Ocean Freight Explained: RoRo vs Container Shipping for Imported Cars

Once your car is paid for and at the port, it needs to cross the ocean. There are two standard methods: RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and container shipping. Each has trade-offs.

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

The car is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured on a deck, like a giant ferry. RoRo is usually the cheapest option and loading is simple.

• Pros: lowest cost, fast loading/unloading.
• Cons: the car must be drivable; nothing can be packed inside; slightly more exposure to handling. Not available on every route.

Container shipping

The car is loaded and braced inside a steel shipping container. You can ship one car alone (sole use) or share a 40-foot container with another vehicle to split the cost.

• Pros: maximum protection from weather and handling; non-running cars can be loaded; better for damaged or high-value vehicles.
• Cons: more expensive than RoRo for a single car; loading takes longer.

Which is right for a Georgia import?

For most auction cars heading to Poti or Batumi, container shipping is the standard choice — many auction cars are non-running or have damage that makes RoRo impractical, and sharing a container keeps the price reasonable. If you've bought a clean, drivable car and want to save money, RoRo can be a good fit where the route allows it.

Transit time

Either way, plan on roughly 30–45 days from US departure to arrival in Georgia, plus customs clearance. You'll get a booking and container number to follow the vessel — you can even track your shipment by VIN.