FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about shipping heavy equipment internationally.

What types of heavy equipment do you ship?

We ship all types of heavy machinery including excavators, wheel loaders, cranes, bulldozers, concrete equipment (pumps, mixers, batching plants), mining equipment (haul trucks, drill rigs, crushers), and more. From 2-ton mini excavators to 600+ ton mining trucks — if it has an engine and weighs more than a car, we ship it.

What is EPA compliance and why do I need it?

EPA compliance means your equipment meets US Environmental Protection Agency engine emissions standards (Tier 1-4). Every diesel-powered machine imported into the USA requires EPA Form 3520-1 to be filed before arrival. Without proper documentation, your equipment gets detained at the port, you face fines up to $5,000+ per machine, and in worst cases, the equipment is ordered re-exported at your expense. We handle all EPA paperwork and have a 100% pass rate.

How long does it take to ship heavy equipment?

Typical timelines:

  • Ocean freight: 15-45 days (depending on origin/destination)
  • Customs clearance: 3-7 business days (with pre-filed documentation)
  • Inland transport: 1-5 days (port to job site)
  • Total door-to-door: 3-8 weeks typical

We provide detailed timelines with every quote so you can plan your project accordingly.

What countries do you ship from and to?

We ship globally. Common origin countries include China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, UK, Turkey, and the USA. We deliver to any country in the world, with particular expertise in the Americas — USA, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and the Caribbean.

How much does it cost to ship heavy equipment?

Costs depend on several factors: equipment dimensions and weight, origin and destination, shipping method (flat rack, RoRo, break-bulk, containerized), customs duties, EPA compliance requirements, and inland transport distance. We provide free, detailed, itemized quotes with no hidden fees. Contact us with your equipment specs for an accurate estimate within 24 hours.

Do you handle customs clearance?

Yes. Our licensed customs brokers specialize in heavy equipment imports. We handle HTS classification (Chapter 84 and 87 codes), CBP entry filing, ISF (Importer Security Filing), bonding, EPA coordination, and interaction with government agencies including FDA, USDA, and DOT when required. For Latin America, we also handle RADAR (Brazil), NOMs (Mexico), and other regional requirements.

What shipping methods do you use for heavy equipment?

We use the optimal method based on your equipment:

  • Flat Rack / OOG: For oversized equipment exceeding standard container dimensions
  • RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): For self-propelled wheeled equipment
  • Break-Bulk: For ultra-heavy or oddly shaped cargo loaded by crane
  • Containerized (FCL): For compact equipment or disassembled machines

Can you source equipment for me?

Yes. Our sourcing team locates heavy equipment from verified manufacturers and dealers worldwide. We handle factory audits, price negotiation, pre-shipment inspection, quality assurance, and the complete logistics chain from factory to your door. We source from China, Japan, Korea, Germany, and other major manufacturing countries.

Still Have Questions?

Our team is ready to help. Reach out and we'll answer any question about heavy equipment logistics.