Container vs RoRo Car Shipping From Ireland | Which Is Better?

If you are shipping a car overseas from Ireland, one of the first decisions is how the vehicle should travel.

Two common options are container vs RoRo car shipping. Both can be suitable for international vehicle transport, but they work very differently and the best option depends on the vehicle, destination, available shipping route and your individual requirements.

A standard family car travelling on an established route may have different requirements from a classic, luxury or specialist vehicle. You may also be moving household belongings at the same time, which can influence the overall relocation plan.

Get Cracking Relocations & Storage assists with international relocations and vehicle shipping from Ireland.

For a broader overview of international vehicle transport, documents, destinations and costs, read our Car Shipping From Ireland guide.

If you already know where your vehicle is going, request a car shipping quotation from Get Cracking.

Container vs RoRo Car Shipping: What Is the Difference?

The main difference is how the vehicle is loaded and transported.

With container car shipping, the vehicle is secured inside an enclosed shipping container.

With RoRo car shipping, the vehicle is normally driven onto a specialist Roll-on/Roll-off vessel and secured on one of its vehicle decks.

Neither method is automatically the best option for every vehicle.

Factors to consider include:

• Your destination
• Available vessel routes
• The type of vehicle
• The value of the vehicle
• Whether the vehicle is operational
• Port requirements
• Whether household belongings are also being shipped
• Your preferred transport arrangement
• Current freight rates

What Is Container Car Shipping?

Container shipping involves loading and securing the vehicle inside a steel shipping container.

Containers used in international freight are designed to transport goods around the world by sea and can provide an enclosed environment for the vehicle during the ocean transport stage.

The exact container size and arrangement will depend on the vehicle, route and shipping requirements.

Why Choose Container Car Shipping?

Container transport may be worth considering when:

• The vehicle is classic, unusual or particularly valuable
• You prefer the vehicle to travel within an enclosed container
• A suitable RoRo route is not available
• The vehicle is travelling as part of a larger international relocation
• The proposed shipping route is better suited to container freight

However, container shipping should not automatically be described as better or safer in every situation. The correct choice depends on how the entire shipment is planned and handled.

What Is RoRo Car Shipping?

RoRo means Roll-on/Roll-off.

Vehicles are normally driven onto a specialist vessel at the departure port, secured on the vehicle deck during transit and driven off when the vessel reaches the destination port.

RoRo vessels are specifically designed to transport wheeled cargo including cars, vans and other vehicles.

Why Choose RoRo Car Shipping?

RoRo can be a practical and cost-effective option on routes where an appropriate service is available.

It may suit customers who:

• Are shipping a standard operational vehicle
• Have access to a suitable RoRo route
• Do not require the vehicle to travel within a shipping container
• Are looking for a straightforward port-to-port vehicle transport option

The vehicle normally needs to be capable of being moved safely during the loading and unloading process, although requirements should always be confirmed for the specific service.

Container vs RoRo Car Shipping Comparison

Consideration	Container Shipping	RoRo Shipping
How the car travels	Secured inside an enclosed shipping container	Driven onto and secured inside a specialist vehicle vessel
Route availability	Available through many container shipping routes	Depends on suitable RoRo vessel services
Vehicle condition	Special arrangements may sometimes be possible for non-running vehicles	Normally suited to operational vehicles; requirements vary
Classic/high-value vehicles	Often considered where an enclosed shipping environment is preferred	May still be possible depending on route and requirements
Personal belongings	Possibilities depend on carrier and customs requirements	Personal goods inside vehicles are often restricted; confirm before booking
Price	Depends on container, route, port and freight rates	Can be cost-effective on suitable routes

The comparison should be used as a general guide only. Exact carrier and destination requirements can differ.

Is RoRo Cheaper Than Container Car Shipping?

RoRo can sometimes be cheaper than shipping a vehicle in a dedicated container, but it is not possible to say that RoRo is always the cheapest option.

International vehicle shipping prices can be affected by:

• Destination
• Available vessel routes
• Port charges
• Vehicle size
• Vehicle type
• Container availability
• Current ocean freight rates
• Collection and delivery requirements
• Customs procedures
• Seasonal or operational shipping conditions

This means the correct way to compare the two methods is by obtaining a quotation for your specific vehicle and destination.

Which Option Is Better for a Classic or High-Value Car?

Owners of classic, vintage, luxury or particularly valuable vehicles may prefer container transport because the vehicle travels within an enclosed shipping container.

That does not mean that every valuable car must travel by container.

The decision should consider:

• Vehicle value
• Vehicle dimensions
• Route availability
• Collection arrangements
• Port handling
• Destination requirements
• The owner’s transport preferences

Tell Get Cracking during the quotation stage if the vehicle has unusual handling requirements or particular value so the available transport options can be discussed.

Can a Non-Running Car Be Shipped?

This needs to be confirmed before booking.

RoRo services are generally designed around vehicles that can be driven during loading and unloading. A vehicle that cannot start, steer or brake normally may require a different arrangement.

Container shipping may provide other possibilities, but additional equipment or handling could be required.

Never wait until collection day to mention that a vehicle is not operational.

Tell the moving company whether the vehicle:

• Starts normally
• Can be driven
• Steers correctly
• Brakes correctly
• Has mechanical problems
• Has unusually low ground clearance

Can Personal Belongings Be Left Inside the Car?

This is one of the most common questions about international vehicle shipping.

The answer depends on the shipping method, carrier and customs rules at destination.

Do not assume that because there is empty space inside the vehicle you can simply fill it with boxes.

RoRo operators may restrict or prohibit personal belongings inside vehicles.

Containerised shipments may provide different possibilities where household goods form part of an agreed shipment, but any goods must comply with the applicable shipping and customs requirements.

If you are moving household belongings as well as your car, tell Get Cracking from the beginning so both parts of the relocation can be considered together.

Learn more about Get Cracking worldwide relocation services.

Shipping a Car Together With Household Goods

A vehicle shipment may form part of a complete international household relocation.

Depending on the destination and shipping arrangement, your international move may involve:

• Professional packing
• Household goods collection
• Temporary storage
• Vehicle collection
• Container transport
• Customs documentation
• Ocean freight
• Destination coordination

Planning everything together can make it easier to coordinate dates and documentation.

Read more about our professional packing services and storage options.

Electric and Hybrid Car Shipping

Electric and hybrid vehicles are increasingly common, but battery-powered vehicles can have carrier-specific transport requirements.

If your car is electric or hybrid, tell the shipping company during the quotation stage rather than after the booking has been made.

The shipping line or carrier may need information about the vehicle and battery before confirming acceptance.

Requirements can vary by shipping service, so they should be confirmed for your particular route.

Preparing a Vehicle for Container or RoRo Shipping

The exact requirements will depend on the carrier, but preparation should begin before collection.

Before Shipping Your Car

• Photograph the vehicle clearly from several angles
• Record any existing marks or damage
• Remove unnecessary loose belongings
• Keep copies of vehicle documents
• Check that keys are available
• Inform the mover about alarms or immobilisers
• Confirm carrier fuel requirements
• Ask whether the vehicle needs to meet a particular cleanliness standard
• Tell the mover about mechanical problems
• Confirm whether any personal goods are permitted

Documents for International Car Shipping

Documentation requirements depend on where the vehicle is going and the circumstances of the owner.

You may need to provide documents including:

• Vehicle registration documentation
• Proof of ownership
• Identification
• Purchase documents where applicable
• Destination information
• Shipping documents
• Customs documentation where required

Additional documentation may be required depending on the destination.

Start dealing with vehicle documentation well before the planned shipping date.

Customs for International Car Shipping

Choosing between container vs RoRo car shipping is only one part of an international vehicle move.

The vehicle may also be subject to export procedures, import customs clearance, taxes, duties or registration requirements depending on the destination.

Rules can be very different for:

• European Union destinations
• Great Britain
• Switzerland
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• Other non-EU countries

Do not assume that rules applying in one country will also apply somewhere else.

Read our international removals customs information.

Car Shipping From Ireland to the UK

Moving a car from Ireland to the UK can involve customs and registration requirements depending on whether the vehicle is being permanently imported and on the circumstances of the owner.

Great Britain and Northern Ireland should also not automatically be treated as identical for every customs movement.

If you are relocating permanently, there may be reliefs available depending on your circumstances, but eligibility should be checked before the vehicle is moved.

Car Shipping From Ireland to Europe

Vehicle transport from Ireland to continental Europe may involve road, ferry or sea transport depending on the country and chosen route.

Customers commonly relocate vehicles to destinations including:

• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Portugal
• Italy
• Netherlands
• Belgium
• Switzerland

Remember that not every European country is part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland has different customs arrangements from France or Germany.

Car Shipping From Ireland to the USA and Worldwide

For destinations further overseas, sea freight becomes an important part of the transport plan.

Container shipping may be considered for routes to the USA, Canada and other worldwide destinations, while RoRo availability depends on available vessel services.

The vehicle should also be checked against the import and registration requirements of the destination country before shipping.

Transporting a vehicle successfully is of little benefit if the vehicle cannot subsequently be imported or registered for use at destination.

How Long Does Container vs RoRo Car Shipping Take?

There is no single international transit time.

The total shipping time can depend on:

• Destination
• Departure port
• Vessel schedule
• Direct or transshipment service
• Port operations
• Customs clearance
• Destination handling

Shipping schedules can also change.

Ask for an estimated transit time based on your particular route rather than relying on a general online estimate.

What Does International Car Shipping Cost?

The cost of international car shipping Ireland customers arrange will vary from shipment to shipment.

Factors may include:

• Vehicle make and model
• Vehicle dimensions
• Destination
• Shipping method
• Departure and destination port
• Current freight rates
• Container requirements
• Collection in Ireland
• Destination delivery
• Port charges
• Customs requirements

Import taxes, customs duties, registration costs and certain destination charges may be separate from the shipping quotation.

Ask exactly what is included when comparing prices.

Choosing an International Car Shipping Company

Do not choose a vehicle shipping company based only on the lowest headline price.

Your vehicle may be one of the most valuable individual belongings involved in your relocation.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Is the proposed transport container or RoRo?
• Why is that method recommended for my vehicle?
• Which port or route will be used?
• What is included in the quotation?
• Are there destination charges?
• What documentation is required?
• Who is responsible for customs procedures?
• How should the vehicle be prepared?
• Can the vehicle travel with household belongings?
• What happens if the vessel schedule changes?

A professional international mover should be able to explain the proposed process and responsibilities clearly before the vehicle is shipped.

Insurance for International Vehicle Shipping

Vehicle owners should consider insurance separately when planning an international shipment.

Get Cracking Limited does not insure shipments or removals. Customers should arrange any insurance cover they require in advance and check the applicable policy terms and conditions.

If you require insurance for your vehicle during international transport, make sure you understand what your chosen policy covers before shipping.

Container vs RoRo Car Shipping: Which Should You Choose?

There is no universal answer.

Container shipping may appeal to customers who prefer their vehicle to travel in an enclosed container, who are shipping a classic or specialist vehicle, or whose chosen route is better suited to container freight.

RoRo shipping can be a straightforward and cost-effective solution for operational vehicles where an appropriate service is available.

The best option depends on the actual vehicle and route rather than simply choosing whichever method sounds better.

Get a quotation for both options where they are available and compare the complete transport arrangement rather than only the ocean freight price.

Frequently Asked Questions About Container vs RoRo Car Shipping

What Does RoRo Mean?

RoRo means Roll-on/Roll-off. Vehicles are normally driven onto a specialist vessel, secured for transport and driven off after arrival.

Is Container Shipping Safer Than RoRo?

Container shipping provides an enclosed environment around the vehicle, but it is not appropriate to state that one method is automatically safer in every situation. The route, handling arrangements, vehicle and shipping provider all matter.

Is RoRo Always Cheaper?

No. RoRo can be cost-effective on suitable routes, but pricing depends on current shipping rates, the vehicle, destination, port charges and available services.

Can I Ship a Classic Car by RoRo?

This may be possible, but owners of classic or particularly valuable vehicles may prefer to investigate container shipping. Discuss the individual vehicle and route before choosing.

Can I Leave Belongings in My Car?

Do not assume this is allowed. Carrier and customs rules vary, and personal belongings may be restricted or prohibited depending on the shipping method.

Can a Non-Running Vehicle Travel by RoRo?

RoRo services are normally designed for operational vehicles. If your car cannot be driven safely, tell the shipping company before booking so alternative arrangements can be considered.

Can Get Cracking Move My Household Belongings Too?

Yes. Get Cracking provides international household relocation services as well as vehicle shipping support. Tell the team about both the household goods and vehicle when requesting your quotation.

Get a Container or RoRo Car Shipping Quote

If you are deciding between container vs RoRo car shipping, provide as much information as possible when requesting your quotation.

Tell Get Cracking:

• Your collection location in Ireland
• Your destination country and city
• Vehicle make and model
• Whether the vehicle is operational
• Whether it is a classic or specialist vehicle
• Your preferred moving date
• Whether you are also moving household belongings

Get Cracking can then review the available international vehicle transport options for your proposed move.

For a complete overview of shipping a vehicle overseas, also read our Car Shipping From Ireland guide.

Request an International Car Shipping Quote