How to Load Your Car to RoRo

Below are my practical first-hand experience in how to load car to RoRo. 

Dumangas Port

In Dumangas, Iloilo (as of July 2024)

1. Head to Dumangas Pier. If you’re from Iloilo, I suggest take the coastal road so you travel faster. It’s a good highway. 
2. First, go to the Coast office around 100 meters before the gate of the Naluoyan port. They may ask for your ORCR.
3. Next, proceed to the container-van office at the gate. I paid P129 for the terminal fee, and P12 for temporary vehicle pass. As of August 8, 2024.
4. When you enter, park your car at the right side parking. Then look for the seaman that holds a list and write down your car type and plate number. You will be assigned a sequence number. Remember that the sequence number does not guarantee what ship or roro you will be loaded to. 
5. Wait if it is already sure what RoRo you are going to enter. Every car has free two passengers. If you are more than two, walk towards the ticket area and buy the tickets for the extra passengers. Before buying the ticket, make sure you know what ship you are going to ride to avoid buying the wrong tickets.
6. Go back to your car or try to wait near the cardboard list because the seaman will call out the place numbers one by one and in order.
7. Load your car to the roro in reverse. The seafarers will guide you. In my latest roro trip, there were more than 40 cars in one ship, our car was the last one to ride.

Bacolod BREDCO Port (As of July 2024)

Bacolod Banago Port

1. Head to BREDCO or Banago Port (for Fastcat)
2. Pay Terminal Fee at the Security Guard.
   
   1. At BREDCO, you’ll just pay at the security guard at the entrance. You don’t have to leave car, just pay by opening your window. 
   2. I noticed BREDCO has higher fees compared to Iloilo
   3. There’s a “landing fee” in BREDCO. (You pay when you’re from Iloilo)
3. Proceed in front of your chosen RoRo. Park your car along the road markings.
   1. Don’t leave your car or don’t wait inside the terminal building.
   2. Wait on your car while your AC is running. This way, you enlist first.
   3. Every car has a free 2 passenger. If you are more than two, proceed to the ticket booth and pay the extra passengers. But before buying tickets, make sure your car is included in that specific RoRo.
4. Look for the person who lists the cars when the RoRo arrives. They’re usually holding a paper board, have sunglasses (if day time) and cap.  Or sometimes, when you arrive there, the seafarer will point you where to park in the open field. They have a system of knowing what care came first.
5. Once the seafarer who lists down cars goes down, it will get crazy random. Other passengers will rush to him too. Be gentleman but firm. Approach him and say, “Boss, pa lista ko.” Point your car and have him list your plate number. Wait for your car  plate number to be called. Or, you can open your window and constantly stare at him in the eyes until he does a hand gesture for you to come.
6. If you have reserved, confirm from the man. Then wait to be called. 
7. Load your car by running on reverse. Four or five people will assist you in. Usually they put the long trucks first. Then the 4 wheelers.
8. After your car settles on the boat, wait for the man to bill you. Pay and get the receipt. Some may pay while at the passenger area. Go up to the seaman control deck and ask where to pay.
9. Keep your receipt and go up to the passenger area. Usually a part is non-aircon, sea-viewing deck and aircon area. 
10. Some passengers stay inside their car, turn the engine on and turn the AC on for 1 to 2 hours while chatting.
11. The downside of reserving is you may not know if an earlier RoRo arrives compared to your trip.
    1. I met someone who arrived at 3:20 but he actually reserved at 4:30. A boat came at 3:30 which is not in the sked. The lister knows he’s at 4:30 and said, “just wait if you can still onboard”
    2. Sadly, I was the last one to onboard and he had no more space. He had to wait for another hour. 
    3. So, you can reserve, but you can also be a chance passenger if you arrive earlier. 
    4. But if you arrive late, I think your reservation is forfeited. You must wait manually.
    5. I suggest reserve or buy advanced ticket during peak season to ensure you don’t wait for many hours. 
    6. Scroll down below to see each of their reservation policy and contacts