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Container vs RoRo Car Shipping UK to Australia: Pros, Cons, Cheapest Option 2025
When importing your car from the UK to Australia, most UK to Australia moves are cheapest in a shared 40 ft container. RoRo can suit some vehicles and timelines. This guide compares both so you can pick what fits your situation. The two primary methods are Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping and container shipping. Both have distinct advantages and trade-offs that depend on your budget, vehicle type, and priorities. This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros and cons of each method to help you make an informed decision.
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Container vs RoRo: Which is best for your situation?
Choosing the right shipping method impacts not only your expenses but also the safety, timing, and flexibility of the vehicle import. Understanding the key differences between RoRo and container shipping helps ensure the best fit for your situation.
What is RoRo Car Shipping?
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping, also known as “drive-on drive-off”, involves your vehicle being driven onto a specialised cargo ship where it is securely parked on a deck with many others. The vehicle remains there for the voyage and is driven off at the destination port.
Advantages of RoRo Shipping
- Cost-Effective: Depending on the route, RoRo is often cheaper than a dedicated 20 ft container. When shipping ex UK to Australia, SEA GO’s shared container service is the lowest per-car cost option.
- Quick Loading/Unloading: Vehicles can be loaded and unloaded quickly, reducing port times.
- Good Security: The ship’s enclosed decks protect cars from weather and reduce the risk of handling damage compared to open transport.
- Environmentally Efficient: RoRo vessels usually create a lower carbon footprint per vehicle imported.
Disadvantages of RoRo Shipping
- Vehicle Condition Requirements: The vehicle must be undamaged, fully operable and able to be driven on/off the ship.
- Limited Personal Effects: You cannot store personal belongings inside the car during transit.
- Exposure Risks: Though generally secure, vehicles are exposed to open decks and sea air which may affect sensitive vehicles.
- Port Limitations: Not all ports can handle RoRo vessels, limiting flexibility.
- Frequency: RoRo service is fortnightly compared to weekly container service.
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What Makes RoRo Shipping Stand Out?
RoRo ships operate like vast floating parking garages. Vehicles are driven onto the ship at the departure port and off at the destination port. This method is ideal for operational vehicles with no preference to carry personal items inside.
What is Container Car Shipping?
Container shipping involves placing your car inside a sealed steel container, which protects it throughout the journey. You can opt for a dedicated container or share one with other vehicles to reduce costs. Vehicles are loaded using ramps and locked securely until arrival.
Advantages of Container Shipping
- Shared Container Service: Cheapest option to ship cars from UK to Australia
- Superior Protection: Your car is shielded from weather, salt spray, and theft, making it ideal for classic, luxury, or antique vehicles.
- Non-Running Vehicles: Container shipping is a good option for vehicles that cannot be started or driven.
- Ship Personal Items: You can pack tools, spare parts, and other belongings inside the container along with your car.
- Frequency & Flexibility: Containers can be shipped to a wider variety of ports. Frequency – Weekly service.
- Customised Options: Ability to ship multiple vehicles or combined freight.
Disadvantages of Container Shipping
- Longer Processing: Additional time for loading, sealing, and unloading containers.
- Space Limitations: Only certain sizes of vehicles fit, larger vehicles may need RoRo.
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Container Shipping: The Premium Protection Choice
Container shipping offers enclosed, secure transport by placing your vehicle inside a sealed steel container. This option is preferred for luxury, classic, or non-operational cars, or when you want to ship personal belongings alongside.
Example: A classic British sports car enthusiast shipping a vintage Austin-Healey to Australia will select container shipping to minimise exposure to weather, salt air, and handling damage. The container also allows them to include spare parts and customised tools securely.
Cost Comparison: RoRo vs Container
| Shipping Method | UK to Australia Average Cost (2025) |
| Shared 40ft Container – Per Car Rate | £1,100 (standard) – £1,300 (large) |
| Roll-on / Roll-off (RoRo) | £1,500 – £1,900 |
| Dedicated 20ft Container | £2,800 – £3,300 |
*** Plus Australian Destination Charges ***
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Shared container shipping is the absolute cheapest option, with rates starting at just GBP 1,100 per standard car and GBP 1,300 per large car—lower than RoRo. RoRo and dedicated container options are available but generally cost more per car.
Transit Times and Reliability
Both RoRo and container shipping require a sailing time of 50–55 days. Additionally, plan for approximately one week for both loading and unloading at each end.
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Scheduling flexibility favours containers, while RoRo can be quicker if fixed sailings align with your timeframe.
Which Method is Best for Your Vehicle?
| Vehicle Type | Recommended Shipping Method | Reason |
| Standard running cars | Shared Container | Cheapest option from UK to AU. Secure and protected. |
| Classic / high-value vehicles | Shared Container | Maximum protection. No exposure to weather |
| Non-running / damaged cars | Shared Container | Does not need to move or steer during loading |
| Vehicles with personal items | Shared Container | Allows belongings to travel with the car |
| Oversized trucks / SUVs | Often RoRo | Size may not suit standard containers. We quote both |
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Additional Factors to Consider
- Port Access: Ensure your chosen method aligns with port facilities in both the UK and Australia; container shipping has wider port compatibility.
- Insurance Coverage: Container shipping often results in lower damage claims rates; check insurance policies carefully.
- Customs Clearance & Quarantine: Both involve inspections; containerised cars can benefit from easier quarantine processes due to inspection being done at unloading depot.
- Environmental Impact: RoRo shipping generally has a lower environmental footprint per vehicle.
Why Vehicle Type and Shipping Needs Matter
The choice boils down to your vehicle’s condition and what matters most during transit. If cost and speed are top priorities and your vehicle runs, RoRo is often best. Ex UK to Australia, SEA GO’s shared container option is the cheapest way of vehicle shipping. For valuable, non-running vehicles or those carrying additional cargo, container shipping maximises protection.
Related Post: UK to Australia Car Import & Shipping Costs 2025: Cheapest Options and How to Save
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
About SEA GO International
SEA GO International has over 30 years of experience shipping vehicles globally, specialising in cost-effective RoRo and secure container services from the UK to Australia. Our expert team handles vehicle import approvals, customs clearance, and door-to-door solutions to make your car shipping seamless.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
Contact SEA GO International today for a personalised UK to Australia car import quote. Our team will recommend the most cost-effective option for your vehicle. Our experts will recommend the best shipping option tailored to your vehicle and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How much does it cost to import or ship a car from the UK to Australia?
The cheapest way to ship a car from the UK to Australia is via our shared 40ft container service, starting at GBP 1,100 for standard cars and GBP 1,300 for large cars. Plus Australian destination charges.
Q2: What approvals do I need before shipping a car to Australia?
You must obtain a Vehicle Import Approval (VIA) from the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport before your car ships. Without VIA, the Australian Border Force will not release your vehicle from customs, causing costly delays or possible return of the vehicle.
Q3: Can I ship personal belongings with my car?
Personal items cannot be shipped inside a car with RoRo shipping. With container shipping, you may include personal effects, spare parts, or tools inside the sealed container, following quarantine regulations.
Q4: How long does car importing or shipping from the UK to Australia take?
Transit time is typically 50–55 days (pure sailing) for both RoRo and containers, plus around a week each for loading and unloading.
Q5: What vehicles can I ship via RoRo?
RoRo is suitable only for operable vehicles that can be driven on and off the vessel. Non-running cars or vehicles needing special handling should be shipped in containers.
Q6: What quarantine requirements apply to importing cars into Australia?
Vehicles undergo biosecurity inspection to prevent environmental contamination. Thorough cleaning is essential before shipping to remove soil, plant material, insects, or animal products. Non-compliance can lead to additional cleaning costs or entry refusal.
Q7: What ports in Australia receive car imports and shipments?
Common arrival ports include Sydney (containers only), Port Kembla (RoRo only), Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide (containers only), and Fremantle. Availability may vary depending on shipping method and vessel schedule.
Q8: Is car shipping insurance necessary?
Yes, standard motor insurance usually does not cover international shipping. Purchase marine or shipping insurance to protect your vehicle against damage or loss in transit.
Contact SEA GO International today for expert guidance and a seamless experience!
For over 30 years, SEA GO International has been passionate about getting vehicles anywhere in the world, safely and efficiently. Our team offers a full range of services, from secure containerised shipping to innovative solutions like R-Rak.
- Import & Export Shipping
- Shared Container Service (R-Rak)
- Full Container Load (FCL)
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Caravan Shipping
- Vehicle Import Approvals (VIA)
- Vehicle Valuations
- Customs Clearance
