Ship Heavy Machinery to Germany: Complete Guide

Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Germany requires specialized handling, proper documentation, and reliable logistics. Whether sending construction, agricultural, or industrial machines, careful planning ensures safe and timely delivery.

This guide explains methods, costs, documents, timelines, and port options when you ship heavy machinery to Germany.

1. Heavy Machinery Commonly Shipped

Common equipment shipped from the USA includes:

  • Excavators

  • Bulldozers

  • Cranes

  • Backhoe loaders

  • Wheel loaders

  • Forklifts

  • Road graders and rollers

  • Mining machinery

  • Industrial generators

Any oversized, wheeled, or specialized machinery can be transported safely with the right carrier.

2. Shipping Methods to Germany

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Best for operational wheeled machinery.

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective

  • Fast loading/unloading

  • Secured on decks for heavy loads

Ship heavy machinery to Germany

Ship heavy machinery to Germany

b. Flat Rack Shipping

Used for oversized or non-operational machinery.

Benefits:

  • Handles large and irregular machinery

  • Heavy-duty straps and chains secure cargo

  • Ideal for construction and mining equipment

c. Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft)

For smaller or partially disassembled machinery.

Benefits:

  • Fully enclosed protection

  • Allows shipping attachments or tools

  • Secure for high-value machinery

d. Breakbulk Shipping

For extremely large or heavy loads.

Benefits:

  • No size limits

  • Crane-loaded

  • Suitable for industrial and mining machinery

3. Ship heavy machinery to Germany Shipping Costs

Costs depend on:

  • Machinery size and weight

  • Shipping method

  • U.S. departure port

  • Port handling fees

  • Loading/crane charges

  • Marine insurance

Typical price range: $3,500 – $18,000+, depending on size and method.

4. Ship heavy machinery to Germany Shipping Time from the USA 

Estimated transit times:

  • East Coast USA → Germany: 20–32 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → Germany: 22–35 days

  • West Coast USA → Germany: 30–50 days

Total process including booking and customs: 4–7 weeks

5. Ship heavy machinery to Germany U.S. Departure Ports

Common U.S. ports for shipping heavy machinery to Germany:

  • Newark, NJ

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Savannah, GA

  • Houston, TX

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Long Beach, CA

These ports handle RoRo, container, flat rack, 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 Germany

Main ports for heavy machinery imports include:

  • Port of Hamburg – Major industrial and construction equipment hub

  • Port of Bremerhaven – Supports RoRo, containers, and breakbulk

  • Port of Wilhelmshaven – Handles oversized and heavy-lift cargo

All ports offer unloading, inspection, and customs clearance services.

7. Ship heavy machinery to Germany Required Export & Import Documents

Export Documents (USA):

  • Commercial Invoice / Bill of Sale

  • Power of Attorney

  • Export Declaration

  • Machinery specifications (weight, dimensions, model)

  • Packing list (if partially disassembled)

Import Documents (Germany):

  • Bill of Lading

  • Invoice

  • Customs declaration

  • Proof of ownership

  • EU compliance certificates (if required)

  • Inspection certificates (if needed)

8. Preparing Heavy Machinery for Shipping

To ensure safe transport:

  • Clean machinery thoroughly

  • Reduce fuel and fluids (if required)

  • Remove loose parts and secure attachments

  • Provide accurate dimensions and weight

  • Disconnect batteries if necessary

  • Photograph for condition records

  • Lock cabins, covers, and controls

9. Ship heavy machinery to Germany Customs Duties & Taxes

Germany applies:

  • Import duty

  • VAT (19% standard)

  • Port handling fees

  • Inspection and environmental compliance fees

A licensed customs broker can calculate precise costs before shipment.

10. Why Choose All Transport Depot?

All Transport Depot provides:

  • Expertise in heavy machinery shipping

  • RoRo, container, flat rack, and breakbulk options

  • Complete documentation support

  • Real-time shipment tracking

  • Nationwide U.S. pickup

  • Smooth customs coordination

We ensure your machinery is handled safely from pickup to final delivery in Germany.

Final Thoughts

Shipping heavy machinery to Germany from the USA is efficient with proper planning and a trusted logistics partner. All Transport Depot guarantees secure transport, accurate documentation, smooth customs clearance, and timely delivery.

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

Mindy o