What is RoRo shipping for wheeled machinery?
RoRo means roll-on roll-off: cargo moves onto and off a ship through a ramp, under its own power or with handling equipment. Wheeled machinery needs carrier acceptance for its dimensions, weight, condition and handling method. Cambridge China Bridge can obtain the factory details needed for that assessment.
What roll-on roll-off transport means
RoRo describes how cargo enters and leaves the vessel. A working wheeled machine may be driven aboard; other cargo may travel on a carrier's rolling platform. Machinery shipped this way does not necessarily sit inside a container.
Having wheels does not establish eligibility. Ask the forwarder to obtain acceptance from the actual carrier for the proposed route and shipping configuration. Confirm whether the machine will be driven, towed or placed on a rolling platform, and who supplies that equipment.
Give the carrier a machine-specific brief
Send the model, photographs, shipping dimensions and gross weight, including fitted attachments. Identify ground clearance, wheel arrangement, centre of gravity and designated securing points. Ask the carrier to check ramp access, deck clearance and load limits against that information.
Explain whether the machine starts, steers and brakes reliably. Disclose leaks, damaged tyres, seized wheels or an inability to move under its own power. Ask how a breakdown during loading would be handled and whether the carrier accepts non-running equipment. Obtain written approval before sending it to the port.
Prepare for handling without blocking access
Ask for the carrier's instructions on fuel, batteries, isolation, keys and operator controls. Disclose the battery type, any spare batteries and fluids carried separately. Agree cleaning expectations, especially for used machinery, and photograph wheel arches, the underside and other places where dirt collects.
Agree how wrapping will protect vulnerable surfaces while leaving controls and securing points accessible. Confirm whether detached attachments, tools and spare parts can accompany the machine and how they will be secured and recorded. Use the machinery transport protection guide for restraint drawings and corrosion protection.
Ask for a RoRo quotation with a defined scope
Ask what dimensions and weight the freight calculation uses, including any rolling platform. Confirm who pays for platform hire, loading assistance, securing, terminal movements and equipment return. Ask whether changing the shipping configuration would change acceptance or the quotation.
Confirm the loading and discharge ports, transfers, collection arrangements and delivery method from the UK terminal. Ask who unloads at your site and what happens if the machine cannot move on arrival. Use the freight quotation comparison guide to check exclusions, conditional charges, insurance and validity.
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Arrange customs and the arrival handover
Decide who will handle UK customs before dispatch. If you appoint someone to deal with UK customs, they will make the declaration and get the goods through the UK border. Ask that agent to confirm the documents and release arrangements for the selected port.
Keep carrier acceptance separate from machinery compliance checks. Our machinery sourcing guide covers supply documentation and safety checks. Agree dispatch photographs, an attachment inventory and an arrival condition report. Cambridge China Bridge's own staff in China can obtain factory measurements and preparation photographs for the booking brief.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship a forklift from China by RoRo?
Ask the carrier to assess the actual forklift, route, dimensions, weight and operating condition. Wheels alone do not confirm acceptance. Disclose its battery or fuel system and obtain preparation instructions.
Can non-running machinery go on a RoRo ship?
Possibly, using an agreed towing method or rolling platform. Ask the carrier whether it accepts the machine's condition, who supplies handling equipment and what extra services the quotation includes.
Is RoRo cheaper than container shipping?
Compare quotations for the same machine and delivery scope. Include any platform, specialist handling, terminal charges and onward transport. A lower sea-freight figure alone does not establish a lower total cost.
Can spare parts travel inside the machine?
Ask the carrier before packing them. Confirm what it accepts, how parts will be secured and listed, and how they will be checked at discharge. Avoid leaving loose items in the cab.