When it comes to shipping cars or other vehicles to Ghana, most buyers eventually run into the same question: should I go with Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) shipping or pay extra for a container? The choice may look simple at first glance, but once you start comparing prices, transit times, safety, and even port processes, things get a bit more complicated. And the truth is, there isn’t always a clear winner. What works well for one buyer may not be the smartest move for another.
I’ve heard stories on both sides. A car dealer in Accra swears by RORO because, as he puts it, “a car is made to roll, so why bother with boxes?” Meanwhile, a small business owner in Kumasi only uses containers because she once had her RORO shipment delayed for weeks due to port congestion. Both are technically right, but their situations are different. That’s where the nuance comes in.
Let’s break down the two methods, highlight their strengths and weak spots, and see which option may actually make sense depending on your budget, risk tolerance, and long-term goals.
What Is RORO Shipping?
RORO (short for Roll-on/Roll-off) is exactly what it sounds like. Cars, trucks, and heavy equipment are driven onto a special cargo ship, parked inside like in a giant floating garage, and then driven off when they arrive. No cranes, no fancy lifting, just wheels on ramps. The system was designed for efficiency, especially for shipping cars in bulk.
Shipping companies often like RORO because it’s quick, simple, and less prone to physical damage during loading. For car dealers in Ghana who import multiple vehicles at a time, this method can feel like the obvious choice.
But efficiency doesn’t always equal safety or flexibility. Once the vehicle is parked on the vessel, you generally can’t load personal items inside. If you were planning on shipping spare parts, electronics, or even a few household items with your car, you may be disappointed. Many RORO carriers outright ban additional cargo in the car because of theft risks and customs issues.
What Is Container Shipping?
Container shipping takes a different approach. Instead of driving the car directly onto the vessel, the vehicle is secured inside a steel container (usually 20-foot or 40-foot). The container is then lifted by cranes and stacked on the ship like a giant puzzle piece.
At first glance, this might look like overkill. After all, why put a car in a big metal box when it could just drive onboard? The answer comes down to security, flexibility, and sometimes even customs clearance. A container acts like a private locker—you can ship more than just the car. Spare tires, business goods, personal effects, and extra equipment can all be packed in with the vehicle, as long as the paperwork matches.
On the flip side, container shipping is almost always more expensive. Between the cost of renting the container, paying for crane handling, and sometimes higher port charges in Ghana, the bill adds up fast. For a single used car that isn’t particularly high in value, this extra expense can feel unnecessary.
Cost Comparison: Cheap vs. Costly, but Is It Worth It?
Money usually drives the decision. RORO is often the cheaper option, sometimes by several hundred or even a thousand dollars, depending on the shipping line and the route. If you’re buying a Toyota Corolla for around $7,000 from the U.S. or Canada, shaving off $800 in shipping costs can make a big difference to your resale margin in Ghana.
But here’s the twist: cheaper doesn’t always mean cheaper in the long run. If a car arrives with missing parts—say the radio is gone or the spare tire disappears—that supposed savings gets eaten up quickly. Worse still, if the car suffers scratches, dents, or minor damage during the voyage, the repair bill back in Ghana could cost more than what you saved on RORO.
Container shipping may feel expensive upfront, but some buyers see it as a kind of insurance. The car is locked in, sealed, and protected. Unless the container itself is compromised—which is rare—the risk of theft or tampering is far lower. For high-value SUVs, luxury sedans, or brand-new vehicles, most importers agree that the container is the safer bet.
Transit Time: Speed vs. Delays
Both RORO and container ships often travel the same routes and stop at the same ports. So in theory, the transit time from, say, Baltimore to Tema should be roughly the same regardless of method. But in practice, delays are more common with containers.
Why? Because containers go through additional handling at both ends. Loading a container requires cranes and specialized equipment. When the vessel arrives, port officials need to locate and offload the container, which can take time if the port is congested. Anyone familiar with Tema Port knows congestion is not unusual, and clearing a container can test the patience of even the most experienced clearing agent.
RORO, by contrast, is often faster once the ship docks. Cars are literally driven off, lined up, and inspected. For importers who depend on quick turnaround—like used car dealers with waiting customers—this simplicity can be worth more than the cost savings alone.
Risk and Security: Where Things Get Tricky
If we’re being honest, security is the elephant in the room. Ghana-bound shipments, especially through busy ports, are not immune to petty theft or damage. RORO has a reputation—fair or not—for leaving vehicles more vulnerable. It’s not uncommon to hear importers complain that cars arrive with missing stereos, GPS units, or tools. Sometimes even mirrors or batteries are mysteriously gone.
That being said, not all RORO experiences are bad. Many vehicles arrive in perfect condition. Shipping lines have improved their processes, and insurance can cover certain losses. Still, the perception of risk remains, and perception often shapes decision-making as much as reality.
Containers, meanwhile, offer a physical barrier. But even here, problems can arise. Customs inspections in Ghana may mean your container is opened, and if handling isn’t careful, items can still go missing. Some importers quietly admit that a sealed container doesn’t guarantee absolute safety, but it certainly reduces exposure.
Which Method Works Best for Different Types of Buyers?
Instead of searching for a one-size-fits-all answer, it makes more sense to think about the kind of buyer or shipper you are.
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Individual Buyer on a Budget
If you’re shipping a single used car for personal use and you don’t need to load extra items, RORO usually makes sense. It keeps costs down, and while there’s some risk, many people successfully ship this way every year. -
Car Dealer Importing Multiple Vehicles
For bulk shipments, RORO tends to dominate. The math is simple: multiple cars in one go, lower per-unit shipping cost, faster turnaround. Dealers often build potential risks into their pricing anyway. -
Business Owner Shipping Goods and Cars Together
Here, container shipping shines. You can load a car and still fit in other business cargo—spare parts, appliances, or machinery. For small-scale traders, this flexibility outweighs the cost. -
Luxury Car Owner or High-End Importer
If you’re importing a Range Rover, Lexus, or brand-new BMW, putting it on RORO may feel like playing roulette. The higher the value, the more sense it makes to pay for container security.
The Hidden Factor: Customs and Clearing in Ghana
No matter which shipping method you choose, you’ll eventually face customs clearance. And anyone who has been through Ghana’s port system knows this can be as stressful as the ocean voyage itself.
Here’s where container shipping sometimes adds frustration. Clearing a container involves more paperwork, higher handling charges, and often longer wait times. With RORO, the process can be a bit more straightforward. But again, it depends on the specific port activity and whether you’re using a reliable clearing agent.
Some importers actually choose RORO just to avoid the container clearance headache, even if they could afford the extra cost. As one clearing agent in Tema told me, “time is money—if I spend two weeks chasing a container release, my client loses more than he saves.”
Insurance and Peace of Mind
Another point that often gets overlooked is insurance. Marine insurance can cover both RORO and container shipments, but the premiums and coverage conditions can differ. Insuring a container shipment often provides broader coverage, since the container is treated as a sealed unit. With RORO, insurers may exclude certain types of theft or minor damage.
Some buyers shrug this off, hoping nothing happens. Others see insurance as part of the overall calculation. If peace of mind is a priority, the container plus full insurance may feel worth every extra dollar.
So, Which Is Better?
The honest answer is: it depends. RORO is cheaper, faster to unload, and popular with bulk shippers. Container shipping is safer, more flexible, and often preferred for expensive cars or combined cargo. Neither method is perfect, and both come with trade-offs.
If you’re trying to maximize profit margins on mid-priced used cars, RORO is probably the way to go. But if you’re sending something high-value or irreplaceable, the container is the safer bet. Some seasoned importers even mix the two, depending on the shipment—RORO for cheaper cars, containers for the premium ones.
The better choice isn’t about which method is objectively “best” but which aligns with your priorities. Saving money? Go RORO. Protecting value? Go container. Avoiding clearance headaches? RORO again. Want to ship personal items with your car? Container, no question.
Final Thoughts
The RORO vs. container debate in Ghana isn’t going away anytime soon. Both methods serve a purpose, and both have loyal supporters. What matters most is understanding the trade-offs and making a decision that matches your needs rather than following what everyone else does.
If you’re new to car shipping, it may help to talk to clearing agents or other importers who’ve used both methods. Sometimes their real-world experiences reveal details that shipping brochures conveniently leave out. And remember—whether it rolls on or rides in a container, the real challenge often starts once your car hits the port in Ghana.