The roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) method is the fastest way to transport vehicles, trailers and self-propelled machines by sea. However, for the RoRo process to function smoothly in the port, everyone involved - from the freight forwarder to the port operator - must work in perfect coordination. In this guide, you will find out which documents and processes are required at the terminal, what a gate-in looks like and what really needs to be taken into account when loading.
Whether new vehicles to Africa, motorhomes to the USA or construction machinery to the Middle East: millions of units roll onto RoRo ships every year. A defined RoRo process in the port, which covers all stations from arrival to "lashing" on board, contributes to success. If you know the process steps, you can avoid idle times, damage claims and additional charges - without having to disclose price details. For individual tariffs, simply send a direct enquiry to ODS Orient.
| Step | Designation | Key task |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pre-gate centre service | Preliminary document check |
| 2 | Gate-In | Record identity, dimensions & condition |
| 3 | Marshalling Yard | Assembly point according to "First In, Last Out" |
| 4 | Customs-Hold / Security | Customs scan, export control |
| 5 | Stowage plan allocation | Reserve deck slot & lashing material |
| 6 | Loading | Roll-on via ramp, tabs & check photo |
| 7 | Final Stowage Check | Documentation & EDI update to the shipping company |
3.1 Pre-gate centre service
Digital pre-check of booking, bill of lading draft, car condition report (CCR), ATLAS export declaration and dangerous goods declaration.
3.2 Gate-In
OCR gate scans the booking number, mobile scales check dimensions and weight, 360° cameras document the condition, tank ≤ 25 % / battery SOC ≤ 30 %.
(Image suggestion: Vehicle drives through OCR gate - old text: "Gate-in with camera scan")
3.3 Marshalling yard
Yard platform allocates slots according to stowage plan; sorting according to planned ramp positions.
3.4 Customs-Hold & Security
Customs checks HS code, sanctions lists and dual-use goods, VACIS X-ray scan checks prohibited contents.
3.5 Stowage plan allocation
Deck slot, weight, ramp capacity, evacuation routes - all digitally in the Port Community System.
Tip: See Checklist for RoRo shipping
3.6 Loading
Rolling vehicle drives on board via ramp, is lashed (EN 12195-1) and chocked; final photo & EDI status "Loaded on Board".
3.7 Final Stowage Check
Chief Officer checks lashing points, enters coordinates in logbook, updates Dangerous Cargo Manifest.
| Checkpoint | ✔︎/✘ |
|---|---|
| Booking confirmed, shipowner slot received | ☐ |
| CCR with VIN & photos uploaded | ☐ |
| Export declaration / T-1 created | ☐ |
| Tank ≤ 25 %, battery ≤ 30 % | ☐ |
| Original documents in the vehicle | ☐ |
| All-risk insurance taken out | ☐ |
How long does the gate-in take?
About 10-20 minutes, provided all documents are correct.
Does the tank have to be empty?
No, up to 25 % filling level permitted; above this, hazardous goods declaration if necessary.
Is a survey mandatory?
Not mandatory for standard cars, but often mandatory for high-value loads.
How do I know that my vehicle is charged?
By e-mail/EDI notification "Loaded on Board".
An efficient RoRo process in the port depends on digital pre-checking, clear slot processes and clean documentation. Those who master all seven steps save time, avoid additional costs and increase safety on board. For individual questions and binding tariffs, the ODS Orient Team available.
All information in this article has been carefully researched but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the topicality, accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
Why 2026 will be a turning point From 1 January 2026, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) will tighten its climate targets. The focus is on more binding efficiency paths for ships, stricter inspection obligations for shipping companies and concrete preparatory steps for global CO₂ pricing. For exporters, this means more transparency, more documentation - and potentially higher CO₂ cost components. Immediately helpful: Roadmaps → https://odsorient.com/fahrplaene What do I [...]
Why tracking with RoRo is more than just „ship on map“ RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is a fast and robust shipping method for roadworthy vehicles. Nevertheless, many customers find the transport process opaque – especially when status information is scattered across emails, portals and PDF notifications. A structured RoRo tracking system brings order to this diversity of data and enables clear […]
