Shipping Cars from China: RoRo vs Container, Transit Times & Costs Explained

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is the first choice for vehicle exports: cars are driven straight aboard with no containerization and minimal handling damage. Main routes run from Shanghai/Ningbo/Guangzhou to Jebel Ali, Colombo, Rotterdam and Valparaíso, taking 15–40 days. Freight runs about USD 60–120 per cubic meter — roughly USD 800–1,500 per SUV.

Container shipping (2–4 cars per 40HQ) suits small batches and ports without RoRo terminals, such as parts of Africa and Latin America. Per-unit cost is 30%–50% higher than RoRo, but sailings are frequent and reach remote ports directly.

EV shipping requires extra care: traction batteries are Class 9 dangerous goods, so you need the UN38.3 test summary and MSDS; the dangerous-goods packaging certificate is handled by the exporter; some carriers surcharge vehicles with over 30% charge, so confirm when booking.

Cost breakdown for one SUV (FOB Shanghai): inland haulage USD 150–300 + port charges USD 200–400 + ocean freight USD 800–1,500. Space is tight in peak season (Sep–Dec), so book 3–4 weeks ahead.