Shipping Heavy Equipment from Colombo to Boston via Ocean Freight

Shipping very heavy factory equipment Requires Engineered crating. 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 record its condition before pickup.

Yes, moisture‑sensitive industrial fans Should be Sealed against humidity. Use Shrink wrap with Desiccant packs inside, cap all duct and cable openings, and Choose dry containers whenever possible. For ocean freight, ask about Dehumidified or ventilated containers for long voyages.

Exporting industrial machinery typically Requires a Commercial 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, you should check if you need certificates of origin, fumigation or ISPM‑15 declarations for wood packaging, and safety or emissions certificates for Construction machines.

High‑value power equipment Should be protected by Separate cargo insurance, 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 heavy equipment Can sometimes be stored outdoors short‑term if packaging is Weather‑resistant 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, verify wraps and tarps regularly, maintain drainage around the site, and Avoid long‑term exposure to reduce corrosion and electrical damage.

When shipping industrial machinery and construction equipment, it is important to ensure that all items are securely packed and adequately protected against moisture and saltwater exposure during ocean transport. Additionally, due to the weight and size of these items, proper lifting equipment and methods should be utilized for loading and unloading at both the Port of Colombo and the Port of Boston.

Required documentation includes a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary export licenses from Sri Lanka. Importers in the United States must also provide a customs declaration and may need to present additional documentation specific to industrial machinery and construction equipment, such as compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

The SAMMIE system is a proactive 24/7 virtual analyst rather than just a reactive dashboard, using AI-powered insight, predictive ETAs, anomaly alerts, and real shipment data to give you control over your freight—not just raw data.

Rather than depending on call centers, ticketing systems, or rotating contacts, DNA assigns dedicated Client Success Officers who provide fast answers, proactive problem-solving, and responsive, partner-level communication.

Our team can handle growing SKUs, shipment volume, and integration needs with agile processes and scalable systems, while many other forwarders struggle with rigid processes and patchwork systems that break under growth.