Ship Heavy Machinery to USVI: Complete Guide
Shipping heavy machinery from the USA to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) requires careful planning and professional handling. Whether for construction, mining, agriculture, or industrial projects, shipping heavy machinery to USVI safely ensures timely delivery and protects your investment.
This guide covers shipping methods, costs, timelines, required documents, port options, and the full process for transporting heavy machinery to St. Thomas or St. Croix.
1. What Machinery Can Be Shipped?
Heavy equipment commonly shipped to USVI includes:
-
Excavators
-
Bulldozers
-
Tractors & agricultural machinery
-
Forklifts
-
Cranes
-
Backhoe loaders
-
Mining machinery
-
Road construction equipment
-
Industrial engines & generators
-
Oversized or irregular industrial equipment
Any large or specialized machine can be shipped safely with the right logistics partner.
2. Shipping Methods from the USA to USVI
a. Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) Shipping
Ideal for machinery that can roll, drive, or be towed.
Advantages:
-
Cost-effective
-
Fast loading/unloading
-
Secure lower decks
-
Ideal for running equipment

Ship heavy machinery to USVI
b. Flat Rack Shipping
Best for oversized or irregular machinery.
Advantages:
-
Handles wide, tall, or heavy machines
-
Secured with chains and industrial straps
-
Perfect for construction or mining equipment
c. Container Shipping (20ft & 40ft)
Used for smaller or partially disassembled machinery.
Advantages:
-
Fully enclosed protection
-
Secures high-value equipment
-
Can include accessories or spare parts
d. Breakbulk Shipping
For extremely large or heavy machinery.
Advantages:
-
Direct crane loading
-
No container size limits
-
Perfect for massive construction or mining equipment
3. Ship heavy machinery to USVI Shipping Costs
Costs vary depending on:
-
Machinery size and weight
-
Shipping method (RoRo, flat rack, container, breakbulk)
-
U.S. departure port
-
USVI arrival port
-
Crane/loading fees
-
Marine insurance
Estimated price range: $2,500 – $15,000+, depending on equipment size and shipping method.
4. Ship heavy machinery to USVI Shipping Timelines
Estimated transit time from the USA to USVI:
-
East Coast USA → USVI: 5–10 days
-
Gulf Coast USA → USVI: 7–14 days
-
West Coast USA → USVI: 15–25 days
Total timeline including booking, loading, and customs: 2–4 weeks, depending on port schedules.
5. Departure Ports in the USA
Major U.S. ports for exporting heavy machinery to USVI:
-
Jacksonville, FL
-
Miami, FL
-
Palm Beach, FL
-
Baltimore, MD
-
Newark, NJ
-
Houston, TX
All 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 the U.S. Virgin Islands
Heavy machinery usually arrives at:
-
Crown Bay, St. Thomas – Main commercial port for RoRo and container shipments
-
Christiansted, St. Croix – Handles RoRo and container imports
Both ports are fully equipped for heavy-lift operations, inspection, and customs clearance.
7. Ship heavy machinery to USVI Required Documents for Export & Import
Export (USA):
-
Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice
-
Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)
-
Power of Attorney for freight forwarder
-
Machinery specifications (dimensions, weight, model)
-
EPA/engine compliance documents
-
Packing list (for disassembled equipment)
Import (USVI):
-
USVI Customs Entry Form
-
Bill of Lading
-
Invoice / Purchase documentation
-
Machinery specifications
-
Proof of ownership
-
Inspection certificate (if required)
A licensed freight forwarder ensures accurate paperwork and reduces delays.
8. Preparing Heavy Machinery for Shipping
Proper preparation protects your equipment:
-
Clean machinery to comply with inspection standards
-
Drain fuel and fluids if required
-
Remove or secure attachments
-
Document condition with photos
-
Provide precise dimensions and weight
-
Check hydraulic lines and battery connections
-
Ensure equipment is safe for lifting or rolling
9. Ship heavy machinery to USVI Import Duties & Taxes
USVI applies:
-
Customs duties (varies by machinery type)
-
Value Added Tax (VAT)
-
Port inspection and handling fees
-
Environmental compliance fees (if applicable)
A customs broker can provide exact calculations before shipment.
10. Why Choose All Transport Depot for Heavy Machinery Shipping?
All Transport Depot provides:
-
Skilled heavy-lift machinery handling
-
RoRo, container, flat rack, and breakbulk options
-
Full documentation and customs assistance
-
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
-
Real-time shipping updates
-
Door-to-port and port-to-port services
From construction equipment to mining machinery, we manage the full process safely and professionally.
Final Thoughts
Shipping heavy machinery to USVI from the USA is seamless with the right logistics partner. With All Transport Depot, you get:
-
Safe and secure transport
-
Smooth customs clearance
-
Accurate documentation
-
Reliable timelines
-
Competitive pricing
Your heavy machinery arrives in USVI efficiently, securely, and on schedule.
📲 Message us or call today:
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com
📲 WhatsApp: +1 (470) 791-4497
📞 Office: +1 (678) 528-5794
🌐 www.alltransportdepot.com