Ship Heavy Machinery to Puerto Rico: Complete Guide

Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Puerto Rico is a straightforward process because it is a U.S. territory, meaning no international customs barriers. However, large equipment still requires specialized handling, proper documentation, and the right shipping method to ensure safe and timely delivery.

This guide covers everything you need to know when you ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico, including shipping methods, costs, transit times, ports, and preparation requirements.

1. Heavy Machinery Commonly Shipped

Popular machinery transported from the mainland U.S. to Puerto Rico includes:

  • Excavators

  • Bulldozers

  • Cranes

  • Wheel loaders

  • Backhoes

  • Skid steers

  • Forklifts

  • Agricultural tractors

  • Road rollers and graders

  • Industrial generators

Puerto Rico receives heavy equipment for construction, energy projects, and agricultural development.

2. Shipping Methods to Puerto Rico

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

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

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective

  • Fast loading/unloading

  • Safely secured on vessel decks

Ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico

Ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico

b. Flat Rack Shipping

Best for oversized or non-wheeled machinery.

Benefits:

  • Handles wide or tall equipment

  • Strong securing for heavy loads

  • Ideal for construction and industrial machinery

c. Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft)

Suitable for smaller machinery or disassembled units.

Benefits:

  • Fully enclosed protection

  • Allows additional parts or tools

  • Ideal for compact or valuable machinery

d. Breakbulk Shipping

Used for extremely large or heavy machinery.

Benefits:

  • No size limits

  • Loaded via crane directly onto vessel

  • Suitable for mining, industrial, or energy equipment

3. Ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico Shipping Costs

Costs depend on:

  • Machinery size and weight

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

  • Departure port

  • Crane, loading, and terminal handling fees

  • Marine insurance

Typical cost range:
$1,500 – $12,000+, depending on size and method.

Puerto Rico is often more affordable than overseas destinations due to domestic shipping routes.

4. Ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico Shipping Time 

Estimated transit times:

  • East Coast USA → Puerto Rico: 3–7 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → Puerto Rico: 7–12 days

Total process including booking + transport: 1–3 weeks

5. Ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico U.S. Departure Ports

Common U.S. ports shipping:

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Miami, FL

  • Tampa, FL

  • Houston, TX

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Philadelphia, PA

These ports offer RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk 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 Puerto Rico

Major ports capable of handling heavy equipment:

  • Port of San Juan – Main commercial port, supports all machinery types

  • Port of Ponce – Strong for industrial and energy-sector cargo

  • Port of Mayagüez – Regional cargo support, including machinery

These ports provide offloading, handling, inspections, and inland transport connections.

7. Ship heavy machinery to Puerto Rico Required Documents

Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, carriers still require standard transport documentation.

Documents Needed:

  • Bill of Lading

  • Commercial Invoice / Bill of Sale

  • Machinery specifications (weight, dimensions, model)

  • Packing list (if disassembled)

  • Power of Attorney (if a logistics company handles documentation)

No import duties or international customs clearance are required for Puerto Rico.

8. Preparing Machinery for Shipment

To ensure safe transport:

  • Clean the machinery thoroughly

  • Lower fuel levels

  • Disconnect the battery if needed

  • Secure or remove loose parts

  • Provide accurate weight and measurements

  • Take condition photos

  • Lock the cabin and compartments

9. Why Choose All Transport Depot?

We offer:

  • Expertise in heavy machinery logistics

  • RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk options

  • Full documentation support

  • Affordable domestic U.S. territory shipping

  • Pickup from any U.S. city

  • Real-time tracking

  • Clear, upfront pricing

Your machinery is handled professionally from pickup to delivery.

Final Thoughts

Shipping heavy machinery to Puerto Rico from the USA is efficient with the right logistics partner. All Transport Depot ensures safe transport, proper documentation, and reliable delivery.

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

Mindy o