RoRo Shipping Cost: What It Really Costs to Ship Vehicles and Heavy Equipment

When you need to move a truck, tractor, excavator, or even a fleet of cars across oceans, RoRo shipping, a method where vehicles roll on and off specialized ships without being crated. Also known as roll on roll off, it’s the go-to for heavy, wheeled, or tracked equipment that can’t fit in standard containers. Unlike container shipping, where goods are stacked and lifted, RoRo lets you drive your equipment straight onto the vessel—faster, safer, and often cheaper for large items.

But RoRo shipping cost, the price to transport vehicles or machinery via roll-on/roll-off vessels isn’t fixed. It swings based on distance, vessel type, port fees, and even the season. Shipping a compact SUV from Mumbai to Dubai might cost under $2,000, but moving a 15-ton mining loader from Chennai to Lagos? That could hit $12,000 or more. The bigger, heavier, or more specialized the equipment, the higher the rate. Also, ports like Nhava Sheva or Mundra charge extra for handling oversized loads, and some destinations add customs clearance or terminal fees you can’t ignore.

Some companies try to cut corners by using shared space on RoRo ships, but that’s risky for high-value gear. If you’re shipping industrial machinery, you’ll want a dedicated space—no stacking, no shifting, no damage. And don’t forget insurance. Most carriers offer basic coverage, but for equipment worth $50K+, you’ll need extra protection. The vehicle shipping, the process of transporting cars, trucks, or other road vehicles by sea market is crowded, but not all providers are equal. Look for ones with real experience in heavy equipment, not just passenger cars.

Routes matter too. Shipping from India to the Middle East or Southeast Asia is cheaper and faster than going to the US or Europe because of closer ports and higher volume. That’s why many Indian manufacturers use RoRo to send construction gear to Africa or Southeast Asia—it’s a sweet spot for cost and speed. Meanwhile, moving equipment to South America or Australia? Expect longer transit times and higher fuel surcharges.

What you’re really paying for isn’t just the ship ride. It’s the planning: securing permits, checking weight limits, preparing the equipment (draining fluids, securing batteries), and coordinating with port agents. Skip any of that, and delays or fines can double your cost. The best way to get a real quote? Have your equipment’s exact weight, dimensions, and destination ready—and ask if the price includes port charges on both ends.

There’s no single answer to "How much does RoRo shipping cost?" But if you know your equipment, your route, and what’s included, you won’t get blindsided. Below, you’ll find real-world examples and breakdowns from manufacturers who’ve shipped everything from tractors to bulldozers—no guesswork, just facts.