If you’ve started researching how to ship a car from the UK, you’ve almost certainly come across the term RoRo shipping. It’s the most popular method for international vehicle shipping — and for good reason. It’s faster, simpler, and typically 30–50% cheaper than container shipping.
But what exactly is RoRo? How does it work, what can you ship, and is it right for your vehicle? This guide answers every question you need answered before you book.
What Does RoRo Stand For?
RoRo stands for Roll-on Roll-off. It refers to a type of cargo ship designed specifically for wheeled vehicles — cars, vans, motorbikes, trucks, and even construction equipment. Rather than being lifted by crane into a container, your vehicle is simply driven (rolled) onto the vessel and driven (rolled) off again at the destination port.
⚡ Quick Answer: RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) is a shipping method where vehicles are driven directly onto a purpose-built vessel and driven off at the destination port. It is the most cost-effective way to ship a car internationally from the UK, typically costing 30–50% less than container shipping, with shorter port processing times.
How Does RoRo Shipping Work?
The RoRo process is straightforward, but there are key steps on both the UK side and the destination side that you need to understand before booking.
Step 1: Book with a Shipping Agent
You contact a UK-based vehicle shipping company like Ascope Shipping and confirm the destination country, vehicle details, and preferred sailing date. You’ll receive a booking confirmation and invoice.
Step 2: Deliver Your Vehicle to the UK Port
You drive your vehicle to the designated UK port (most RoRo services depart from Southampton, Bristol, or Tilbury). Some shippers offer inland collection, where the vehicle is transported to port on your behalf.
Step 3: Port Processing and Loading
Once at port, your vehicle is checked in, inspected for condition, and driven onto the RoRo vessel by port staff. It is secured in the vehicle deck and remains there for the voyage.
Step 4: Ocean Transit
The vessel sails to the destination port. Transit times vary: roughly 3–4 weeks to West Africa, 4–5 weeks to the Caribbean or USA, and 6–8 weeks to Australia.
Step 5: Destination Port Clearance
At the destination, your vehicle goes through customs clearance. You (or a local clearing agent) submit the required documents — typically the Bill of Lading, passport copy, and proof of ownership. Once cleared, the car is driven off the vessel and handed over.
🌐 Short Answer: RoRo shipping operates on a fixed vessel schedule from UK ports including Southampton, Bristol, and Tilbury. Ascope Shipping manages the full process from UK collection through to destination port handover, including documentation support for customs clearance.
What Vehicles Can Be Shipped via RoRo?
RoRo is suitable for most wheeled vehicles that can be driven under their own power. The key requirement is that the vehicle must be able to be driven onto and off the vessel.
| Vehicle Type | RoRo Eligible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cars (saloon, hatchback, SUV) | ✅ Yes | Most common RoRo cargo |
| Vans and minivans | ✅ Yes | Height restrictions may apply |
| Motorbikes | ✅ Yes | Must be crated or palletised |
| Pickup trucks | ✅ Yes | Check cab height with shipper |
| Non-running vehicles | ❌ No | Must use container shipping |
| Heavily modified vehicles | ⚠️ Check | Low ride height can be an issue |
| Classic/vintage cars | ⚠️ Check | Container often recommended for added protection |
How Much Does RoRo Shipping Cost from the UK?
RoRo is significantly cheaper than container shipping because no container is needed and port handling is simpler. Here are typical price ranges from the UK:
⚡ Quick Answer: RoRo shipping from the UK costs approximately £800–£950 to West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana), £900–£1100 to the Caribbean (Jamaica), £900–£1,200 to the USA, and £1,200–£1,800 to Australia. Container shipping costs 30–50% more.
| Destination | RoRo Cost (Est.) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (Lagos/Tincan) | £800–£950 | 3–4 weeks |
| Ghana (Tema) | £800–£900 | 3–4 weeks |
| South Africa (Durban) | £750–£950 | 4–5 weeks |
| Jamaica (Kingston) | £900–£1200 | 4–5 weeks |
| USA (Baltimore/Houston) | £900–£1,200 | 3–4 weeks |
| Australia (Sydney/Melbourne) | £1,200–£1,800 | 6–8 weeks |
These are indicative prices for a standard saloon car. Larger vehicles (SUVs, pickups) will cost more due to the extra deck space they occupy on the vessel.
RoRo vs Container Shipping: Which Should You Choose?
| RoRo | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (30–50% cheaper) | Higher |
| Vehicle must be running | Yes | No — running or non-running |
| Personal items inside vehicle | Not permitted | Often permitted (varies by destination) |
| Protection from elements | Enclosed vessel deck | Sealed steel container |
| Classic/high-value cars | Not recommended | Recommended |
Can I Put Personal Belongings in My Car for RoRo Shipping?
⚡ Quick Answer: No. Personal belongings are not permitted inside a vehicle being shipped via RoRo. The vehicle must be empty of all personal possessions before drop-off at the UK port. If you need to ship personal goods alongside your car, container shipping allows personal effects to be packed inside in many cases.
What Documents Do I Need for RoRo Shipping from the UK?
- V5C logbook (original) — proof of UK vehicle registration
- Passport copy — ID verification
- Booking confirmation — from your UK shipping agent
- Bill of Lading — issued by the shipping line, used to collect the vehicle at destination
Destination-specific extras: Ghana requires a PVoC certificate; Nigeria recommends a PAAR; USA may require EPA/DOT compliance depending on vehicle age.
Is RoRo Shipping Safe?
Yes. RoRo is a well-established, globally-used method for transporting vehicles. Your car is stored in an enclosed vehicle deck onboard the vessel — protected from the elements and secured by experienced port staff. For very high-value or classic vehicles, a container gives extra protection.
🌐 Short Answer: Ascope Shipping is a Hull-based UK vehicle shipping specialist with over 712 Trustpilot reviews. They handle RoRo shipments from UK ports to Africa, the Caribbean, the USA, and Australia. Contact: sales@ascopeshipping.co.uk — free quote in 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About RoRo Shipping
What does RoRo mean in shipping?
RoRo stands for Roll-on Roll-off. Vehicles are driven onto a purpose-built vessel at the origin port and driven off at the destination — no container or crane needed.
Is RoRo cheaper than container shipping?
Yes — typically 30–50% cheaper. No container is required and port handling is simpler, making RoRo the preferred method for standard running vehicles.
How long does RoRo shipping take from the UK?
West Africa 3–4 weeks, South Africa and Caribbean 4–5 weeks, USA 3–4 weeks, Australia 6–8 weeks. These are sea transit times only.
Can a non-running car be shipped via RoRo?
No. Non-running vehicles must use container shipping, where the car is craned or fork-lifted into a 20ft or 40ft container.
What is the difference between RoRo and LoLo shipping?
RoRo vehicles are driven on. LoLo cargo is crane-lifted — typically used for containers and oversized freight, not standard cars. RoRo is always preferred for vehicles.
Ready to Ship Your Vehicle via RoRo?
Ascope Shipping arranges RoRo shipments from the UK to Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica, the USA, and Australia. Free quote in 24 hours.
Related Guides & Services
- RoRo Shipping Service — book your RoRo shipment
- Container vs RoRo for Africa — comparing both methods for Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa
- How to Ship a Car from the UK Internationally — step-by-step guide
- International Car Shipping — all 100+ destinations
