Guides › Import & export

Container or RoRo? How cars are shipped overseas

Two main methods move cars across the sea. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right balance of cost and protection.

RoRo: roll-on roll-off

The car is driven onto a special car-carrier ship and secured on a deck, like a floating car park. It is usually cheaper and simple, but the car travels exposed to the ship's deck conditions and you should not leave valuables inside.

Container shipping

The car is fixed inside a sealed shipping container. It is better protected from weather and handling, can be sealed until arrival, and sometimes allows more than one car or extra items. It is often more expensive than RoRo, depending on the route.

How to choose

Choose RoRo if cost matters most and your destination port handles car carriers. Choose a container for higher-value cars or when you want extra protection. Our calculator lets you compare both for your country.

Insurance and tracking

Whichever method you use, the shipment should be insured, and you should receive a tracking number. With Global EV Link every order gets one so you can follow it from home.

Common questions

Which is cheaper, container or RoRo?

RoRo is usually cheaper, but prices depend on the route and the season. The calculator shows both.

Can I put personal items in the car?

This is usually not allowed or not advised for RoRo; ask us before you ship anything.

Ready to see your own numbers?

Pick a car and see its landed cost to your country, with 5% off the vehicle price with your personal code, protected payment and tracked shipping. We reply within 3 minutes.

Useful links: Compare container and RoRo · Track an order

More guides