It’s tough enough getting small packages overseas with the speed and efficiency that’s demanded today. But international heavy machinery shipping services? That’s a whole other challenge.
If you're a company that deals with heavy machinery, you know that in some cases, shipping the machinery internationally may be more cost-effective than purchasing it locally. Or, maybe you’re a small business looking to access specialized equipment that’s only available overseas.
Overall, shipping heavy machinery internationally can be a complex process. But it can also be a valuable investment. Here’s what you need to know.
International shipping of heavy machinery, like bulldozers, requires attention to detail and a reliable shipping company to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of your equipment.
The best international heavy machinery shipping services for your business will depend on several factors, including the type and size of the machinery, the origin and destination, and your budget. In terms of the ocean leg of your journey, you’ve got some different options:
NOTE: If you’re transporting machines with no wheels or tracks, your cargo may still ship via RO-RO using a MAFI trailer. These are wheeled platforms used by the shipping lines on RO-RO vessels to move large static cargo.
Read Our Ultimate Guide to Shipping Heavyweight and Oversized Freight
An experienced logistics partner can help you determine which shipping option and container type is best, including whether to choose RO-RO or flat rack for large, oversized machinery.
With the RO-RO method, you will want to make sure that the ship can handle the equipment you intend to transport. The same goes for the destination port, as some ports are unable to handle certain types of ships or products. As a general rule, however, most larger ports will have no problem handling your large machinery shipping projects.
In terms of cost, the ocean rate will probably be about the same on a container ship or RO-RO vessel. But since container lines serve more ports and offer more sailings, they offer more chances to shop for a better price. And if you’re on a tight schedule, the greater frequency of container line sailings will give you more flexibility.
Whatever container you use, if the machinery doesn’t fully fill the space, the load might shift and suffer damage in transit. You can use lumber to fill the empty space, plus straps, and maybe chains, to keep the cargo in place. An experienced logistics partner can advise you on the best way to secure the load. It’s not wise to cut corners here. Protecting this very expensive equipment with sound blocking and bracing should be a top priority.
If you use a flat rack container, you must be extra careful about preparing the load for the voyage. Oversize cargo on a flat rack must pass an inspection at the port to make sure it’s blocked and braced according to standards set by the National Cargo Bureau (NCB). Fail inspection, and you’ll have to pay someone to rework the cargo before the steamship line will load it on the vessel.
If your company doesn’t have the skills to secure the load, you could arrange for a trucker to take the machinery to a warehouse near the port. There, experts will load it in a container, block and brace it, and deliver it to the steamship line.
You should also leave only a minimal amount of fuel in the machine and take steps to protect machinery against the elements during shipping. Construction equipment can stand up to salt water and spray. But machinery that includes control panels or other exposed electronics requires extra shipping safeguards – a desiccant to absorb moisture and shrink wrap to cover the machine.
Some machinery shipping projects will include rust-proofing the equipment for further protection. This may involve painting the machinery or galvanizing it with a zinc and steel coating.
When machinery is too big to fit in a standard, closed container, you’ll pay higher rates on both land and water. But a few strategies can help you save money:
Shipping machinery overseas can be especially hard for smaller shippers. If you’re not part of a large organization, and you don’t ship this kind of equipment all the time, then you probably don’t have employees who know how to:
No matter the size of your business, you can gain all this know-how if you team up with a specialist. A company that has spent many years transporting overweight and out of gauge cargo can help you ship machinery at a reasonable price and avoid the pitfalls.
Need to arrange an international machinery shipment? Get started by contacting I.C.E. Transport.