Questions we are asked
What buyers ask about getting a machine from the yard onto their own quay.
Choosing the method
What is the cheapest way to ship a machine from China?+
In a container, when the machine fits. Container services sail more often and cost less than the alternatives, which is why we always check whether your machine can go that way first.
Can an excavator fit inside a shipping container?+
A twenty ton machine will, once the boom and arm are removed and the machine is prepared. We do that work before loading and it is reassembled at your end.
Is it a problem to have my excavator dismantled for shipping?+
It is routine and it is done properly, with the parts secured and shipped with the machine. If you would rather it travelled whole, a flat rack is the alternative and we will price both.
When does a machine have to travel on a flat rack?+
When it will not reduce enough to pass through a container door, or when you prefer not to have it taken apart. Wheel loaders and larger rollers usually fall into this category.
Why do trucks ship differently from excavators?+
A truck cannot be reduced, so it goes on a bulk vessel loaded whole. That also means the sailing schedule matters more, because those services run less often than container ships.
What it costs
What decides the cost of shipping a machine?+
The destination port, the method, the size and weight of the machine, and what is sailing on that route when you book. Those four together set the number, which is why nobody can quote you honestly without knowing your port.
Why will you not publish shipping prices on your website?+
Because a freight figure published today would be wrong within a month, and a buyer who budgeted from it would be short at exactly the wrong moment. We quote against live rates instead.
Is it cheaper to ship two machines together?+
Usually yes. Freight planned as a single shipment costs less per machine than two separate bookings, and it also means one set of documents and one clearance at your end.
Does a heavier machine always cost more to ship?+
Weight matters, but so do the dimensions. A roller is heavy for its size while an excavator is bulky, and depending on the route either can end up being the more expensive one to move.
Timing and preparation
How long is the sea journey from China?+
It varies a great deal by destination and by whether the service is direct or goes through a transhipment port. Tell us where you are and we will give you the real transit time for that lane.
How soon can a machine leave once I have paid?+
Once the balance is settled we prepare the machine and book against the next suitable sailing. The waiting is usually the vessel schedule rather than anything at our end.
How is a machine secured for the voyage?+
It is drained where required, chocked, lashed and secured to the container floor or the flat rack. Machines that move in transit arrive damaged, so this part is not rushed.
Do you handle the loading at Qingdao?+
Yes, inland transport, loading and securing at the port are all arranged by us. You take over at your own end.
