What is Roll-On/Roll-Off (Ro/Ro) Transportation?

By International Sea and Air Shipping / January 23, 2020

Roll-On/Roll-Off transportation, or RO/RO transportation, stands for a method of cargo transportation. This is primarily used for vehicles, heavy machinery, and other wheeled or self-propelled equipment. This system enables drivers to load and unload these vehicles and equipment onto and off a vessel. Doing so makes the process more efficient and convenient.

In RO/RO operation, specialized vessels have large, open decks that enable vehicles and machinery to be driven directly onto the ship at the port of origin. The crew securely stows the cargo on board and transports it to the destination port. Upon arrival, the crew rolls the cargo off the ship and onto the terminal for further distribution or use.

The process is similar to how passengers drive their cars onto and off a ferry when crossing a body of water. But this is a much larger scale, with dedicated facilities for loading and unloading cargo.

What Can We Ship Using Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) Service?

RO/RO services facilitate the transportation of various goods and vehicles efficiently. Japanese car manufacturers initially developed these services to improve shipping to the United States and Europe. These services have evolved to cater to a broad range of cargo types. Companies use specialized vessels for roll-on/roll-off operations to ship the following items using RO/RO service:

• Vehicles and Trucks: It’s simple to ship cars, trucks, and other vehicles with RO/RO services
• Boats: It can safely transport the boats and yachts
• Buses: RO/RO services allow for the seamless delivery of buses and other similarly large vehicles
• Motorhomes and RVs: RO/RO shipping can also transport recreational vehicles and motorhomes
• Tractors: This form of shipping can easily transport farm tractors and similar equipment
• Excavators: Construction machinery such as excavators can be sent via RO/RO transport effortlessly
• Cranes: Specialized RO/RO vessels can transport large and heavy cranes as well

Pros of RO/RO Service Roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) services are vast and are considered an attractive option for moving various types of cargo, especially heavy machinery and self-propelled vehicles.

Enhanced Safety and Security

Ro/Ro transportation comes with a higher level of safety for cargo in transit. The cargo is protected from potential damage often caused by exposure to several elements or mishandling during the process of loading and unloading. This advantage is because it is housed within the vessel’s belly. The use of ramps and Mafi trailers eliminates the need for hoisting cargo with cranes, reducing the risk of accidents and cargo damage.

Compared to break-bulk transport, which involves multiple handling points, roll-on/roll-off service significantly minimizes the chances of cargo damage due to unforeseen issues or tarp failures.

Reliable Schedule

Ro/Ro carriers naturally work as per a predictable schedule. As they are associated with automobile manufacturers under long-term agreements, they ensure regular and consistent vessel arrivals at specific ports. They have in-depth knowledge about stop-off points, timelines, and the frequency of arrivals. Such information is a great benefit for cargo owners to plan their logistics accordingly.

Cost Savings

Ro/Ro ocean freight can also be cheaper than conventional break-bulk shipping. Since self-propelled cargo, such as cars or machinery, doesn’t fill the vessel to capacity, shippers with smaller loads can use less of the void as well as take advantage of the carrier’s fixed route.

This method can result in less transportation cost than by break-bulk, which sends vessels where there is cargo waiting and does not follow a set schedule.

Time Efficiency

Preparing cargo for Ro/Ro service requires less time and effort compared to other international shipping methods.

Roll-on/roll-off loading generally requires that the vehicles/machinery to be moved be operational—in other words, it must only be prepared by having some gas/oil in the system, and the battery should be attached. In contrast, other shipping procedures necessitate the removal of gas and batteries for safety reasons, albeit at the potential cost of increased time.

Quick Loading and Unloading Process

Loading and unloading for roll-on/roll-off service is simple and fast. SUCH SIMPLICITY LEADS TO QUICKER TURNAROUND TIMES AT THE PORT AND THUS SHORTER TRANSIT PERIODS. As a result, cargo becomes available and drivable at the destination port more swiftly compared to other shipping methods that involve more complex loading procedures, such as container shipping.

Cons or Disadvantages of Roll on/Roll off Service

Although Ro/Ro shipping can offer some benefits, it has its cons, or disadvantages, to bear in mind. Here are some of the top drawbacks:

Limited Availability and Port Accessibility

Not all international moving companies and countries offer Ro/Ro service; it is dependent upon very liberal and speedy customs in the country of arrival if they do. Furthermore, not all ports of origin and destination offer RO-RO service, so it makes sense to confirm with an international moving company or freight forwarders in advance about the port availability at either end while shipping a car overseas.

Lengthy Shipping Duration

One significant disadvantage of roll-on/roll-off shipping is the extended transit time. Ro/Ro vessels could ship your item overseas in months, while the same could be done within a few days by an air vessel. The longer transit could be a factor for time-sensitive shipments.

Lower Protection for Vehicles

Compared to container shipping or air shipping (often involving containers), roll-on/roll-off shipping provides less protection for vehicles. During the loading and unloading process, shipping workers may drive your vehicle, which poses a risk of accidents. Once on the cargo deck, environmental conditions can expose your vehicle to extreme temperatures and rough waters, which may test the cargo deck’s restraints.

Requirement for Operational Vehicles

Roll-on/roll-off service requires vehicles to be in operational condition, capable of steering and rolling up and down ramps. This condition can often be problematic for nonfunctional cars or vintage vehicles. Similarly, vehicles that operate using gas or batteries may pose a potential danger because these fuel sources can increase the risk of fires or spills.

Higher On/Pre-Carriage Costs

Ro/Ro vessels are not as prevalent as container ships, which are widely available at most ports globally. These vessels call at fewer ports. Therefore, the distance between your load’s origin/destination and the roll-on/roll-off port of export and discharge might be considerable. Companies using roll-on/roll-off vessels often face higher costs to transport cargo to and from each port as a result.

Infrequent Sailings

Ro/Ro vessels typically offer fewer sailings per month compared to container vessels. Container vessels have more frequent sailings, with some departing every five days or so. The infrequent sailings of Ro/Ro vessels require careful planning and sufficient lead time. This process is to ensure your cargo’s journey aligns with your timelines. Missing an appointment/loading time at an Ro/Ro carrier’s port could lead to significant delays. As the vessel may not return soon, it may require a complete rerouting of your shipment.

Car shipping using Roll on/Roll off Service

RO/RO service is a cost-effective method for international car shipping. Drivers use ramps to efficiently load and unload vehicles onto a specialized ship’s deck. However, roll-on/roll-off service may have limited availability. They may also have longer transit times and provide less protection for vehicles in comparison to other shipping methods.

Car Shipping with RO/RO Service Tips:  It is a good idea to hire professional help. Oftentimes, pros provide some much-needed advice on how to proceed, take care of the details that need to be taken care of prior, and assist with ensuring a pain-free trip for your car.

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