Method Comparison: Container, RoRo, Breakbulk
The method is determined by the cargo, not the price list. Below is an honest comparison of cost, capacity, risk and availability.
CostSize limitsRiskAvailability
Comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Container | RoRo | Breakbulk | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 1–4 cars, small vehicles, parts | Anything that drives and fits a ramp | Out-of-gauge and heavy units |
| Cost basis | Per box | Per unit or volume | Revenue ton (weight or measure) |
| Cost for one car | High | Low | Not applicable |
| Cost for three trucks | High — dismantling | Lowest where available | Medium |
| Handling risk | Lowest — sealed, not driven | Medium — driven, sometimes weather deck | Medium — crane and lashing exposure |
| Size limit | Container internal dimensions | Deck height and ramp capacity | Vessel gear and port crane capacity |
| Non-running cargo | Yes, with winch | No | Yes, with crane |
| Port coverage | Widest | Only ports on the service | Ports with suitable gear |
| Transit predictability | Weekly services, predictable | Fixed sailings, fewer per month | Sailings booked case by case |
| Personal effects allowed | Sometimes, if declared | No | Case by case |
Every comparison on this page is typical, not universal. A specific quotation overrides it.
Framework
Decision Framework We Apply
- One or two cars to a container port with no RoRo service: container.
- One or two cars to a port a RoRo service calls: RoRo, unless the value justifies a sealed box.
- Three or more cars to one consignee: compare a shared 40HQ against per-unit RoRo.
- Any truck, bus or coach above about 2.7 m: RoRo if available, breakbulk if not.
- Mining or earthmoving equipment above roughly 40 tonnes: breakbulk.
- Cargo that does not run and does not fit a box: breakbulk.
Failure Modes
Typical Failure Modes by Method
Container
- The unit is a few centimetres too tall and the terminal refuses it on the day
- Weight exceeds the payload, forcing a re-plan at the yard
- Undeclared goods in the vehicle delay customs at destination
RoRo
- The vehicle does not start at the ramp and blocks the operation
- No service calls the discharge port, or the sailing is full
- Weather deck exposure on a cheaper booking
Breakbulk
- No crane of sufficient capacity at the discharge port
- Lashing plan rejected by the vessel, delaying the sailing
- Dimensions given were wrong and the space booked does not fit
Preventive Measures
- Measuring the unit in its shipping condition before booking
- Confirming port and vessel capability in writing
- Photographing condition at handover
Send dimensions and we will confirm viable methods
No obligation, and we will say when the answer is none of them.
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