4 Key Differences between RORO Auto Shipping and Overseas Containerized Auto Shipping

Container Shipping

If you plan to ship your car internationally, you can choose from these two frequently used options- RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) and Containerized Auto Shipping. These two car shipping methods are the most secure and safe means of shipping your vehicle. Shipping internationally requires some amount of paperwork and ensuring that all auto transport laws are strictly followed. However, it is essential to know the main differences between these two auto shipping services before deciding to ship your car.

RORO transport is the simplest, fastest and most cost-effective method to ship your vehicle. Although it’s the most convenient for its consumers, it is not always available in most country’s ports. So, most people prefer using the overseas containerized auto shipping method. You can choose to ship your car in a 20-foot container or consolidate it with other vehicles in a 40-foot container.

Shipping with RORO auto shipping method from the U.S. can be from the major ocean ports such as Los Angeles, Savannah, Miami, Houston, Seattle, Charleston, Jacksonville, New York and New Jersey. Overseas destinations also include main ports in Western Europe, Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, Central America and South America, Australia & New Zealand.

  1. Cost of Auto Shipping

One main difference determining the choice of car shipping method between RORO and Containerized auto shipping is the cost. RORO auto shipping method is usually more cost-effective than the containerized auto shipping method. If you choose to ship your car through containerized auto shipping, you have a broader shipping option. The cost of shipping your vehicle through overseas container auto shipping depends on whether you choose an exclusive or a shared container. However, exclusive container auto shipping is more expensive than shared container shipping.

  1. Condition of Car before Shipping

If you choose to use the RORO auto shipping method to ship your car, the vehicle needs to be in running condition. You also have to drive your vehicle onto the sea freight carrier and also off it. RORO has a straightforward loading process. Your car battery needs to remain connected with enough gas left to drive the car on and off the vessel. Additionally, it would be best if you planned to leave a copy of the car keys with the shipper. The vehicle is “rolled on” from the desired port and “rolled off” the ship at the exact destination. You can drive your car off immediately after it arrives at the port once your car arrives at your desired destination

With container shipping, your car is stored in an open or closed container placed onto the ship. You can ship your vehicle even though it is not in running condition through the containerized car shipping method.

  1. Shipping Personal Belongings

RORO ocean freight carrier can handle all types of vehicles. Although with RORO auto shipping, the car owner cannot ship their personal belongings along with the car. On the contrary, with containerized auto shipping you can transport your spare tires and some other items along with the vehicle.

  1. Fixed Arrival and Departure Dates

RORO shipping guarantees reliable departure and arrival dates which is not the case with container shipping. It also provides minimal preparations for your vehicle. RORO does not have global routes like the containerized shipping method so, you have to check its availability to the destination of your choice before shipment.

If you’re moving to a new city or need to ship your car internationally, Metti International is here to help. We are a licensed and bonded car shipping broker with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. At Metti International, we are committed to providing you with excellent customer service and an exceptional transport experience. As a finalist for the “Torch Award Finalist” by the Better Business Bureau for Ethics (BBB), we are here to help ensure your car shipment goes smoothly.

Call Metti International today at 866.620.1776 or request a quote online. You can also visit our website at www.mettiintl.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most major credit cards, postal money orders and cashiers checks are acceptable forms of payment.

As with most transport services, a deposit is generally required when placing an order. Deposits range from 10-25 % of the total shipping cost. The remaining balance will be due upon delivery.

Most auto transport companies accept cash, certified checks, and postal money orders.

Coast to coast trips usually takes between 10-14 days. Shorter trips ranges from 3-7 days, depending on the actual distance. Some factors may delay a trip, including traffic, weather, and truck breakdowns.

Yes, we request you, or a designated person, be present upon pick up of your vehicle. For your safety and your vehicle’s safety, an inspection is performed and a bill of lading must be signed that serves as proof of delivery.

The easiest way to ship an inoperable vehicle is to let us know when requesting a vehicle transport quote. There will be an additional charge, plus loading and unloading charges to your quote, if we are not informed of the vehicle’s condition prior to quoting.

Auto carriers are not licensed to carry house goods or personal items, these goods and items are not covered by the carriers insurance. Any damage to your vehicle due to household goods shifting or breaking is also not covered. Personal belongings left in the vehicle, are shipped strictly at the owners risk. Carriers will not inventory any belongings left in the vehicle and will assume no responsibility.

Your car is insured for the Blue Book value the entire time it is on the truck. Clearly listed on your Shipping Order, Agreement and Bill of Lading are occurrences not covered. At the time of pick up, a condition report is filled out and signed by both the person turning the car over and the truck driver and you are given a copy.

Upon delivery of your vehicle, this same report is presented. You should compare the condition of the vehicle to the report thoroughly at that time. If you feel damage has occurred to your vehicle during delivery, you must note it on the report before you sign it and the driver leaves. Damage done in transit does not relieve the shipper of paying for transport service performed. Claims will be handled by the vehicle carrier and insurance companies.

Metti International offers door-to-door auto transport service where possible. However, there are instances that we cannot collect/deliver directly to the door due to the size of our auto carrier’s trucks. The size of your street may prohibit direct delivery to your door. Also, some towns and cities do not allow trucks on their residential streets. If the carrier cannot get to your door, he will deliver your vehicle to the next most convenient accessible location, such as the nearest major crossing street, a shopping mall or supermarket.

Please have a no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, remove all personal items from your vehicle and have it washed and cleaned so that the ensuing inspection is easily performed. If it is a convertible, T-top, sunroof, etc. make sure all openings are closed and prepared for changing weather. You can find additional tips on how to prepare your car for transport here.