RoRo Meaning - What Is Roll-On / Roll-Off Shipping

If you’re wondering how thousands of vehicles, massive machines, and even entire trucks cross the oceans, the answer is in a unique type of shipping – RoRo.

This is Roll-On and Roll-Off shipping, mainly used to transport vehicles and other equipment on wheels over large distances, typically across the ocean.

In this quick guide, we’ll explain exactly what RoRo shipping actually means, how it works, when it’s used, and why it might be the right choice over traditional container shipping. It’s important to understand what does RoRo mean, especially if you’re involved in shipping services.

This will help you make more thoughtful decisions, so let’s see what is RoRo shipping method!

How Does RoRo Shipping Work

So, what is roll-on roll-off shipping, and how does it work?

In its foundation, RoRo shipping just makes transportation easier. It’s called Roll-On and Roll-Off because wheeled vehicles simply roll on and roll off the ships. Well, all this is possible due to the support of built-in ramps, allowing your oversized wheeled freight to just drive itself to a position.

These transportation vessels are typically called RoRo vessels or Roro ships, and they are fully equipped with everything your freight would require, such as security measures.

Well, to sum things up, we can just say that RoRo is quite an efficient way to transport wheeled freight. This type of shipping reduces the cost of handling the equipment and also lowers the entire process of loading and unloading, decreasing the RoRo shipping costs.

Is RoRo Shipping Safe?

One of the most common questions asked is whether roll-on roll-off shipping is actually safe and if you should trust this kind of shipping for your own vehicle. This burning question often sparks debates, especially when you’ve got the container shipping industry, which guarantees security.

In fact, RoRo service is widely trusted across the shipping industry for moving cars, trucks, and other rolling stock. Inside the ship, your vehicle will be strapped down securely to prevent shifting during transportation.

Most of these vessels are designed specifically to protect against all sea conditions, and the process of loading and discharging is tightly controlled by experienced crews.

Well, absolutely no transportation method comes without risks, and RoRo is considered to be a very reliable method. Also, because the cargo stays inside the vessel throughout the journey, it’s shielded from saltwater and weather, adding another layer of protection.

When Is RoRo Shipping Used

RoRo is not only used to transport your personal vehicle, as this hauling method is also one of the most popular international shipping approaches. RoRo is used for transporting everything from massive trucks to very delicate and expensive luxury cars.

The roll-on roll-off shipping method is one of the smartest choices out there, so here are a few situations in which RoRo is used by businesses:

• Shipping in Bulk: When a vehicle manufacturer is ready to move hundreds, if not even thousands, of cars across the ocean, RoRo is the most cost-effective way.
• Large Vehicles: Some of the largest vehicles, like cranes, bulldozers, massive trucks, or agricultural machines, can’t fit inside a container, so RoRo comes into play.
• Large machinery: Many construction businesses and mining companies often use RoRo service to send large gear, tools, and machinery across oceans.
• Vehicle Shipping: Individuals often book a spot on a RoRo service to move their own and personal vehicles across the ocean when moving abroad.

That’s only the tip of the iceberg, as RoRo is widely used for many other purposes. If there is one thing that combines them is that this type of freight can move and load itself on its own.

RoRo Shipping vs Container Shipping

If you’re trying to decide between RoRo shipping and using containers, it really comes down to what you’re shipping and how quickly you need it moved.

Each method has its own strengths. Here’s a side-by-side look:

In short, if you’re looking for the most efficient way to ship cars, trucks, or specialized equipment, RoRo is your way to go.

RoRo Shipping Calculator Help You Understand RoRo Shipping Rates

If you’re curious what RoRo shipping might cost, know that the rates vary based on the type of vehicle, route, and even port fees.

That’s why a RoRo shipping calculator is so helpful. Instead of guessing, you can enter details like your car’s size, shipping lane, and destination to see a wide range of RoRo shipping prices instantly. It’s an easy way to compare costs, whether it’s RoRo car shipping rates for a small sedan or roll-on-roll-off freight for heavy trucks.

Try the FreightRun RoRo shipping calculator to explore RoRo ship price options quickly!

Find Roll-On / Roll-Off Shipping Companies with FreightRun

Once you have an idea of RoRo shipping costs, the next step is finding trusted roll-on-roll-off shipping companies. This is where FreightRun has your back with roll on roll off shipping rates.

FreightRun connects you with experienced freight shipping carriers who specialize in RoRo service, handling everything from simple vehicle shipping to oversized cargo. This way, you can compare RoRo rates, check transit times, and choose a company that fits your needs.

Whether you’re moving cars, trucks, or heavy machinery, it’s smart to work with a RoRo freight forwarder who knows how to load and discharge safely and keep your shipment on schedule.