Ro-Ro ships your car by driving it onto a special car-carrier vessel; container shipping loads it inside a steel box. For a single running car going to a major port, Ro-Ro is usually the simple choice. For high-value cars, non-running cars, spare parts or several cars at once, a container often suits better.
Key takeaways
- Ro-Ro: the car is driven on and off a car carrier and lashed inside its decks — best for running cars.
- Container: the car is loaded and fixed inside a 20-foot or 40-foot container — suits valuable cars, non-runners, parts and multi-car loads.
- Insurance depends on your price terms: under CIF the seller arranges it; under FOB or C&F you arrange it.
- Service to each port changes — ask our office for the current options and schedule for your port.
How Ro-Ro shipping works
Ro-Ro means “roll-on, roll-off”. The car is driven up a ramp onto a car-carrier vessel and driven off at the destination port.
Car carriers are large ships with many enclosed decks, like a floating car park. Each car is parked in its lane and lashed to the deck with straps so it cannot move at sea.
- The car must normally be running, because it is driven on and off. A car that does not start needs special handling — ask before you buy.
- The car should be empty. Ro-Ro lines generally do not accept personal belongings or loose parts inside the car.
- Handling is simple: no container to pack or unpack at either end.
Ro-Ro is widely used for cars from Japan to major ports such as Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.
How container shipping works
In container shipping, the car is driven or lifted into a steel container, fixed in place with wheel chocks and lashings, and the doors are sealed.
- A 20-foot container usually takes one car, sometimes with space for parts.
- A 40-foot container can take several cars, depending on their size and how they are loaded.
- The container travels as ordinary cargo on a container ship, and may change ships at a transhipment port.
- At the destination, the container is unloaded and opened (devanned) before the car is released.
Because the car is sealed inside, it is protected from weather and handling, and it does not need to be driven.
Whichever method you choose, you can browse cars ready to ship in Autocom’s stock list.
What can you load?
This is often the deciding factor.
| Item | Ro-Ro | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Running car | Yes | Yes |
| Non-running car | Only with special handling — ask first | Yes, it can be lifted or pushed in |
| Spare parts or tyres | Generally not inside the car | Yes, if declared and allowed in your country |
| Several cars for one buyer | Yes, shipped as separate units | Yes, loaded together in one container |
| Oversized vehicles (trucks, buses) | Yes, on vessels that take high and heavy cargo | Only if they fit the container |
Everything in a container must be listed on the shipping documents, and your country’s rules on used parts still apply. Check your country page in our import rules section.
Insurance: who covers what
Marine cargo insurance covers loss or damage during the sea journey, and who arranges it depends on your price terms.
- CIF: the seller arranges insurance to your destination port.
- FOB or C&F: you arrange insurance yourself, or ask whether the exporter can add it.
Read the policy: check what it covers, the claim process, and what you must do if you find damage at the port. Take photos when the car is released. For the full explanation of price terms, see FOB, C&F and CIF: what is included in the price.
Which method suits whom?
Match the method to the car and the buyer, not to the ship.
- Private buyer, one running car, major port: Ro-Ro is usually the simplest choice and often has a lower cost per car.
- High-value, classic or collector car: a container gives extra protection and less handling.
- Car that does not run: a container is usually easier.
- Car plus spare parts: a container, if parts are allowed in your country and declared.
- Dealer buying several cars: a shared 40-foot container can work well; compare it with several Ro-Ro units.
- Port without regular Ro-Ro service: a container may be the practical option.
Destination rules matter too. Australia, for example, requires every car to arrive clean for biosecurity — see the Australia import rules hub. East African buyers can check what is needed at the port in documents to clear a Japanese car at Mombasa and Dar es Salaam.
Before your car is loaded
A few steps happen before either method.
- Pre-shipment inspection, if your country requires one — for Kenya, see our guide to the QISJ inspection.
- Export deregistration in Japan and the export certificate.
- Booking on the next suitable vessel. Schedules change, so ask our office for the current schedule for your port.
- Bill of lading issued once the car is on board — you need it to collect the car.
Only pay for your car and shipping to Autocom’s official bank accounts in Japan — read how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ro-Ro safe for my car?
Yes, for a normal running car. It is parked on an enclosed deck and lashed down. For a very valuable car, a container adds protection.
Can I put my personal things inside the car?
Not on Ro-Ro — the car should be empty. In a container, extra items must be declared and allowed by your country.
How long does shipping take?
It depends on the vessel and route, which change often. Ask our office for the current schedule for your port.
Do I need insurance?
It is strongly recommended. Under CIF the seller arranges it; under FOB or C&F you should arrange it.
