2 American Journal of Transportation American Journal of Transportation ajot.com Ro/Ro business growing in turbulent times Ro/Ro shipping is poised for growth, despite high tariffs and evolv- ing trade policies. By Debra Phillips, AJOT (GROWING – continued on page 4) Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) shipping is a vital part of global trade, moving wheeled freight, ranging from the heavy equipment needed to build roads and the vehicles that travel them. In 2026, analysts predict that the industry will remain stable, with shipment volumes compa- rable to 2025. However, volumes are only one aspect of the industry, as a variety of factors place pressure on margins and profitability. High tariffs, shifting trade policies, and new regulations require Ro/Ro shippers to adjust their operations, often at a high cost. Stricter require- ments for identifying, reporting, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions add further pres- sure on operational costs. The increasing share of electric vehicles (EVs) in Ro/Ro shipments has a mixed effect on the industry. Although EVs can boost shipping volumes, they also introduce distinct challenges. Safety protocols for transporting EVs are being adopted, in part, to offset potential damage risks that are 10% higher than those for other Ro/Ro shipments, according to industry analysts. As Ro/Ro shippers look to increase volumes, they are also focused on efficiency to offset higher operating costs. Doing business with ports that are invested in Ro/Ro facilities at many US ports can Construction of the new vehicle Berth 21 at Jaxport's Blount Island will be complete in early 2027. RO/RO SHIPPING 2026 RO/RO SHIPPING 2026 AMPORTS says Ro/Ro shipping needs to be flexible With the geo-political winds buffeting both the auto industry and global supply chains, Ro/Ro operations need to be more flexible than ever. By Debra Phillips, AJOT The challenges in Ro/Ro shipping are many, and most are factors that are beyond the control of those operating in this industry sector. From tariffs and geo-po- litical issues to new regulations, most stakeholders are adjusting to a changing world. However, these variables can be managed with a combination of flexibility, diversification, and collabora- tion, according to AMPORTS, a global leader in auto-processing for over 60 years. Building Operational Flexibility “Over the past year, tariffs have been the biggest variable affecting finished-vehicle logis- tics,” said Gary Salvador, Vice President of Business Devel- opment at AMPORTS. “They have put pressure on import vol- umes from high-tariff origins and increased the need for flexibility.” For AMPORTS, which oper- ates in locations in the US and Mexico, that has meant greater demand for storage capacity, bonded and foreign-zone solu- tions. Terminal operators like AMPORTS must have the ability to flex labor and acreage as cus- tomers adjust shipment cadence, according to Salvador. While ongoing geopolit- ical change rarely reduces the need for flexible infrastructure, AMPORTS positions its termi- nal network to serve customers wherever the flows lead. Salvador recommends that any stakeholder involved in Ro/Ro shipping should plan for volatility, rather than around it. “Build flexibility into contracts, capacity, and inventory because Gary Salvador, VP of Business Development at AMPORTS (FLEXIBLE – continued on page 6)
View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.