Ship Heavy Machinery to Antigua and Barbuda: Complete Guide

Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda! Shipping heavy machinery overseas is a major investment, and choosing the right logistics partner ensures safety, efficiency, and cost control. Whether you’re transporting construction equipment, industrial machinery, agricultural units, or oversized freight, Antigua and Barbuda is a growing destination for U.S. exports.

This guide covers costs, timelines, required documents, shipping methods, port options, and the full export process for sending heavy machinery from the USA to Antigua and Barbuda.


1. What Counts as Heavy Machinery?

Heavy machinery includes:

  • Excavators

  • Bulldozers

  • Forklifts

  • Backhoe loaders

  • Cranes

  • Tractors & farm machinery

  • Industrial equipment

  • Mining machinery

  • Road construction equipment

  • Oversized engines or generators

Any large, heavy, or specialized machine requiring special handling falls under heavy machinery freight.


2. Shipping Methods from the USA to Antigua and Barbuda

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping

Ideal for machinery that can be driven or towed onto the vessel.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective

  • Fast loading/unloading

  • Secure transport

Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda

Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda

b. Flat Rack Shipping

For oversized or irregularly shaped machinery that cannot fit inside a container.

Advantages:

  • Handles very large dimensions

  • Secured with heavy-duty chains & straps

  • Perfect for construction or mining equipment

c. Container Shipping (20ft & 40ft)

Best for smaller or disassembled machines.

Advantages:

  • Enclosed protection from weather

  • Secure for high-value equipment

d. Breakbulk Shipping

Used for extremely large or heavy machines.

Advantages:

  • Direct crane loading onto vessels

  • Handles machinery that cannot fit containers or racks


3. Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda Shipping Costs 

Shipping costs depend on:

  • Machinery size and weight

  • Shipping method (RoRo, flat rack, container, breakbulk)

  • Departure port in the USA

  • Arrival port in Antigua and Barbuda

  • Loading/unloading labor and crane fees

  • Inland transportation and insurance

Average price range: $2,000 – $9,000+, with larger machinery and breakbulk shipments costing more.


4. Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda Shipping Timelines

Estimated transit time from the USA to Antigua and Barbuda:

  • East Coast USA → Antigua: 10–20 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → Antigua: 12–22 days

  • West Coast USA → Antigua: 25–35 days

Total time including customs and loading: 3–6 weeks depending on shipping method and port processing.


5. Departure Ports in the USA

Common ports for exporting heavy machinery:

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Savannah, GA

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Houston, TX

  • Long Beach, CA

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Newark, NJ

These ports support RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk shipments.

📲 Message us or call today:
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: ‪+1 (470) 791-4497‬
📞 Office: ‪+1 (678) 528-5794‬
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com


6. Arrival Ports in Antigua and Barbuda

The main port for heavy machinery shipments:

  • Port of St. John’s – Main commercial port for imports

This port is equipped to handle RoRo shipments, container deliveries, and breakbulk cargo with cranes and heavy-duty infrastructure.


7. Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda Required Documents for Export & Import

Export from the USA:

  • Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

  • Power of Attorney for freight forwarder

  • Machinery specifications (dimensions, weight, condition)

  • Environmental compliance documents (if engine-powered)

Import into Antigua and Barbuda:

  • Antigua Customs Entry Form

  • VAT & Import Duties

  • Proof of ownership and purchase

  • Machinery technical documents

  • CE or safety certification (if required)

Working with a licensed freight forwarder ensures accurate paperwork and prevents delays.


8. Preparing Heavy Machinery for Shipping

Proper preparation protects your machinery and reduces risk:

  • Clean to comply with customs inspection

  • Drain fluids (as required)

  • Remove or secure loose attachments

  • Document machine condition with photos

  • Provide accurate dimensions and weight

  • Disconnect batteries if needed

  • Ensure it can be safely rolled or lifted

Correct information helps with quotes, loading, and customs clearance.


9. Ship heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda Import Duties & Taxes 

Antigua and Barbuda applies:

  • Customs duties (varies by type of machinery)

  • VAT (standard 15%)

  • Port inspection and handling fees

  • Environmental compliance fees for engines

A customs broker can provide exact calculations before shipment.


10. Why Choose All Transport Depot for Heavy Machinery Shipping

All Transport Depot provides secure, efficient heavy machinery transport from the USA to Antigua and Barbuda with:

  • Experienced heavy-lift handling

  • RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk options

  • Expert documentation and customs support

  • Real-time shipment tracking

  • Transparent pricing

  • Full port-to-port and inland delivery

From construction equipment to industrial machinery, we handle the full shipping process professionally.


Final Thoughts

Shipping heavy machinery to Antigua and Barbuda from the USA doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right logistics partner, you gain:

  • Safe and secure transport

  • Transparent costs

  • Efficient timelines

  • Proper documentation and customs clearance

All Transport Depot ensures your heavy machinery arrives safely and on time, providing peace of mind every step of the way.

📲 Message us or call today:
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: ‪+1 (470) 791-4497‬
📞 Office: ‪+1 (678) 528-5794‬
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com