The United States is one of the largest hubs for automotive exports. Whether you are shipping a brand-new luxury vehicle, a classic muscle car, or a salvage unit from a US auction like Copart or IAAI, choosing the right shipping method is the most critical decision you’ll make.
At RAM Shipping, we handle thousands of vehicle exports every year. The two primary methods for shipping cars from the US to Europe are Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) and Container Loading.
In this guide, we’ll compare both to help you decide which fits your budget and requirements.
1. Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Shipping
Ro-Ro is the simplest and often the most cost-effective way to ship a vehicle. Think of it as a massive floating parking garage.
How it works:
The vehicle is driven onto the ship at the US port (e.g., Newark, Savannah, or Houston) and driven off at the destination port in Europe (e.g., Bremerhaven, Zeebrugge, or Gdynia). Once inside the ship, the car is secured to the deck using specialized straps.
Pros:
- Lower Cost: Generally the cheapest method for single-vehicle shipments.
- Simplicity: No need for complex loading or unloading at a warehouse.
- Speed: Ro-Ro vessels are often faster to load and depart than container ships.
Cons:
- Limited Protection: The car is exposed to the elements during the drive at the port and is not in a sealed environment during transit.
- Inoperable Vehicles: The car must be in “run and drive” condition. If it doesn’t start, it cannot be shipped via Ro-Ro without significant extra fees (if at all).
- No Personal Goods: You cannot leave any personal items or spare parts inside the car.
2. Container Loading (FCL and Shared)
Container shipping provides the highest level of security and flexibility. You can either book an entire container for yourself (FCL) or share space with other vehicles (Consolidation).
How it works:
Your vehicle is delivered to a specialized warehouse near the port, where it is professionally loaded and blocked/braced inside a 20ft or 40ft steel container.
Pros:
- Maximum Safety: Your car is protected from sea spray, dust, and potential dings from other cars.
- Ship Non-Runners: Ideal for project cars or damaged auction vehicles that cannot be driven.
- Pack Extra Items: You can often ship spare tires, parts, or even personal effects inside the car or the container.
- Multiple Cars: If you are shipping 3 or 4 cars, a 40ft High Cube container is extremely cost-efficient.
Cons:
- Higher Cost: Booking a private container is more expensive than Ro-Ro.
- Loading Times: If you use a shared container (Consolidation), the shipment may wait a few extra days until the container is full.
3. Which Method Should You Choose?
| Feature | Ro-Ro Shipping | Container Shipping |
| Best For | Budget-conscious, drivable cars | High-value, classic, or non-running cars |
| Security | Standard | High (Sealed box) |
| Personal Effects | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Cost | Lowest | Higher (FCL) / Competitive (Shared) |
| Availability | Major ports only | Almost any port |
4. Key Ports and Transit Times
RAM Shipping offers regular departures from the primary US gateways:
- East Coast: New York (NY/NJ), Baltimore, and Savannah. (Fastest transit to Europe: 10–14 days).
- South: Houston and Miami.
- West Coast: Los Angeles (Long Beach). (Longer transit via the Panama Canal: 25–35 days).
5. Documentation Required for Car Export
To avoid delays with U.S. Customs, ensure you have the following ready:
- Original Title: Must be clear of any liens.
- Bill of Sale: To prove the value for insurance and customs.
- AES Filing: As mentioned in our [previous guide], all used vehicles require a mandatory electronic export filing regardless of value.
Why Ship Your Vehicle with RAM Shipping?
Shipping a car is an investment, and we treat it as such. RAM Shipping provides:
- Professional Loading: We use premium straps and blocking materials to ensure zero movement during transit.
- Customs Clearance: We handle the US export clearance and the AES filing for you.
- Auction Logistics: We can pick up your vehicle directly from Copart, IAAI, or any dealership across the US.
Ready to bring your car from the USA to Europe? Get a free vehicle shipping quote from RAM Shipping today and experience a hassle-free export process.
