Glossary

Roll on / Roll off (RO/RO)

Definition

Roll on / Roll off (RO/RO) is a type of shipping method that involves loading wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, trailers, and construction equipment, directly onto specialized vessels designed to accommodate such cargo. The vehicles are driven or towed onto the ship using built-in ramps and are then secured in place for transport. Upon arrival at the destination, the vehicles are driven or towed off the vessel, streamlining the loading and unloading process. This shipping method is primarily used for transporting large volumes of vehicles and heavy machinery over long distances.

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FAQ

Some advantages of RO/RO shipping include faster loading and unloading times, reduced risk of cargo damage, cost-effectiveness for transporting large volumes of wheeled cargo, and minimal handling requirements.
Disadvantages of RO/RO shipping may include limited availability of specialized RO/RO vessels, potential exposure of cargo to the elements, and the need for cargo to be self-propelled or towable.
RO/RO shipping is suitable for wheeled cargo such as cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and trailers. It may also accommodate non-wheeled cargo loaded onto wheeled platforms or trailers.
In RO/RO shipping, vehicles are driven or towed directly onto the vessel, while container shipping requires cargo to be loaded into containers and then lifted onto the ship using cranes. RO/RO shipping is more efficient for transporting large volumes of wheeled cargo, while container shipping is more versatile and suitable for a wider range of cargo types.
Example or usage in road freight logistics

In road freight logistics, RO/RO shipping can be used as part of an intermodal transportation solution, combining different modes of transport to optimize efficiency and cost. For example, a logistics company may use RO/RO shipping to transport a large number of trucks across an ocean, then use road transport to deliver the trucks to their final destinations. By utilizing RO/RO shipping in conjunction with other transport modes, logistics companies can offer a seamless and efficient service for their clients.

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