Ship Heavy Machinery to Kenya: Complete Guide

Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Kenya requires careful planning, correct documentation, and specialized shipping methods. Whether transporting construction, industrial, or agricultural machinery, working with a reliable logistics company ensures safe loading, proper compliance, and timely delivery.

This guide explains everything you need to know when you ship heavy machinery to Kenya, including shipping options, costs, transit times, documents, and major ports.

1. Heavy Machinery Commonly Shipped

Common equipment sent from the USA to Kenya includes:

  • Excavators

  • Cranes

  • Bulldozers

  • Backhoes

  • Skid steers

  • Wheel loaders

  • Industrial generators

  • Agricultural tractors

  • Mining and drilling equipment

  • Forklifts

Kenya imports U.S. machinery for construction, industry, agriculture, and infrastructure projects.

2. Shipping Methods to Kenya

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Ideal for machinery that drives or rolls.

Benefits:

  • Cost-efficient

  • Fast loading/unloading

  • Secure vessel storage

Ship heavy machinery to Kenya

Ship heavy machinery to Kenya

b. Flat Rack Shipping

Used for oversized, tall, or non-wheeled machinery.

Benefits:

  • Handles oversized equipment

  • Heavy-duty lashing for ocean transport

  • Great for cranes, loaders, and project cargo

c. Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft)

Best for smaller machinery or disassembled units.

Benefits:

  • Fully enclosed protection

  • Can include spare parts

  • Ideal for compact or sensitive machinery

d. Breakbulk Shipping

Used for exceptionally large or heavy equipment.

Benefits:

  • No dimensional limits

  • Crane loading directly onto vessel

  • Suitable for industrial and energy-sector machinery

3. Ship heavy machinery to Kenya Shipping Costs

Costs depend on:

  • Machinery size and weight

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

  • U.S. departure port

  • Kenya destination port

  • Crane/loading fees

  • Marine insurance

Typical cost range:
$3,500 – $20,000+ depending on machinery type and method.

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

Estimated transit times:

  • East Coast USA → Kenya: 18–32 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → Kenya: 20–35 days

  • West Coast USA → Kenya: 30–45 days

Total process including booking + customs:
4–6 weeks

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

Common U.S. ports shipping heavy machinery to Kenya:

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Savannah, GA

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Houston, TX

  • Miami, FL

  • Newark, NJ

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Long Beach, CA

These ports 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 Kenya

Kenya’s main commercial ports:

  • Port of Mombasa – Handles container, RoRo, and heavy cargo shipments; equipped for inspections and customs clearance.

  • Port of Lamu – Emerging deep-water port for industrial and project cargo.

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

Export Documents (USA):

  • Commercial Invoice / Bill of Sale

  • Export declaration

  • Power of Attorney

  • Machinery specifications (weight, dimensions, model)

  • Packing list (if disassembled)

  • EPA engine compliance documents (if required)

Import Documents (Kenya):

  • Bill of Lading

  • Import declaration

  • Invoice

  • Proof of ownership

  • Customs forms

  • Inspection certificates (if required)

8. Preparing Machinery for Shipping

To ensure safe and compliant transport:

  • Fully clean machinery

  • Lower fuel levels

  • Disconnect batteries if required

  • Secure or remove attachments

  • Provide exact size and weight measurements

  • Take photos for condition reporting

  • Lock cabins and compartments

9. Ship heavy machinery to Kenya Customs Duties & Taxes 

Typical charges may include:

  • Import duty (varies by machinery type)

  • VAT (16% standard rate)

  • Port handling and inspection fees

  • Compliance or environmental costs

A licensed customs broker can help estimate exact fees before shipping.

10. Why Choose All Transport Depot?

We offer:

  • Professional handling of all heavy machinery types

  • RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk options

  • Full export documentation support

  • Nationwide U.S. pickup

  • Real-time shipment tracking

  • Transparent pricing

  • Smooth customs and port coordination

Your machinery is handled safely from pickup to arrival in Kenya.

Final Thoughts

When you ship heavy machinery to Kenya, working with a trusted logistics provider ensures safe transport, full compliance, and timely delivery. All Transport Depot manages the entire process from the USA to Kenya.

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

Mindy o