Shipping Heavy Equipment from Rotterdam to Boston via Ocean Freight

Shipping very heavy Industrial machinery Requires careful planning. Use heavy timber skids with clear lifting points, hire experienced machinery movers for loading, and choose step‑deck or lowboy equipment rated for the full load. Stabilize and strap the machine to prevent any movement, and photograph its condition before pickup.

Yes, moisture‑sensitive HVAC equipment Should be shielded from moisture. Use moisture‑barrier film with drying agents inside, cap all duct and cable openings, and select covered transport whenever possible. For ocean freight, evaluate enhanced corrosion protection for long voyages.

Exporting Construction machinery typically Requires a customs invoice, packing list, waybill, and any control permits applicable to your destination. Most freight forwarders recommend including serial numbers, model numbers, and precise weights for each unit, especially for power equipment. 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 Generators Should be protected by stand‑alone coverage, as carrier liability is usually limited and may not cover full replacement cost. Insure for replacement cost, confirm that rigging are covered, and retain inspection reports and photos in case you need to file a claim. This is especially important for custom‑built construction machinery where lead times and replacement costs are high.

Crated Construction machines Can sometimes be stored outdoors short‑term if packaging is designed for it and placed on concrete pads, not bare ground. However, moisture‑sensitive items like air handling units and backup generators are safest 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.

The documentation typically required includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any applicable export licenses. Additionally, customs declarations must comply with both Dutch and U.S. regulations, including the Harmonized System (HS) codes for industrial machinery and construction equipment.

Yes, industrial machinery and construction equipment often require specialized handling due to their size and weight. Proper securing and bracing are essential to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, equipment may need to be cleaned and free of soil to comply with U.S. import regulations aimed at preventing the introduction of pests.

SAMMIE helps reduce tracking time by providing real-time updates, proactive alerts, and a single dashboard, which has led customers to reduce tracking time from 25–30 hours per week to 2–3 hours per week and achieve about 50% less time spent tracking shipments.

SAMMIE impacts cross-department visibility by providing immediate visibility across departments and to your clients, which supports better alignment between purchasing, logistics, and finance.

SAMMIE’s Document Intelligence can auto-tag and organize bills of lading, customs forms, and invoices so you no longer need to hunt through folders or inboxes.