Construction Machinery Logistics from China
Last updated: June 14, 2026
- Chinese construction machinery exports surged — SANY, XCMG, Zoomlion, Shantui are global brands with expanding international sales
- Typical cargo: 20-45 ton excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, truck cranes — OOG and breakbulk shipping required
- Flat rack containers for equipment under 45 tons; breakbulk and RO-RO for larger machines
Cargo Profile: Major Equipment Types
China is the world's largest producer and exporter of construction machinery. Chinese brands have moved from low-cost alternatives to globally respected manufacturers. Typical export equipment and their logistics profiles:
- Hydraulic Excavators (20-45 tons): The most commonly exported construction machine. SANY's SY215C (21.5 tons) and SY375H (37.5 tons) are popular export models. Tracked machines require flat rack or RO-RO. Typical dimensions: 9.5m x 3.0m x 3.2m — always OOG (Out of Gauge).
- Bulldozers (20-45 tons): Shantui's SD22 (23.4 tons) and SD32 (37.2 tons) are leading export models. Wide tracks make them OOG. Require thorough cleaning for phytosanitary compliance.
- Wheel Loaders (15-25 tons): Wheeled, so RO-RO is the preferred shipping mode. XCMG, SDLG, and LiuGong are major exporters. More compact dimensions than tracked machines — some smaller models fit standard containers.
- Truck Cranes (30-120 tons): The heaviest and most complex category. All-terrain and truck-mounted cranes often exceed 45 tons and require breakbulk shipping on heavy-lift vessels. Multi-axle cranes must be partially disassembled for transport.
- Road Construction Equipment: Motor graders, asphalt pavers, rollers. Wheeled machines suit RO-RO; tracked machines require flat rack or breakbulk.
Shipping Mode Selection Guide
| Equipment Type & Weight | Recommended Mode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compact (<28t, within container dims) | Flat rack container (40ft FR/OT) | Most wheel loaders under 5m³ bucket |
| Medium (28-45t, OOG) | Flat rack container or RO-RO | Most 20-35t excavators |
| Heavy (>45t, OOG) | Breakbulk or RO-RO | Large excavators, truck cranes |
| Tracked machines (any weight) | Flat rack or breakbulk | RO-RO possible for some tracked machines |
| Wheeled machines | RO-RO (preferred) | Drive-on/drive-off efficiency |
Lashing and Securing Requirements
Heavy equipment securing is safety-critical. A 40-ton excavator that breaks loose in heavy seas can cause catastrophic damage to vessel, crew, and other cargo. Our approach:
- Lashing Plan: Naval architect-approved plan calculating forces per the IMO CSS Code (Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing) — transverse acceleration 0.8g, longitudinal 0.4g, vertical 0.4g
- Lashing Points: Use the machine's designated tie-down lashing points — never lash to hydraulic cylinders, handrails, or non-structural components
- Chain Lashings: For breakbulk shipments: Grade 8 or Grade 10 alloy steel chain with turnbuckles, rated at the calculated load with safety factor
- Web Lashings: For containerized shipments: polyester web lashings with rated assembly strength matching the lashing plan
- Timber Dunnage: Between machine tracks/wheels and the deck/flat rack floor — increases friction coefficient from approximately 0.3 (steel on steel) to 0.5-0.6
- Welded Stoppers: For tracked machines on flat racks: steel stoppers welded to the flat rack floor at each track corner, preventing sliding
Pre-Shipment Preparation
Construction machinery must be properly prepared before shipping:
- Cleaning (Phytosanitary): All soil, plant material, seeds, and organic debris must be removed. Australia, New Zealand, and some South American countries are especially strict — they may require steam cleaning certification. Non-compliance results in quarantine, re-export, or destruction at shipper's cost.
- Fluid Management: Fuel drained to below 1/4 tank (IMDG Code requirement for vehicles with flammable fuel). Hydraulic oil and engine coolant typically stay at operational level. Battery disconnected, terminals insulated.
- Machine Configuration: Boom/arm lowered to transport position and pinned. Swing lock engaged. Cab door locked. Loose attachments (buckets, rippers) separately packed or securely fixed.
- Dimensional Verification: Measure actual shipping dimensions (length, width, height, weight) — not brochure dimensions. Attachments and protrusions affect OOG classification.
Case Study References
We have managed heavy equipment exports for SANY Heavy Industry (三一重工), Shantui (山推股份), and other major Chinese manufacturers. Our heavy equipment export case study details a multi-machine shipment via flat rack containers. Our overseas engineering project case study covers coordinated equipment delivery for an international construction project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shipping mode is best for construction machinery?
It depends on the machine's dimensions and weight. Equipment under 28 tons and within container dimensions: flat rack container. 28-45 tons: flat rack with reinforced flooring or platform container. Over 45 tons or grossly oversized: breakbulk on a heavy-lift vessel. Tracked machines (excavators, bulldozers) go on flat rack or RO-RO where available. Wheeled machines (loaders, graders) are most efficiently shipped via RO-RO.
How are excavators prepared for shipping?
Excavator preparation includes: cleaning for phytosanitary compliance (all soil and organic material removed), fuel drained to below 1/4 tank, battery disconnected and terminals insulated, boom/arm lowered to travel position and secured with pins, tracks chocked, machine lashed at designated lashing points per a naval architect-approved plan, and loose attachments separately packed or secured in place.
What lashing and securing is required for heavy equipment?
Heavy equipment lashing must follow a professional lashing plan per the IMO CSS Code: chain lashings with turnbuckles for breakbulk, web lashings for containerized; lashing calculated for transverse acceleration 0.8g, longitudinal 0.4g, vertical 0.4g; timber dunnage between tracks/wheels and deck to increase friction coefficient; welded stoppers for tracked machines on flat racks. All plans reviewed and signed off by a certified lashing surveyor for insurance compliance.
Do construction machines count as dangerous goods?
Most construction machines are non-DG when shipped without fuel (or fuel below 1/4 tank). However, machines shipped with batteries connected may require a DG declaration for UN3171 (battery-powered vehicle) if lithium batteries are installed. Machines containing hydraulic accumulators under pressure, fire extinguishers, or airbag systems may also trigger DG requirements. Always disclose the full machine specification to your logistics provider for proper classification.
Shipping Construction Machinery from China?
Flat rack, RO-RO, and breakbulk logistics for excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and loaders. Naval architect-approved lashing plans.
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