Project cargo shipping for metalworking machinery and steel structures
Presses, cutting machines and steel structures are dense and heavy. The container payload limit and floor weight distribution decide the plan; long elements ship on flat rack or break bulk.
Typical machines and equipment
- Hydraulic and mechanical presses
- Laser and plasma cutting machines
- Foundry and melting equipment
- Rolling and profile lines
- Steel structure elements
- Welding and machining cells
What to watch in transit
- Container payload limit for dense cargo
- Floor distribution of heavy single parts
- Securing long profiles
- Protecting surfaces from rust and scratches
Suitable equipment and method
- Flat rack: For heavy, long machines and steel elements.
- Open top: For presses and parts loaded from above.
- Standard container: For small line parts and dense cargo (mind the payload limit).
What we need to plan
- Dimensions and gross weight
- Centre of gravity and lifting points
- List of long elements
- HS code and invoice details
Frequently asked questions
How is a press machine transported?
Flat rack or open top is chosen by size and weight. The body is secured and delicate parts protected. Weight, centre of gravity and lifting points are needed for the plan.
How is a steel structure shipped?
Long, heavy elements ship on flat rack or break bulk; parts are grouped and secured. A dimension and weight list is 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 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.