The costs of a ro-ro shipment cannot be quantified as a lump sum, as they depend on seven main factors: Vehicle volume (cbm), weight, route and port of destination, seasonal demand, fuel surcharges, port fees and additional services. Billing is primarily based on cubic metres (length × width × height). For a reliable calculation, we always recommend a customised offer.
Unlike many other types of transport, RoRo shipments are not primarily invoiced by weight, but by volume. The key figure is the cubic metre (cbm), which is calculated from the external dimensions of the vehicle.
The formula is: length (m) × width (m) × height (m) = cbm
A typical mid-range car has a volume of around 8-10 cubic metres, an SUV 12-15 cubic metres and an excavator can quickly reach 30-50 cubic metres. The larger the volume, the more space the vehicle takes up on the ship - and the higher the freight price.
You can find a deeper insight into the cost structure in our overview of RoRo transport costs (https://odsorient.com/roro-transport-kosten-im-ueberblick).
Volume is the most important cost driver for RoRo. Shipping companies sell space on their ships by cubic metres - similar to space in a warehouse. A vehicle with 15 cubic metres usually costs significantly more than one with 8 cubic metres on the same route.
Important: The external dimensions including all attachments always count. An excavator with the bucket extended has a completely different volume than the same excavator with the boom folded in. Every centimetre saved can reduce the price.
Although volume is the main basis for calculation, weight also plays a role - especially for heavy loads. Vehicles over 20 tonnes are often charged according to a combined tariff of volume and weight.
The reason: heavy cargo places special demands on the load-bearing capacity of the ship's decks and requires more complex load securing. A survey (expert opinion) is also required for loads of 40 tonnes or more.
The selected route has a direct influence on the price. Frequently served routes with high freight volumes (e.g. Bremerhaven → Jeddah or Bremerhaven → Lagos) generally offer more favourable rates than niche routes with fewer departures.
| Route (from Europe) | Typical transit time | Price trend |
| Middle East | 14-20 days | means |
| West Africa | 12-18 days | Medium to high |
| North America | 10-16 days | means |
| South America | 18-28 days | Medium to high |
| South East Asia | 25-35 days | High |
| Australia/NZ | 30-40 days | High |
As in many industries, ro-ro freight rates also fluctuate seasonally. High demand typically arises before the end of the year, when many exporters want to finalise their deliveries, and at the beginning of the year, when orders for new vehicles are dispatched.
During peak periods, freight rates can be 15-30 % above the annual average. Those who can plan flexibly often save considerably by scheduling shipments in months when demand is lower.
In addition to the main factors, there are other cost items that influence the final price:
Fuel surcharge (BAF): The bunker adjustment factor reflects the current fuel costs and can fluctuate considerably depending on the oil price.
Harbour dues: Terminal Handling Charges (THC), harbour dues and security surcharges apply at the port of departure and destination.
Additional services: Pre-carriage, transport insurance, customs clearance and on-carriage to the recipient are optional services that increase the total price.
A good comparison of the various transport methods, including a cost perspective, can be found in our article RoRo vs. container (https://odsorient.com/roro-vs-container-wann-lohnt-sich-welche-loesung-wirklich).
There are several levers for optimising the costs of a RoRo shipment:
The limiting factor on RoRo ships is the storage space, not the load capacity. A car takes up more space than a pallet of the same weight - which is why volume is the fairer basis for invoicing.
Yes, the costs can vary depending on the port of departure. As the largest automobile port in Europe, Bremerhaven often offers the widest choice of routes and competitive rates.
Reputable freight forwarders present all costs transparently. Make sure that your quote already includes THC, BAF and any security surcharges.
At ODS Orient you will usually receive a detailed offer within 24 hours. Contact: https://odsorient.com/kontakt
Commercial shippers can generally claim the transport costs as a business expense. Please consult your tax advisor on this.
The costs of a RoRo shipment are made up of many factors - volume, route, season and additional services. If you know these factors, you can optimise them and avoid unpleasant surprises.
For a reliable calculation, we always recommend a customised offer that is tailored precisely to your load and route.
Do you have any questions or would you like a non-binding offer? Contact us directly: https://odsorient.com/kontakt
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.
The costs of a ro-ro shipment cannot be quantified as a lump sum, as they depend on seven main factors: Vehicle volume (cbm), weight, route and port of destination, seasonal demand, fuel surcharges, port fees and additional services. Billing is primarily based on cubic metres (length × width × height). For a reliable calculation, we always recommend a customised offer. Short answer in 5 bullet points How are [...]
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