Roll-on roll-off shipping New Zealand

New Zealand is a geographically remote country and doesn’t have any land borders, so roll-on roll-off shipping (known as RoRo) is one of the most cost-effective and fastest ways to ship vehicles to and from New Zealand.

You can ship almost any vehicle using this method, including passenger cars, caravans, trucks, and tractors. This is because there are very few size limitations, unlike container shipping, where vehicles need to fit inside a 20ft or 40ft container, then get craned onto a ship. But, with RoRo, they’re simply driven onto the boat and secured for transportation.

What is a roll-on roll-off ship?

The best way to describe a roll-on roll-off ship is to think of it as a multi-level car park – except this one happens to float on water. The vehicle is driven onto one of the levels on the ship and secured so it won’t move during transit. Once it arrives at its destination port, the vehicle is simply driven off the ship.

Do all New Zealand ports support roll-on roll-off shipping?

New Zealand’s four main ports, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, and Lyttleton can all support roll-on roll-off ships. If you’re using this method to transport vehicles to New Zealand but aren’t close to any of these ports, your vehicle will arrive at the closest port before being transported by road to its final destination

Why should I choose roll-on roll-off shipping to bring a vehicle to New Zealand?

Roll-on roll-off shipping is now one of the most popular methods of shipping vehicles internationally, including to and from New Zealand. In fact, about 85% of all vehicles arriving into the country are transported using this method.

It’s also one of the best ways of transporting bulk vehicles, or mixed consignments, as there aren’t many restrictions on the type of vehicle that can be transported this way.

How is the cost of roll-on roll-off shipping calculated?

The cost for roll-on roll-off shipping is calculated in a few different ways. The first is by cubic metres (length x width x height), or by weight – whichever is greatest. The second is by the length of the vehicle, which disregards cubic meterage and weight. The rate you pay is determined by your roll-on roll-off carrier of choice.

As well as these costs, you’ll also often need to pay a banker fuel surcharge (BAF), as well as port service and custom clearance charges, which vary depending on where you’re shipping your vehicle to and from.

Are there any downsides to roll-on roll-off shipping?

While there is a risk that a vehicle is damaged during shipping – for example, while it’s being driven onto or off the ship – this is very uncommon. The only key reason you may not want to select roll-on roll-off shipping is if the vehicle you’re transporting is undrivable. Otherwise, it’s a great way of transporting vehicles quickly and cost-effectively.

Are you ready to arrange your next roll-on roll-off vehicle shipping? Talk to AUTOHUB about your options and secure your place today.