The Short Version

If you're shipping new cars in volume to a major port (Dubai, Mombasa, Lagos, Santiago), RoRo is almost always the right answer. If you're shipping used cars, premium vehicles, or to a port without RoRo service, use a 40HQ container.

RoRo (Roll-on / Roll-off)

Vehicles drive on and off the ship under their own power. No packaging.

Pros:

  • Lower cost per vehicle ($600–$1,400 to most destinations)
  • Faster loading and unloading
  • No demurrage risk because cars don't need de-stuffing
  • All major Chinese ports operate RoRo terminals

Cons:

  • Vehicles exposed to salt air and weather during 25–35-day transit
  • Higher theft / vandalism risk in some destination ports
  • Minor cosmetic damage (door dings, mirror scuffs) possible
  • Not available to every port; some require trans-shipment

Best for: new vehicles, fleet orders, established export routes.

40HQ Container

Vehicles loaded inside a 40-foot high-cube container, typically 2 sedans or 3 small SUVs per box.

Pros:

  • Full weather and theft protection
  • Door-to-door possible with inland trucking at both ends
  • Reaches any port (no need for RoRo terminal)
  • Better for high-value or restoration-condition vehicles

Cons:

  • Higher cost per vehicle ($1,800–$2,500 typical)
  • Slightly slower loading
  • Requires specialized lashing — make sure your shipper is experienced

Best for: used cars, premium / luxury vehicles, less-served ports, mixed cargo (parts + car).

A Real Example

Five BYD Yuan Plus from Shanghai to Dubai:

  • RoRo: $850/vehicle × 5 = $4,250 freight, 24 days transit
  • 40HQ: $1,250/vehicle × 5 = $6,250 freight (2 per container = 3 containers), 28 days transit

Total CIF difference: $2,000 across the shipment. Most fleet buyers go RoRo at this scale.

Our Recommendation

Tell us your destination port and volume. Starvia recommends the best option and books with Tier-1 carriers only (NYK, MOL, K-Line for RoRo; MSC, COSCO for container). No hidden carrier fees.