Quick comparison
| RoRo | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel limit | ¼ tank or less | Empty tank + purged lines |
| Personal items | Cabin empty | Often allowed (declared) |
| Vehicle condition | Drivable preferred | Non-runners OK |
| Main UK ports | Southampton, Tilbury, Sheerness | Felixstowe, London Gateway, Liverpool |
| Best for | Africa, Middle East, Americas RoRo trades | Midlands consolidation, mixed cargo |
Choose RoRo when
Standard car, regular sailing to your destination, lowest cost, you can meet compound fuel check quickly.
Choose container when
Shipping from inland UK with goods inside, non-runner, or destination served better by container line.
Inland haulage tip
RoRo from Southampton saves sea freight vs Liverpool for some trades — but Northern exporters may pay £180–£450 extra haulage to Southampton. Factor total cost, not port alone.