When shipping a vehicle internationally, you have two main options: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and Container shipping. Each has distinct advantages depending on your budget, vehicle value, and destination.
| Feature | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $1,500 – $3,000 | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Security | Open deck (exposed) | Sealed container (enclosed) |
| Best For | Standard vehicles | High-value / luxury vehicles |
| Can Ship Extras? | No (car only) | Yes (parts, tires, personal items) |
| Availability | More routes globally | Fewer direct routes |
| Transit Time | 3-5 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Damage Risk | Low-moderate | Very low |
When to Choose RoRo
RoRo shipping is the most cost-effective option for standard vehicles. The car is driven onto the vessel and secured on the cargo deck. It's ideal for vehicles under $50,000 where the savings on shipping outweigh the slightly higher risk of exposure to salt spray and weather. Most of our West Africa shipments (Nigeria, Ghana, Benin) go via RoRo.
When to Choose Container
For vehicles over $100,000 — Lamborghinis, Rolls-Royces, McLarens — container shipping is the way to go. The vehicle is loaded into a sealed 20ft or 40ft container, strapped down, and fully enclosed during transit. You can also pack spare parts, wheels, or personal items alongside the vehicle.
Our Recommendation
At LuxeAutoImports, we use RoRo for vehicles under $80K and container for anything above or high-value exotics. All shipments include marine transit insurance regardless of method.