RoRo Shipping from Global: Vehicle and Heavy Equipment Export Guide

China has become the world's largest automobile exporter, with over 5 million vehicles exported annually to markets in Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Beyond passenger cars, China also exports vast quantities of commercial trucks, buses, construction machinery, and agricultural equipment. RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method for transporting these self-propelled and towable vehicles by sea.

This guide covers everything you need to know about RoRo shipping from Global, including how it works, the types of cargo it accommodates, how it compares to container shipping, major trade routes, vessel schedules, cost considerations, and the complete loading process.

What Is RoRo Shipping?

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping involves vessels designed specifically to carry wheeled cargo that can be driven or towed on and off the ship using built-in ramps. Unlike container ships, which require cranes to lift cargo, RoRo vessels allow vehicles to be driven directly aboard through stern or side ramps, parked securely on internal deck levels, and driven off at the destination port.

The name "Roll-on/Roll-off" describes the loading and unloading method: vehicles roll on at the origin port and roll off at the destination. This is fundamentally different from lift-on/lift-off (LoLo) container shipping, where cargo is lifted by cranes.

Types of RoRo Vessels

RoRo vessels come in several configurations, each optimized for different cargo types:

• Pure Car Carriers (PCC): Designed primarily for passenger cars. Multiple deck levels with heights of 1.7-2.0m, maximizing vehicle capacity. Can carry 3,000-8,500+ vehicles per vessel.
• Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC): Similar to PCCs but with adjustable deck heights to accommodate a mix of passenger cars, trucks, and heavy equipment. Capacity ranges from 2,000-8,500 CEU (Car Equivalent Units).
• ConRo vessels: Combination vessels that carry both RoRo cargo and containers. These flexible vessels serve routes with mixed cargo demand.
• Heavy RoRo / Project RoRo: Specialized vessels with reinforced decks and high-capacity ramps (up to 500+ tons) for extremely heavy construction and industrial equipment.

Cargo Types Suitable for RoRo Shipping

RoRo shipping is ideal for any cargo that can be driven, towed, or mounted on wheels (mafi trailers). The most common cargo types exported from Global via RoRo include:

Passenger Vehicles

China is the world's largest auto exporter, with brands like BYD, Chery, Geely, SAIC, Great Wall, and Changan shipping millions of vehicles annually. RoRo is the standard method for new car exports, with vehicles driven directly from factory storage yards onto vessels at ports like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Tianjin. Both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) are shipped via RoRo, though EVs have specific dangerous goods requirements due to their lithium batteries.

Commercial Trucks and Buses

Chinese truck manufacturers including FAW, Dongfeng, Sinotruk, and Shacman export heavy-duty trucks, dump trucks, tractor units, and specialized commercial vehicles to global markets. Buses from manufacturers like Yutong, King Long, and Golden Dragon are also major RoRo exports, particularly to developing markets in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America where public transportation infrastructure is expanding.

Construction and Engineering Equipment

Heavy machinery from Chinese manufacturers such as XCMG, SANY, LiuGong, and Zoomlion is exported worldwide via RoRo. Common equipment includes:

• Excavators (mini, medium, and large)
• Bulldozers and motor graders
• Wheel loaders and skid steer loaders
• Cranes (mobile, crawler, and tower)
• Road construction equipment (pavers, rollers, mixers)
• Concrete pumps and batching plants

Agricultural Equipment

Tractors, harvesters, and farm implements from manufacturers like Lovol, Dongfeng, and Wuzheng are exported to agricultural markets. These are typically self-propelled and well-suited to RoRo shipping.

Static Cargo on Mafi Trailers

Cargo that cannot self-propel—such as transformers, generators, pressure vessels, or large industrial modules—can be shipped via RoRo by securing them to mafi trailers (low-bed roll trailers). These specialized trailers are towed onto the vessel by terminal tractors, allowing non-wheeled cargo to benefit from RoRo's efficient loading process. This is often more practical than flat rack container shipping for very heavy items.

RoRo vs Container Shipping: Which Is Better?

For vehicles and wheeled equipment, both RoRo and container shipping are viable options. Each method has advantages and limitations:

Factor	RoRo Shipping	Container Shipping
Loading Method	Driven on/off via ramps	Lifted by crane into container
Vehicle Condition	Must be drivable	Can be non-running (loaded by forklift)
Capacity per Shipment	Thousands of vehicles per vessel	1-4 vehicles per 40' container
Cost per Vehicle	Lower (economies of scale)	Higher (container + securing costs)
Transit Time	Direct routing, fewer transshipments	More transshipment options, potentially longer
Weather Exposure	Protected inside vessel hull	Sealed inside container
Port Coverage	Limited RoRo-capable ports	All container ports
Flexibility	Fixed schedules, less frequent	Multiple weekly sailings
Damage Risk	Low (driven carefully, lashed to deck)	Low-Medium (loading/unloading by crane)

Major RoRo Trade Routes from Global

RoRo shipping routes from Global serve virtually every major market. The most active trade lanes include:

China to Europe

The China-Europe RoRo route is the busiest vehicle export lane, driven by surging demand for Chinese EVs in European markets. Major destination ports include:

• Zeebrugge, Belgium — Europe's largest RoRo hub for vehicle imports
• Bremerhaven, Germany — Major German market entry point
• Rotterdam, Netherlands — Pan-European distribution hub
• Vigo, Spain and La Spezia, Italy — Southern Europe entry points

Typical transit time: 35-45 days from Shanghai or Tianjin.

China to Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is a major destination for Chinese commercial vehicles and machinery. Key ports include Manila (Philippines), Jakarta (Indonesia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Laem Chabang (Thailand). Transit time: 7-14 days from South China ports.

China to Middle East

Dubai (Jebel Ali), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Dammam), and other Gulf ports receive significant volumes of Chinese vehicles and construction equipment. Transit time: 18-25 days.

China to Africa

African markets are major destinations for Chinese commercial trucks, buses, and used machinery. Key ports include Lagos (Nigeria), Mombasa (Kenya), Durban (South Africa), and Casablanca (Morocco). Transit time: 30-45 days depending on destination.

China to Latin America

Mexico (Lázaro Cárdenas), Brazil (Santos), Chile (San Antonio), and Peru (Callao) are growing markets for Chinese vehicle exports. Transit time: 30-40 days.

China to Australia and New Zealand

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland receive regular RoRo sailings from Global. Transit time: 18-25 days.

RoRo Vessel Schedules and Frequency

RoRo schedules differ significantly from container shipping. Key characteristics include:

Sailing Frequency

Unlike container shipping, which offers multiple weekly sailings on major routes, RoRo sailings are less frequent:

• China to Europe: 2-4 sailings per month from major ports
• China to Southeast Asia: Weekly or bi-weekly sailings
• China to Middle East: 1-2 sailings per month
• China to Africa: 1-2 sailings per month
• China to Latin America: 1-2 sailings per month

Booking Lead Time

RoRo bookings should be made 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak export seasons. Chinese New Year (January/February) and pre-summer export surges create significant demand spikes. During these periods, RoRo space can sell out completely, forcing shippers to wait for the next available sailing or switch to more expensive container shipping.

Major RoRo Ports in China

• Shanghai: Largest RoRo export port in China; serves all major routes
• Tianjin (Xingang): Northern China's primary RoRo port; strong for Europe and Africa routes
• Guangzhou (Nansha): South China RoRo hub; strong for Southeast Asia and Middle East
• Qingdao: Growing RoRo port serving Shandong manufacturing base
• Shenzhen (Yantian): Limited RoRo capacity but expanding

RoRo Shipping Costs

RoRo pricing is typically quoted per vehicle or per unit of equipment, based on the cargo's dimensions. The pricing structure is simpler than container shipping but includes several components:

Key Cost Factors

• Vehicle Dimensions: Length x Width (most carriers use a dimensional matrix). Height may also affect pricing on multi-deck vessels.
• Vehicle Type: Passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and heavy equipment have different rate categories.
• Route and Destination: Longer routes and less-served destinations command higher rates.
• Season: Peak season surcharges apply during Chinese New Year and summer export peaks.

Typical Rate Ranges (2026)

Route	Passenger Car	SUV/Van	Heavy Truck/Equipment
China to Europe	$800-$1,500	$1,000-$1,800	$2,500-$5,000
China to Southeast Asia	$300-$600	$400-$800	$1,000-$2,500
China to Middle East	$600-$1,000	$800-$1,300	$2,000-$4,000
China to Africa	$800-$1,400	$1,000-$1,700	$2,500-$5,000
China to Latin America	$1,000-$1,800	$1,300-$2,200	$3,000-$6,000

Additional charges include origin port handling, documentation fees, customs clearance, destination port charges, and optional marine insurance. For non-running vehicles or mafi trailer cargo, additional loading/unloading fees apply.

The RoRo Loading Process

Understanding the RoRo loading process helps shippers prepare their cargo and avoid delays:

Step 1: Pre-Shipment Preparation

• Ensure vehicles have adequate fuel (typically 1/4 tank or less for safety compliance)
• Disconnect or disable alarm systems to prevent battery drain
• Remove or secure loose items, personal belongings, and aftermarket accessories
• Verify battery charge and tire pressure
• For EVs: ensure battery state of charge meets carrier requirements (typically 30-50%)
• Apply protective covering if required (wheel covers, mirror guards)

Step 2: Port Arrival and Inspection

Vehicles arrive at the port's vehicle processing center (VPC) by truck, train, or driven directly from nearby factories. Port inspectors verify:

• Vehicle identification numbers (VIN) match shipping documents
• Vehicle dimensions match the booking
• No visible damage or leaks
• Fuel level compliance
• Battery isolation for EVs (if required by carrier)

Step 3: Loading Onto the Vessel

Professional drivers employed by the terminal operator drive vehicles from the VPC onto the vessel via the stern or side ramp. Vehicles are directed to their assigned deck and parking position by vessel loading supervisors. Each vehicle is positioned according to a pre-planned stowage plan that optimizes space utilization and ensures safe access for lashing.

Step 4: Lashing and Securing

Once positioned, each vehicle is secured to the deck using specialized lashing straps or chains attached to designated lashing points on the vehicle's chassis and the vessel deck. Lashing teams follow strict protocols:

• Minimum 4 lashing points per standard passenger vehicle (more for heavy equipment)
• Tension verification using calibrated tools
• Wheel chocks for additional stability on heavy equipment
• Blocking and bracing for non-standard cargo on mafi trailers

Step 5: Transit and Monitoring

During transit, the vessel's crew conducts regular inspections of lashing integrity, particularly after heavy weather. Modern RoRo vessels are equipped with vehicle deck monitoring systems that track temperature, humidity, and (for EV carriers) fire detection systems.

Step 6: Destination Discharge

At the destination port, vehicles are driven off the vessel in reverse order of loading. They undergo a post-discharge inspection to verify condition, then proceed to the destination VPC for customs clearance and release to the consignee.

Special Considerations for EV Exports

The explosive growth of Chinese EV exports has introduced new considerations for RoRo shipping. Lithium ion batteries are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods (UN3171), and several carriers and ports have implemented specific EV handling protocols:

• Battery state-of-charge limitations (typically max 30-50%)
• Enhanced fire detection and suppression systems on EV-carrying vessels
• Segregation requirements between EVs and other cargo
• Special documentation including battery type, capacity, and UN classification
• Some ports require pre-arrival EV safety certification

SHAQ Logistics stays current with evolving EV shipping regulations and can ensure your electric vehicle exports comply with all carrier and port requirements.

Conclusion

RoRo shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method for exporting vehicles and heavy equipment from Global. With dedicated vessels capable of carrying thousands of vehicles, lower per-unit costs than container shipping, and established routes to every major market, RoRo is the preferred choice for automotive and machinery exporters.

By understanding the cargo types suitable for RoRo, comparing it with container alternatives, planning around vessel schedules, and following proper loading and preparation protocols, you can optimize your vehicle and equipment export logistics. SHAQ Logistics provides comprehensive RoRo shipping services from all major Chinese ports, with expertise in vehicle exports, heavy equipment, and EV shipping compliance.

Ready to ship vehicles or equipment from Global via RoRo? Contact SHAQ Logistics for competitive rates and expert guidance on your RoRo shipment.