Ship Heavy Machinery to Canada: Complete Guide

Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Canada is a highly efficient process thanks to strong cross-border infrastructure, shared regulations, and well-established industrial trade routes. Whether you’re moving construction equipment, agricultural machines, mining machinery, or industrial units, thousands of U.S. machines enter Canada every year.

This guide explains shipping methods, costs, transit times, required documents, port options, and the complete process of transporting heavy machinery to Canada safely.

1. What Machinery Can Be Shipped?

Common heavy equipment shipped to Canada includes:

  • Excavators

  • Bulldozers

  • Wheel loaders

  • Skid steers

  • Tractors & farm equipment

  • Cranes

  • Backhoes

  • Forklifts

  • Mining machinery

  • Industrial & factory machinery

  • Construction equipment

  • Generators & compressors

  • Oversized/lowboy equipment

  • New, used, and salvage machinery (if compliant)

Most U.S. machinery meets Canadian import and safety standards.

2. Shipping Methods from the USA to Canada

Choose the method based on machine size, distance, and urgency.

a. Truck Transport (Most Common for USA → Canada)

Used for most machinery deliveries due to the shared land border.

Advantages:

  • Fast transit

  • Direct pickup & delivery

  • No port involvement

  • Ideal for oversized equipment

  • Lowboy, flatbed, and step-deck trailers available

Perfect for moving equipment from any U.S. state directly into Canada.

Ship heavy machinery to Canada

Ship heavy machinery to Canada

b. Flat Rack or Open-Top Container Shipping

Used for large or high-value machinery traveling from distant U.S. states.

Advantages:

  • Secured, stable loading

  • Suitable for oversized units

  • Additional bundles or parts can be included

  • Ideal for long-distance routes

Most common for machinery leaving southern, western, or coastal states.

c. Ship heavy machinery to Canada Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Used for self-propelled machinery loaded at ports.

Advantages:

  • Cost-effective

  • Safe indoor loading decks

  • Ideal for drivable heavy equipment

RoRo departures are available from major U.S. ports when required.

3. Ship heavy machinery to Canada Shipping Costs 

Costs depend on:

  • Machine size, weight & dimensions

  • Pickup location in the USA

  • Transport type (truck, flat rack, RoRo)

  • Delivery province in Canada

  • Escort or permit requirements (for oversized loads)

  • Optional insurance

Estimated price range:
$1,200 – $8,000+ depending on size and distance.

Oversized machinery requiring pilot cars or special permits may cost more.

4. Ship heavy machinery to Canada Shipping Timelines

Estimated transit times when shipping machinery to Canada:

  • Northern U.S. → Canada: 2–6 days

  • Midwest/Southern U.S. → Canada: 4–10 days

  • West Coast → Canada: 5–12 days

  • Port shipping (RoRo or flat rack): 10–25 days

Total time: usually 1–3 weeks, depending on routing and customs procedures.

5. Ship heavy machinery to Canada Departure Locations in the USA

Heavy machinery can ship from any U.S. state. Major logistics hubs include:

  • Seattle, WA

  • Detroit, MI

  • Chicago, IL

  • Minneapolis, MN

  • Houston, TX

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Phoenix, AZ

  • Miami, FL

  • Atlanta, GA

  • Newark, NJ

For machinery shipped via port (RoRo or container):

  • Baltimore

  • Jacksonville

  • Houston

  • Long Beach

  • Newark

📲 Message Us or Call Today
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com

📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
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6. Arrival Ports & Entry Points in Canada

Heavy machinery can enter Canada through both land borders and ports.

Land Border Crossings:

  • Windsor, Ontario

  • Sarnia (Port Huron crossing)

  • Buffalo–Fort Erie

  • Vancouver (BC crossings)

  • Coutts, Alberta

  • Emerson, Manitoba

Port Arrivals (Container or RoRo):

  • Port of Vancouver

  • Port of Halifax

  • Port of Montreal

All locations support industrial cargo handling and customs clearance.

7. Ship heavy machinery to Canada Required Documents for Export & Import

Export Documents (USA):

  • Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice

  • Machinery serial number and specifications

  • Shipper’s Export Declaration (if required)

  • Power of Attorney (to your freight forwarder)

  • Copy of ID or passport

Import Documents (Canada):

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Bill of Lading

  • Machine serial number & specs

  • Canadian Customs Entry Form

  • Proof of payment & taxes

  • Safety compliance documentation (when applicable)

Some machinery categories may require special certifications.

8. Preparing Your Machinery for Shipping

For safe and compliant transport:

  • Clean machine to remove dirt, mud & plant material

  • Disconnect batteries (if required)

  • Drain fuel to ¼ tank or less (for RoRo/truck)

  • Secure all moving parts

  • Remove personal or loose items

  • Fold booms, arms, or attachments (if possible)

  • Provide exact dimensions (L x W x H)

  • Photograph machinery thoroughly for condition reports

Proper preparation reduces delays and prevents damage.

9. Ship heavy machinery to Canada Import Duties & Taxes 

Import charges may include:

  • GST (5%)

  • Provincial taxes (varies by region)

  • Duty (if applicable) – many U.S.-manufactured machines qualify for duty-free import under USMCA

  • Excise or environmental fees (if applicable)

  • Inspection fees

Commercial importers must also provide a business number (BN) when required.

10. Why Choose All Transport Depot for Machinery Shipping?

All Transport Depot provides:

  • Specialized heavy machinery logistics

  • Lowboy, flatbed, and oversized transport options

  • Secure loading and cargo handling

  • Fast documentation and border processing

  • Competitive, transparent pricing

  • Nationwide pickup across the USA

  • Delivery to any Canadian province

From excavators and tractors to mining and industrial equipment, we ensure safe, professional, and timely delivery.

Final Thoughts

Shipping heavy machinery to Canada from the USA is simple when handled by experts. With All Transport Depot, you get:

  • Professional handling

  • Smooth customs clearance

  • Accurate documentation

  • Reliable delivery schedules

  • Best-in-class logistics support

Your equipment arrives safely, on time, and ready for use.

📲 Message Us or Call Today
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com

📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com

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