Shipping cars to and from the USA has increased drastically in recent years. When it comes to shipping a vehicle internationally, there are only two predominant methods: container shipping and RoRo shipping.
Both options differ significantly in terms of cost, process, and safety. So, whether you’re planning to ship a used car or a brand-new one, this guide will help you understand those differences and choose the right shipping method with confidence.
What Is RoRo Shipping?
RoRo shipping (Roll-on/Roll-off shipping) is a popular method for shipping cars from the USA, where vehicles are driven directly onto the ship and secured for transport.
Once the ship reaches its destination, the vehicle is driven off—making the process simple and efficient.
Because it avoids containers and extra handling, RoRo shipping is often faster and more cost-effective for standard, operable vehicles. For more details read
What Is Container Shipping?
Container shipping involves placing a vehicle inside a sealed shipping container for ocean transport.
While it offers added protection, the process requires extra handling, loading, and securing compared to RoRo shipping.
This method is typically used for high-value vehicles, non-operational cars, or when additional household goods need to be shipped alongside the vehicle.
Key Differences Between RoRo Shipping and Container Shipping
Cost Comparison: RoRo vs Container Shipping
Cost is one of the biggest deciding factors when shipping cars from the USA. While both RoRo and container shipping can safely transport a vehicle overseas, their pricing structures are very different.
Understanding where the costs come from—and what you’re actually paying for—can help you choose the most practical and budget-friendly option.
Below is a breakdown of how RoRo shipping costs compare to container shipping.
RoRo Shipping Costs
- Generally more affordable for shipping a single vehicle
- Pricing is based on vehicle size, route, and destination port
- No container fees or packing charges
- Ideal for standard cars, SUVs, and trucks
Average Cost from the USA:
💲 $1,000 – $3,500 (depending on destination and vehicle type)
Container Shipping Costs
- Higher costs due to container rental and handling
- Additional charges for loading, securing, and unloading
- Cost-effective mainly when shipping multiple vehicles or goods together
- Often chosen for luxury or non-operational vehicles
Average Cost from the USA:
💲 $2,500 – $6,000+ depending on container size and destination
Which Option Is More Cost-Effective?
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your vehicle type, budget, and shipping needs—but when affordability and simplicity are the priority, RoRo shipping often stands out as the smarter option.
That said, selecting the right shipping method is only part of the process. Working with an experienced international freight forwarder ensures your vehicle shipment from the USA is handled correctly from start to finish.
An experienced international freight forwarder helps you choose between RoRo and container shipping, manage documentation, port coordination, and compliance requirements.
A knowledgeable logistics partner helps reduce delays, avoid unexpected costs, and ensure your vehicle arrives safely at its destination.
Whether you’re shipping a single car or coordinating international vehicle transport on a larger scale, having expert support in place allows you to move forward with confidence—knowing every detail of the shipment is professionally managed.
Why Are We Your Best Fit?
There may be many shipping companies in the USA, but very few specialize in international vehicle shipping the way we do. Below is what sets us apart.
- 40+ years of experience handling international vehicle exports from the USA with a dedicated car-shipping workflow.
- 5,000+ vehicles shipped successfully across RoRo and container services with a consistently low delay and damage rate.
- Direct operations at major US ports including Newark (NJ), Baltimore (MD), Savannah (GA), Jacksonville (FL), Houston (TX), and Los Angeles (CA).
- Regular port-to-port lanes from the USA to West Africa, East Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean, ensuring frequent sailings and stable transit times.
- Pre-export vehicle and document verification to reduce customs holds, rollovers, and port rejections before the vehicle reaches the terminal.
- Realistic, all-inclusive pricing—no teaser quotes, no last-minute port or documentation add-ons.
- Direct carrier bookings with leading RoRo and container lines, minimizing intermediaries and reducing delays.
- Support for operable and non-operable vehicles, including forklifting, lashing, and special handling when required.
- Dedicated shipment manager per booking, giving you a single point of contact from quote to arrival.
By combining proven experience, established port access, and a vehicle-focused shipping process, we provide a reliable and practical solution for international vehicle transport from the USA.