Do you have heavy equipment or machinery to move overseas? Shipping heavy equipment overseas requires experience and knowledge regarding details such as customs fees, shipping containers and logistics.
You’ve made significant investments in your equipment, so you need assurance regarding its protection. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding shipping heavy machinery overseas. We’ve provided an outline of important steps to consider during the process.
More detailed than shipping within the country, international shipping involves customs fees and forms, and extra time for the journey.
You will need careful planning to choose the right shipping method and follow all the paperwork required to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. You can find relevant information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Don’t forget the customs fees when you consider your budget. Customs fees vary by country.
Customs regulations for paperwork also differ from country to country. For instance, some require you to have the bill of sale or original title for the machinery. Make sure you have the necessary documents in order.
Machinery is packaged and shipped in different ways. It depends on the size and if the machinery has wheels.
For international sea freight, the most common shipping options include container shipping (for machinery that can fit in a container), roll-on, roll-off shipping, lift-on, lift-off shipping or flat rack container shipping.
For container shipping, machinery must fit into a 40’ cargo container. If it does not, it will be classified as oversize freight, incurring different costs. It may make sense to disassemble the equipment and ship it in a container. It depends on the machinery and the options for reassembly on the other end.
Flat-rack shipping uses a large container with no walls or roof.
Roll-on, roll-off shipping applies to anything on wheels that can be rolled onto the ship and off, as well as rolled below deck for protection.
Lift-on, lift-off shipping involves a crane loading the equipment onto the ship.
You will need to determine the best shipping method for your machinery.
If you’re shipping via container, your machinery will probably require padding. If there’s room for shifting, you must protect it in transport. It’s important to use the correct type of padding or bracing.
If you use flat-rack shipping, the equipment will be exposed to the elements. You can shrink-wrap it if it cannot withstand water, rain, salt spray, etc. Most construction equipment can handle the elements, so this type of equipment may not require the same type of preparation for transport.
Research the safety standards of other countries. Other countries require different standards, as well as different markings on the machinery that designate compliance.
Customs fees and forms are a big part of shipping machinery internationally. If you don’t know how to classify your equipment correctly, you will have issues with customs, and your machinery won’t ship.
Insurance is crucial. After you’ve invested in equipment, you need insurance to cover the cost should any damage happen. Make sure you understand what the carrier will cover related to damages and that you’ve obtained the right level of coverage.
When shipping internationally, review the entire move. The trip doesn’t end when the machinery arrives in port. Map out end-to-end moving services, including how to transport your machinery once it arrives at its international shipping destination.
Canton Erectors Inc. is an experienced partner for heavy machinery and equipment shipping, including internationally. We offer both domestic and international end-to-end heavy shipping services. Other benefits of using CEI include:
Read our case studies regarding heavy machinery and equipment shipping, or contact us today to discuss your shipping needs.