When buying a used car from Japan, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how to ship it to your country. At Autocom Japan, we specialize in exporting quality Japanese used cars worldwide, and our customers often ask: What’s the difference between Ro-Ro and container shipping? Which one is better for me?
In this article, we’ll break down both methods, highlight their pros and cons, and help you decide which shipping option suits your needs best.
What is Ro-Ro Shipping?
Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping means that vehicles are driven directly onto a specialized vessel, secured on deck, and transported overseas. Once the ship arrives at the destination port, cars are simply rolled off and released to the customer.
This is one of the most popular and cost-effective ways to ship cars from Japan, especially to African destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Mozambique.
Advantages of Ro-Ro
- Lower cost – Ro-Ro is usually the cheapest option.
- Faster loading & unloading – Vehicles are simply driven on and off the ship.
- Frequent schedules – Many vessels sail weekly from Japan to major ports in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Disadvantages of Ro-Ro
- Limited protection – Vehicles are exposed to the sea environment during the journey.
- Not suitable for all items – Extra car parts, personal belongings, or non-running vehicles cannot be shipped by Ro-Ro.
What is Container Shipping?
Container shipping involves placing vehicles inside a sealed container (usually 20ft or 40ft) that is then loaded onto a cargo vessel. This option offers maximum protection and flexibility.
At Autocom Japan, many clients from Australia and high-value buyers in Africa prefer container shipping for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or shipments with spare parts.
Advantages of Container Shipping
- Full protection – Cars are shielded from weather, saltwater, and handling risks.
- Flexibility – Allows shipping of extra car parts or multiple smaller vehicles in one container.
- Best for valuable cars – Ideal for luxury or rare models where protection matters.
Disadvantages of Container Shipping
- Higher cost – Containers are more expensive than Ro-Ro.
- Longer process – Loading and securing vehicles in containers takes more time.
- Less frequent schedules – Container shipments may not depart as often as Ro-Ro vessels.
Which Shipping Option Should You Choose?
The decision depends on your budget, vehicle type, and destination country:
- For affordable cars going to Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, DRC):
Ro-Ro is usually the best choice – it’s cheaper and ships regularly to Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Maputo, and other ports. - For luxury cars, SUVs, or sensitive shipments (Australia, Europe, or premium African buyers):
Container shipping offers superior protection and allows safe delivery of expensive models. - For shipments with spare parts or multiple vehicles:
Container shipping is more practical, since everything is packed together securely.
Why Choose Autocom Japan?
At Autocom Japan, we have years of experience exporting Japanese used cars worldwide. We work directly with trusted shipping partners to offer both Ro-Ro and container options, ensuring your vehicle arrives safely, securely, and on time.
Whether you’re buying your first Japanese car or adding another unit to your fleet, our team will guide you through every step – from purchase to delivery at your port.
Final Thoughts
Both Ro-Ro and container shipping are reliable methods to transport used cars from Japan. If you’re looking for cost efficiency, go with Ro-Ro. If you need extra protection, choose a container.
No matter which method you select, Autocom Japan ensures quality cars, secure shipping, and worldwide delivery.
👉 Ready to buy your Japanese car? Explore our latest stock and let us handle the shipping!
