Ship Heavy Equipment to China: Complete Guide

Shipping heavy equipment from the USA to China requires specialized handling, precise documentation, and reliable logistics. Whether supporting construction, mining, agriculture, or industrial projects, China is a major importer of U.S. machinery.

This guide covers shipping methods, costs, transit times, required documents, port options, and the full export process for transporting heavy equipment to China.

1. What Equipment Can Be Shipped?

Common types of heavy equipment shipped to China include:

  • Excavators

  • Bulldozers

  • Tractors & agricultural machinery

  • Forklifts

  • Cranes

  • Backhoe loaders

  • Mining machinery

  • Road construction equipment

  • Industrial engines & generators

  • Oversized/irregular industrial equipment

Any large, heavy, or specialized machine can be shipped safely with proper preparation.

2. Shipping Methods from the USA to China

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Best for equipment that can roll, drive, or be towed.

Advantages:

  • Affordable

  • Easy loading/unloading

  • Secure lower decks

  • Ideal for running equipment

Ship heavy equipment to China

Ship heavy equipment to China

b. Flat Rack Shipping

Perfect for oversized or irregular equipment.

Advantages:

  • Handles wide, tall, or heavy machines

  • Secured with chains and industrial straps

  • Ideal for construction and mining machinery

c. Container Shipping (20ft & 40ft)

Best for smaller equipment or disassembled units.

Advantages:

  • Fully enclosed protection

  • Secure for high-value machinery

  • Can include attachments or spare parts

d. Breakbulk Shipping

For extremely large or heavy equipment.

Advantages:

  • Direct crane loading

  • Perfect for massive construction or mining machinery

  • No size limits for containers

3. Ship heavy equipment to China Shipping Costs 

Costs depend on:

  • Equipment size and weight

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

  • U.S. departure port

  • Arrival port in China

  • Crane/loading fees

  • Marine insurance

Estimated price range: $2,500 – $15,000+, depending on equipment size and shipping method.

4. Ship heavy equipment to China Shipping Timelines

Estimated transit time from the USA to China:

  • East Coast USA → China: 25–40 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → China: 28–45 days

  • West Coast USA → China: 20–35 days

Total process including booking, loading, and customs: 4–7 weeks.

5. Departure Ports in the USA

Popular U.S. ports for exporting heavy equipment to China:

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Long Beach, CA

  • Seattle, WA

  • Houston, TX

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Savannah, GA

  • Jacksonville, FL

All support RoRo, flat rack, breakbulk, and container shipping.

📲 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 China

Major Chinese ports for heavy equipment imports:

  • Port of Shanghai – Main commercial port

  • Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan – Large machinery shipments

  • Port of Tianjin – Northern China deliveries

  • Port of Guangzhou – Southern China shipments

  • Port of Shenzhen – Regional arrivals

These ports handle RoRo shipments, container deliveries, breakbulk cargo, inspections, and customs processing.

7. Ship heavy equipment to China Required Documents for Export & Import

Export Documents (USA):

  • Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice

  • Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)

  • Power of Attorney (for your forwarder)

  • Equipment specifications (dimensions, weight, model)

  • EPA/engine compliance documents

  • Packing list (for disassembled equipment)

Import Documents (China):

  • Chinese Customs Entry Form

  • Bill of Lading

  • Invoice / Purchase documentation

  • Equipment specifications

  • Proof of ownership

  • Inspection certificate (if required)

A licensed freight forwarder ensures accurate paperwork and reduces delays.

8. Preparing Heavy Equipment for Shipping

Proper preparation protects your machinery and reduces risk:

  • Thoroughly clean equipment to comply with inspection standards

  • Drain fuel and fluids if required

  • Remove or secure attachments

  • Document condition with photos

  • Provide precise dimensions and weight

  • Check hydraulic lines and battery connections

  • Ensure equipment is safe for lifting or rolling

9. Ship heavy equipment to China Import Duties & Taxes 

China applies:

  • Customs duties (varies by equipment type)

  • Value Added Tax (VAT)

  • Port inspection and handling fees

  • Environmental compliance fees (if applicable)

A customs broker can provide exact calculations before shipment.

10. Why Choose All Transport Depot for Heavy Equipment Shipping?

All Transport Depot provides:

  • Skilled heavy-lift equipment handling

  • RoRo, container, flat rack, and breakbulk options

  • Full documentation and customs assistance

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

  • Real-time shipping updates

  • Door-to-port and port-to-port services

From construction equipment to mining machinery, we manage the entire journey safely and professionally.

Final Thoughts

Shipping heavy equipment to China from the USA is seamless with the right logistics partner. With All Transport Depot, you get:

  • Safe and secure transport

  • Smooth customs clearance

  • Accurate documentation

  • Reliable timelines

  • Competitive pricing

Your heavy equipment arrives in China efficiently, securely, and on schedule.

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

Mindy o