Ship Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas (USVI): Complete Guide

Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Saint Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands) is simplified due to U.S. territory status, but still requires careful planning and proper documentation. Whether transporting construction equipment, industrial machinery, or agricultural vehicles, working with an experienced logistics company ensures safe and timely delivery.

This guide covers everything you need to know when you ship heavy machinery to Saint Thomas (USVI)—including shipping methods, costs, transit times, required permits, and documentation.

1. Types of Heavy Machinery Commonly Shipped

Common machinery shipped to Saint Thomas includes:

Excavators and backhoes
Bulldozers and loaders
Cranes and lifts
Tractors and agricultural equipment
Industrial generators and compressors
Construction and mining vehicles

2. Shipping Methods to Saint Thomas (USVI)

a. Flatbed Trucking

Used for transport to U.S. departure ports.

Benefits:

Ideal for oversized machinery
Easy loading with cranes or forklifts
Flexible pickup options

b. Lowboy Trailers

Used for extremely heavy or tall machinery before shipment.

Benefits:

Handles high-weight loads safely
Maintains stability during transit
Suitable for port delivery

c. Sea Freight (Container / RoRo)

Primary method for shipping to Saint Thomas.

Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft):

Fully enclosed protection from weather
Suitable for sensitive machinery
Allows shipping of spare parts

Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo):

Cost-effective for operable machinery
Machinery drives onto vessel
Quick loading and unloading

Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas

3. Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas Costs

Costs depend on:

Type, weight, and dimensions of machinery
Shipping method (container or RoRo)
U.S. departure port and arrival port
Insurance and handling fees

Typical cost range:
$1,200 – $4,000+, depending on machinery size and shipping method.

4. Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas Shipping Time from the USA

Estimated transit times:

East Coast USA → Saint Thomas: 5–10 days
Gulf Coast USA → Saint Thomas: 7–14 days

Total timeline including booking, loading, and customs: 1–3 weeks

5. Major U.S. Departure Ports

Common ports for shipping heavy machinery:

Jacksonville, FL
Miami, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
West Palm Beach, FL
Baltimore, MD

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6. Arrival Port in Saint Thomas (USVI)

Crown Bay Port – Main port for heavy machinery and industrial shipments

The port handles customs clearance, inspections, and inland transport.

7. Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas Required Export & Import Documents

Export Documents (USA):

Bill of Lading
Proof of ownership (invoice or title)
Power of Attorney (if using an agent)
Passport or ID copy
Shipping instructions

Import Documents (Saint Thomas, USVI):

Bill of Lading
Original invoice and ownership documents
Passport or ID
USVI Customs declaration
Insurance certificates
USVI road tax or permit (if applicable)

No foreign customs clearance is required for U.S. territory shipments, simplifying the process.

8. Preparing Heavy Machinery for Shipping

Steps for safe transport:

Clean machinery and remove loose parts
Secure or detach movable components
Drain fuel, oil, and coolant if required
Lock or secure tracks, buckets, or attachments
Photograph equipment condition
Ensure lifting points are accessible

9. Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas Insurance Coverage

Shipping heavy machinery internationally requires:

Transit insurance covering damage or loss
Optional full-value coverage for high-value machinery
Coverage for loading, unloading, and port handling

10. Heavy Machinery to Saint Thomas Safety & Compliance

Key considerations:

Follow U.S. export regulations and USVI import rules
Plan shipping to avoid port delays
Ensure professional handling during loading, transit, and unloading

11. Why Choose All Transport Depot?

We provide:

Container and RoRo shipping options for heavy machinery
Flatbed and lowboy transport to U.S. ports
Full documentation and customs assistance
Nationwide pickup and delivery
Real-time tracking updates
Transparent pricing with professional handling

Your heavy machinery is transported safely and efficiently from the USA to Saint Thomas (USVI).

Final Thoughts

Shipping heavy machinery to Saint Thomas (USVI) from the USA is simple and efficient with the right logistics partner. All Transport Depot ensures smooth delivery, proper documentation, and professional handling from pickup to arrival at Crown Bay Port.