Shipping large machines poses a serious logistical challenge for many companies. It requires experience, precision, attention to safety, and painstaking work by the entire team at every stage. Sea transport of oversized cargo is a great alternative to other types of transport services, which can generate significantly higher costs. Sea freight services involve a series of activities aimed at safely transporting cargo from port to port using cargo ships. Two methods are most commonly used in sea transport: container loading or transport on Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ships.
Transporting machines in containers. What challenges does it pose?
Container transport involves transporting machinery in a standard shipping container – usually 20 or 40 feet – or on an open top or flat rack platform, especially when the equipment has non-standard dimensions. Machines are loaded into the container using a forklift or crane and then securely fastened with straps, chains, and wooden supports. After loading, the container is closed and sealed. Standardized sizes allow for efficient transshipment in ports using overhead cranes.
Transport using containers ensures high safety of goods. A machine enclosed in a steel casing is well protected against rain, wind, and mechanical damage. A standard container can also accommodate spare parts and accessories. This allows you to transport complete equipment in one shipment. An unquestionable advantage of this method is its global availability. Container ships sail regularly to hundreds of ports around the world. This makes it much easier to plan deliveries and transshipments between different modes of transport. Containers work well even in ports with limited infrastructure. In addition, when several smaller machines are transported in one container, the unit cost of transport is significantly reduced.
Despite its many advantages, the use of containers for transporting machines by sea has several limitations. The main one is the precisely defined, rigid dimensions. The interior of a 40′ HC container measures approximately 12 m in length, 2.35 m in width, and 2.70 m in height. Larger machines, such as combine harvesters or excavators, often do not fit in their entirety and require disassembly and the involvement of qualified technicians, both during preparation and reassembly at the recipient’s premises. Another condition that must be taken into account is the weight of the machine being transported. Each container has lifting and base load limits. When the machine is extremely heavy, its effective transport requires the use of specialized containers and additional loading equipment.
Specialized tools affect the costs and difficulty of the entire shipment. Due to space limitations, container transport will not always be the best choice for very large machines. However, for medium-sized equipment or several smaller devices in a single shipment, it is an extremely effective and safe solution.
Specialized tools affect the costs and difficulty of the entire shipment. Due to space limitations, container transport will not always be the best choice for very large machines. However, for medium-sized equipment or several smaller devices in a single shipment, it is an extremely effective and safe solution.
Transporting machinery on Ro-Ro ships. What does it involve and when should you choose this option?
An alternative to container transport is the transport of machinery on specialized Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) ships. Equipment that moves on wheels or tracks is loaded onto the ship using a lowering ramp. The ship itself resembles a multi-level floating garage. It has internal ramps and decks on which vehicles can move freely. Machines are delivered to the port on their own wheels (e.g., agricultural tractors) or on a tow truck. They then drive onto the ship themselves. If the machine being transported does not have its own drive, it is placed on a special wheeled platform (MAFI), which is rolled onto the deck. The entire loading and unloading process eliminates the need for cranes and significantly simplifies port procedures.
One of the biggest advantages of Ro-Ro transport is that there is no need to dismantle and pack the machines. They are transported in their entirety, ready for operation immediately after unloading. Loading and unloading are also faster, making the entire supply chain much shorter. Ro-Ro ships are also ideal for transporting large, heavy machines that are too big to fit in containers. They enable the safe transport of equipment from many different industries, from buses to specialized mining machinery. Cargoes are carefully secured with straps and locks, and by placing them inside the hull, they are protected from the weather.
However, Ro-Ro ships are mainly adapted to transport vehicles and machines that can be rolled. The lack of wheels or difficulty in moving requires the use of platforms, which involve additional costs and logistics. An additional difficulty is the Ro-Ro network. Although it is constantly expanding, it remains more limited than the container line network. Not every port handles Ro-Ro ships, and even if they do, voyages are less frequent than in the case of container ships. During peak periods (e.g., before the agricultural season), the availability of space on ships can be significantly limited. Ro-Ro transport is an excellent method of transporting large-size equipment. It is ideal when minimal interference with the machine is required before shipment. Due to the costs involved, container transport is more advantageous when transporting several smaller machines, as the Ro-Ro transport fee is calculated for each unit transported.
The specifics of transporting machinery by sea
Sea transport of machinery requires precision and an individual approach to each order. The organization of shipping specialized equipment and large-size shipments depends on what exactly we are transporting. The type of equipment largely determines whether container transport or the Ro-Ro method is more suitable.
Agricultural machinery is often large and has protruding parts, which complicates its transport somewhat. Take combine harvesters, for example. Their width and height with the header (i.e., the harvesting attachment) often exceed the permissible limits, so it usually has to be dismantled. Tractors and sprayers, on the other hand, have their own wheels, so they are ideal for transport by Ro-Ro ships. This option eliminates the need to dismantle the cab or wheels. Ro-Ro ships are also suitable for transporting used machinery, for example when exporting from Asia to Europe, provided that the equipment is thoroughly cleaned of soil and plant residues. This is a phytosanitary requirement for international shipments, regardless of the method chosen. Container transport, on the other hand, works well for transporting parts, such as wheels. In the shipment of agricultural machinery, hybrid solutions are often used, e.g., the body of the machine is transported by Ro-Ro ship, and smaller components are safely packed in a container.
In the case of construction machinery, we are dealing with heavy, often oversized loads. Their main advantage is that most of them are capable of moving independently. In this sector, Ro-Ro transport is more commonly used. The ability to transport the entire machine without dismantling it into parts saves a lot of time and money. Ro-Ro ships are also ideal for transporting road trains, such as tractor units with low-loader trailers. Smaller machines, such as mini-excavators, forklifts, or loaders, are more cost-effective to pack into a container, especially when several are being shipped at the same time. Safety is also worth considering. A container fully protects machines from damage and external factors. On a Ro-Ro ship, there is a minimal risk of minor abrasions or scratches during loading.
The transport of industrial machinery involves more demanding and specific requirements. Most equipment, such as production lines, generators, or presses, is not designed to be moved. Such equipment is usually shipped in a container or as conventional cargo. Transport is usually carried out in parts, packed in crates or on platforms. If the size of the machines allows it, the preferred shipping option is a container, mainly due to safety and ease of handling. Sensitive equipment, such as precision CNC machines, can be securely immobilized inside a container and protected from vibrations and weather conditions. This ensures that they arrive at their destination undamaged. However, if the goods are too large, open-top containers, platforms, or Ro-Ro transport using wheeled platforms are used. This solution is most often used for really heavy components, such as transformers or turbines. In this case, the equipment is placed on MAFI trolleys and hoisted onto the ship. The lack of wheels in the construction of these machines means that shipping requires more preparation and is used rather when other methods fail.
Cost, time, safety, and port infrastructure. What to look for and what to include in your shipping plan?
When shipping machinery by sea, several important logistical aspects must be taken into account, which have a significant impact on the choice of transport method. Transport costs depend primarily on the dimensions and weight of the equipment, the route, and the type of transport used. In the case of containers, there is a fee for renting the entire container (FCL) or for the space occupied if using less than container load (LCL). It is worth remembering that this option allows several machines to be placed in one container. With Ro-Ro transport, the carrier charges based on the number of vehicles or the space they occupy. For a single large machine (such as an excavator or combine harvester), this is a more cost-effective option than a specially adapted container.
In the case of a container, there are also fees for loading and securing (so-called stuffing), possible crane rental, and unloading at the destination port. Ro-Ro transport does not require vertical transshipment, but it may involve additional costs for preparing the machine, e.g., removing it from the tow truck or inflating the tires. When choosing an option, it is therefore worth seeking the help of an experienced freight forwarder. They will prepare a detailed comparison of both variants and help you decide which option is more cost-effective.
The time of transport by sea depends mainly on the availability of connections. On the main routes, ships adapted for container transport sail regularly, even daily. They offer great flexibility, especially if one of the transport requirements is fast shipping. Ro-Ro ships, despite their regular voyages, usually depart 1-2 times a month to a specific port. Despite time constraints, Ro-Ro operations in port are faster, so in practice the final delivery time is often similar. It often happens that a container arrives at its destination faster, but has to wait in line to be unloaded, while Ro-Ro equipment rolls off the deck and clears customs faster. Precise and meticulous planning of the entire supply chain helps to optimize time management.
When planning shipping, port conditions at the destination must be taken into account. Almost every major port handles containers. So we can be sure that our goods will be handled properly. Unfortunately, the destination may limit or even exclude the use of a Ro-Ro ship. Smaller terminals often do not have ramps or adequate maneuvering space. This type of sea freight is usually only possible with specialized ports. If the destination is far from them, the shipping plan must also include land transport. Route planning must therefore be based on the availability of specific terminals. For this type of operation, the knowledge of a shipping company with a global network of agents will help to select the optimal port and plan the entire transport process, avoiding unnecessary logistical complications.
Customs and technical requirements for the transport of machinery
International transport of machinery requires compliance with numerous customs and technical requirements. These vary depending on the country and the type of equipment being transported. Customs clearance is particularly important. Before shipment, the machine must be correctly classified (e.g., as industrial equipment, agricultural vehicle, or construction equipment) using the appropriate customs tariff code, and a complete set of documents must be prepared: invoices, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc.
Customs authorities should receive full identification data, e.g., VIN number, especially for vehicles requiring registration. In the case of transporting used machines, additional documents confirming their technical condition or certificates related to sanitary safety may be required.
Some countries, such as the US and Australia, have strict requirements regarding the cleanliness of machinery. The equipment must be completely free of soil, seeds, and insects so as not to threaten local ecosystems. A professional freight forwarder will help coordinate activities and, if necessary, arrange for the required inspections, e.g., phytosanitary inspections.
Equally important is the issue of customs and tax duties. These are calculated based on the value of the machine, its age, and country of origin. Older machines are sometimes subject to higher customs duties, while newer ones may be eligible for tax breaks.
Choosing the right method of transporting machinery. Rely on the experience of a shipping specialist.
The decision on the type of transport for machinery by sea must be preceded by a thorough logistical analysis. The choice of method directly affects how the machinery is prepared for transport. Specialists will take into account the technical parameters of the machinery, deadlines, budget, and any other requirements in order to propose the solution best suited to the specific situation.
Organizing the transport of machinery is a task that requires knowledge and attention to even the smallest details. At ALLcom, we have been operating in the field of international sea freight forwarding of machines and goods for 30 years. Our knowledge and experience allow us to efficiently organize transport, especially where a non-standard approach is needed. Thanks to many years of cooperation with various industries, we are well acquainted with the specifics of different types of machines and their requirements.
We provide transport to European terminals, Africa, and both Americas, as well as to the most remote parts of Asia and Australia. If the situation requires it, we organize transshipment and storage in intermediate ports, ensuring the continuity of the supply chain. We have hundreds of successfully completed projects under our belt. We always look for the best solution to ensure the safety and reliability of shipping.