Ship Heavy Machinery to Switzerland: Complete Guide

Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to Switzerland requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and specialized shipping methods. Whether transporting construction, agricultural, or industrial equipment, partnering with an experienced logistics provider ensures safe handling from the U.S. to Switzerland’s inland destinations.

This guide explains everything you need when you ship heavy machinery to Switzerland, including shipping options, costs, documentation, and transit timelines.

1. Heavy Machinery Commonly Shipped

Popular machinery shipped from the USA to Switzerland includes:

  • Excavators

  • Tractors

  • Backhoes

  • Bulldozers

  • Industrial generators

  • Wheel loaders

  • Skid steers

  • Cranes

  • Forklifts

  • Agricultural harvesting equipment

Switzerland imports high-quality machinery for construction, agriculture, and industrial use.

2. Shipping Methods to Switzerland

Since Switzerland is landlocked, cargo enters through nearby European seaports before being transported inland via truck or rail.

a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo)

Machinery rolls on and off the vessel via nearby ports like Genoa (Italy) or Antwerp (Belgium).

Benefits:

  • Cost-effective

  • Quick loading/unloading

  • Ideal for wheeled and tracked equipment

Ship heavy machinery to Switzerland

Ship heavy machinery to Switzerland

b. Flat Rack Shipping

Used for oversized or extra-heavy machinery.

Benefits:

  • Handles wide or tall loads

  • Strong lashing and bracing

  • Reliable for construction and mining equipment

c. Container Shipping (20ft / 40ft)

Suitable for compact or disassembled machinery.

Benefits:

  • Weatherproof and secure

  • Ideal for precision equipment

  • Allows transport of parts and accessories

d. Breakbulk Shipping

For extremely large machinery that cannot fit on racks or inside containers.

Benefits:

  • No size restrictions

  • Lifted directly onto vessel

  • Perfect for industrial or energy-sector shipments

3. Ship heavy machinery to Switzerland Shipping Costs

Cost depends on:

  • Type, size, and weight of machinery

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

  • U.S. port of departure

  • European port of arrival

  • Inland trucking or rail to Switzerland

  • Marine insurance

Typical cost range:
$4,500 – $21,000+, depending on equipment size and inland transport requirements.

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

Approximate transit estimates:

  • East Coast USA → European ports: 14–25 days

  • Gulf Coast USA → European ports: 16–28 days

  • West Coast USA → European ports: 27–42 days

Add 2–7 days for onward trucking or rail into Switzerland.

Total process including booking + customs:
4–7 weeks

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

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

  • Baltimore, MD

  • Savannah, GA

  • Jacksonville, FL

  • Houston, TX

  • Newark, NJ

  • Miami, FL

  • Los Angeles, CA

  • Long Beach, CA

These ports offer RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk services.

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

6. Arrival Ports (Nearest to Switzerland)

Since Switzerland has no seaports, shipments arrive through:

  • Port of Genoa (Italy) – closest major port

  • Port of Livorno (Italy) – strong RoRo and container capacity

  • Port of Antwerp (Belgium) – Europe’s main heavy machinery hub

  • Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) – largest port in Europe

Heavy machinery is then transported to Switzerland via:

  • Specialized trucking

  • Heavy haul transport

  • Rail cargo services

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

Export Documents (USA):

  • Commercial Invoice / Bill of Sale

  • Export declaration

  • Power of Attorney

  • Machinery specifications (dimensions, weight, model)

  • Packing list

  • EPA engine compliance (if applicable)

Import Documents (Switzerland):

  • Bill of Lading

  • Import declaration

  • Invoice

  • Ownership documents

  • Customs forms

  • Compliance certifications

  • Swiss emissions/safety documentation (for some machinery)

8. Preparing Machinery for Shipping

Follow these steps to avoid delays:

  • Clean machinery thoroughly

  • Lower or drain fuel

  • Disconnect batteries if required

  • Secure or remove loose attachments

  • Provide exact weight and dimensions

  • Photograph machinery before shipping

  • Lock cab, doors, and compartments

Proper preparation protects your equipment and ensures smooth inspections.

9. Ship heavy machinery to Switzerland Customs Duties & Taxes

Expect to pay:

  • Import duty (varies by machinery type)

  • Swiss VAT (currently 8.1%)

  • Port handling or inland processing fees

  • Safety/technical compliance fees (if required)

Switzerland often requires environmental and safety certifications, especially for engines.

10. Why Choose All Transport Depot?

We offer:

  • Expertise in heavy machinery logistics

  • RoRo, flat rack, container, and breakbulk solutions

  • Documentation and customs assistance

  • Nationwide pickup across the USA

  • Reliable inland transportation to Switzerland

  • Real-time updates

  • Clear and competitive pricing

Your machinery is handled professionally from the USA to Switzerland.

Final Thoughts

When you ship heavy machinery to Switzerland, choosing the right logistics partner ensures safe loading, smooth customs clearance, and timely delivery. All Transport Depot handles every step with precision and reliability.

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

Mindy o