Many international shipping customers are interested in shipping to land-locked countries. Ethiopia specifically is a very popular destination for both roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) and container service (FCL and LCL).

But how do you get a car, construction equipment, or personal effects to a country inaccessible by vessels? With most companies’ international shipping services, the cargo can be shipped to the closest available port. In this case, it is Port Djibouti.

The procedure is similar to the usual international automobile shipping or container shipping process. The company will first identify the closest and most affordable port in the United States, depending on where the customer is located. At this stage, the shipping company will most likely determine whether the customer is able to deliver the cargo to the port or not. Inland trucking and transportation services will come in handy for the latter option.

The shipping company will then take care of the necessary paperwork and export formalities in the United States. This includes communicating with the customer about any additional port charges and documents that will make the shipment run smoothly.

Finally, the cargo will be transported via vessel to Port Djibouti, where the company can help with customs clearance and import formalities in Djibouti. Unfortunately, the customer will need to arrange a method of transportation from Djibouti to Ethiopia with local companies.

Shipping overseas is easy with a reliable international shipping company, even if the country is land-locked. 

What is Roll-on/Roll-off, Anyway?

Transporting certain kinds of cargo means a certain kind of treatment when it comes to loading and unloading the vessel.  Your charges are always based on the combination of services you select – from pickup, packing and delivery to the type of vessel and loading service.  If you are planning on moving vehicles and equipment or even personal belongings, then the most popular way to do so is with roll-on/roll-off (ro/ro) methods.  But what does this mean and is it for you? 

What is it?  Imagine the inside of a vessel that actually looks like a multi-decked parking garage, and you have a sense of what this kind of cargo vessel looks like.  Some may have as many as ten decks that can hold thousands of cars.  Some ships may be larger, others smaller depending on the specialty kind of cargo.

Why is it so popular?  For one thing, it is the most recommended way of transport, which also makes it the most popular way to move goods.  Ro/ro is an easy method of loading cargo onto a ship, but it is also the most economical.  Once loaded onto the shipping vessel, it is secured.  The chances of having damage done in shipping using ro/ro methods is rare.

Are you shipping a boat?  Then you definitely want to ship it ro/ro.  Boats will be much safer contained in a cargo vessel with this method, as they won’t be damaged at sea while in transport.  The boat will be driven onto a deck and then removed the same way once it gets to the proper port.

If you are looking to save money on your international shipping needs, but you also want to be sure your things are handled carefully and safely, then ro/ro is without a doubt the way to go-go!