RoRo shipping from DubaiRoRo shipping from Dubai, roll on, roll off.
RoRo shipping from Dubai moves wheeled and tracked cargo on roll-on/roll-off vessels, where the unit drives up a ramp and is lashed on a deck. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, books RoRo space for trucks, buses, trailers, tractors and construction machines, and compares it with a flat rack or container. Send the model and dimensions, and we quote both.
Cargo that suits roll-on/roll-off
RoRo is for cargo that can be driven or towed. Click a row for the rules.
| Cargo | Why RoRo suits it | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drive on and off with no lifting | Low fuel; keys supplied | |
| Towed on by a terminal tractor | Unladen, with lashing points | |
| Wide and tall, but can drive | Check the width and height | |
| Loaders and graders move under their own power | Tracked units may need a trailer | |
| Cars and light vehicles | Handled on the dedicated vehicle page | See our vehicle shipping page |
Getting a unit ready for the ramp
RoRo is quick at the port only if the cargo arrives ready.
- 01
Drives and steers
The unit must start, move and brake under its own power.
- 02
Fuel is kept low, and batteries are secured, to meet safety rules.
- 03
Empty and clean
No personal items or cargo inside. The cabin and body are emptied.
- 04
Photos at drop-off
We photograph the unit and note its condition and mileage at handover.
- 05
Registration and purchase papers support the export declaration.
- 06
Lashing
The crew lash the unit to deck points. Extra lashing is billed for heavy units.
Documents for rolling cargo
The set below is typical for a RoRo shipment from Dubai.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Value and description for customs |
| Prove the unit can be exported | |
| Filed with Dubai Customs before loading | |
| Used for the deck plan and the freight rate | |
| Bill of lading | Contract of carriage and title document |
RoRo means roll-on/roll-off. The cargo drives or is towed up a ramp onto a vessel and off again at destination, with no crane. It suits trucks, buses, trailers and wheeled machines, and is often cheaper than a flat rack for such units.
- It needs wheeled cargo.
- No crane lift is used.
Often, for cargo that drives. A RoRo rate avoids the container, the crane and the lashing frame. A container wins for non-runners, goods that need weather protection or cargo that can share space. We quote both so you can compare.
- RoRo suits drive-on units.
- Container suits non-runners.
Keep the fuel low, secure the battery and empty the unit of loose items. It must start, steer and brake under its own power. We photograph it at handover and record the mileage and condition, so you have proof if damage is claimed. Tell us early if it has any special overhang.
- Low fuel and empty body.
- We take handover photos.
Usually only if it can be towed or loaded on a trailer. Carriers may charge extra for the handling. Many non-runners go on a flat rack instead. Tell us the condition, the dimensions and the weight, and we advise the safest and cheapest option for your destination.
- Tell us if it will not start.
- Flat rack is the alternative.