Ro-Ro vs. Container Shipping: Which is Better for Your Car?

A few years ago, I was tasked with helping a friend ship his late-model Toyota Prado from the United States to Lagos. He’d been debating between Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping for weeks, unsure which method made the most sense. I still remember the morning we finally made the choice—it felt less like a financial decision and more like picking between a budget airline and a private jet. Both would get you there, but each had its quirks, risks, and benefits.

For anyone considering shipping a car internationally, understanding the difference between Ro-Ro and container shipping isn’t just helpful—it can save you thousands of dollars, headaches, and maybe even your car. Let’s unpack both options with real-world examples, practical considerations, and a touch of the stories I’ve seen firsthand at U.S. and Nigerian ports.

What is Ro-Ro Shipping?

Ro-Ro, short for Roll-on/Roll-off, is exactly what it sounds like: vehicles are driven onto a specialized ship and secured on decks for the journey. When the ship docks, cars are driven off. No cranes, no lifting; it’s a relatively straightforward process.

The biggest appeal of Ro-Ro is cost. It tends to be cheaper than container shipping because the vessels are designed specifically for vehicles and don’t require the additional handling that containers need. For many importers, especially those bringing in standard passenger vehicles, Ro-Ro is the obvious budget-friendly choice.

I remember a man at the Port of Houston showing me his invoice for Ro-Ro shipment of a 2017 Honda Accord. He had paid roughly $1,100 for shipping, whereas friends importing similar cars via container were paying nearly $2,000. For him, the choice was simple.

But simplicity comes with trade-offs.

Pros of Ro-Ro

Lower cost: As noted, Ro-Ro is generally cheaper.

Faster loading and unloading: Since cars are driven on and off, handling times are shorter.

Designed for cars: Ro-Ro ships often have multiple decks dedicated to vehicles, reducing risk of stacking damage.

Cons of Ro-Ro

Exposure to elements: Cars are usually exposed to saltwater spray and weather conditions, which can accelerate corrosion if not properly prepped.

Limited protection from damage: Even minor collisions or scrapes can occur if vehicles shift during rough seas.

Vehicle restrictions: High-end cars, very large SUVs, or vehicles with modifications may not qualify for Ro-Ro.

I’ve personally seen two luxury SUVs arrive with minor scratches from Ro-Ro transit. Nothing catastrophic, but enough to make owners groan—and file claims.

What is Container Shipping?

Container shipping is a different world. Your car is loaded into a standard shipping container, which may be 20 or 40 feet long depending on the vehicle size and how many you’re sending. Once sealed, the container is treated almost like a floating storage unit until it reaches its destination.

This method is significantly more expensive than Ro-Ro, but it offers a level of security and control that can be worth it for certain vehicles. For example, a classic car or a luxury sports car with aftermarket modifications might justify the cost for the extra protection.

Pros of Container Shipping

Better protection: Cars are shielded from weather, saltwater, and most physical impacts.

Additional cargo options: Some people ship personal belongings along with the car in the same container, which can save on separate freight costs.

Flexibility for high-end or rare cars: Exotic cars, modified vehicles, or classics can travel more safely in a container.

Cons of Container Shipping

Higher cost: The price difference can be substantial, often double or more compared to Ro-Ro.

Slower process: Container loading, transport, and unloading can take more time.

Space limitations: You might pay for a 40-foot container but only use a fraction of it if shipping a single car, unless you share it with another shipment.

I recall helping a friend ship his Ferrari 488. He insisted on a container, even though it cost $3,000 instead of $1,200 for Ro-Ro. Two weeks later, he was relieved he’d spent the extra money when he saw how pristine the car was on arrival.

Cost Comparisons: Realistic Examples

Let’s put some numbers to it, using typical U.S. to Nigeria or South Africa routes:

Standard Sedan via Ro-Ro: $1,000–$1,300

Standard Sedan via Container: $2,000–$2,500

Luxury SUV via Ro-Ro: $1,500–$1,800 (if accepted)

Luxury SUV via Container: $3,000–$4,000

These are ballpark figures, but they illustrate the decision point: cheaper vs. safer. And when we talk about classic cars or rare models, the difference in peace of mind is often worth the extra expense.

Timing Considerations

If your car needs to arrive quickly, Ro-Ro can be a better option. Container shipping tends to be slower because containers may need to wait until a ship is fully loaded or follow specific shipping schedules. Ro-Ro vessels often have more frequent departures since they’re dedicated to vehicles.

I once met an importer whose car was stuck in a container for nearly a month simply because it was waiting to fill a 40-foot container with other shipments. He said, “I could have had it here two weeks earlier with Ro-Ro—but I wanted the container for safety.” It’s a classic trade-off between speed and protection.

Insurance and Liability

Insurance is another area where the differences become obvious. Ro-Ro insurance usually covers basic damage during transit, but some policies may exclude scratches or minor dents. Container insurance, on the other hand, is often more comprehensive, especially if the container is sealed and handled minimally.

Even with insurance, claims can be tricky. I’ve known people who shipped cars via Ro-Ro, only to find that saltwater corrosion after a rough Atlantic crossing was not covered. With a container, such risks are largely eliminated.

When Ro-Ro Might Be the Best Choice

Shipping a standard sedan or hatchback with no modifications

Budget-conscious importers who prioritize lower upfront costs

Vehicles that aren’t particularly rare, valuable, or sensitive to environmental exposure

When you need faster shipping and frequent departures are an advantage

When Container Shipping is Likely Better

Luxury, exotic, or modified vehicles

Classic cars with historical value

Cars carrying personal belongings along with the shipment

Importers who are willing to pay more for added protection and peace of mind

I’ve personally advised a mix of both. One friend shipped two vehicles: his daily-use Toyota Corolla via Ro-Ro and his restored 1970s Mustang via container. By splitting shipments this way, he balanced cost and protection effectively.

My Anecdotal Takeaways

Over the years, I’ve noticed a few patterns. First, Ro-Ro is fine for most everyday cars if you prepare them properly—wash, check tires, remove loose parts, and make sure no fluids leak. Second, container shipping is almost always worth it for high-end or sentimental vehicles. And finally, no matter which method you choose, working with a trusted shipping company makes a huge difference. Some companies claim to do both but lack proper experience, leading to delays or mishandling.

One memorable story involved a young man shipping a modified Jeep Wrangler via Ro-Ro. He thought it would be fine, but the ship’s crew refused to load it because the modifications made the vehicle “non-standard.” He ended up switching to container shipping at the last minute, adding weeks to the timeline—but ultimately saving his Jeep from possible damage or rejection.

Hidden Costs and Considerations

Port Fees: Both methods incur port handling and clearing fees, but containers often require more paperwork.

Demurrage: If your car sits at the port too long, charges can mount. Container shipments are more prone to this if ships are delayed.

Loading/Unloading Logistics: Ro-Ro is simple—drive on, drive off. Containers may require cranes, forklifts, and more coordination.

Making the Decision

At the end of the day, the choice between Ro-Ro and container shipping comes down to three main factors: cost, vehicle value, and personal risk tolerance. Ask yourself:

How valuable is this car to me?

Am I willing to pay extra for protection?

How flexible is my shipping timeline?

Do I need to transport personal belongings with the car?

Answering these questions honestly will usually point toward one method over the other.

Final Thoughts

Ro-Ro and container shipping each have their place. Ro-Ro may appear cheaper and faster but comes with some exposure risk. Container shipping costs more but can give peace of mind, especially for high-value or sentimental vehicles.

I’ve seen both methods succeed and fail, and the key is preparation. Know your car, know your budget, and know what level of risk you’re comfortable with. That way, when your car finally rolls off the ship in Nigeria, South Africa, or anywhere else, it’s exactly how you expected—ready for the road, not the repair shop.

For me, having seen the minor scratches on Ro-Ro cars and the pristine arrival of containerized vehicles, I’ve concluded: choose the method that fits the car’s story and your tolerance for surprises. And if you’re like my friend shipping a Toyota Corolla and a Mustang simultaneously, sometimes splitting shipments is the smartest strategy.

Published on: Sep 07, 2025

Related Post