Project cargo shipping for heavy machinery and equipment exports
Heavy machinery and production equipment often does not fit a standard container by size or weight. Flat rack, open top or special carriage is planned by dimensions, weight and centre of gravity; lashing is the basis of cargo safety.
Typical machines and equipment
- CNC machining centres and lathes
- Presses and cutting machines
- Compressors and pump sets
- Production line modules
- Welding and robot cells
- Industrial furnaces and boilers
What to watch in transit
- Knowing gross weight and centre of gravity correctly
- Tipping risk of tall, narrow parts
- Separate protection of delicate parts (spindles, guideways)
- Handling export and import customs paperwork together
Suitable equipment and method
- Flat rack: For wide, heavy machines with open sides.
- Open top: For machines loaded from above that exceed height.
- Ro-ro / break bulk: For very large or self-propelled machines.
What we need to plan
- Dimensions (width, length, height) and gross weight
- Centre of gravity and lifting points
- Detachable parts
- Crane or lifting availability at loading and destination
Frequently asked questions
How is heavy machinery transported?
Flat rack, open top or special carriage is chosen by size and weight. The machine is secured, delicate parts are protected and loading is monitored. Dimensions, weight and centre of gravity are needed for the plan.
What is lashing and why is it needed?
Lashing is securing cargo with chains, straps and wedges so it cannot shift or tip during sea and road transport. It is the basis of safe carriage for heavy and oversize machinery and is planned by weight, centre of gravity and method.
What does out-of-gauge cargo mean?
Cargo exceeding the internal length, width or height of a standard container is out of gauge. It travels on flat rack or open top equipment, often with special permits and a securing plan.
What are the dimensions and weight limit of a flat rack container?
A flat rack is a platform-type container without side walls or a roof, available in 20 ft and 40 ft versions. Dimensions and payload vary by manufacturer. Detailed values are in our Container Dimensions tool.
What documents are needed to export machinery?
Core documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, export customs declaration and transport document. Origin or conformity documents may also be requested by the destination country; HS code information is required.