Two 6x4 dump trucks, Qingdao to Lagos, shipped as RoRo
Driven on under their own power, weather-deck stowage, pre-load condition survey. Anonymised case study from our West Africa trade.
What the shipment involved
Two 6x4 dump trucks, both running and above the height limit for a standard container door, were bought from a dealer outside Qingdao for a contractor working in Nigeria.
Containerising them would have required flat racks and a crane at both ends. The buyer wanted the lower freight cost of RoRo and accepted that the units drive on and off the vessel.
Why RoRo (roll-on / roll-off) was chosen
- Both units were running and road-legal, so they could be driven on and off without a crane
- Height and width put them out of gauge for a standard container but well within RoRo limits
- RoRo is charged on volume, which for two large units was materially cheaper than two flat racks
How it was handled
- Dimensions, weight and photographs confirmed; running condition checked
- RoRo service and deck type confirmed for the Qingdao to Lagos call
- Pre-load condition survey carried out and countersigned before boarding
- Both units driven on and lashed to the deck by the vessel crew
- Bill of lading issued against the survey record
- Discharge sequence and collection arranged with the consignee in Apapa
From the operation
Photographs are of comparable operations at the same loading ports. Client-identifying detail is not published.
Result and what it tells you
Both trucks discharged and collected. The survey record meant the condition at loading was not in dispute.
The trade-off to accept with RoRo: the vehicle is driven and stowed on an open deck, so a pre-load survey is not optional paperwork — it is what protects the claim.
Planning a Similar Shipment?
Send the cargo, dimensions and destination port. We will confirm the methods that work and the documents required.
Names, values and dates are omitted. These cases are representative of shipments we handle. They are not a guarantee of any specific result — every quotation is based on the actual cargo, the service booked and the rules in force at the time of booking.