RoRo vs Container: Shipping a Car from Japan
When to use RoRo or a container, typical sea times to Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Chittagong and Maputo, and inland legs for Uganda and Zambia.
Most Japanese used cars move RoRo (roll-on/roll-off). Containers are for non-running, high-value, or mixed cargo. Choice of port matters as much as the ocean line.
RoRo
The car must usually be able to roll. Cost is typically lower than a sole container. East Africa, UK, and many RHD markets use monthly car-carrier sailings — confirm the actual cut-off. Typical sea times: Japan–Mombasa 30–45 days; Japan–Dar es Salaam 35–50 days; Japan–UK often 35–50 days.
Container
Use when the car cannot drive, needs extra protection, or shares a box with parts. Budget more than RoRo. Steam-clean for biosecurity destinations (Australia, New Zealand).
Destination ports we actually use
- Kenya — Mombasa
- Tanzania — Dar es Salaam
- Uganda — Mombasa then inland
- Zambia — Durban or Dar es Salaam then a ZRA border
- Bangladesh — Chittagong
- Mozambique — Maputo (Beira / Nacala as needed)
Inland markets need transit documents and extra weeks. See each export landing page and the matching regulation page for current notes.
Ready to import from Japan?
Tell us the destination and the vehicle. We check eligibility before you commit.