Shipping Industrial Machines from Savannah to Chicago via Ocean Freight

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

Yes, moisture‑sensitive air handling units Should be shielded from moisture. Use moisture‑barrier film with drying agents inside, cap all duct and cable openings, and Choose covered transport whenever possible. For ocean freight, evaluate Dehumidified or ventilated containers for long voyages.

Exporting heavy equipment typically Requires a customs invoice, packing list, waybill, and any control permits applicable to your destination. We 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 Construction machines.

High‑value backup 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 Keep 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 industrial machinery 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 Generators are safest under cover or indoors. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, check 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 crucial to ensure that all items are properly secured and loaded to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, oversized or heavy equipment may require special handling equipment at both the Savannah and Chicago ports to facilitate loading and unloading.

The required documentation for this route includes a bill of lading, packing list, commercial invoice, and any specific export/import permits if applicable. As both Savannah and Chicago are within the United States, there are no customs duties, but compliance with federal regulations regarding industrial machinery must be adhered to.

Yes, we do, including CE North America, where we built a custom EDI feed that pushes real-time shipment updates, documentation, and exception alerts directly into their ERP, eliminating dozens of manual tasks and improving cross-department visibility.

Absolutely, we do full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.

Yes, you can. You can see our certifications and compliance credentials, including FMC license, DOT number, and C-TPAT partnership, in the Certifications section of our FAQs.