• Ro-ro ferry services provide UK–Europe sailings from a wide range of British ports.
• Ferry operators normally base charges on vehicle length in metres.
• Ro-ro movements can be accompanied or unaccompanied.

2.1 ACCOMPANIED MOVEMENTS - ADVANTAGES

• The vehicle carrying the goods is the vehicle that completes delivery.
• Greater load security because the vehicle is accompanied throughout.
• The driver is present to deal with problems that arise during the journey.
• Flexible: consignments can often be moved at relatively short notice using a range of crossings.
• Allows personal contact between the organisation sending the goods and those involved in transport, helping develop trust.
• During ferry journeys, Regulation 561/2006 concessions may allow breaks on shorter crossings and daily rest on longer crossings.

2.2 ACCOMPANIED MOVEMENTS - DISADVANTAGES

• Generally higher expenditure.
• Premium-quality vehicles increase standing costs.
• International use can cause additional wear and tear.
• Fuel and other costs may be higher abroad after exchange-rate effects.
• Ferry costs can be expensive, particularly on popular sailings.
• Crew wages and expenses can be higher than for domestic work.
• Additional permits and insurance cover may be required.
• Different countries can have different weight, speed and operating limits; the UK 44-tonne artic is not universally accepted elsewhere in Europe.
• Delays can be expensive because both vehicle and crew may be idle.
• Ferry operators may restrict vehicle size or the carriage of hazardous goods and other loads.

2.3 UNACCOMPANIED MOVEMENTS - ADVANTAGES

• Lower vehicle running costs.
• Lower ferry costs.
• No crew-member expenses.
• Generally, UK operators may not need permits where continental operators deliver the trailer.
• Delays do not directly create crew-member costs.

2.4 UNACCOMPANIED MOVEMENTS - DISADVANTAGES

• The movement is not under the operator's direct control.
• Return dates cannot always be predicted accurately.
• Trailers may be used without the owner's knowledge or may be damaged.
• Pilferage is easier from an unaccompanied trailer.
• There may be nobody present to resolve or expedite problems during delays.
• The haulier may still be liable for delay, damage or loss of goods.