RoRo vs Container Shipping in the Philippines: 6 Key Differences You Need to Know

Business logistics is a challenge in the Philippines. Since the country  has an archipelagic structure with 7,641 islands, it can be difficult to move people and items around. Weighing your logistics options, such as RoRo and Container shipping, will help you achieve the most efficient transport time. 

Get to know the differences between RoRo and Container shipping and decide which one is the best option for your business needs.

Business logistics is a challenge in the Philippines. Since the country  has an archipelagic structure with 7,641 islands, it can be difficult to move people and items around. Weighing your logistics options, such as RoRo and Container shipping, will help you achieve the most efficient transport time. 

6 Ways Philippine RoRo and Container Shipping Differ from Each Other

1.Capacity 

A RoRo, or roll-on / roll-off vessel is designed to carry multiple small and lightweight vehicles, as well as large trucks or buses in varying amounts. Select Philippine bus routes can travel over land and sea through RoRo. The exact loading capacity depends on the design and size of the vessel. RoRo shipping options can vary for freight, vehicle, and passenger capacity.

Container shipping vessels are designed for carrying special cargo containers in standard sizes according to the ship’s capacity. For example, some vessels can only carry a certain number of 20-foot shipping containers, while others can accommodate 40-foot shipping containers.

2.Passenger accommodation

There are various types of RoRo shipping vessels, but the RoPax (roll-on / roll-off passenger) vessel is one that serves a dual purpose: carrying cars and passengers. This is advantageous for inter-island travel and tourism. Other RoRo types do not usually carry passengers apart from the crew.

Container shipping can only accommodate up to 12 passengers, but it is not typically recommended. A unique feature that exists in few shipping lines is the freighter cruise, which is not yet popularized in the Philippines. This unconventional travel method takes a small number of passengers on a less luxurious, off-the-beaten-path journey on a container ship.

3.Distance

RoRo shipping is preferable for shorter journeys and inter-island travel. In the Philippines, RoRo is popular for smaller islands or ports, as not all these have the capacity to accommodate larger cargo ships. Shorter distances are also ideal for tourism and nearby transport.

Meanwhile, container shipping usually takes longer to arrive at the designated port, taking days or weeks. Because this type of shipping is mainly used for commercial use rather than travel, slower transit is a common characteristic.

4.Cost

RoRo shipping has varying fees for vehicle cargo. Trans-Asia Shipping offers sea travel between the islands of Visayas and Mindanao. Our roll-on / roll-off cargo rates can depend on distance and vehicle type, for example, loading a 4WD Sedan without convoy costs around Php 12,101.33 from Cebu City to Cagayan de Oro City and costs only Php 4,540 from Cebu City to Tagbilaran City in Bohol.

Container shipping is costlier and may entail adjustments depending on the container load. Freight services usually offer different load capacities for businesses. Trans-Asia Shipping also offers rolling cargo for Manila freighters

5.Freight options

As mentioned earlier, RoRo shipping costs differ for each type of vehicle cargo and the distance of travel. Passenger RoRo, or RoPax, charges separate fees for passengers who wish to take the ship without a vehicle in tow.

For container shipping, freight can be classified into full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL). FCL separates your products from others’ in a single container, and usually ships faster. LCL combines your goods with other businesses’ and personal goods, and is preferred by those who are looking for a cheaper option. A single container can be split by those sending goods in smaller quantities.

6.Port accessibility

Roll-on / roll-off shipping is highly advantageous due to its ability to reach smaller ports in provinces or regions that do not have large-capacity ports. This is ideal for inter-island shipment and remote destinations.

On the other hand, container shipping is mainly directed towards major ports, which have the appropriate space, facilities, and manpower to receive container shipments. Some of the major ports in the Philippines include:

  • Manila
  • Subic
  • Batangas
  • Cebu
  • Davao
  • Cagayan de Oro
  • General Santos
  • Zamboanga

RoRo and Container shipping have vast differences, but these are characteristics that each business can use to their advantage. Hopefully, this guide helped you in choosing the right shipping option for your sea trade activities within the Philippines.

ALSO READ: Your Manila to Cebu Shipping Guide for Business

 

Still troubled on which shipping line to pick for your cargo? Trans-Asia Shipping Lines travels between the cities of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz, Tagbilaran, Masbate, and more! Check out our RoRo cargo and passenger rates, as well as container shipping options. Contact us today to take your goods on a safe journey.