What Is Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off) in Car Shipping? Complete Guide

Moving houses, buying or selling cars between islands, or business needs often require us to send vehicles from one city to another, even across islands. In the past, we might have thought the process was complicated, expensive, and risky. But now, there’s a practical and efficient method: car shipping via Ro-Ro or roll on roll off. What exactly is this method? Why are more and more people switching to Ro-Ro to ship their beloved cars? Let’s discuss it thoroughly in this article.

What Is Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off)?

Simply put, Ro-Ro stands for Roll On Roll Off. This term refers to ships specifically designed to transport wheeled vehicles, such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, or heavy equipment. The principle is exactly as the name suggests: vehicles are rolled on into the ship via a ramp at the port of origin, and rolled off upon arrival at the destination port.

Unlike the container method which requires vertical loading and unloading using cranes, Ro-Ro allows vehicles to be driven directly onto the ship’s deck. It’s similar to when we board a ferry, but with higher safety standards and ships specifically designed for vehicle logistics.

How Does Car Shipping via Ro-Ro Work?

The process of shipping a car using Ro-Ro is quite simple and fast. Here are the steps:

1. Registration and Preparation: The vehicle owner hands over the vehicle to the shipping service (like Agung Logistics). The vehicle will be inspected, documented, and given an identification tag.
2. Document Processing: The shipping service will handle all shipping documents, including cargo manifests and insurance.
3. Boarding the Ship (Roll On): The vehicle is driven by a professional driver (or the owner if permitted) onto the ship via the ramp. Inside, the vehicle will be parked neatly on the designated deck.
4. Securing On Board: Vehicles are securely tied down (lashed) using special ropes or chains to prevent shifting during the voyage, especially in rough weather.
5. Sea Voyage: The Ro-Ro vessel sails to the destination port. During the journey, vehicles remain safe inside the protected deck.
6. Disembarking (Roll Off): Upon arrival, vehicles are driven off one by one in an orderly manner.
7. Return to Owner: The vehicle is ready for pickup by the owner or can be delivered to the destination address if a door-to-door service is used.

This process is highly efficient as it minimizes loading and unloading time at the port.

Advantages of Using the Ro-Ro Method for Car Shipping

Why choose Ro-Ro over other methods, for example, placing a car inside a container? There are several key advantages:

• More Economical: Because the process is faster and doesn’t require containers, shipping rates via Ro-Ro are generally cheaper, especially for bulk shipments or busy routes.
• Faster Process: Quick loading and unloading times mean the ship doesn’t need to dock for long, making the delivery time more efficient.
• Minimized Damage Risk: Vehicles don’t need to be lifted by cranes, just driven. This reduces the risk of impact or scratches from vertical loading and unloading processes.
• Flexible for Various Vehicles: Ro-Ro can transport various types of vehicles, from motorcycles, sedans, SUVs, to trucks and heavy equipment.
• Guaranteed Safety: Vehicles are secured to shipping standards, ensuring safety even if the ship experiences rolling.

Types of Ro-Ro Vessels Used

Not all Ro-Ro ships are the same. There are several types commonly used for car shipping:

1. Pure Car Carrier (PCC) / Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC): Specialized ships designed with multiple decks, like parking garages, to transport cars and trucks in large quantities. This is the most common type for large-scale inter-island shipping.
2. Ro-Ro Cargo Ship: Ships designed to transport vehicles along with other cargo (like containers) on the same deck.
3. Ro-Pax (Ro-Ro + Passenger): Ships that, in addition to transporting vehicles, also have facilities for carrying passengers. This is similar to the ferries we often see.

In Indonesia, Ro-Pax ships are quite popular because besides shipping the car, owners can also travel along. However, for professional shipping, PCC or Ro-Ro cargo ships are typically used to focus more on vehicle safety.

Car Shipping Services with Ro-Ro at Agung Logistics

As an experienced logistics company, Agung Logistics provides car shipping via Ro-Ro services to various destinations across Indonesia. We understand that a car is a valuable asset, which is why we offer:

• Trusted Fleet and Ship Partners: We collaborate with renowned Ro-Ro vessel operators with high safety standards.
• Extensive Network: Our services cover major inter-island routes, such as Java-Sumatra, Java-Kalimantan, Java-Sulawesi, and others.
• Shipping Insurance: Every shipment comes with insurance coverage for peace of mind.
• Tracking and Updates: You can monitor the real-time location of your vehicle during the journey.
• Door-to-Door Service: If needed, we can pick up your vehicle and deliver it directly to the destination address.

Don’t hesitate to entrust your car shipping to us. Visit our Car Shipping Services page for more information or contact our team for a free consultation.

Tips for Choosing a Car Shipping Service via Ro-Ro

To ensure your car shipping goes smoothly, consider these tips when selecting a shipping service:

1. Ensure They Are Licensed and Experienced: Choose a company with official permits and a good track record.
2. Check Safety Facilities: Ask about the procedures for securing vehicles on board.
3. Inquire About Insurance: Make sure there is insurance coverage for your vehicle.
4. Read Customer Reviews: Look at testimonials or reviews from previous customers.
5. Compare Prices and Services: Don’t be tempted by cheap prices alone; also consider the services offered.

By considering the above, you can choose the right logistics partner. Agung Logistics is committed to professionalism and safety for every shipment.

The Ro-Ro (Roll On Roll Off) method is a modern, fast, and economical solution for inter-island car shipping. With the principle of vehicles being driven directly onto the ship, the process becomes more efficient and the risk of damage is minimized.