Excavators, loaders, CNC machines and production lines by flat rack, open top, RoRo or break bulk, with dismantling, cleaning and lashing planned first.
Machine dimensions checked against carrier specs before booking.
Buckets, booms or cabs removed to fit the cheapest option.
Soil and plant residue removed and documented before export.
Secured to carrier standards, with photos and survey reports kept.
Most heavy equipment questions come down to three things: what type of machine it is, which equipment it fits, and how it is prepared and loaded.
This page answers them in that order. For vessel types such as break bulk and RoRo, see our break bulk shipping guide.
A machine dismantled correctly usually ships cheaper.
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1. Excavators, Loaders and Construction Machinery: often drive onto RoRo or a flat rack; removing the bucket, boom or cab can allow an open top or smaller rack. 2. CNC Machines and Precision Equipment: crane-loaded and shock-sensitive; anti-shock bases, VCI wrap, desiccants and shock indicators. 3. Used Machinery: must arrive free of soil and plant matter; steam cleaning, inspection records and fumigation before the export terminal. 4. Production Lines and Plant Relocation: many pieces over several sailings, sequenced so modules arrive in installation order.
| Equipment | Internal or Floor Size (L × W × H) | Max Payload | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Open Top | 5.89 × 2.34 × 2.35 m | About 21,900–28,200 kg | Over-height machines loaded from above |
| 40ft Open Top | 12.03 × 2.34 × 2.35 m | About 26,700 kg | Long over-height machines and pipes |
| 20ft Flat Rack | 5.95–6.04 × 2.21–2.43 m, about 2.2 m to end-wall top | About 21,500–31,300 kg | Short, heavy or over-width units |
| 40ft Flat Rack | 11.78–12.09 × 2.22–2.24 m, about 2 m to end-wall top | About 40,100–40,800 kg | Excavators, long heavy machinery |
| Beyond the rack | Overhang beyond floor or end walls | Per carrier approval | Out-of-gauge units; lost slots charged |
| China road limit | Over 2.55 m wide or 4 m high from the road | Legal gross weight by axle | Oversize permit, route survey, escort |
Exact limits vary by carrier and unit. In simple words: within 2.34 m wide, an open top is usually the cheapest special option; wider or heavier machines need a flat rack; anything beyond a rack goes break bulk or RoRo.
1. Measure and Photograph: measured as it will ship, after dismantling, and checked against drawings and lifting points. 2. Dismantle and Pack Parts: removed parts crated, labelled and listed for reassembly. 3. Clean, Inspect and Protect: used machines steam cleaned and inspected; all machines given shrink wrap, VCI film or desiccants. 4. Load, Lash and Survey: lifted or driven onto the rack, open top or vessel, lashed to its structure and surveyed. 5. Plan Unloading and Reassembly: destination unloading equipment, heavy-haul truck and reassembly team arranged before arrival.
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