RoRo Car Shipping
RoRo Car Shipping Australia
Ship your car overseas with confidence!
SEA GO provides secure and cost-effective RoRo shipping for cars and other operable vehicles travelling to and from Australia.
What is RoRo Vehicle Shipping?
“RoRo” stands for Roll-On Roll-Off, a shipping method designed for vehicles and other wheeled cargo. Instead of being lifted by crane or packed into containers, vehicles are driven or towed directly onto a specialised RoRo vessel using built-in ramps and securely fastened for transit.
RoRo vessels have multiple vehicle decks that can accommodate cars, motorcycles, caravans, trailers, motorhomes, trucks and certain types of machinery.
Once on board, vehicles are stored on enclosed decks and secured for the voyage, helping protect them from weather exposure and unnecessary handling.
RoRo Shipping to and from Australia
SEA GO arranges RoRo vehicle shipping on selected international routes to and from Australia, helping customers manage the process from booking through to arrival.
Depending on the shipment, SEA GO can assist with vehicle collection or port delivery, shipping arrangements, documentation, Customs clearance, Australian biosecurity requirements and optional final delivery.
RoRo availability varies depending on the origin, destination port, vehicle type and vessel schedule, so our team can confirm the most suitable option when preparing your quote.
For vehicles being imported into Australia, the appropriate Vehicle Import Approval must also be obtained before the vehicle is imported.
How RoRo Shipping Works – Step by Step
- Vehicle delivery or collection — You drive (or we collect) your vehicle to the designated port.
- Loading (“Roll-On”) — Using ramps, the vehicle is driven or towed onto the RoRo vessel. It is then secured using lashing straps, wheel chocks, and deck lashings to prevent movement during voyage.
- Sea transit — The vehicle remains on an enclosed, secure deck — protected from elements, handling damage, or salt air impacts.
- Unloading (“Roll-Off”) — Upon arrival, the vehicle is driven off and proceeds to customs clearance, quarantine inspection (if applicable), and delivery.
Why Choose SEA GO for RoRo Car Shipping?
At SEA GO, we’re dedicated to delivering safe, efficient, and stress-free car shipping solutions backed by years of experience and genuine care for our clients.
Here is why we stand out as your trusted partner for RoRo car shipping:
- Cost-effective: Compared with dedicated containers or other methods, RoRo tends to be more affordable for operable vehicles.
- Faster loading and unloading: Since vehicles roll on and off, port operations are quicker, reducing delays.
- Safe and secure transit: Vehicles are stored below deck on enclosed decks, minimising exposure to weather and handling damage.
- Flexible cargo — not just cars: suitable for cars, 4x4s, caravans, trailers, boats (on trailers), motorhomes, and certain machinery or commercial vehicles — provided they’re operable/self-propelled.
- Global coverage: We operate on key international routes connecting major ports worldwide: Europe, UK, USA, Asia, and Australia.
By choosing SEA GO for your shipping needs, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in the hands of a reliable and experienced team.
When is RoRo Right for You?
Your vehicle is fully operational
It must be able to start, steer, and move under its own power.
You are shipping just the vehicle
No personal possessions should be stored inside during transit (unlike container shipping).
You do not require container-level isolation
RoRo offers protection, but if you have a high-value classic or a non-running vehicle, container shipping might be more appropriate.
Ready to Experience the RoRo Difference?
Get a free quote and start your stress-free international vehicle move today!
The RoRo Car Shipping Process with SEA GO
At SEA GO, we make RoRo car shipping simple! Here is a quick look:
1. Get a Quote
Tell us about your car, origin, and destination. We will provide you with a transparent quote.
2. Book & Prepare
Confirm your booking and gather the necessary documents (registration, etc.). We will guide you on any pre-shipment car preparation.
3. Pick-Up & Secure Loading
We can collect your vehicle if requested or arrange for it to be delivered to the nominated port. The vehicle is then driven onto the RoRo vessel and securely positioned on the designated vehicle deck for transit.
4. Track Your Shipment
Relax and monitor your car’s journey with online tracking information.
5. Customs, Biosecurity & Delivery
On arrival in Australia, the vehicle proceeds through the required Customs clearance and applicable biosecurity requirements. Once released, SEA GO can arrange delivery to your chosen destination if requested.
Throughout the entire process, our dedicated customer support team will be available to answer any questions and keep you informed every step of the way.
When RoRo Makes Sense - Common Use Cases
Exporting or importing standard cars, 4x4s, SUVs, trucks.
Shipping caravans, motorhomes, trailers, boats (on trailers), or drivable machinery.
Clients who want a cost-efficient yet secure way to ship an operable vehicle internationally.
When frequent sailing schedules or faster port turnaround gives you an advantage over container freight.
Important Considerations & Limitations
Vehicle must be operable: RoRo is not suitable for non-running or project cars needing restoration or special handling.
Personal belongings are not allowed inside: All personal effects must be removed before shipping.
Route/Port limitations apply: Not all ports support RoRo operations; route availability depends on origin and destination ports.
Best for standard operable vehicles: RoRo is generally most suitable for vehicles that can be driven on and off the vessel. If your vehicle is non-running, high-value, collectible, or RoRo is not available on the required route, container shipping may be more appropriate.
SEA GO also offers R-Rak shared container shipping on selected routes, and customers shipping from the UK can learn more about shipping a car from the UK to Australia.
Get a Quote / Book Your Shipment
Ready to ship your vehicle via RoRo? Contact SEA GO International today – we can help you get a personalised quote based on your vehicle, origin, destination port, and preferred schedule.
Australia-wide call: 1300 885 888
International call: +61 7 5531 6288
We’ll also guide you through any paperwork including vehicle import approvals, customs clearance, and biosecurity regulation for Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About RoRo Shipping
We’ve answered some common questions to get you started. Can’t find what you need? Contact us for more information.
RoRo stands for Roll-On Roll-Off. Vehicles are driven directly onto a specialised shipping vessel using ramps, secured for the voyage and driven off again after reaching the destination port.
Yes. Vehicles being shipped through SEA GO’s RoRo service generally need to be operational and able to start, steer and move under their own power.
RoRo can accommodate many types of wheeled vehicles, including cars, 4WDs, motorcycles, caravans, motorhomes, trucks and certain machinery. Suitability depends on the vehicle and available route.
Personal belongings should not be left inside vehicles being shipped through SEA GO’s RoRo service. If you need to ship additional personal effects, ask our team about available container shipping options.
Yes. Before importing a road vehicle into Australia, you must obtain the appropriate import approval. SEA GO can assist with the Vehicle Import Approval process.
RoRo can be a cost-effective option for operable vehicles, but the best-value shipping method depends on the vehicle, route and available services. SEA GO can compare the available options, including R-Rak shared container shipping where suitable.
Get a Free Quote for International Car Shipping
Simplify your car shipping process with our trusted international services. Just fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you with a personalised quote tailored to your needs.
