RoRo Car Shipping from the UK | Ship Your Car Abroad via RoRo

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) car shipping is the most widely used and cost-effective method for shipping a vehicle overseas from the UK. Vehicles are driven directly onto a specialist ocean-going vessel, secured for the voyage, and driven off again at the destination port — no cranes, no crates, no containers. For any standard vehicle in running condition, RoRo is the practical and economical choice.

What Is RoRo Car Shipping?

RoRo stands for Roll-on/Roll-off. Rather than lifting a vehicle into a container, the car is driven aboard a purpose-built RoRo vessel at the port of departure, stowed and secured on the ship’s internal decks, and driven off again on arrival at the destination port.

RoRo vessels are multi-deck ships engineered specifically to carry wheeled cargo — cars, vans, SUVs, light trucks, buses, and more. The largest vessels in operation carry thousands of vehicles simultaneously, running on fixed international routes with scheduled departure dates throughout the year.

For most private and trade shipments of standard running vehicles, RoRo remains the first choice — primarily because it is consistently the most affordable international shipping method available.

How Does the RoRo Shipping Process Work?

Ship Cars manages the entire RoRo process on your behalf. Here is what to expect from booking through to collection:

1. Vehicle collection or port drop-off — We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the UK using our network of trade plate drivers and car transporters, or you can arrange to drop the vehicle directly to your nominated UK departure port.

2. Pre-shipment check-in — At the port terminal, your vehicle is inspected and a condition report completed. Fuel levels are checked and reduced to approximately a quarter tank (a standard shipping-line requirement for all RoRo shipments).

3. Vessel loading — Trained port staff drive your vehicle aboard the RoRo vessel and secure it for the voyage. Vessels depart on confirmed scheduled sailing dates, which we confirm with you in advance.

4. Transit — Your vehicle travels aboard the vessel for the duration of the voyage. Transit times vary by destination — see the route guide below.

5. Arrival and collection — On arrival, your vehicle is discharged and made available for customs clearance and collection. We brief every client on what to expect at the receiving end and can recommend local port agents where needed.

UK Departure Ports for RoRo Vehicle Shipping

Ship Cars works with multiple UK departure ports, giving clients flexibility on location and sailing frequency. The departure port used for your shipment will depend on destination, vessel schedule, and the most efficient routing at the time of booking.

Key UK RoRo departure ports:

• Southampton — One of the UK’s busiest vehicle shipping terminals, with frequent sailings to the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Australasia

• Tilbury (London) — Major hub for RoRo services to Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East

• Bristol (Portbury) — Commonly used for West Africa and transatlantic routes

• Sheerness — Active RoRo terminal serving European and wider international routes

• Grimsby / Immingham — Key northern ports serving European RoRo services

Where Can Ship Cars Ship Your Vehicle via RoRo?

RoRo vehicle shipping from the UK covers a genuinely global network. We regularly arrange RoRo shipments to the following destinations:

Transit times are approximate and subject to vessel schedules and routing. Contact our team for current departure dates on your specific lane.

If your destination is not listed here, contact us directly — the chances are we can still accommodate it.

RoRo vs Container Car Shipping — Which Should You Choose?

This is the most common question we receive. The honest answer is that it depends on your vehicle and your priorities.

Choose RoRo when:

• Your vehicle is in full running condition

• You are looking for the most cost-effective option

• You are shipping a standard car, van, SUV, or light truck

Choose Container when:

• Your vehicle is a classic car, high-value, or particularly vulnerable to the elements

• The vehicle is a non-runner or an electric vehicle

• You want to ship personal effects alongside the vehicle

Ship Cars is completely transparent about both options. We will tell you which is the right fit for your shipment — and why.

Explore our International Container Car Shipping

What You Need to Know Before Shipping by RoRo

Before booking a RoRo shipment, every client should be aware of the following requirements:

• Personal belongings are not permitted inside vehicles shipped via RoRo. This is a universal shipping-line rule applied across all RoRo services globally — not a ShipCars policy.

• Fuel must be reduced to approximately a quarter of a tank or less prior to port loading.

• Electric vehicles cannot travel via RoRo due to battery safety regulations. EVs must be shipped by container.

• Hybrid vehicles may be accepted on certain routes — we confirm eligibility on a destination-by-destination basis.

• Export documentation must be in order before the vessel departs. We manage this for you as a standard part of our service, including DVLA permanent export notification, V5C logbook, and any destination-specific paperwork.

Real RoRo Shipping Examples from Ship Cars

Toyota Land Cruiser — Manchester to Tema, Ghana
We collected the vehicle from Manchester, managed all export documentation, and the vehicle arrived at Tema port on schedule with no issues at customs.

Eight used vehicles — West Midlands to Jebel Ali, Dubai
A motor trader needed eight vehicles consolidated for a single sailing from Southampton. We coordinated multiple collection points across the Midlands; the full consignment cleared UAE customs without delay.

Ford Ranger — Southampton to Fremantle, Australia
A private client relocating to Perth required RoRo shipping for a Ford Ranger. We handled the pre-export biosecurity clean requirement, arranged port drop-off in Southampton, and the vehicle arrived at Fremantle within the standard transit window, ready for collection.

Frequently Asked Questions — RoRo Car Shipping

Can I ship a non-running vehicle via RoRo?

No. RoRo requires your vehicle to be in full running condition — it must be driveable on and off the vessel under its own power. Non-running vehicles must be shipped by container.

Can I leave personal items inside my car during RoRo shipping?

No. Shipping lines do not permit personal effects inside vehicles shipped via RoRo. If you need to ship personal belongings alongside your vehicle, container shipping is the appropriate option.

Is marine insurance included in the RoRo shipping price?

Marine transit insurance is not automatically included in the shipping cost. We strongly recommend arranging dedicated marine insurance cover for your vehicle — ask our team for guidance when you request a quote.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend booking as early as possible to secure a place on your preferred sailing date. Popular routes such as the UK to Australia or the UK to Dubai operate on fixed schedules and spaces fill up. Contact our team to check current availability.

What documents do I need to ship a car via RoRo from the UK?

Standard documentation includes your V5C logbook, proof of ownership and identity, and a completed DVLA permanent export notification (where applicable). Destination-specific paperwork varies by country — we advise you on the full requirements when you book.

Get a RoRo Car Shipping Quote

RoRo shipping done properly is a smooth, efficient process. Ship Cars arranges RoRo shipments week in, week out — from single private vehicles to multi-unit trade consignments. If your vehicle is eligible for RoRo, it is an excellent, cost-effective choice.

Get an Instant Quote — or call us on 01495 320540 to speak with our team directly.