When importing a vehicle from Japan you have two main shipping options: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or container. This guide compares cost, safety, availability and suitability for different buyer types.
When your vehicle is ready to ship from Japan, your exporter will ask you to choose between two main shipping methods: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) or Container. Both have genuine advantages, and the right choice depends on your budget, the vehicle type, the destination port and how much protection you want for your cargo.
What Is RoRo Shipping?
RoRo vessels are purpose-built car carriers — the vehicles are driven (rolled) directly onto the ship via ramps and secured inside multi-deck parking areas. This is the same method used by new car manufacturers to ship millions of vehicles around the world each year.
Advantages of RoRo
- Lower cost: RoRo freight rates are typically 30–50% cheaper than container shipping for a single vehicle.
- Simplicity: No packing or stuffing costs. The vehicle is simply driven aboard.
- Wide port availability: Most major ports worldwide have RoRo facilities.
- Frequency: Car carrier vessels sail regularly on most major routes from Japan.
Disadvantages of RoRo
- Weather exposure: Vehicles on the outer decks can be exposed to salt spray, particularly on rough sea passages.
- No personal goods: Unlike containers, you cannot pack personal belongings inside the vehicle.
- Limited to running vehicles: Non-runners or damaged vehicles typically cannot use RoRo.
What Is Container Shipping?
Container shipping involves placing the vehicle inside a standard 20ft or 40ft steel shipping container. A 20ft container typically fits 1–2 small vehicles; a 40ft container can carry 3–4 standard-sized vehicles or 2 large SUVs.
Advantages of Container Shipping
- Better protection: Complete shelter from weather, salt and port handling damage.
- Personal goods: You can load personal effects inside the vehicle (subject to destination customs rules).
- Non-runners accepted: Vehicles that don't run can be loaded with a forklift or ramp.
- Cost-effective for multiple vehicles: Sharing a 40ft container between 3–4 buyers significantly reduces individual freight costs.
Disadvantages of Container Shipping
- Higher cost for single vehicles: A full container is expensive for one car.
- Longer loading lead time: Container stuffing takes more time to coordinate than RoRo loading.
- Port limitations: Some smaller ports do not handle containers efficiently.
Our Recommendation
For most buyers shipping a single standard vehicle (sedan, hatchback, small SUV) to a major port with good RoRo facilities: choose RoRo — it is cheaper, faster and perfectly adequate for well-prepared vehicles.
For high-value vehicles (Land Cruiser, Lexus, premium SUVs), multiple vehicles being consolidated, or shipments to ports with limited RoRo infrastructure: choose container for the added peace of mind.
