RoRo Shipping
to Costa Rica
Roll-on/Roll-off: your machinery, trucks, buses or vehicles drive straight onto the vessel — no cranes, no containers. The specialized option for rolling cargo of any size.
What is RoRo shipping and when does it make sense?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is the ocean freight mode where cargo rolls on its own power — or towed — up a ramp and onto the vessel. No crane, no container: the equipment travels parked and lashed on the ship's decks, like a floating parking garage.
It's the natural option for rolling machinery, trucks, buses, tractor heads and vehicles, and especially valuable when the equipment exceeds standard container dimensions: in RoRo there are no walls limiting width or height the same way.
What ships RoRo
- Self-propelled machinery: excavators, loaders, backhoes, compactors, mobile cranes, forklifts and running farm equipment.
- Vehicles of every kind: cars, pick-ups, trucks, buses and tractor heads.
- Trailers and towable cargo: lowboys, platforms and wheeled equipment that can be pulled at the port.
- Static cargo on mafi: pieces that don't roll can ship on roll trailers, subject to carrier approval.
RoRo, container, flat rack or breakbulk: which one?
- RoRo: if the equipment rolls or can be towed and there's service on the route. Minimal handling, no disassembly.
- Container (FCL): if the equipment fits in a 20' or 40' container. More frequent sailings and full protection — see our FCL service.
- Flat rack / Open top: if it exceeds the closed container but can be lifted by crane; travels on container vessels with regular sailings.
- Breakbulk: for very large or heavy pieces lifted straight into the vessel's hold — see our breakbulk and project cargo service.
Not sure which applies to your equipment? Send us the details and we'll quote the best fit — often comparing two options so you choose on price and time. The full guide is in our article importing heavy machinery from China to Costa Rica.
What we need to quote your RoRo
These details define the rate and the available vessel. The more complete, the faster and more accurate the quote:
- Exact dimensions: length × width × height of the equipment.
- Confirmed weight of the unit or each unit.
- Description: what the equipment is — make, model and year if applicable.
- Photos or spec sheet: real images help the carrier confirm the booking.
- Does it roll on its own power? If it runs and rolls, straight RoRo applies; if it can only be towed, port towing gets coordinated; if it doesn't roll, we evaluate breakbulk or flat rack.
- Port of loading at origin: if your supplier hasn't confirmed it yet, with the factory or warehouse address we check nearby ports offering RoRo service.
- Incoterm agreed with the supplier (EXW, FOB, CIF…).
- Cargo value, needed for insurance and duty calculation.
The RoRo process with VS Logistics — step by step
- 1. Quote: with the equipment details we confirm vessel, port and rate in under 24 hours.
- 2. Booking: we reserve space on the RoRo vessel with the route's carrier.
- 3. Delivery at origin port: the equipment is received at the port of loading and held under terminal custody.
- 4. Documentation: Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list and any permits required for the equipment type.
- 5. Transit and tracking: vessel monitoring throughout the voyage.
- 6. Customs clearance in CR: we coordinate with a customs broker at the arrival port — Caldera or Moín/Limón depending on the route.
- 7. Final delivery: the equipment rolls out of the port or we coordinate lowboy transport to your yard.
Our edge in RoRo
We coordinate rolling cargo and special equipment with the same coverage and response of all our services.
24-Hour Quote
With dimensions, weight and port of origin we confirm rate and vessel availability in under one business day.
We verify the port for you
Supplier doesn't know which port to ship from? With their address we identify nearby ports with RoRo service and pick the best option.
We compare modes
If your equipment also fits a container or flat rack, we quote both routes so you decide on price and transit time.
Certified CR Customs
We coordinate clearance at Caldera and Moín/Limón with licensed customs brokerages, including machinery and vehicle-specific permits.
What we get asked most about RoRo
What kind of cargo can ship RoRo?
Any rolling cargo: cars, trucks, buses, tractor heads, trailers and machinery on wheels or tracks that can drive or be towed. Static cargo can also ship on roll trailers (mafi), subject to carrier approval.
Does the machinery have to run to ship RoRo?
It must roll on its own power or be towable at the port. If the piece can't roll or be towed, the alternative is breakbulk with crane lifting, or a flat rack / open top on a container vessel. That's why we always ask whether the equipment moves on its own or needs a crane.
Is RoRo cheaper than a container?
For large rolling cargo it's often competitive, since you avoid the maneuver of getting the equipment in and out of a container. The rate depends on dimensions and weight, and RoRo sailings to Costa Rica are less frequent than container services — which is why we quote both options whenever the equipment allows it.
Which port does RoRo cargo enter Costa Rica through?
It depends on the route and carrier: the country's ocean gateways are Caldera on the Pacific and Moín/Limón on the Caribbean. When quoting we confirm the arrival port for your origin. Each customs office is covered in our article on Costa Rica's ports of entry.
What do I need to get a quote?
Dimensions (length × width × height), weight, equipment description, photos, whether it rolls on its own, port of loading or supplier address, Incoterm and cargo value. The full list is above — or send us what you have on WhatsApp and we'll help you complete it.
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Get your RoRo quote today
Fill out the form and we'll send you a detailed proposal in under 24 business hours.