With the development of new energy vehicles, China has gradually become one of the world's major car exporters. The demand for Roro Car Shipping from China to other countries is growing rapidly. As a logistics leader with over ten years of professional experience, Zhejiang Wilson Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd. (Wilson) is well-versed in RoRo car shipping services. To help more people understand the process of Roro Car Shipping, we will provide a detailed explanation in this guide. Keep reading for more information.
What is RoRo Car Shipping?
RoRo, or Roll-on/Roll-off, is a specialized shipping method where vehicles or other wheeled cargo are driven directly onto a vessel's deck via ramps and driven off at the destination port. Unlike container shipping, RoRo eliminates the need for cranes, streamlining the loading and unloading process. This method is widely used for transporting cars, trucks, buses, and even heavy machinery across borders.
How Does RoRo Shipping Work?
Since its founding in 2011, Wilson has successfully provided RoRo shipping services for clients like China FAW, covering routes across Southeast Asia, India-Pakistan, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. RoRo shipping is straightforward yet efficient. Below are the key steps to help you understand the process:
1. Preparation and Documentation
Proper documentation is critical for smooth customs clearance. You'll need to provide vehicle registration, a bill of lading, export certificates, and destination-specific customs forms. For instance, countries like Australia and New Zealand enforce strict biosecurity standards, requiring vehicles to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent soil or biological residue issues.
2. Port Delivery and Inspection
Vehicles must be delivered to the departure port (e.g., Ningbo, New York, or Rotterdam) and undergo a pre-shipment inspection to document existing damage. Wilson offers door-to-port services, allowing clients to either drive the vehicle to the port or rely on our professional transport team to ensure optimal condition before loading.
3. Loading and Securing
At the port, vehicles are driven onto the RoRo vessel via ramps and parked on carefully designed decks. Specialized securing devices, such as lashings or chocks, prevent movement during transit. For non-operational vehicles, Wilson employs MAFI trailers to ensure safe loading. Our partners, including COSCO and MSC, operate advanced RoRo vessels with enclosed decks to shield vehicles from weather exposure.
4. Transit and Tracking
During transit, Wilson's real-time tracking system provides updates on the vehicle's location and estimated arrival time. Our end-to-end visualization software ensures transparency, giving you peace of mind throughout the journey.
5. Unloading and Customs Clearance
Upon reaching the destination port, vehicles are driven off the ship via ramps and cleared through customs. Wilson's experienced team navigates country-specific regulations, providing full documentation support, from bills of lading to certificates of origin, ensuring swift clearance. For popular routes like Korea or the Philippines, our localized expertise accelerates the process.
Types of RoRo Vessels
RoRo vessels are engineering marvels tailored to diverse transport needs. Here are the main types:
- Pure Car Carriers (PCC): Designed for passenger vehicles like sedans and SUVs, capable of carrying thousands of cars. Wilson's services for China FAW rely on PCCs for timely and efficient delivery.
- Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC): Built to transport a mix of cars and larger vehicles like trucks or buses, ideal for mid-sized enterprises.
- Conventional RoRo Vessels: Handle oversized equipment, such as construction or agricultural machinery, commonly used on African and Middle Eastern routes.
- RoPax Vessels: Combine cargo and passenger transport, suitable for short-haul routes like European coastal ferries.
how many cars can roro ship carry?The answer is beyond your imagination, with some exceeding 860 feet in length and carrying up to 6,000 vehicles across multiple decks. Equipped with multiple ramps, they enhance loading efficiency. Wilson's partnerships with leading shipping lines ensure reliable cabin availability and competitive pricing.
Unique Advantages of RoRo Shipping
RoRo shipping offers distinct benefits, making it a top choice for international vehicle transport:
- Cost-Effectiveness: RoRo shipping typically costs $900–$2,000 per vehicle, significantly lower than container shipping's $2,000–$2,500. For B2B clients like vehicle traders, bulk shipping further reduces per-unit costs.
- Efficiency and Speed: Direct roll-on/roll-off loading eliminates crane handling, reducing port turnaround time and expediting delivery.
- Flexibility: RoRo vessels accommodate a wide range of cargo, from compact cars to heavy machinery. Wilson's use of MAFI trailers enables transport of non-self-propelled items.
- Safety and Security: Enclosed decks and professional securing mechanisms minimize potential damage. Wilson's rigorous inspection process further ensures cargo safety.
- Environmental Sustainability: The industry is embracing greener practices, such as Höegh Autoliners' Aurora Class vessels, which cut carbon emissions by 50%. Wilson aligns with this vision through optimized routes and digital management to reduce energy consumption.
How to Prepare Your Vehicle?
Proper vehicle preparation is essential for a seamless RoRo shipping experience. Key requirements include:
- Vehicle Condition: Ensure the vehicle is operational, with unmodified fuel systems and no fluid leaks. Electric vehicles must maintain sufficient state of charge (SOC) and comply with safety guidelines to address recent vessel fire concerns.
- Remove Personal Belongings: RoRo shipping typically prohibits personal items inside vehicles to avoid customs issues or additional fees.
- Clean the Vehicle: Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior, especially for destinations like Australia or New Zealand, which enforce strict biosecurity standards to prevent invasive species.
- Destination-Specific Requirements: Provide additional documentation or inspections for ports like Korea, the Philippines, or the UK. For instance, the UK requires detailed emissions certificates.
Wilson's expert team guides clients through every step, offering tailored logistics plans to ensure compliance and efficiency.
Costs and Factors of RoRo Shipping
RoRo shipping costs vary based on several factors:
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger vehicles, like trucks or machinery, incur higher fees due to increased space requirements.
- Route Distance: Longer routes, such as U.S. to Asia, cost more than shorter ones, like Australia to New Zealand (AUD $2,000–$4,000).
- Port Fees and Taxes: Charges vary by country, requiring careful budgeting.
- Seasonal Fluctuations: Peak seasons, like summer, may increase rates. Wilson's long-term partnerships ensure stable pricing.
- Additional Services: Door-to-port transport, cargo insurance, or biosecurity cleaning add to costs.
Wilson offers transparent quotes and value-added services, such as cargo insurance and logistics consulting, to optimize budgets. Our Southeast Asian routes, for instance, provide cost-effective solutions for SMEs.
Common Challenges and Solutions
While RoRo shipping is efficient, it may face challenges:
- Customs Delays: Varying regulations can cause delays. Wilson's AEO certification and pre-declaration process minimize wait times.
- Weather Exposure: Though equipped with enclosed decks, high-value vehicles may need extra protection. Wilson offers container shipping as an alternative.
- Port Limitations: Not all ports support RoRo services. Wilson's global network, covering New York, Rotterdam, Tokyo, and more, ensures flexible routing.
- Improper Preparation: Leaving personal items or failing to clean vehicles can lead to fees. Wilson provides detailed guidance and inspection services to avoid issues.
Why Choose Wilson's RoRo Shipping Services?
As a logistics provider with FIATA, IATA, AEO, and NVOCC certifications, Wilson offers unmatched advantages in RoRo shipping:
- Global Route Coverage: Our network spans Southeast Asia, India-Pakistan, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, with exceptional performance on Korea, Philippines, and UK routes.
- Expert Team: Our logisticians, averaging over eight years of industry experience, craft optimal solutions while mitigating risks.
- Technology Support: End-to-end visualization and real-time tracking systems ensure transparent and efficient operations.
- Proven Success: From delivering 700 TEU container trade projects for Kenya LAMU to serving China FAW, Wilson has earned client trust.
Conclusion
RoRo car shipping combines cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and flexibility, making it the go-to solution for international vehicle transport. Whether you're a vehicle trader or relocating abroad, RoRo delivers safe and reliable results. Zhejiang Wilson Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd., with over a decade of expertise and a global network, is your trusted partner for seamless RoRo shipping.
Ready to start your RoRo shipping journey? Contact Wilson today for a free quote, and let us tailor the perfect logistics solution for you! ( gm@wilson-cargo.com )
