Your Guide To Internationally Shipping Heavy Equipment

Thanks to modern communication technology, it’s never been easier to close an international deal involving heavy machines. If only you could email your shipment as easily as you can the invoices. No matter the circumstances or how far away your customers are, it’s important to understand how to ship heavy equipment internationally to get the best results for both sides. Along with knowing the various methods typically used, you should know the proper procedures for preparing your shipment to travel overseas.

Here are some essential facts of which you should be aware before closing your next sale to a foreign customer.

Preparing Your Equipment

Failing to take the necessary precautions beforehand could be catastrophic. Without them, the risk for accidents, injuries or even fatalities rises sharply. These steps can ensure that each truck, crane or anything else will remain secure and safe during transit.

• Empty any fluids, especially fuel
• Make sure all loose parts and tools are secured
• Disconnect the batteries and alarm systems
• Read the owner’s manual for proper packaging techniques if it is to be packaged
• Cover any areas that would be exposed to the elements if it will be shipped via open-air services
• Guarantee there will be enough space around it for the transport company to retrieve it safely

International Shipping Options

Once you’ve taken the required procedures to prepare your shipment, it’s time to consider the transportation options available to you. These will depend greatly on the items being shipped as well as how far they need to go. In some cases, a combination of these techniques may be required.

Here is a quick summary of popular methods for international shipping:

• Roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO): This method involves simply driving the machine onto the transport ship and then off when it arrives. This only applies to anything that is self-propelled and features wheels or treads.
• Flat-rack: On the other hand, if the machinery cannot be driven onto the vessel on its own, it can be loaded onto a rack that can be stacked on top of others on the ship. However, because these racks have limited dimensions, it may be necessary to disassemble what is being shipped partially.
• Container: With this method, the equipment is loaded into an enclosed container in the same way as most goods being shipped overseas. The loaded containers are stacked onto the deck of the ship and carried to their destination, where they are unloaded with a crane.

Let Us Make the Process Easier for You

Sending large-scale machinery to another country can be a complicated process. Trans Global Auto Logistics has more experience arranging these types of heavy-duty shipments than just about anyone. For further information or if you’d like to receive a quote, contact us today.