RoRo vs Container Shipping for Used Cars: Which Should You Choose?
The difference between RoRo and container shipping for exporting cars from Japan — cost, safety, timing and when each one makes sense for your order.
When you export a car from Japan you have two main shipping methods: RoRo and container. Choosing the right one saves money and protects your vehicle. Here is how they compare.
RoRo (Roll-on / Roll-off)
With RoRo the car is driven directly onto a dedicated car-carrier vessel and secured on deck. It is the simplest and usually cheapest option for a single running vehicle.
Best for:
- A single car or a few units
- Vehicles that drive and steer normally
- Keeping cost low
Keep in mind: the car must be running, and personal items cannot be packed inside.
Container shipping
With a container the car is loaded into a steel container and sealed. A 20-foot container typically carries one to two cars; a 40-foot container can carry more small units or a mix of cars and parts.
Best for:
- Several units shipped together
- High-value vehicles that need extra protection
- Mixing cars with spare parts in one load
- Non-running vehicles that can be winched in
Capacity guide: a 40-foot container fits roughly 4–6 small cars depending on size; a 20-foot container suits one large or two small units.
Which should you choose?
| | RoRo | Container | |---|---|---| | Cost per car | Lower | Higher (but shared across units) | | Protection | On open deck | Fully enclosed | | Running car required | Yes | No | | Mix with parts | No | Yes |
If you are buying one running car and want the lowest price, RoRo is usually best. If you are buying several units, shipping valuable vehicles, or combining cars with parts, a container is the safer, more economical choice overall.
We arrange both
Al Mashriq Trading ships worldwide by both RoRo and container. Tell us how many units you want and your destination, and we will recommend the most cost-effective method and quote the freight. Browse our stock or get in touch to start.