Questions we are asked
What East African buyers ask about ports, corridors and inland cost.
Your route
Do you ship construction equipment to Kenya?+
Yes, to Mombasa. It is one of the busiest machinery ports in Africa and the entry point for a great deal of cargo continuing inland.
Can you send machines to Tanzania?+
Yes, to Dar es Salaam. It serves Tanzania directly and also acts as the gateway for Zambia, Malawi and parts of the Congo.
How does a machine reach Uganda or Rwanda?+
Through Mombasa and then overland along the Northern Corridor. We quote the sea leg and your local hauler covers the road or rail from there.
Do you ship equipment to Ethiopia?+
Yes, through Djibouti, which is the main route in since Ethiopia has no coast. The overland leg from Djibouti is well established and handled locally.
Which port should I use for a site in Zambia?+
Dar es Salaam is normally the sensible choice, though Beira is worth comparing depending on where in the country you are. Tell us the town and we will say which.
Cost and machines
How much does it cost to ship an excavator to Mombasa?+
It depends on the machine and the sailing when you book, but this is a well served lane so the freight is competitive. Send us the machine and your port for a real figure.
Is it cheaper to import a machine or buy one in East Africa?+
Importing is usually cheaper on the machine, sometimes considerably. Add our freight quotation to the machine price and compare that total against a local dealer.
What machines are most in demand in East Africa?+
Twenty ton excavators for road and building work, wheel loaders for quarry and aggregate, and rollers for the road contracts that are running across the region.
Can you supply several machines for a road contract?+
Yes, and it is common here. Shipping several together lowers the freight per machine and gives you a single clearance rather than several.
Practical matters
How much does the inland leg add to my cost?+
It depends on the distance and the corridor, and on long inland routes it can be a significant share of the total. Get a local quotation early so it does not surprise you.
Who clears the machine at Mombasa or Dar es Salaam?+
A licensed local clearing agent that you appoint. Both ports charge storage once the free days pass, so have them ready before the vessel docks.
Are there import rules I should check for used machinery?+
Requirements differ by country and change from time to time, so ask your clearing agent to confirm the current position before you commit to a machine.
How long does shipping from China to East Africa take?+
It is a well served route with regular sailings, though the exact transit depends on the service. Give us your port and we will confirm what is running.
