RORO shipping from the USA to China is one of the most reliable and cost-efficient ways to move vehicles and heavy machinery across the Pacific. Whether you are an individual relocating to China, a car dealer exporting inventory, or a construction company moving heavy-duty equipment, RORO offers a smooth and streamlined process.
At All Transport Depot Inc., we provide professional international RORO shipping services from all major U.S. ports to leading Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, and Xiamen. Our goal is to make shipping your vehicle safe, straightforward, and affordable.
What is RORO Shipping?
RORO stands for Roll-On Roll-Off. This shipping method is designed specifically for vehicles on wheels or tracks. Instead of lifting the car or machinery into a container, it is driven directly onto the ship at the U.S. port and secured in designated parking decks inside the vessel.
When the ship arrives at its destination in China, the vehicle is simply rolled off the vessel using built-in ramps. This reduces handling, saves time, and lowers costs compared to container shipping.
RORO is a preferred option for:
Standard passenger cars and SUVs
Commercial trucks and vans
Motorcycles and ATVs
RVs, buses, and trailers
Boats and yachts on trailers
Construction machinery and agricultural equipment
Benefits of RORO Shipping to China
Choosing RORO shipping to China offers several key advantages:
✅ Cost-Effective Transportation
RORO eliminates container loading and unloading, which means lower overall shipping costs compared to containerized transport.
✅ Fast Turnaround
RORO terminals are designed for efficiency. Loading and unloading vehicles is much faster, which helps reduce the total time of shipment.
✅ Safe and Secure Shipping
Vehicles are carefully strapped and braced inside the ship’s protected cargo decks. With limited handling, the risk of damage is minimized.
✅ Wide Cargo Capability
RORO ships are built to handle everything from compact cars to oversized industrial machinery, making them highly versatile.
Why Choose All Transport Depot Inc. for China Shipping?
With years of experience in international vehicle logistics, All Transport Depot Inc. ensures your cargo is shipped with precision and care.
🚢 Professional RORO Handling
Our trained team manages the full process, from U.S. port booking to final delivery in China.
💲 Transparent & Competitive Rates
We provide all-inclusive quotes without hidden fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
🌎 Nationwide U.S. Coverage
We ship from all major RORO ports in the U.S., including Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Baltimore.
📑 Full Documentation Support
From export clearance in the U.S. to customs entry in China, our experts guide you every step of the way.
Cargo Types Shipped to China
Our RORO services cover a wide range of vehicle and equipment types:
Cars, SUVs, and luxury vehicles
Pickup trucks and vans
Motorcycles, scooters, and ATVs
Recreational vehicles (RVs) and buses
Boats and yachts (on trailers)
Heavy-duty trucks and trailers
Construction machinery: bulldozers, excavators, cranes
Agricultural equipment: tractors, harvesters, loaders
How RORO Shipping Works
The RORO process is simple, but each step must be followed carefully:
Step 1: Booking and Scheduling
We schedule your vehicle on the next available RORO vessel leaving from the closest U.S. port to your location.
Step 2: Vehicle Drop-Off and Loading
You must deliver the vehicle to the departure port. Port operators drive it directly onto the vessel using ramps and park it securely inside.
Step 3: Ocean Transit
Your vehicle travels safely across the Pacific Ocean, secured inside a specialized cargo deck.
Step 4: Arrival and Unloading in China
Once the vessel reaches the Chinese port, operators drive your vehicle off the ship and move it to customs clearance for inspection.
Major U.S. Departure Ports for China
Port of Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA – The largest export hub for Pacific shipments.
Port of New York & New Jersey – Convenient for East Coast exporters.
Port of Houston, TX – Specializes in heavy machinery and industrial shipments.
Port of Baltimore, MD – A major hub for auto exports from the U.S. East Coast.
Arrival Ports in China
China has some of the busiest and most advanced ports in the world, including:
Port of Shanghai – The world’s largest and most active international shipping hub.
Port of Tianjin – Serves Beijing and northern China’s growing vehicle demand.
Port of Guangzhou (Nansha) – A major southern China gateway for automobiles.
Port of Xiamen – Ideal for mixed cargo, including vehicles and machinery.
Required Documents for Shipping to China
When shipping vehicles to China, you will need to provide:
Original Vehicle Title and Registration
Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice (for commercial shipments)
Import License (if applicable)
Insurance Certificate
Packing List (for machinery and equipment)
Customs Clearance in China
Importing vehicles into China requires following strict customs and regulatory procedures:
📑 Import Regulations
China enforces strict emission standards (China VI) and may restrict older vehicles from entering. Always verify compliance before shipping.
🛃 Clearance Process
All documents must be submitted for verification. Customs officers inspect vehicles for compliance and value declaration.
💰 Taxes and Duties
China applies import duty, VAT, and sometimes consumption tax. These fees depend on the vehicle type, engine size, and market value.
RORO Shipping Costs from USA to China
Several factors affect the cost of RORO shipping:
U.S. Port Charges
Cover vehicle handling, export documentation, and port fees.
Destination Fees in China
Include unloading, terminal handling, and customs entry costs.
Additional Costs
Marine insurance (recommended for extra protection)
Inland trucking to/from ports
Import taxes and VAT in China
RORO vs. Container Shipping
Both RORO and container shipping are effective methods, but the choice depends on your needs:
✅ RORO Shipping Advantages
Lower shipping costs
Faster and simpler process
Ideal for standard vehicles and machinery
✅ Container Shipping Advantages
Extra protection for luxury, classic, or high-value vehicles
Allows shipment of spare parts or personal belongings with the car
This method is for non-running vehicles, which RORO does not transport.
Tips for Successful RORO Shipping to China
Check Vehicle Eligibility – Ensure your vehicle meets China’s import standards.
Prepare Documentation Early – Missing paperwork can cause delays.
Do Not Leave Personal Items – Vehicles must be shipped empty in RORO.
Book in Advance – Sailings fill up quickly; early booking ensures space.
Consider Insurance – Protect your vehicle against unexpected risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of vehicles can I ship to China using RORO?
You can ship cars, SUVs, motorcycles, trucks, RVs, buses, boats, and heavy construction equipment.
How long does shipping from the USA to China take?
Typically 3–6 weeks, depending on the U.S. port of departure and the Chinese arrival port.
Is RORO shipping safe?
Yes. We store vehicles inside the vessel’s secured decks, protecting them from external elements.
Can I ship a non-running vehicle via RORO?
No. All RORO vehicles must be drivable. You must ship non-running vehicles in a container.
Are personal items allowed inside the vehicle?
No. You must remove all personal belongings for security and customs reasons.
Contacting China Customs for Vehicle Import
Website: www.customs.gov.cn
Hotline: +86 10 12360
Head Office: Beijing, China
David is a seasoned logistics coordinator at Miami Auto Shippers. With over a decade of experience, he excels in organizing the smooth and efficient transportation of vehicles. He’s known for his attention to detail and ensuring every car reaches its destination safely.