Ro-Ro vehicle shipping explained
Ro-Ro stands for roll-on/roll-off: the car is driven onto the ship and driven off at destination. It is the standard way to export running vehicles to the Caribbean and Central America.
How it works
- The car arrives at the port yard.
- Its condition is inspected and recorded.
- It is driven aboard and secured on an enclosed deck.
- At destination it rolls off and goes to customs.
How to prepare
- No personal items inside.
- Low fuel level.
- Keys handed over.
- Disclose if it does not start.
What Ro-Ro is not
Only the vehicle travels. For other cargo, ask us separately.
Ro-Ro compared with other methods
Vehicles can also be shipped loaded inside closed cargo units together with other goods. For a running car, Ro-Ro is usually the most direct route: fewer handling steps and simpler paperwork. If the vehicle cannot roll or must travel with other cargo, the case is evaluated separately.
What Ro-Ro accepts
- Cars, SUVs and pickups that roll.
- Vans and larger vehicles within the shipping line's size limits.
- Heavy equipment, depending on the line and sailing.
Yard inspection
At the yard, the VIN is verified, the vehicle is photographed and checked for personal items. This record documents the condition at handover.
The bill of lading
The BL is issued once the vehicle is aboard. It is the key document for your customs broker at destination, so check the consignee name and VIN carefully.
Approximate timelines
Ro-Ro lines sail regularly to the Caribbean and Central America. Yard time depends on the next sailing and transit time varies by route; all figures are approximate. We confirm dates at booking.
Common mistakes
- Leaving clothes, parts or tools inside.
- Not handing over keys.
- Full fuel tank.
- Not disclosing leaks or mechanical failures.
- Title not ready for export.
Documents you need
- Original title.
- Bill of sale.
- Consignee ID for the destination country.
FAQ
Can I travel with my car?
No. Ro-Ro carries vehicles only.
Can non-running cars go Ro-Ro?
Often, if they roll and steer. Tell us upfront.
Which ports?
It depends on the shipping line and destination; we confirm when quoting.
Who books the shipment?
JetCargo.us arranges it with authorized shipping lines and sends you the BL.
Step by step
- Quote with destination, vehicle and condition.
- Towing to the yard if needed.
- Yard intake and inspection.
- Title presented for export.
- Booking on the next available sailing.
- Loading and BL issued.
- Arrival, discharge and customs clearance.
Preparing in detail
Make sure the battery can start the car for loading, brakes work and there are no visible leaks. If there is an oil or fluid leak, tell us: the shipping line may require it to be fixed before loading. Record the odometer and photograph the interior.
Ro-Ro terms at a glance
- Deck
- each level of the vessel where cars are parked.
- Lashing
- the straps that hold each vehicle during the voyage.
- Cut-off
- the deadline to deliver the car and documents before a sailing.
- Consignee
- the receiver named on the bill of lading.
Who uses Ro-Ro
Private buyers bringing a car for personal use, dealers importing several units a month and buyers from all U.S. auto auctions who need a direct route to the Dominican Republic, Honduras or Guatemala.
More FAQ
How long does the car wait at the yard?
It depends on the next sailing and on the title being ready. Timelines are approximate.
What if my title is not ready?
The vehicle waits at the yard; it cannot be presented for export without the original title.
Can I ship to a relative?
Yes. They are listed as consignee, with ID matching exactly.
What happens at destination?
A local customs broker clears the vehicle using the BL, title and invoice.
How to request a Ro-Ro quote
Send year, make, model, running condition, current location and destination country. If the car is far from Florida, towing is included in the same quote. We reply in real time and give you the next available sailing to the Dominican Republic, Honduras or Guatemala.
Why condition records matter
Photos taken at pickup and at the yard create a clear record of how the vehicle was handed over. Keep your own photos too, so you can compare them on arrival.
Ro-Ro in peak season
When demand is high, space on Ro-Ro sailings fills sooner. If you have a deadline, such as a sale already agreed at destination, request your quote early and have the original title ready so the vehicle does not miss the sailing.
Before you ship
Check that the title is in hand, the consignee details match their ID, the car is empty and the keys are ready. Those four checks prevent most missed sailings.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the pickup location, vehicle type, whether it runs and the sailing date. We do not publish fixed rates: you get a real-time quote on WhatsApp based on your vehicle. JetCargo.us arranges towing to Florida and Ro-Ro shipping with authorized carriers and shipping lines.
