International Heavy Machinery Shipping

30+ Years of Specialised Customs & Freight Experience

The process of shipping heavy machinery internationally demands considerable coordination and comprehensive planning. Delays during customs clearance and to/from port transportation are among the top issues that maximize freight forwarding costs.

JTM handles international shipping of heavy machinery and industrial equipment. We deal with both imports into Australia and exports from the country. Our team arranges everything from containerized and RoRo shipping solutions to break bulk options.

If you are moving heavy machinery regularly or need these services as part of a larger project, JTM can optimize the process. We handle end-to-end shipment coordination, including custom clearance.

Heavy Machinery and Equipment We Ship

JTM coordinates international freight for individual machines and larger equipment shipments. The shipping method depends on the machinery’s dimensions and handling requirements.

Construction and Earthmoving Equipment

We arrange transportation for such heavy machinery as:

  • Excavators
  • Loaders
  • Graders
  • Bulldozers
  • Cranes
  • Compactors

Some machines can travel assembled, while others may need parts removed before shipping.

Agricultural Machinery

JTM coordinates shipping for tractors, harvesters and agricultural attachments. We also handle agricultural processing equipment. Due to multiple requirements, used machinery requires specific cleaning before it can enter Australia.

Mining and Industrial Equipment

We also arrange freight for:

  • Mining machinery
  • Generators
  • Compressors
  • Pumps
  • Industrial processing equipment

If the unit you are shipping is heavy or has an irregular shape we assist with arranging special equipment at the port.

Manufacturing and Plant Machinery

Our services cover production machinery, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines and factory equipment. We can coordinate equipment moving as part of a production line or plant relocation.

Other Heavy Equipment

JTM can also arrange shipping for forklifts, access equipment and specialised vehicles. This includes large mechanical equipment, which may require much more than simple container handling/.

If machinery dimensions or weight exceed standard container limits, JTM can assess alternative oversize freight shipping options.

Experience the difference

Request an Oversize Freight Quote

We will help you build a freight solution around your shipment volume, cargo type, trade lanes, and compliance requirements.

International Heavy Machinery Shipping Options

Even if your machinery is heavy or oversized, you have many options to coose from. Meanwhile, the lowest freight rate isn’t always the best once. You could end up paying much more after loading and delivery costs are factored in

Container Shipping

Standard containers can work well for smaller machines, spare parts and industrial components. High-cube containers have extra internal height for equipment that doesn’t have standard dimensions.  

Some machinery can be partly dismantled and packed into a container. JTM checks the dimensions and weight of the cargo before confirming the possibility of this solution. We also evaluate loading access and safe securing options.

Flat Rack Shipping

Flat rack containers have open sides and no fixed roof. They allow suitable machinery to extend beyond standard container dimensions. However, carrier approval is necessary.

Cargo needs proper securing and lashing so it remains stable throughout the journey. JTM reviews the machinery’s measurements and weight before arranging the shipment. Lifting points and loading requirements are important here, too.

RoRo Shipping

Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) shipping allows suitable wheeled or self-propelled machinery to moved onto a vessel. It can work for loaders, tractors and certain construction vehicles.

The equipment must meet the vessel operator’s acceptance requirements. RoRo services aren’t available for every route. JTM always checks suitable options before recommending this method.

Break Bulk Shipping

Some machines can’t be placed inside or on a container. Break bulk cargo shipping allows these units to travel as separate cargo. Appropriate lifting and securing arrangements are necessary here.

This method may work for particularly large industrial equipment or machinery that you can’t dismantle.

Project Cargo Solutions

Machinery shipping becomes more complicated when you need to move several units for one project. Factory relocations and infrastructure developments may involve equipment arriving from different suppliers.

JTM can coordinate shipments around project requirements, including the order in which equipment needs to arrive. Our Project Cargo Logistics services cover these types of movements.

Our Heavy Machinery Shipping Process

JTM plans machinery shipments from collection to delivery. Here is how we do it.

1. Machinery Assessment

Our team reviews the equipment type, dimensions and weight. We confirm its origin and destination as well as its ability to operate under its own power. We also consider the required timeframe.

Photographs or technical drawings help us assess level of difficulty of loading conditions. We also check whether removing certain parts could make transport simpler.

2. Shipping Method and Route Planning

JTM compares shipping solutions based on the machinery’s specifications. The final plan may involve a standard container, flat rack or RoRo service. Larger cargo may require break bulk or a wider project cargo arrangement.

We consider port handling and onward transport at this stage. Heavy machinery often requires special transpiration at the port of destination.

3. Collection and Export Coordination

Our team coordinates with suppliers, manufacturers or site operators to arrange collection. We confirm when the equipment will be ready and what access is available for loading.

JTM then works with local transport partners to move the machinery to the departure port. We arrange special lifting equipment in advance (if necessary).

4. Freight and Customs Clearance

JTM coordinates all the customs issues as well. We review shipping documents and match them to the Australian import requirements before your cargo arrives.

This way we identify missing information before it causes delays. Preparation for customs clearance is especially important for used machinery, because it may also require biosecurity inspection.

5. Delivery to the Final Destination

After arrival and release, we coordinate onward transport to the destination. This may be a warehouse, factory or project site.

We arrange port-to-door or site delivery through transport partners if necessary. If your shipment is large, we will also check access restrictions and special unloading requirements.

Importing Heavy Machinery into Australia

Australian customs requirements and biosecurity rules can affect the release timing of your equipment. It can also define shipment costs.

JTM works with overseas suppliers to obtain commercial invoices and other shipping documents. Our customs team assists with import declarations and helps determine which duties or Goods and Services Tax (GST) charges may apply.

We pay special attention to used construction and agricultural machinery. Equipment must arrive free from soil and other biosecurity risk material. In some cases, it may need thorough cleaning before export.

JTM also coordinates port handling and the final transport leg. Addressing these requirements before the equipment ships can reduce the risk of demurrage and detention.

Exporting Heavy Machinery from Australia

JTM helps Australian businesses ship machinery to overseas buyers or project locations. These shipments may involve new equipment, used machinery or project relocations.

We coordinate export documentation and transport. Our team also assesses the equipment’s size and handling needs to help select an appropriate shipping method.

JTM works with international partners to get the cargo to the final destination if necessary.

Heavy Machinery Shipping Routes

JTM coordinates machinery shipping on international routes that connect Australia with overseas suppliers and buyers. The available transport methods vary.

China to Australia

Australian businesses source construction equipment and industrial machinery from manufacturers in China. JTM can coordinate supplier collection, international freight and Australian customs clearance.

USA to Australia

Equipment purchased from American suppliers may include earthmoving machinery or specialised industrial units. JTM plans the shipment based on the equipment's dimensions and loading requirements.

UK and Europe to Australia

JTM can arrange transportation for manufacturing equipment and used machinery the UK or Europe. We consider the machinery's condition alongside its shipping requirements.

Australia to New Zealand

We also coordinate Trans-Tasman shipping for construction and industrial machinery. Our team always assess vessel suitability and makes destination delivery arrangements.

Shipping Oversize and Out-of-Gauge Machinery

If machinery’s length, width or height exceeds standard container dimensions, it can be classified as Out of Gauge (OOG) cargo. In some cases, equipment fits within those dimensions but exceeds permitted weight limits. \

Possible solutions include flat racks or open top containers for cargo that exceeds standard dimensions. Larger units may need break bulk shipping, while suitable vehicles could travel by RoRo. Complex movements may require a project cargo plan.

JTM assesses lifting points and securing requirements. We also consider port equipment and inland transport restrictions. Once we evaluate all the factors, we can give you effective options.

Heavy Machinery Customs and Biosecurity Requirements

Delays at customs can create storage charges and disrupt planned delivery dates. That’s why JTM reviews clearance requirements far in advance.

Customs Documents and Equipment Valuation

Machinery imports require accurate invoices and supporting shipping documents. Equipment descriptions and declared values must be sufficient for customs assessment.

Tariff classification helps determine applicable duties during the planning stage. JTM’s customs brokerage team can assist with import declarations and the relevant clearance procedures. We also consider GST and other charges that may affect landed costs.

Cleanliness and Biosecurity Inspections

Australia requires imported machinery to be free from biosecurity risk material. Used machines are subject to inspection on arrival. In some cases, even the newest equipment can come with certain risks.

Soil can remain in tracks or under a machine’s frame. Agricultural equipment may also hold plant material in hard-to-reach places. Cleaning may require partial dismantling.

If inspectors discover contamination, you may need to pay for additional cleaning or treatment. Preparing equipment properly before shipment can help avoid these costs.

JTM coordinates the customs and freight requirements to minimize the possibility of running into issues in Australia. 

Experience the difference

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Let’s Discuss Your Freight Requirements!

What Information Do We Need for a Heavy Machinery Shipping Quote?

Accurate information helps JTM identify suitable freight options and estimate the costs involved. Please provide the following details when requesting a quote:

  • Machinery: Type, make and model (if known).
  • Quantity: Number of machines or separate units.
  • Size and weight: Length × width × height and weight for each unit.
  • Origin: Country and collection address.
  • Destination: Delivery address.
  • Condition: Whether the machine runs or must be lifted.
  • Dismantling: Whether any components can be removed safely.
  • Timing: Preferred collection or delivery timeframe.
  • Supporting files: Photos, drawings or technical specifications.

 

If you don’t have every detail yet, send what is available. Request a quote, and we’ll tell you whether we need any additional details. 

Why Ship Heavy Machinery with JTM Cargo?

JTM Cargo Management has over 30 years of freight and customs experience. Over the past three decades, we’ve been perfecting our services and making cost-effective and efficient freight forwarding possible.

Personalised Freight Planning

We assess each machine desperately because we know that a one method that fits every shipment is a myth. Our team works directly with clients and overseas suppliers to plan around delivery requirements.

Freight and Customs Under One Strategy

JTM combines international freight forwarding with customs brokerage. Coordinating these services together can help identify documentation or compliance issues.

Cost-Conscious Routing

The lowest ocean freight rate isn’t always the lowest total cost. JTM considers handling and inland transport when comparing shipping options. We also review customs costs where relevant.

Experience With Complex Cargo

Our wider services cover oversize freight and break-bulk shipping. We also arrange project cargo logistics for larger industrial movements. This experience is useful when machinery needs more than standard container transport.

Australian Freight Expertise

Our local freight and customs knowledge helps clients prepare for Australian import requirements. We consider customs clearance requirements and plan for special delivery needs.

Testimonials

What our customers say