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Home Services Heavy Machinery & Industrial Equipment Shipping

Shipping heavy machinery and industrial equipment requires efficient and reliable methods to ensure the smooth movement of goods across borders. Whether you need to send excavators, cranes, generators, or other specialized equipment, Atlantic Project Cargo offers various overseas shipping methods to meet your specific requirements.

What is industrial equipment?

It refers to the machinery, devices, and tools used in large-scale industries for manufacturing, processing, or handling materials. These are often heavy-duty machines built to endure continuous operation in tough factory environments.

What is heavy machinery?

Also sometimes referred to as heavy equipment, it is a category of industrial equipment specifically designed to tackle large-scale and demanding tasks.

How to ship heavy equipment via ocean freight?

Types of industrial and heavy machinery equipment

Industrial equipment encompasses various machinery used in multiple sectors. These can be divided into different categories. Letโ€™s have a look at them.

Heavy machinery

As we mentioned earlier, this is the category of industrial equipment, and it includes the following machines.

Excavation and Loading

  • Articulated Trucks
    These are designed for rough terrains because of their maneuverability, and impressive hauling capacity. Perfect for hauling anything from ore to building materials.
  • Backhoe Loaders
    Can switch between digging trenches with the rear excavator arm, loading materials with the front bucket, or simply serving as a tractor. A true all-in-one solution for various tasks.
  • Excavators
    Used for digging, trenching, loading, and demolishing. Their hydraulic arms and interchangeable attachments make them ideal for various jobs, from unearthing minerals to sorting materials.
  • Loaders
    Front-end loaders scoop up loose materials, transporting them to processing plants or stockpiles.
  • Skid Steer Loaders
    These can handle a wide range of tasks by attaching various tools, from forestry mulching to trenching.
  • Track Loaders
    Built for heavy-duty tasks on rugged terrain, they move effortlessly. Ideal for pushing debris, excavating, or land clearing on challenging landscapes.
  • Wheel Loaders
    Equipped with durable wheels for easy maneuvering, these utilize front-loading buckets to move dirt, gravel, or other materials efficiently across your worksite.
  • Underground Mining Loaders
    Specially designed for low-profile operation in confined spaces, these machines are crucial for underground mining.

Transportation

  • Off-Highway Trucks
    Built to work in harsh environments like mines and quarries, they offer superior hauling capacity for bulk materials.
  • Utility Vehicles (UTVs)
    These compact, multi-purpose vehicles provide safe and efficient transportation for workers and materials across job sites.

Material Handling and Processing

  • Cold Planers
    Cold planers utilize rotating drums and carbide cutters for precise milling, creating a clean and level surface for further construction.
  • Compactors
    Plate compactors use vibrating plates to crush and compact soil, sand, or gravel into a smooth, stable area.
  • Conveyor Belts
    These long, flat belts continuously transport ore, rock, and other mined materials to processing plants, crushing stations, or stockpiles.
  • Dozers (Bulldozers)
    Essential for land clearing, road construction, or demolition, they use powerful blades to push rocks, debris, or dirt.
  • Wheel Tractor-Scrapers
    Designed for efficient land grading and leveling, these machines utilize a scraper blade to collect dirt and haul it to designated areas.

Lifting and Accessย 

  • Boom Lifts
    Also known as cherry pickers, they provide a safe and elevated platform for workers to reach high work areas.
  • Scissor Lifts
    Offering a stable platform for workers, these are a powerful alternative to ladders for reaching difficult areas.
  • Telehandlers
    Similar to forklifts but designed for outdoor use or heavy lifting within warehouses, telehandlers can connect various boom attachments like buckets or lift platforms.
  • Towable Light Towers
    Help to extend the workday and ensure safety, these portable towers provide powerful illumination for nighttime operations.

 

Mining equipment

Hereโ€™s a breakdown of some key types of equipment that keep mining operations running smoothly.

Excavation and Loading

  • Mining Trucks
    These heavy-duty haulers are designed for tough terrains. Perfect for transporting large quantities of ore, overburden, or supplies across surface mines.
  • Draglines
    These utilize a long boom and bucket suspended by cables to remove huge amounts of overburden, exposing the desired minerals below.

Drilling and Blasting

  • Mining Drill Rigs
    Rotary drills utilize pressurized bits to create holes in rock for explosives placement. Hammer drills physically pound the rock to create the necessary openings.

Haul and Transport

  • Motor Graders
    Ensure proper road maintenance and drainage within the mine site. They are essential for creating and maintaining haul roads for efficient material transportation.

 

Manufacturing equipment

This category includes a lot of types of equipment and machinery. Letโ€™s have a look at the most common ones.

  • Industrial Storage Tanks
    Designed with precision to store liquids and gases. These come in various configurations, including vertical and horizontal styles, to accommodate specific materials and spatial constraints.
  • Centrifuges
    They are employed for their ability to separate components based on density. This separation is achieved through the principle of centrifugal force, which rapidly spins materials to segregate elements of varying weights.
  • Industrial Mixers
    Come in various types like double-arm mixers and drum tumblers. These machines blend various components to create a consistent mixture, which is critical in industries where material uniformity is paramount.
  • Electric Generators
    They are particularly crucial during power outages or in areas without a reliable power supply.
  • Compressors
    They work by compressing air or gas to increase its pressure, a principle crucial in numerous manufacturing processes.

Packaging Equipment and Machinery

  • Shredders
    Are designed to break down various materials into smaller, manageable sizes. These range from industrial shredders, capable of processing large volumes of material, to specialized shredders designed for specific materials like metals or plastics.

Material Handling Equipment

  • Weight-lifting Machines
    These machines, including overhead cranes and forklifts, are designed to lift, lower, and move heavy objects with precision.
  • Press Brakes
    These machines utilize a clamping mechanism to bend sheet metal into desired shapes at precise angles and lengths.
  • Welding Equipment
    This category encompasses various tools and techniques for permanently joining metallic pieces. Common welding methods include arc welding, which utilizes an electric arc for intense heat, and resistance welding, which uses electrical resistance to generate heat.
  • Shears
    These powerful cutting tools are available in hand-operated and hydraulic versions, helping with diverse material thicknesses and cutting tasks.
  • Grinders
    An essential component in the manufacturing toolset, grinders perform cutting, grinding, and polishing tasks. Available in angle and bench configurations, these machines utilize abrasive grinding wheels to remove material, creating smooth finishes or altering workpiece shapes.
  • Boring Machines and Tools
    Are designed for enlarging holes and achieving precise diameters in various materials. Ranging from simple hand-operated tools to CNC machines, their selection depends on the workpiece material, size, and required precision.
  • Cutting Machines and Tools
    Designed for cutting different types of materials. Include laser, oxy-fuel, plasma, and waterjet cutting machines.
  • Drill Press
    This fixed-style drilling machine provides superior control and accuracy compared to handheld models. It consists of a base, column, table, spindle, and drill head, typically powered by an electric motor.
  • Milling Machines and Tools
    Milling machines work by rotating a cutting tool against the workpiece. Horizontal and vertical milling machines offer distinct capabilities, influencing the choice based on the cutting tool orientation and the milling operation required.
  • Turning Machines and Tools (Lathes)
    Used for shaping materials, particularly metals, turning machines rotate the workpiece against a cutting tool. Traditional manual lathes and advanced CNC lathes cater to specific manufacturing needs.
  • Swiss Turning Machines
    A specialized type of lathe, Swiss turning machines excel at producing parts with high precision.
  • Machining Centers
    Machining centers integrate functions like drilling, milling, and tapping into a single system, significantly improving efficiency.
  • Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM)
    EDM machines operate by utilizing controlled electrical sparks to erode material from the workpiece. Two primary categories of EDM machines exist โ€“ wire EDM and die-sink EDM.
  • Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
    These machines use a unique metalworking process that utilizes controlled anodic dissolution to shape workpieces.
  • Electron Beam Machining (EBM)
    These machines use technology that utilizes a focused beam of high-velocity electrons to remove material from the workpiece.

Overseas shipping methods for industrial and heavy machinery transportโ€‹

Several methods can be utilized based on the specific requirements of the overseas cargo shipping of heavy or industrial equipment. When choosing a shipment company, make sure it offers one of the following options.ย 

Lift-On/Lift-Off (LoLo) Shipping

LoLo shipping involves using cranes to lift cargo and load it onto the vessel for transport. This method is suitable for large and heavy equipment that cannot be driven onto the vessel.

LoLo shipping provides a precise and controlled loading process, ensuring the safe handling of oversized or delicate machinery. Using cranes allows for the efficient placement onto the vessel, accommodating items that cannot be rolled or driven on. This method is particularly advantageous when dealing with irregularly shaped or fragile machinery that requires specialized lifting and securing techniques.

 

Flat Rack Shipping

Flat rack containers provide a versatile option for shipping oversized or irregularly shaped industrial equipment. The machinery is securely fastened onto the flat rack and loaded onto the vessel for transportation.

A flat rack offers flexibility in transporting heavy machinery with non-standard dimensions, such as construction or industrial machinery. The open-sided design of flat racks allows for easy loading and unloading, making it convenient for handling large and bulky items during international shipping.

 

Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping

This method involves driving heavy equipment onto a specialized vessel, securely stowed and transported to its destination. RoRo shipping is an efficient and cost-effective solution for international transportation.

RoRo method minimizes handling risks and speeds up the loading and unloading, ensuring a smooth and seamless transportation experience. Additionally, the vessels used for RoRo are designed to accommodate various types of heavy machinery, making it a versatile choice for transporting oversized equipment.

 

Container Shipping

Containers offer added protection during transit. The equipment is loaded into a container and securely braced to prevent movement. This method is particularly suitable for smaller machinery or when additional security is required.

Containers provide a standardized and organized approach, ensuring efficient handling and easy integration into existing logistics networks. With containers, heavy machinery is shielded from external elements, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring safe delivery to the destination.

FAQ

The cost depends on several factors, including the size and weight of the equipment, the shipping method chosen, the distance of transportation, and any additional services required. You can send in your cargo details and request a quote to get an accurate cost estimate for your specific shipment.

Please note that shipping costs for heavy machinery and industrial equipment vary significantly nowadays because of:

 

  • Red Sea crisis and Houthi attacks;
  • Gulf of Aden ship captures;
  • Price fluctuations due to supply chain disruptions;
  • Farmers protests in EU;
  • El Nino and El Nina climate patterns.

 

Apart from shipping, you may need the following services to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience:

 

  • Insurance
    Protect your valuable machinery during transit with comprehensive cargo insurance coverage. You can explore different insurance options and choose the most appropriate coverage for your shipment. Ensure peace of mind by safeguarding your investment with reliable insurance protection. With cargo insurance, you can mitigate financial risks associated with losing or damaging your machinery during transportation.

 

  • Loading and Disassembly
    Professional services offer expertise in loading and disassembling heavy machinery. They understand the complexities involved and can efficiently dismantle the equipment, ensuring each component is adequately secured for transportation. By carefully disassembling the machinery, they can minimize the risk of damage during transit. Additionally, they possess the necessary equipment and techniques to handle the loading process, ensuring that the machinery is safely and securely loaded onto the transport vehicle.

 

  • Crating and Rigging
    Professional crating and rigging services are available to safeguard oversized or delicate machinery during shipping. Crating involves constructing sturdy wooden or metal frames around the equipment, protecting against impacts and other potential hazards. This customized packaging ensures the machinery remains secure and stable throughout the journey.
    Rigging specialists employ their expertise in using specialized equipment such as cranes or forklifts to handle heavy machinery during the loading and unloading process.

 

  • Customs Brokerage
    Navigating customs procedures can be complex, especially for international shipments. Our experienced customs brokerage team can handle all the necessary documentation and ensure compliance with customs regulations, making the import or export process seamless for you. You can access reliable customs brokerage services here.

To ensure a smooth shipping process, here are some essential steps to take when preparing your industrial/heavy machinery equipment for transportation:

 

  • Have Documentation Ready
    Gather all relevant documentation, including ownership papers, export/import licenses, and equipment specifications. Proper documentation is crucial for customs clearance and compliance. Ensure that all documentation is organized and readily accessible to expedite the shipping process. Accurate and complete paperwork will help prevent delays and ensure a smooth transition through customs and regulatory checkpoints.

 

  • Planning Transportation Routes, If Needed
    For oversized or heavy machinery, specialized transportation routes may be required. Consult with the logistics experts to determine the most efficient and suitable shipment options for your equipment.
    An experienced logistics team can assess the dimensions and weight of your machinery to plan the optimal transportation routes, considering factors such as road restrictions, bridge capacities, and potential obstacles.

 

  • Check the Condition of Your Heavy Equipment
    Inspect your machinery thoroughly to identify any existing damage or maintenance requirements. Documenting the condition of the equipment before shipping will help ensure that any potential claims are appropriately addressed.
    Taking photographs and documenting the findings will be valuable evidence for any claims or disputes arising during transportation.

 

  • Make Sure Any Loose Parts or Tools are Secured
    Secure or remove any loose parts, attachments, or tools from your equipment to prevent damage during transit. Itโ€™s essential to secure these items separately or label them appropriately. By ensuring that any loose parts or tools are adequately secured, you can avoid potential damage and maintain the integrity of your equipment during transportation.

 

  • Cover Any Important Parts
    Protect sensitive or vulnerable components of your machinery using suitable covers or protective materials such as foam padding or protective wraps. This added layer of protection will help minimize the risk of accidental impact or environmental factors affecting the sensitive components.

 

  • Check Your Equipmentโ€™s Manual
    Refer to the manufacturerโ€™s manual for any specific instructions regarding preparation, transportation, or packaging requirements. Following these guidelines will help ensure your equipmentโ€™s safe handling and transport. It also lets you maintain your productsโ€™ warranty and minimizes the damage risk.

 

  • Find the Right Freight Forwarder
    When selecting a freight forwarder, consider factors such as their experience in handling heavy machinery and industrial equipment, a network of reliable carriers, track record of successful shipments, and ability to provide customized solutions tailored to your needs.
    A reliable and experienced freight forwarder is essential for a successful shipping experience and peace of mind.

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