Roll-on/roll-off (RORO or RO-RO) ships are cargo ships designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers, and railroad cars, that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle, such as a self-propelled modular transporter. This contrasts with lift-on/lift-off (LOLO or LO-LO) vessels, which use a crane to load and unload cargo.

RORO vessels have either built-in or shore-based ramps or ferry slips that allow the cargo to be efficiently rolled on and off the vessel when in port. While smaller ferries that operate across rivers and other short distances often have built-in ramps, the term RORO is generally reserved for large oceangoing vessels. The ramps and doors may be located in stern, bow or sides, or any combination thereof.

Cargo is not a very popular shipping method as it’s generally used for oversized cargo that can’t fit inside shipping containers. Any cargo that exceeds the length, height or weight restrictions of a 40′ container will be shipped by breakbulk cargo. Cargo is loaded on top of the deck of the vessel and has to be carefully loaded into place on the top of the deck by crane. Large machinery, boats and steel are examples of goods that are exported around the world by Breakbulk Cargo. Another method or transporting High and Heavy cargo in case RORO vessels are not feasible.

Ocean shipping containers are large standardized shipping containers, designed and built for freight transport via ocean. They vary in size, style, and function. The sizes are listed in feet.

Their internal or door opening dimensions are generally standard, but often slightly change depending on the carrier. While small, these differences can have an impact on shipments.

Most containers are made of steel with corrugated sides and their floors are made of treated wood so cargo can be blocked and braced with lumber and nails.

When the weight of your cargo is too concentrated or heavier than normal loads, it can break the bottom of the container, so you must make sure you are distributing the weight of your cargo correctly and get appropriate accommodation for your heavy loads.

There are many types of ocean shipping containers used to accommodate the different needs of your cargo. Here are some examples:

Container Sizes

When exporting product around the world there are different shipping methods to consider. It mainly depends on the overall product packing sizes, cubic measurement, or total weight of the products to be shipped.

20'GP Shipping Container (General Purpose)

The 20’ container is the most cost-efficient way to transport the goods to your buyer. It is known as a ‘Twenty- Footer’ to signify the overall length of 20 feet. Products are usually packed inside cartons, then cartons stacked and wrapped onto pallets and loaded inside the container for transport. A popular way of exporting palletized cargo is 2 pallets high, 2 pallets wide, 8 pallets deep – 16 pallets total.

40'GP Shipping Container (General Purpose)

The 40’ shipping container is the same design as the 20’ container but just double the length. So the overall length is 40 feet and can hold double the amount of cargo.

40'HC Shipping Container (High-Cube)

The 40’ High Cube shipping container is the same overall length as the 40’GP but it is approximately 40cm taller than the GP. This slight increase in height allows for an extra 10-15% of cargo to be loaded inside. It also allows for some different packing methods which can fit extra cargo otherwise unable to load inside a normal 40’GP container.

LCL Cargo (Less Than Container Load)

LCL shipping is a shipping method used for smaller cargo when the overall size of the goods for export is not big enough to fill a 20’ container. When LCL shipping is used, the goods are still loaded inside a 20’ shipping container and transported the exact same way but the goods are loaded inside a shared shipping container along with other party’s cargo to fill the container (a consolidated container). The freight cost is charged out depending on the overall product size or weight, the shipping rate will be charged out per cubic meter of cargo (m3) or per Metric Tone (1,000kg) in weight, whichever is greater. There are more handling costs involved when shipping LCL cargo as pallets have to be loaded and unloaded more often, incurring more handling charges.

Project cargo” is a term used to broadly describe the national or international transportation of large, heavy, high value, or complex pieces of equipment. The materials can be sourced globally, or from one individual location.

The oil and gas, wind power, mining, engineering, and construction industries are heavily involved in this level of transportation. Project cargo requires a detailed engineering process in order to stay within the projected budget and be completed on time.

It can consist of multiple or single shipments and can both cover a wide range of freight volume and cargo value. It can mean single or multiple pieces of equipment being transported from point A to point B, or various destinations over a period of time. It can move by land, sea, or air, and can involve trucks, rail, cranes, ships, barges and/or planes.

Project cargo is all about attention to detail. Pre-planning is the crucial step that leads to efficient operations. Maintaining efficiency in such complex cargo operations eliminate risks and reduce costs.