International transport of heavy construction and farm machinery often requires a freight forwarding service. Freight forwarding companies are expert international heavy machinery movers. They provide logistical services that include ground transportation, warehouse storage, and cleaning. A freight forwarding service also handles documentation requirements including titles, insurance, and bills of lading that are required to clear customs. There are three options to consider when selecting an international heavy machinery mover.

Roll-on/roll-off (RO-RO) ships are used for international heavy machinery mover if the machinery is on wheels and can be driven or towed onto the ship. RO-RO transportation is less expensive than other methods of moving heavy machinery. RO-RO shipping serves a limited number of ports. If your equipment will be transported to a port that does not service RO-RO ships, you will have to select another method for international heavy machinery moving.

One method of shipping heavy machinery is to disassemble the equipment and ship it in a container. Flat rack containers are often used to transport large heavy equipment that can be easily disassembled. A benefit to shipping heavy machinery in a container is that it is more protected from the elements. Break bulk is another option that may be considered. Break bulk cargo is delivered straight from a transport truck or by rail straight to the port. The heavy machinery will be stored in a warehouse until the ship arrives at which time it will be loaded onto the vessel. A crane will lift the machinery onto the deck. The same method will be used to unload the cargo once it clears customs at the destination port.

An international heavy machinery mover will require that the machinery be clean. Equipment that has dirt, grease, oil or other contaminants can not be shipped internationally. Most countries are strict about the introduction of foreign species of plants and animals. There are specific requirements for different countries regarding what constitutes a “clean” cargo, but it advisable to have used machinery thoroughly steam cleaned prior to presenting it for loading on the ship. The machinery will be inspected according the requirements of the destination port prior to loading. Ports like those in Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) have a zero dirt tolerance and will not clear any machinery that contains any hint of dirt, grease, or oil. New equipment that has been transported over land will still need to be steam cleaned at the port to remove insects and road grime. Oceania ports essentially clear only machinery that is as clean as the day it was produced at the factory.

Because an international heavy machinery mover requires equipment to be clean prior to loading on the ship, ample time must be allocated for cleaning and inspection. Three to four days lead time should be sufficient to allow for cleaning. Warehouse space is reserved for this purpose. If the machinery does not pass inspection, the shipper will have an opportunity to have the equipment cleaned and re- inspected. Occasionally machinery will have to be washed again at the destination port to clear customs.