RoRo car shipping from the USA is a practical way to export an eligible running vehicle without placing it inside a shipping container. RoRo stands for roll-on/roll-off: a trained terminal driver moves the vehicle onto a vessel using a ramp, and the carrier secures it for the ocean voyage. The method can be cost-effective on lanes served by vehicle carriers, but availability, documentation and vehicle condition must be verified before buying.
This service overview explains how international buyers can arrange RoRo shipping for a car purchased from a U.S. dealership, auction, fleet operator or private seller. BorderlessUSA helps buyers find available U.S. inventory; All Transport Depot provides RoRo shipping services and rate inquiries.
What is RoRo car shipping?
A RoRo vessel is designed to carry wheeled or self-propelled cargo. Instead of lifting every car in a container, terminal staff drive or otherwise move accepted vehicles along the ship's ramp, position them on a vehicle deck and secure them in accordance with carrier procedures. After arrival, the vehicle is discharged at an approved terminal where the consignee or appointed agent completes the release process.
RoRo is often considered for running sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks and certain commercial vehicles. It is not automatically suitable for every automobile: clearance, modifications, condition, destination availability and dangerous-goods restrictions can affect acceptance. Some carriers have specific rules for electric vehicles, damaged vehicles, fuel levels, batteries or personal belongings. Ask the forwarder to verify the requirements for the actual booking.
Check your car's eligibility before booking
Start with the vehicle's VIN, model year, make, model and operating condition. A typical RoRo candidate must start, steer and brake safely so it can be handled without special loading equipment. Tell the forwarder if there are missing keys, fluid leaks, a low suspension, oversized tires or damage affecting safe movement. Even when a car can move, that does not guarantee carrier acceptance.
For an overseas purchase, the seller's ability to transfer ownership is equally important. Request a clear explanation of the title or manufacturer's statement of origin, any lien, the bill of sale and the party authorized to export. If a vehicle has a salvage or branded title, confirm that the carrier and importing country allow it; a sale listing alone is not proof of export eligibility.
Check destination rules independently. Countries may restrict age, steering position, emissions class, accident history or vehicle category. Import permissions and taxes can make an otherwise inexpensive car an uneconomic purchase.
How to ship a car from the USA by RoRo: step by step
- Choose and verify the vehicle. Compare live inventory on BorderlessUSA's U.S. cars page, confirm the asking price directly with the seller and obtain the VIN and ownership paperwork. Use a qualified independent inspection for a high-value or uncertain purchase.
- Request a route-specific quotation. Provide the exact pickup city and state, destination country or port, make, model, year and operating status. Ask which U.S. RoRo port and overseas terminal actually serve the route.
- Arrange inland pickup or delivery. The seller may deliver to the export terminal, or a domestic transporter may collect the vehicle. Confirm gate appointments, keys, operating condition, pickup access and transport insurance responsibilities.
- Complete export documentation. Used self-propelled vehicle exports are subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements. Confirm the title-document submission procedure, export filing responsibility and deadlines with the designated export port or authorized professional.
- Complete terminal receipt and ocean loading. The vehicle is checked into the designated yard, inspected as required and delivered within the carrier cutoff. Ask when custody changes and whether pre-shipment condition photographs will be supplied.
- Arrange discharge and customs clearance. The overseas consignee or agent needs carrier release instructions, destination documents and payment for applicable port charges, customs duty, taxes and storage.
RoRo export paperwork and the 72-hour rule
U.S. rules for used self-propelled vehicles are distinct from ordinary commercial freight. CBP information states that exporters generally must submit required vehicle export documents to the port at least 72 hours before export and file Electronic Export Information in AES for used self-propelled vehicle exports. A titled vehicle typically requires its original title or qualifying certified copy and supporting copies. Port procedures vary, so have the forwarder confirm the exact location, submission channel, VIN inspection and applicable cutoff for your booking.
Official reference: U.S. CBP requirements for exporting vehicles. The seller should not be asked to surrender a title or release keys to an unverified party without appropriate written arrangements.
What does RoRo shipping cost?
There is no reliable universal RoRo price because the rate changes with the origin and destination ports, vehicle size, carrier space, sailing schedule and currency or fuel-related charges. A sedan delivered directly to a port may have a very different total cost from an oversized SUV that needs a long domestic tow and destination storage.
A written quote should distinguish: U.S. inland transport, port and terminal fees, ocean freight, export documentation, insurance if selected, and destination handling. Import duty, VAT and registration costs usually depend on the importing country and must be budgeted separately. For an accurate route-based proposal, use the shipping-cost inquiry or the RoRo rates page. Avoid relying on an attractive headline freight figure without a list of exclusions.
RoRo versus container shipping
RoRo can be efficient for an eligible running vehicle when a direct or acceptable connecting vessel service is available. Container shipping may be preferable when the vehicle requires controlled loading, is not accepted by a RoRo operator or must move to a destination where the container network offers better coverage. It is not correct to assume that container shipping always permits household goods inside a car: carrier acceptance, customs declarations, loading and insurance rules still apply.
Ask for both options when the vehicle is valuable, modified or non-running. The cheapest ocean line item is not always the cheapest delivered plan once port handling and inland pickup are included.
Common mistakes international buyers should avoid
- Buying a vehicle before confirming the destination country's age, emissions and registration rules.
- Assuming every U.S. port has a RoRo service to every overseas destination.
- Booking without confirming the title status, lien release or export-authorized party.
- Describing a damaged or non-running car as operable to obtain a lower quote.
- Leaving loose personal property or undeclared cargo in the vehicle.
- Comparing quotes that do not cover the same U.S. pickup, port charges and destination services.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a non-running car by RoRo?
Do not assume it is accepted. Some operations have controlled handling alternatives, but many require a safely operable vehicle. Ask for a container or specialist loading assessment if it does not start, steer or brake.
Can I ship personal belongings inside my car?
Not as a default. Carriers and terminals commonly restrict loose items, and customs and insurance requirements differ. Ask for written acceptance before packing anything into the vehicle.
Do I have to drive the car to a U.S. port?
No. A domestic carrier can often collect it from a dealer, auction or seller and arrange delivery to the designated export terminal.
Is a RoRo quotation the same as an import quotation?
No. Ocean freight is only part of the budget. Destination customs clearance, duties, taxes, storage and registration can be separate expenses.
Next step: If you have found a car but have not purchased it, check shipping options before you buy. If the vehicle is already yours, request pickup and a shipping plan. Browse current U.S. car listings if you are still looking.