Cars are loaded for international shipping from China using two primary methods: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels, where vehicles are driven directly onto the ship, or secured inside shipping containers. The best method depends on your vehicle type, order size, destination port, and protection requirements.

The Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) Loading Process

The RoRo method is the most common and cost-effective way to ship standard cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. Think of a RoRo vessel as a massive, multi-level floating parking garage designed specifically for vehicles.

The loading process is straightforward:

  1. Staging: Vehicles are driven to the port and staged in a secure area before the vessel arrives.
  2. Driving Onboard: Once the ship is ready, trained port workers drive each vehicle up a ramp directly into the vessel's cargo hold.
  3. Securing: Inside the ship, each car is carefully positioned and then secured to the deck using specialized lashing straps on all four wheels. This prevents any movement during the sea journey, protecting it from shifting and potential damage.

RoRo is ideal for operational vehicles and is often the fastest loading option for large-volume orders from brands like BYD, Chery, or Geely.

The Container Loading Process

Container shipping offers an extra layer of security and protection, making it a popular choice for high-value vehicles, non-running cars, or smaller multi-car orders.

Here’s how container loading works:

  1. Container Placement: A 20ft or 40ft container is brought to a specialized loading warehouse. A 40ft container can typically hold 2 to 4 standard-sized sedans or SUVs.
  2. Loading: Vehicles are either driven into the container or carefully pushed in. For multi-car loads, custom wooden or steel ramps may be built inside the container to stack vehicles securely.
  3. Lashing and Bracing: This is the most critical step. The wheels are locked with chocks, and the vehicle's chassis is tightly secured to anchor points on the container floor using heavy-duty ratchet straps. This robust lashing ensures zero movement, protecting the car from impacts and the elements.

This method is also useful if you need to ship spare parts along with your vehicles.

How We Help You Choose the Right Method

Choosing between RoRo and container shipping impacts your cost, timeline, and the security of your vehicles. At Starvia Automotive, our logistics team helps you make the best choice for your specific needs. As part of our RoRo and Container Shipping service, we manage the entire process by: At Starvia Automotive, our logistics team helps you make the best choice for your specific needs.

As part of our RoRo and Container Shipping service, we manage the entire process by:

  1. Analyzing Your Order: We assess your vehicle quantity, type (e.g., EV, SUV, commercial truck), and destination to determine the most efficient loading strategy.
  2. Verifying Port Capabilities: We confirm which shipping services are available and reliable for your destination port, as not all ports can handle RoRo vessels.
  3. Providing a Clear Recommendation: Starvia Automotive provides a transparent CIF or FOB quote that details the recommended shipping method, all associated costs, and the estimated transit time, ensuring you have all the information needed to make a smart decision.