Questions we are asked
What island buyers ask about schedules, cost and buying at a distance.
Your route
Do you ship construction equipment to Mauritius?+
Yes, to Port Louis. Machines come from our Qingdao yard and the freight is quoted alongside the machine so you have one figure to plan against.
Can you send machines to Madagascar?+
Yes, to Toamasina, which is the main entry point for the island and handles machinery regularly.
How often do vessels sail to the islands?+
Less often than to a mainland hub, and cargo frequently transships on the way. Ask us before you fix a site start date so the schedule is not a surprise.
Is it more expensive to ship to an island?+
Usually a little, because there is less service competition on the route. The machine saving from China is normally still much larger than the difference.
Buying from a distance
Why buy from China rather than locally in Mauritius?+
Because there is very little local supply of used equipment, so what is available carries a premium. Importing gives you both choice and a lower price.
Can I inspect a machine before it ships to the island?+
Yes. We send photographs and video of anything you want to see, and you are welcome to appoint an inspector in Qingdao to look at the machine for you.
What if I only need one machine?+
That is perfectly normal and most island orders are single machines. The freight is a larger share of the total on a single unit, so ask us early and we will price it honestly.
Which machines suit island work?+
Excavators and loaders for civil and agricultural work, and small rollers for road maintenance. A seven ton roller fits a container, which keeps the freight low.
Practical matters
Who clears the machine at Port Louis or Toamasina?+
A licensed local agent that you appoint. On island routes the free storage period can be short, so have them ready before arrival.
Do you prepare the shipping documents?+
Yes, the invoice, packing list and bill of lading are prepared before the machine sails and sent to you in advance.
Are there import requirements I should check?+
Requirements differ and can change, so ask your clearing agent to confirm the position before you commit to a machine.
Can you hold a machine while I arrange finance?+
Tell us your timing and we will be straight with you about where the machine stands, and anything we agree goes to you in writing.
