Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) Car Shipping — The Smart Way to Ship Your Vehicle

When it comes to shipping a vehicle overseas, the method you choose matters just as much as the company you trust with it. At **Shipcars.co.uk**, we’ve helped thousands of customers move their cars, vans, SUVs, and trucks across the world — and RoRo (Roll on Roll off) shipping remains one of the most popular, cost-effective, and efficient methods we offer.

Whether you’re relocating abroad, buying or selling a vehicle internationally, or simply need to move a car from the UK to another country, RoRo vehicle shipping is very likely the right option for you. Let us break it all down.

 What Is RoRo Shipping?

RoRo stands for Roll on, Roll off — and the name says it all. Your vehicle is simply driven onto a specially designed ocean-going vessel at the port of departure and driven off again at the destination port. No cranes. No lifting. No complicated rigging.

These vessels are purpose-built for transporting wheeled cargo. Think of them as massive floating car parks, capable of carrying thousands of vehicles in a single voyage — everything from standard saloon cars to oversized commercial trucks. The same method is used by major manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Jaguar to transport their brand-new vehicles across the globe.

At Shipcars.co.uk, we operate **regular RoRo departures from key UK ports** including Southampton, Tilbury, Immingham, and Liverpool — giving you frequent sailing options to suit your timescale and destination.

Why Choose RoRo Over Container Shipping?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and it’s a fair one. Here’s a straightforward comparison:

| Feature | RoRo Shipping | Container Shipping |

| Cost | More affordable | Higher cost |

| Speed of loading | Faster, simpler | More labour-intensive |

| Best for | Running vehicles | Non-runners, classics, EVs |

| Personal effects allowed | Not permitted |  Often permitted |

| Electric vehicles | Not suitable |  Fully supported |

| Luxury or fragile vehicles | Standard protection | Enhanced protection |

For the majority of customers shipping a standard car, SUV, or light commercial vehicle, RoRo is the smarter, more cost-effective choice. If you’re shipping a non-running vehicle, an electric car, or a high-value classic, our **container shipping** option may suit you better — and our team will always advise you honestly on which is the right fit.

How the RoRo Shipping Process Works

One of the biggest reasons customers choose RoRo with Shipcars.co.uk is just how straightforward the process is. Here’s what to expect:

1. Get a Quote — Use our instant online quote tool or speak directly with our expert team. We’ll give you a clear, honest price with no hidden surprises.

2. Book Your Shipment — Once you’re happy with the quote, we’ll lock in your sailing date and handle all the paperwork on your behalf, including UK export documentation.

3. Vehicle Collection or Port Drop-Off — You can either deliver your vehicle directly to our secure port facility, or we can arrange UK-wide collection using fully insured trade plate drivers or car transporters. The choice is yours.

4. Your Car Is Loaded — Your vehicle is driven onto the vessel by trained port staff and professionally secured for the voyage. All loose items must be removed from the vehicle before shipping.

5. Transit and Tracking — Your vehicle begins its journey. Our team keeps you informed throughout, and we can advise on estimated arrival timings.

6. Arrival and Customs Clearance  — Once your vehicle arrives at the destination port, it will go through customs. We’ll guide you through what to expect and can recommend trusted local agents to assist with clearance where needed.

Where Can You Ship With RoRo?

Shipcars.co.uk connects you to **over 200 destinations worldwide** via RoRo. Some of the most popular routes we handle include:

– 🇦🇺 **UK to Australia** (via Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane)

– 🇺🇸 **UK to the USA** (Baltimore, New York, Houston, Los Angeles)

– 🇿🇦 **UK to South Africa** (Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth)

– 🇨🇾 **UK to Cyprus** (Limassol)

– 🇳🇿 **UK to New Zealand** (Auckland, Christchurch)

– 🇦🇪 **UK to the UAE** (Dubai, Abu Dhabi)

– 🇳🇦 **UK to Namibia** (Walvis Bay)

– 🇯🇲 **UK to the Caribbean** (Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad)

– 🇳🇬 **UK to West Africa** (Lagos, Tema, Dakar)

No matter where in the world your vehicle needs to go, there’s a good chance we’ve shipped there before — and we know exactly how to do it smoothly.

 What Vehicles Can Be Shipped via RoRo?

RoRo shipping works well for a wide range of vehicles, including:

– Saloon cars and hatchbacks

–  SUVs and 4x4s

– Vans and minibuses

–  Trucks, tractor units, and trailers

–  Motorhomes and campervans

– Agricultural and construction machinery

Please note: Personal belongings cannot be left inside vehicles during RoRo shipment. Electric vehicles (EVs) must be shipped via container due to battery regulations. Hybrid vehicles may be accepted on certain RoRo routes — just ask our team and we’ll confirm availability.

Real Customer Experience

A customer relocating from Birmingham to Perth, Australia, shipped their Ford Ranger via RoRo through Shipcars.co.uk. From port collection in the UK to arrival at Fremantle, the entire process took just over five weeks — and the vehicle arrived in exactly the condition it left in. The customer told us it was far easier than they expected.”*

A private seller in the UK recently used our RoRo service to export a Range Rover Sport to a buyer in Dubai. The car was collected from the seller’s home, delivered to Southampton, and was with the buyer within three weeks. Job done — with zero stress on either side.”*

RoRo vs Container — Which One Do You Need?

Still unsure which shipping method is right for you? Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

If your vehicle runs, drives, and you don’t need to ship personal items inside it** → RoRo is your best bet.

If it’s a non-runner, an EV, a classic, or a high-value vehicle that needs extra protection → Container shipping is the safer choice.

Our team at Ship Cars Ltd  is always happy to talk through both options with you — no pressure, just honest advice from people who genuinely know their stuff.

 Why Trust Shipcars.co.uk With Your Vehicle?

We’re not a call centre that passes you between departments. When you contact Shipcars.co.uk, you speak with experienced vehicle shipping specialists who handle your booking from start to finish.

– Over a decade of international vehicle shipping experience

–  Regular weekly sailings from multiple UK ports

– Transparent pricing — no hidden fees

– UK-wide vehicle collection service

–  Optional transit insurance for complete peace of mind

– Export documentation handled on your behalf

–  Trusted by private customers, car dealers, and businesses alike

Whether this is your first time shipping a vehicle or you’re a regular exporter, we make the process simple, clear, and as stress-free as possible.

Ready to ship your vehicle? Contact the team at Shipcars.co.uk today for a free, no-obligation quote — and let’s get your car moving.*