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.

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-political 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 collaboration, 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 logistics,” said Gary Salvador, Vice President of Business Development at AMPORTS. “They have put pressure on import volumes from high-tariff origins and increased the need for flexibility.”

For AMPORTS, which operates in locations in the US and Mexico, that has meant greater demand for storage capacity, bonded and foreign-zone solutions. Terminal operators like AMPORTS must have the ability to flex labor and acreage as customers adjust shipment cadence, according to Salvador.

While ongoing geopolitical change rarely reduces the need for flexible infrastructure, AMPORTS positions its terminal 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 tariff and policy conditions can change quickly,” he noted.

Proactively Diversifying Protocols

According to AMPORTS, global electric vehicle (EV) export volumes have been growing at roughly 15-20% annually. To serve this market, AMPORTS has invested in EV charging infrastructure and battery protocols at specific terminals to ensure they are ready as the mix shifts.

“Take EV readiness seriously now,” said Salvador. “Handling protocols, safety training, and infrastructure take time to build.”

Digitalization is critical. According to Salvador, “Visibility from vessel to dealer is no longer a differentiator. It’s an expectation, and operators who can see their supply chain in real-time are the ones who adapt faster when conditions shift.”

Collaboration Key to Navigating Uncharted Waters

AMPORTS recommends that anyone involved in Ro/Ro shipping communicate early and often with logistics providers. “The customers who share forecasts and shipment plans with their terminal operators get better outcomes on labor, space, and velocity,” said Salvador.

The company also sees genuine partnerships developing between carriers, terminal operators, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that are driving efficiency across the industry.

“We’re seeing tighter vessel-schedule coordination and, pre-arrival sharing that lets terminals plan labor and yard-space before a ship arrives,” said Salvador. “Greater use of digital yard-management and vehicle-tracking systems that reduce dwell times and touches per unit, and more deliberate inventory strategies with customers using terminal storage strategically, rather than as overflow.”