RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) shipping is a method of transporting wheeled cargo — vehicles, trailers, and heavy machinery — on specialised vessels. Cargo is driven on and off the ship via ramps, making it the simplest and most affordable way to ship vehicles.
How RoRo Works
- Vehicle arrives at port — Driven or towed to the RoRo terminal at Durban Port
- Pre-shipment inspection — Condition documented, fuel drained to quarter tank
- Driven onto vessel — Via the ship's stern or side ramp onto vehicle decks
- Secured onboard — Lashed and chocked to prevent movement during transit
- Sailed to destination — Vessels carry hundreds to thousands of vehicles
- Driven off at destination port — Via ramp, reverse of loading process
What Can Ship via RoRo?
- ✅ Cars, SUVs, bakkies (pickups)
- ✅ Trucks and heavy commercial vehicles
- ✅ Buses and coaches
- ✅ Trailers (including loaded trailers)
- ✅ Construction equipment — excavators, loaders, graders
- ✅ Agricultural machinery — tractors, combines
- ✅ Mining vehicles — dump trucks, haul trucks
- ✅ Boats on trailers
RoRo vs Container Shipping for Vehicles
| Factor | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | R15,000-R50,000 | R20,000-R70,000 |
| Protection | Open deck (weather exposure) | Fully enclosed container |
| Convenience | Drive on, drive off | Needs crane loading |
| Personal effects | Not allowed inside vehicle | Can pack container |
| Availability | Regular scheduled services | Widely available |
| Best for | Running vehicles | High-value, non-running |
RoRo Shipping Costs
Costs depend on vehicle dimensions (Length × Width × Height):
| Vehicle Type | SA to UK/Europe | SA to USA |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan/small car | R20,000-R30,000 | R25,000-R40,000 |
| SUV/4×4 | R25,000-R40,000 | R35,000-R50,000 |
| Bakkie/Pickup | R25,000-R35,000 | R30,000-R45,000 |
| Truck | Quote required | Quote required |
Rates are indicative and fluctuate with fuel surcharges and demand.
RoRo at Durban Port
Durban Port's car terminal handles RoRo vessels at dedicated berths:
- Regular sailings to Europe, Middle East, East Africa, and Asia
- Vehicle processing areas for customs clearance
- Pre-delivery inspection facilities
Documentation Required
- Bill of lading (vehicle details, VIN number)
- Registration/title documents
- Commercial invoice (for commercial shipments)
- Police clearance (proving vehicle isn't stolen)
- Export permit (if required)
- ITAC import permit (for vehicle imports to SA)
Learn more about car shipping → | How to import a car →
Get a RoRo quote → | Call: 076 982 0036