Specialised Services

RoRo Shipping for Machinery

Roll-on, roll-off shipping for wheeled and tracked machinery

  • Drive-on loading
  • Cost effective
  • Weight restrictions apply
Request a Quote +61 466 557 557

RoRo Shipping by machinery specialists

Roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) shipping is often the simplest way to move self-propelled machinery overseas. The machine is driven onto a purpose-built vessel at the load port, stowed and lashed on a vehicle deck, then driven off at the destination. There is no container to pack and no crane lift.

RoRo has been a specialty of our managing director since 2007. We know which services suit which machines, how deck heights and weight limits affect the booking, and what the vessel operators and destination countries require before a machine is accepted.

What’s included

  • Mobile equipment handling (weight restrictions apply)
  • Drive-on, drive-off convenience
  • Certified lashing systems
  • Port-to-port delivery tracking
  • Marine cargo insurance
  • Bill of lading and customs clearance

How RoRo shipping works

  1. 1

    Check the machine against the vessel

    We compare the machine’s height, width, length and weight with the deck and ramp limits of the services on your route.

  2. 2

    Clean and prepare

    The machine is cleaned of soil and plant material for biosecurity, and checked for leaks, loose items and a working battery.

  3. 3

    Deliver to the terminal

    We arrange transport to the RoRo terminal by the cargo cut-off, with the paperwork lodged in advance.

  4. 4

    Loading and lashing

    Terminal drivers drive the machine aboard, where it is stowed and secured with the vessel’s certified lashing systems.

  5. 5

    Tracking at sea

    We track the vessel from port to port and keep you updated on arrival and discharge.

  6. 6

    Discharge and clearance

    The machine is driven off, cleared through customs and biosecurity by our partners, and delivered or collected.

Machinery suited to RoRo

  • Excavators and bulldozers
  • Wheel loaders and graders
  • Mobile cranes
  • Boom lifts and telehandlers
  • Dump trucks and articulated haulers
  • Tractors and agricultural machinery
  • Trucks, trailers and road equipment

Before you book RoRo

Weight and height limits

Each vessel has deck height, ramp and deck load limits. Very heavy or tall machines may need a different vessel, a flat rack or breakbulk instead.

Clean machinery only

Machines must be free of soil, seeds and plant material. Dirty machinery can be refused or held for cleaning at the destination, at the owner’s cost.

Running condition

RoRo machines are normally driven on and off. Non-running machines may be accepted on roll trailers at extra cost, or may suit a container or flat rack better.

No loose cargo

Personal items and loose parts usually can’t travel inside the cab. Attachments can often be secured to the machine, but this must be agreed in advance.

RoRo Shipping FAQs

Is RoRo cheaper than container shipping?

For self-propelled machines on routes with regular RoRo services, it is often the most cost-effective option because there is no container, packing or crane lift. For smaller machines or routes without RoRo, a container can work out cheaper. We price both where both are possible.

What is the maximum size for RoRo?

It depends on the vessel. Deck heights are typically around 5 m, and there are ramp and deck weight limits. Send us the machine’s transport dimensions and weight and we will check them against the services on your route.

Can tracked machinery go RoRo?

Yes. Tracked machines such as excavators and bulldozers are commonly shipped RoRo, subject to the vessel’s weight limits and deck protection requirements.

Do I need to clean the machine before shipping?

Yes. Machinery must be clean to meet biosecurity requirements in Australia and most destination countries. We coordinate cleaning before export or overseas before import.

Related services

Containerised Freight Mobile Machinery Transport Customs & Compliance Domestic Transport
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Professional Services

Mobile Machinery Transport

Up to 1000 tonnes capacity

RoRo Shipping Solutions

Weight restrictions apply

Containerised Freight

FCL & LCL options available

Customs & Compliance

Via wholesale partners

Project Freight

Out of Gauge shipments

Overseas Cleaning Services

Coordination & certification

Equipment Specialties

Excavators (1-200 tonnes)

Bulldozers & Graders

Boom Lifts & Scissor Lifts (focus)

Mobile & Tower Cranes (1000t capacity)

Wheel Loaders, Dump Trucks & Scrapers

Reach Stackers, Empty Container Handlers & Fork-lifts

Mining & Processing Equipment

Agricultural Machinery & Tractors

Construction & Road Equipment

Need Immediate Help?

Our experts are available 24/7 for emergency machinery transport with comprehensive technical support and regulatory compliance

Call Daniel: +61 466 557 557 Call Megan: +61 409 104 853

Email: quotes@radglobalfreight.com • Response time varies pending complexity