For most people importing a single running car from Japan, RoRo is the better choice: it is cheaper, widely available and simple. A container is worth the extra cost when you want more protection, need to ship a non-running or high-value car, or want to send spare parts and personal effects with it. Neither is “safer” across the board — the right answer depends on your car and your route.
What is RoRo shipping?
RoRo stands for “roll-on/roll-off”. Your car is driven under its own power up a ramp and parked inside a purpose-built car-carrier vessel, secured, and then driven off at the destination port. It is the same kind of ship you see stacked with thousands of vehicles. Because loading is fast and there is no packing involved, RoRo is the standard, lowest-cost way to move a normal running car.
What is container shipping?
With a container, your car is driven into a steel shipping container, chocked and strapped down, and the doors are sealed. A 20ft container usually takes one car; a 40ft container can take two or more, and cars are sometimes consolidated (shared) with another buyer’s vehicle to split the cost. The car is fully enclosed for the whole journey, which is why containers are chosen when protection or flexibility matters more than price.
RoRo vs container: the trade-offs
| Factor | RoRo | Container |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower — the usual choice for one car | Higher, though sharing a 40ft can narrow the gap |
| Protection | Good — cars are secured on enclosed decks | Highest — fully sealed from weather and handling |
| Availability | Very wide on major export routes | Wide, but not on every route or at every port |
| Non-running cars | No — the car must drive on and off | Yes — a non-runner can be winched in |
| Spares & personal effects | Not allowed inside the car | Often allowed (subject to your customs rules) |
| Best for | A single, everyday running car | High-value, non-running, or car-plus-parts loads |
When RoRo is the right call
- You are importing one ordinary, running car and want the lowest freight cost.
- Your destination is served by frequent RoRo sailings, so you are not waiting long for space.
- You do not need to ship parts or personal items with the vehicle.
- You are comfortable with the car being handled and driven at both ports, which is normal and low-risk.
When a container makes more sense
- The car is high-value or collectible and you want it sealed away from any handling.
- The car does not run or drive, so it cannot be loaded RoRo.
- You want to send spare parts, a spare set of wheels, or personal effects along with it.
- Your route has no reliable RoRo service, or you have chosen container for extra security on a higher-risk lane.
Shipping is only one line on your bill
Whichever method you pick, freight is just one part of the landed cost — the car, marine insurance, your country’s duties and inland delivery all add up. See how much it costs to import a car from Japan, or get an estimate for your exact car and port with our cost calculator.
How AskJapanCars handles it
AskJapanCars is operated by AVON INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD., a Japan-registered exporter (est. 2011) with genuine USS auction membership (Members Card L-1525), so we bid from inside the auction rather than reselling a third party’s list. Once you approve a car, our AI assistant recommends RoRo or container for your route and estimates the landed cost before anything is booked — with no upfront deposit. You can also read more about who we are or browse the cars we source.
Is RoRo or container shipping cheaper from Japan?
+
RoRo is almost always cheaper for a single running car because loading is quick and no packing is needed. A container costs more, though sharing a 40ft container with another buyer can narrow the gap.
Can I ship a non-running car from Japan?
+
Not by RoRo, because the car has to drive on and off the vessel. A non-running car can be winched into a container instead, which is the usual method for non-runners and high-value vehicles.
Can I ship spare parts or personal items with my car?
+
Usually only in a container, where extra items can be packed around the vehicle. RoRo does not allow items inside the car. Whether your destination permits it depends on your own customs rules, so check before loading.
Is a container safer than RoRo?
+
A container is fully sealed and handled less, so it offers the most protection. But RoRo is a well-established, low-risk method for everyday cars, so “safer” really depends on the car’s value and your route rather than being universally true.