Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka: Complete Guide
Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Sri Lanka requires specialized planning, accurate documentation, and professional handling. Whether you are transporting construction equipment, industrial machinery, or agricultural vehicles, working with an experienced logistics company ensures safe, compliant, and timely delivery to Sri Lanka’s major ports.
This guide covers everything you need to know when you ship heavy machinery to Sri Lanka from the USA, including shipping methods, costs, transit times, required permits, and documentation.
1. Types of Heavy Machinery Commonly Shipped
Common machinery shipped to Sri Lanka includes:
- Excavators and backhoes
- Bulldozers and loaders
- Cranes and lifting equipment
- Tractors and agricultural machinery
- Industrial generators and compressors
- Construction and mining equipment
2. Shipping Methods to Sri Lanka
a. Flatbed Trucking (USA Inland Transport)
Used to transport machinery from its location to U.S. departure ports.
Benefits:
- Ideal for oversized machinery
- Easy loading using cranes or forklifts
- Flexible nationwide pickup
b. Lowboy Trailers
Used for extremely heavy or tall machinery before ocean shipping.
Benefits:
- Safely supports high-weight equipment
- Improved stability during transit
- Suitable for direct port delivery
c. Sea Freight (Container / RoRo)
The primary international shipping method to Sri Lanka.
Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft)
- Fully enclosed protection from weather
- Ideal for sensitive or non-operational machinery
- Allows shipping of spare parts together
Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)
- Cost-effective for operational machinery
- Equipment is driven onto the vessel
- Faster loading and unloading
3. Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka Costs
Shipping costs depend on:
- Type, weight, and dimensions of machinery
- Shipping method (container or RoRo)
- U.S. departure port and Sri Lanka arrival port
- Insurance and port handling fees
- Customs clearance and permits
Typical cost range:
$4,000 – $15,000+, depending on machinery size and shipping method.
4. Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka Shipping Time from the USA
Estimated transit times:
- East Coast USA → Port of Colombo: 25–35 days
- Gulf Coast USA → Port of Colombo: 30–40 days
Total timeline including booking, loading, and customs:
Approximately 4–6 weeks.
Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka
5. Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka Major U.S. Departure Ports
Common U.S. ports for shipping heavy machinery:
- Newark, NJ
- Baltimore, MD
- Savannah, GA
- Jacksonville, FL
- Miami, FL
- Houston, TX
📲 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 Sri Lanka
- Port of Colombo – Main commercial and heavy machinery port
- Port of Hambantota – Handles industrial, RoRo, and project cargo
These ports manage customs clearance, inspections, and inland transport.
7. Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka 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
- Export permits (if required)
Import Documents (Sri Lanka)
- Bill of Lading
- Original commercial invoice
- Passport or company registration documents
- Customs import declaration
- Insurance certificate
- Special permits for oversized or heavy machinery (if applicable)
Compliance with Sri Lanka Customs import regulations is mandatory.
8. Preparing Heavy Machinery for Shipping
Steps for safe shipment:
- Clean machinery thoroughly
- Remove or secure loose components
- Drain fuel, oil, and coolant if required
- Lock or secure buckets, arms, tracks, and attachments
- Photograph equipment condition before shipping
- Ensure lifting points are accessible
9. Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka Insurance Coverage
International heavy machinery shipping requires:
- Marine transit insurance
- Optional full-value coverage for high-value equipment
- Coverage for loading, unloading, and port handling
10. Ship Heavy Machinery to Sri Lanka Safety & Compliance
Key considerations:
- Follow U.S. export regulations
- Comply with Sri Lanka import laws
- Arrange permits for oversize or heavy machinery
- Plan shipments to avoid port congestion and delays
- Ensure professional handling at every stage
11. Why Choose All Transport Depot?
We provide:
- Container and RoRo shipping for heavy machinery
- Flatbed and lowboy transport to U.S. ports
- Complete documentation and customs support
- Nationwide U.S. pickup and delivery
- Real-time tracking updates
- Transparent pricing with professional handling
Your heavy machinery is transported safely and efficiently from the USA to Sri Lanka.
Final Thoughts
Shipping to Sri Lanka from the USA is straightforward when handled by the right logistics partner. All Transport Depot ensures smooth coordination, proper documentation, and secure delivery from pickup to arrival at Colombo or Hambantota ports.
📲 Message us or call today:
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com
