Trucks, Buses and Trailers Shipping
With a fleet designed for maximum flexibility, we can accommodate a wide range of cargo. Our customers range from global vehicle manufacturers to producers of high- and heavy-duty construction equipment, trucks, buses, and trailers.
Trucks, Buses and Trailers Transportation
Our Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC) provide the ultimate solution for transporting large rolling units, including trucks, buses, trailers, motorhomes, and caravans. With our vessels, we ensure seamless and efficient transportation for these diverse cargo types.
One of the key advantages of our PCTC vessels is their wide ramps, which are specifically designed to facilitate easy maneuvering and loading of wide and long units. These ramps offer exceptional accessibility, allowing vehicles to be driven directly onto the ship with easiness. Whether it's a heavy-duty truck or a motorhome, our vessels can accommodate them all.
Furthermore, our PCTC vessels have multiple hoistable decks, providing plenty of space for accommodating high cargo. This feature is particularly beneficial when transporting taller units, as it ensures sufficient clearance and avoids any potential damage during the loading and unloading process. With our hoistable decks, we prioritize the safety and security of the cargo, minimizing any risks associated with height restrictions.
RoRo boats are specifically designed to carry a wide range of wheeled cargo, including automobiles, trucks, trailers, and in some cases, rail vehicles like trains and trams. These vessels typically have multiple decks and ramps for easy access.
Our commitment to efficiency and versatility is what sets us apart. By choosing our PCTC vessels, customers can trust in our ability to handle a diverse range of cargo types with utmost care and precision. Whether it's transporting fleets of trucks, luxury motorhomes, or caravans, our vessels offer the perfect combination of accessibility, security, and capacity to meet the unique requirements of each cargo type.
Experience the convenience and reliability of our Pure Car and Truck Carriers, where we redefine the standards of specialized transportation.
What types of trucks, buses, and trailers can be shipped?
At Höegh Autoliners, we ship a wide range of rolling cargo. This includes:
- Trucks: Pickup trucks, small delivery trucks, utility service vehicles, cargo vans, flatbed trucks, tow trucks, dump trucks, cement mixers, tractors, garbage trucks, crane trucks, logging trucks, armored trucks and mining trucks.
- Buses: Minibuses, vans, standard city buses (typically 10-12 meters long), extended buses (18 meters and more) and double-decker buses.
- Trailers: Chassis, flatbed, lowboy, lowbed, tanker, box, refrigerated, agricultural and utility trailers.
What paperwork is required to ship a truck?
To ship a truck or a bus, you will be required to provide standard vehicle export documentation, including proof of ownership (vehicle title and registration), proof of identification (a valid passport or driver’s license), Bill of Lading and an insurance policy.
Depending on the destination, a carnet or temporary import/export paperwork may also be required. Please check the local import and custom regulations for more specific guidance.
How to prepare your trailer for sea shipping?
Trailers must be in a clean, safe and working condition prior to loading. Requirements for all trailers include:
- Fully inflated tires and in good working condition.
- Well-functioning brakes.
- Individually lashed and secured items inside.
- Accessible cargo compartments.
- A minimum of two cross-lashings at each end for trailer stacks.
Additionally:
- The towing bar of boat’s trailer, caravans, etc., should have proper dunnage support.
- Used trailers should have a “trailer horse” for supporting the front end of the trailer.
- Used stacks of trailers should have a minimum of 4 x 50 mm welding bars firmly contacting all trailers in the stack.
The full list of requirements with illustrations can be found in our cargo acceptance guide.
How to prepare your truck for sea shipping?
Trucks must be presented in a safe, clean and operational condition for RoRo sea shipping, as outlined in our cargo acceptance guidelines. The key requirements include:
- Remove any personal items, loose parts, additional batteries of any kind and other non-acceptable items from the vehicle.
- If there are any broken windows, sharp edges or leaking fluids, these must be fixed prior to shipping.
- Make sure there are adequate lashing points available on the vehicle.
- Check that the tires are fully inflated.
- Ensure the engine is safe and functional, including engine fan and coolant system (check reservoir levels).
- Prepare the necessary documents for shipping.
- Abide by the fuel and/or battery requirements:
- Petrol or diesel vehicles - Maximum of ¼ full fuel-tank.
- Gas (LNG, LPG, CNG and HYD) - Maximum of ¼ full fuel-tank.
- BEV High-voltage battery - Maximum 50% SOC (State of Charge), with minimum SOC sufficient for basic driving and operation during loading and discharging, accounting for port dwell time.
- Hybrid (HEV) High-voltage battery - Maximum ¼ full fuel-tank and a recommended 50% SOC (State of Charge).
Can oversized or modified vehicles be shipped?
Yes, our specialized RoRo vessels are able to accommodate oversized, heavy and out-of-gauge cargo. You will need to provide full dimensions, weight and photos when requesting a quote and your vehicle must meet our cargo acceptance guidelines to be accepted for shipment.
If you’re not sure, our professional logistics team is here to provide guidance.
Do vehicles need to be operational to ship?
Yes. Vehicles must be fully operational and able to drive on and off the vessel.
Non-running or towable vehicles are only accepted if brand new and requested by an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
Is customs clearance different for trucks and buses?
Yes, customs clearance procedures vary by vehicle types because they fall under different regulatory requirements based on their intended purpose.
Generally, trucks are treated as carriers of commercial goods, whereas buses are classified as passenger vehicles. While both must provide general customs documentation, trucks may require additional licenses or permits related to their commercial use, while buses may need to provide specific service authorizations and proof of compliance with local transport regulations.
Please check the local customs rules since specific requirements will differ by country.
How is a truck or trailer secured on the vessel?
Trucks, buses and trailers are secured to the vessel deck using lashing points and wheel chocks to prevent movement.
Our RoRo vessels are designed to ship high and heavy cargo safely, featuring a grid of welded securing points across each deck. Lashings are angled at 45–60° for optimal strength and stability.
How long does it take to ship a truck internationally?
Transit time of your international shipping will depend on the destination. You can use our sailing schedule to check estimated arrival dates or reach out to our friendly consultants for any other questions.
Can I ship a truck or trailer with equipment or cargo inside?
Yes, cargo can be shipped inside trailers if:
- The items are individually lashed and secured.
- Cargo compartments are accessible for inspection.
However, sidewall lashing bars or rails are not allowed as lashing points. Loose personal items are also not accepted.
Is insurance included in truck or trailer shipping?
No, insurance is not included. You will need to arrange suitable insurance cover for your shipment.
Is tracking available for my shipment?
Yes. You may monitor the status of your shipment through our tracking tool. Simply type in your booking number, B/L or VIN number.
Why choose Höegh Autoliners for truck, bus, and trailer shipping?
At Höegh Autoliners, we understand that your trucks, buses, and trailers represent significant investments, and we treat them with the care they deserve. Our mission is simple: to ensure your cargo arrives safely, securely, and in the best possible condition.
Every step of our process is designed with two priorities in mind:
- Your peace of mind as a customer
- The safety of our crew and vessels
By following our preparation guidelines, you help us deliver on this promise. Proper preparation ensures smooth handling, minimizes risks during loading and transit, and guarantees that your cargo benefits from our best-in-class RoRo shipping standards.
When you ship with Höegh Autoliners, you’re not just moving vehicles, you’re partnering with a team committed to safety, reliability, and excellence.
Ready to ship your cargo?
We have a highly capable and professional logistics team that is dedicated to providing the best possible shipping experience for our customers. Whether you are shipping small or large cargo, domestically or internationally, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Trust us to handle your cargo with the utmost care and efficiency, ensuring a seamless shipping experience.