Reliable Roll on Roll off Shipping Services for Your Vehicle Worldwide
Ascope Shipping is a specialist car shipping company based in the UK, offering roll on roll off shipping to destinations worldwide. RoRo shipping is the simplest and most cost-effective method for transporting vehicles, offering numerous advantages. With over 15 years of experience, we have helped thousands of customers ship their cars, vans, trucks, buses, and even heavy machinery safely and affordably.
Whether you are relocating abroad, purchasing a vehicle, or exporting equipment, our RoRo shipping services offer a simple, secure, and cost-effective solution. If you are still deciding whether RoRo is right for your vehicle, our guide comparing RoRo vs container shipping breaks down which method suits which situation.
What Is Roll On Roll Off Shipping?
Roll on roll off shipping (RoRo) is a method where vehicles are driven directly onto purpose-built ships, secured inside enclosed decks, and then driven off at the destination port. Unlike container shipping, there is no need for cranes or lifting equipment, making the process faster, safer, and usually cheaper.
RoRo vessels are specially designed to transport cars, buses, trucks, vans, and oversized cargo. Vehicles remain protected from weather and sea conditions, as they are transported on dedicated vehicle decks. The vessels themselves are typically built with multiple internal levels, allowing vehicles of different heights and sizes to be loaded efficiently onto the deck that best suits their dimensions, from standard saloons through to taller vans and light trucks.
Is RoRo Right for Your Vehicle?
RoRo suits the vast majority of shipments, but a few eligibility rules are worth knowing before you book:
- Your vehicle must be in full running condition. RoRo relies on vehicles being driven on and off the vessel under their own power.
- Electric vehicles cannot travel by RoRo. Battery safety regulations mean EVs must be shipped by container instead. See our container shipping page for details.
- Hybrid vehicles are accepted on some routes. Eligibility depends on the specific destination, so confirm this with our team when booking.
- Fuel levels must be low. Vehicles typically need to arrive with no more than a quarter tank for safety during transit.
If your vehicle does not meet these criteria, container shipping is usually the better option.
The Advantages of RoRo Shipping
RoRo shipping is a cost-effective and efficient way to transport vehicles overseas. Unlike container shipping, you only pay for the space your vehicle occupies, making it ideal for cars, vans, 4x4s, SUVs, pickup trucks, motorhomes, and light commercial vehicles. Vehicles are driven directly on and off purpose-built vessels, reducing handling and transit times. Enclosed decks and secure strapping ensure safety, while frequent sailings from UK ports make this method reliable and convenient.
Because there is no crane loading or container packing involved, RoRo also tends to reduce the risk of handling damage. Your vehicle is driven on under its own power and secured in place, rather than being lifted, which is one of the reasons this method remains popular with both private customers and dealers shipping vehicles in volume.
Is Roll on Roll off Shipping Cheaper Than Container Shipping from the UK?
Yes, in most cases, RoRo shipping is more affordable than container shipping because you only pay for the vehicle space, not for a full container. Container shipping remains the better choice for classic, non-running, or high-value vehicles that need extra protection.
The RoRo Shipping Process
We make the process straightforward:
Step 1: Booking Your Shipment
Contact our team with details of your vehicle, destination, and preferred departure port.
Step 2: Preparing Your Vehicle
Step 3: Delivery to Port
Drive or transport your vehicle to the designated UK port. We operate from Southampton, Tilbury, Sheerness, Felixstowe, and Liverpool.
Step 4: Loading on the RoRo Vessel
Your vehicle is driven onto the roll on roll off ship, secured, and stored in covered decks.
Step 5: Arrival and Collection
Once the ship arrives at the destination port, your vehicle will be driven off and ready for collection.
Where We Ship With RoRo Shipping
Our international RoRo shipping services cover major destinations across:
- Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique, Namibia, Tunisia. Transit typically takes around 18 to 30 days, depending on the route
- Europe: Cyprus, Malta, Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, Turkey. Transit typically takes around 10 to 20 days
- Middle East: Egypt, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE. Transit typically takes around 18 to 25 days
- North America: USA, Canada. Transit typically takes around 14 to 25 days
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand. Transit typically takes around 25 to 40 days
Exact transit times depend on the vessel schedule and destination port, so we always confirm a realistic timeframe when you request your quote. For a full breakdown of routes, transit times, and RoRo pricing by destination, see our RoRo shipping to worldwide destinations guide.
Understanding RoRo Shipping Costs
The exact roll on roll off shipping cost depends on several factors:
- Type and size of your vehicle
- Destination port
- Seasonal demand and vessel availability
Vehicle size has the biggest impact on price, since larger vans and light commercial vehicles take up more deck space than a standard saloon. Destination also plays a significant role, with well-served routes generally offering more competitive pricing than less frequently sailed corridors. Contact our team for a tailored quote based on your specific vehicle and route.
Expertise in RoRo Vehicle Transport and Logistics
With over 15 years in the industry, we are recognised as one of the best RoRo shipping companies in the UK. Our services include:
- RoRo vehicle transport for cars, vans, trucks, and buses
- Roll-on roll-off logistics for fleet operators and dealerships
- Heavy machinery shipping for construction and agricultural equipment
- Support with customs clearance and Roll on Roll off shipping documentation
Types of RoRo Vessels
Different RoRo vessel types are used depending on the cargo:
- Pure Car Carriers (PCCs): Designed for standard cars and vans
- Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs): For larger vehicles and mixed loads
- RoRo cargo vessels: Built to transport heavy machinery and oversized equipment
Knowing which vessel type your shipment will travel on can also help set expectations around loading procedures and available sailing dates, since not every vessel calls at every port on the same schedule.
RoRo Shipping Documents Required
For a smooth RoRo shipment, you will typically need the following documents:
- V5C logbook, confirming vehicle ownership and registration
- Bill of sale, as proof of purchase
- Export documentation, prepared and submitted as part of the shipping process
If you are exporting permanently, you must also notify the DVLA that your vehicle is leaving the country. Our team will assist you with the full process, so nothing is left to chance before your vehicle sails.
Restricted Items for Roll on Roll off Shipping
Certain items cannot be left inside your vehicle when shipping by RoRo.
Restricted items include:
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous materials or chemicals
- Weapons or illegal items
- Personal belongings and undeclared household goods
Unlike container shipping, RoRo vessels generally do not allow personal effects to travel inside the vehicle. Removing these items before collection ensures compliance with international shipping safety regulations and avoids delays at the port.
Why Choose Ascope Shipping for Roll On Roll Off Shipping?
Ascope Shipping is trusted as one of the UK’s leading RoRo car shipping companies, with over 15 years of proven experience in international vehicle transport. We work closely with major UK and global ports, including Tilbury, Sheerness, Southampton, Felixstowe, and Liverpool, to offer reliable, affordable RoRo services with no hidden charges.
Our RoRo vessels are purpose-built car carriers, ensuring your vehicle is transported safely and securely. Cars are protected from the elements in enclosed car decks and secured using straps and chocks. Our expert team provides full support with paperwork, customs clearance, and insurance, ensuring your car, 4×4, van, or motorhome is shipped safely and delivered on time. For a complete overview of who we are and how we manage every shipment, visit our vehicle shipping agent page.
Get a Quote for Your RoRo Shipping Needs
Contact Ascope Shipping today to learn more about our RoRo shipping services and to receive a personalised quote for your vehicle transportation needs. Call 01482 228366 for a free, no-obligation quote, and let our team guide you through every step of the RoRo shipping process.