shipping costs.
- You want it delivered faster and more productively.
RoRo provides regular scheduled services and typically takes 18 to 21 days to deliver to key ports, including Lagos.
When to Choose Container Shipping
- Your car doesn’t work or needs protection
- You’d like to transport personal belongings in the car.
- You have moved house and need the container for things other than water.
- You are sending a classic, antique, or luxury car.
Containers can be delayed by loading times and sometimes customs inspections. But they also make you much more flexible and safe.
Availability
Some UK ports provide facilities for both. Some small ports cannot handle LoLo and are purely doing RoRo. Always check with your shipper on which options are provided out of your closest port.
Difference Between RoRo and Container Shipping
Here’s a side-by-side look at the main differences between these two popular shipping methods:
| Feature | RoRo Shipping | Container Shipping |
| Vehicle Condition | Must be drivable | Can be non-drivable |
| Personal Items Allowed | No | Yes |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Protection from Elements | Moderate | High |
| Delivery Speed | Faster | May take longer |
| Scheduling | Fixed sailing dates | Can vary |
| Security | Standard | Enhanced |
Both RoRo vs Container Shipping methods are reliable, but the right one depends on your situation.
FAQs
What Factors Affect the Cost of Shipping a Car Internationally?
The cost of shipping a car overseas depends on several key factors. The transportation method. It greatly affects the price. Import taxes, duties, and customs fees in the destination country also play a role. Insurance coverage, seasonal demand, vehicle size, and country-specific regulations can all impact your total cost.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Overseas from the UK?
Shipping times vary by destination. Deliveries to Europe usually take 1–2 weeks. Shipments to the USA may take 3–5 weeks. If you’re shipping to Australia or New Zealand, expect about 6–8 weeks. Air freight is much faster, often taking just a few days.
What Documents Are Required to Ship a Car Overseas?
You’ll need several documents for international car shipping. These include the V5C registration certificate (logbook), proof of ownership like a bill of sale or invoice, a passport, or a valid photo ID. You will also need insurance documents, an export declaration, and an import permit if required by the destination country. Always check the latest customs rules before preparing the documents.
Final Thoughts
Both RoRo and container shipping are commonly used methods to ship cars from the UK. Which one to choose just depends on the condition of your car, your budget, and what kind of security or freedom of movement you require. Knowing about RoRo vs container shipping will help you to understand.
For fast and budget-friendly automobile shipping, opt for RoRo shipping. It’s quick, reliable, and accessible from almost all of the UK’s major ports.
Go with container shipping if you’re shipping a non-operational or high-end vehicle or need to ship personal belongings. It’s pricier, but for me it provides peace of mind and space. You can rely on Ascope Shipping for both roro and container shipping in the UK. The company has more than 15 years of experience shipping cars.
