Car owners who want to travel overseas with their vehicles try to find the least cost-intensive method. Some might question if it’s worth the expense to transport an auto or if buying a car wouldn’t make more sense when arriving at a new destination.
Using Roll on Roll off car shipping can actually be more efficient than container shipping or buying another car. In the world of auto transport, RORO would be the sea version of open transport in ground shipping.
The cars are exposed to the elements but are delivered with an almost door-to-door system as they go directly to the owner at the destination port. The process offers prompt service with safe and secure delivery.
Transporting Your Car Overseas
When taking an extended holiday or relocating overseas, many people choose to take their auto with them. This means finding a reputable car shipping company versed in international transport. The shipper and the third-party carrier should be licensed and insured for the optimal safety of your vehicle while on its journey.
Shipping overseas doesn’t have to be complex with a knowledgeable transport provider handling the logistics. Planning roughly a month before departure is recommended to ensure the move is smooth. This includes reaching out to the Port of Entry to find out what paperwork you’ll need to have with you.
The company has two primary methods of transport, including RORO (roll-on, roll-off) and container shipping, each with its own set of requirements. It’s essential to consider the services that meet your needs, budget, and preferences. Here are key distinctions to help you make a more informed decision.
RORO – roll on roll off
When reaching the port, cars are driven onto the vessel’s deck, where they are secured in place for the trip. When arriving at the desired location, the vehicle is driven off for the owner to take possession of.
It’s a simple, affordable process that many people favor over container shipping. Visit https://www.globaltrademag.com/five-tips-for-working-with-road-to-roll-onroll-off-carriers/ for tips for working with RORO carriers. Here are the requirements that differentiate the service from that of container shipping:
● Exposed to the elements
Vehicles are exposed to high winds, weather conditions, and saltwater on the open decks. The autos are secured in an almost parking deck alignment, keeping them close to each other. These factors leave the cars at an increased risk of damage.
● Personal effects
Auto transport protocol with RORO is to remove all personal effects from the vehicle. These items won’t be protected if there’s a loss or damage.
● Functional autos
This method of transport is reserved for fully operational vehicles because they need to be able to drive on and off the vessel. It’s suggested that a trusted mechanic service your car to ensure it’s in good working order before transport. If not, other shipping arrangements will need to be made.
● Fixed scheduling
The RORO ship schedules are fixed, which can mean extended wait times for transport depending on availability in your specific location.
● Protection and security
If you have a high value or rare vehicle, you may want to consider the higher risks of an open deck, despite these carriers typically seeing minimal risk. Locked containers offer a higher level of protection and safety. Go here to learn details on RORO vessels.
Container shipping
Cars are placed inside a locked, enclosed transport container when shipped using this method. When secured, the container is loaded onto the ship’s deck via a crane.
With no exposure to the elements or other vehicles, cars are fully protected from potential risks. This transport is ideal for luxury, classic, or rare autos. The following are the requirements for container shipping:
● High rates
With more complexity involved in arranging shipping and added protection for cars, the rates with this transport method are considerably higher.
● Loading/unloading
The process for loading and unloading vehicles is more involved with container shipping than RORO. Special equipment and people trained to operate the machines must be scheduled at the departure and arrival ports.
The container loading process can be time intensive ensuring the cars are secure in the transport container. That’s particularly true if the port has scheduling constraints.
● Port availability
Some ports cannot handle containerized autos which can restrict your options when deciding departure and arrival points. That can mean increased transit times or rates considering extended inland transportation.
Final Thought
When shipping a car overseas, car owners rely on qualified international auto transport companies to guide them through the logistics for a seamless process. A priority is to plan far ahead of departure, pay great attention to detail, and adhere to regulations.
RORO (roll-on, roll-off) is a favored international transport method for its convenience, simplicity, and affordability. There are risks and challenges, as would be true with any shipping method; however, it proves efficient, safe, and secure when delivering cars to their owners.
