Shipping Power Equipment from Cleveland to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Shipping very heavy industrial machines necessitates professional rigging. Use Steel‑reinforced skids with clear lifting points, Engage experienced machinery movers for loading, and choose Flatbed or lowboy trailers rated for the full load. Secure and chock the machine to prevent any movement, and photograph its condition before pickup.

Yes, moisture‑sensitive air handling units needs to be protected from rain and condensation. Use Shrink wrap with Desiccant packs inside, cap all duct and cable openings, and Choose dry containers whenever possible. For ocean freight, evaluate enhanced corrosion protection for long voyages.

Exporting heavy equipment typically involves a detailed invoice, packing list, Bill of lading, and any Export licenses applicable to your destination. We recommend including serial numbers, model numbers, and precise weights for each unit, especially for backup generators. For some destinations, authorities may require certificates of origin, fumigation or ISPM‑15 declarations for wood packaging, and safety or emissions certificates for industrial machines.

High‑value backup generators are best protected by a dedicated policy, as carrier liability is usually limited and may not cover full replacement cost. Insure for Full value, confirm that Loading and unloading are covered, and Keep inspection reports and photos in case you need to file a claim. This is especially important for custom‑built factory equipment where lead times and replacement costs are high.

Crated industrial machinery may be stored outdoors short‑term if packaging is properly sealed and placed on Elevated dunnage, not bare ground. However, moisture‑sensitive items like HVAC equipment and Generators should ideally be kept under cover or indoors. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, check wraps and tarps regularly, maintain drainage around the site, and limit duration to reduce corrosion and electrical damage.

When shipping industrial machinery and construction equipment, it is essential to ensure that all items are properly secured and protected from moisture during transit. Heavy equipment may require specialized crating or blocking to prevent movement, and consideration must be given to weight distribution for stability.

The shipment will require a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any necessary export documentation. Since both Cleveland and Chicago are within the United States, there are no international customs forms needed, but accurate descriptions and values of the machinery must be provided for internal compliance.

DNA Supply Chain offers ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.

DNA provides secure, strategically located warehousing for scalable storage and just-in-time fulfillment, with real-time inventory control and integrated distribution powered by SAMMIE’s insight and our responsive Client Success Officers.

DNA supports seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.