Car Export via Container vs. RORO Shipping: Which One’s Better? | GVE London – Blog

No matter if you’re exporting cars from the UK or any other country in the world, choosing the right shipping method is an extremely important decision no matter which way you look at it. When, for example, a supercar showroom is exporting luxury cars to Indonesia or another international market, their job doesn’t end when the purchase is made. It only begins there. They must ensure the car arrives safely and in the best condition possible.

Two of the most popular shipping methods for luxury cars are container shipping and RORO (Roll-on, Roll-off) shipping. But which one is better? Let’s take a closer look at both options to help you decide which method works best for you.

Container Shipping: The Secure Option

Without beating around the bush, we’ll make it clear from the get-go that container shipping is objectively better. It is often the preferred choice for many when it comes to luxury car export because it offers more protection for your vehicle during transit.

When you ship your car in a container, it’s loaded into a large metal container that’s completely sealed off from the elements. Your car is secured tightly inside, reducing the chances of any damage from external sources like weather, road debris, or even rough handling at port.

We here at GVE London, a supercar showroom, use this method of luxury car exports. We ensure our clients get their high-value cars in premium condition, and container shipping offers that peace of mind to both us and our customers.

RORO Shipping: The Quick Option

So, here is the thing with RoRo shipping. It is quick, it is affordable, but it isn’t particularly the best option for high-end vehicles. 

Here, the cars are driven onto a massive carrier, wherein they are locked into a designated spot. The cars are fixed in places, so don’t worry, they won’t be rolling around the ship and creating a bumpy car situation. However, they are left to the mercy of Gaia. The sun? The waves and the wind? Birds? The cars are exposed to those out there.

Despite that, some buyers, particularly those in countries where RoRo shipping reaches quicker and who are willing to take the gamble, still use RoRo shipping. For those exporting cars from the UK to more accessible locations, like nearby European countries, RORO isn’t uncommon to see. However, again, it is best to clarify the potential risks from the very get-go.

We personally recommend opting for this option for cars that are less valuable, despite the fact that it is indeed increasingly used for high-end cars too but for shorter distances.

Read Also: Car Shipping Insurance: Do You Need It and What Does It Cover?

Which One Should You Choose?

We believe it depends entirely upon the choice of your client, just make them aware of the two options. We personally go with container shipping as we take no chances. However, if you’re shipping standard vehicles, have a huge number of cars or are okay flipping the coin, RoRO shipping is the faster and cheaper option.

Conclusion

In the end, the decision between container shipping and RORO shipping depends on the value of the car, the destination, and your budget. If you’re looking for the safest, most reliable option for your luxury car exports, especially for rare, high-end vehicles, container shipping should be your go-to choice. If you’d like a high-end vehicle shipped to you anywhere in the world, contact us here at GVE London. We’re London’s finest supercar showroom and exclusively deal in the sale, purchase, detailing and repair of the crème cars. Contact us today!