For container shipping, your vehicle is secured inside a steel shipping container. This container is then loaded onto the car container ship by a crane. Once the ship is loaded, the vessel gets underway toward its destination port.

New cars are primarily shipped overseas using two specialized methods: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and Container Shipping. RoRo is the most common and cost-effective method for mass-produced vehicles. These specialized "Pure Car and Truck Carriers" (PCTCs) function like giant, floating multi-story parking garages. Cars are literally driven onto the ship via large ramps, secured to the deck with high-tension straps, and driven off at the destination. A single RoRo vessel can carry up to 8,000 "Car Equivalent Units" (CEUs). For high-value, luxury, or classic cars, Container Shipping is the preferred choice. The vehicle is loaded into a standard 20-foot or 40-foot steel container, providing a "private room" that protects it from the elements and potential handling damage. In 2026, shipping electric vehicles (EVs) has introduced new "Dangerous Goods" (DG) protocols; airlines and shipping lines now require specific "State of Charge" (SoC) levels—typically around 30%—to minimize the risk of battery-related fires. While air freight is an option for urgent deliveries (like a new Ferrari for a billionaire), it is astronomically expensive and represents less than 1% of global automotive transport.