Shipping Heavy Equipment from Seattle to Boston via Ocean Freight

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

Yes, moisture‑sensitive HVAC equipment needs to be shielded from moisture. Use moisture‑barrier film with humidity absorbers inside, cap all duct and cable openings, and select dry containers whenever possible. For ocean freight, evaluate VCI packaging for long voyages.

Exporting Construction machinery typically involves a customs invoice, packing list, waybill, and any regulatory approvals applicable to your destination. Most freight forwarders 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 HVAC equipment.

High‑value Generators are best protected by stand‑alone coverage, as carrier liability is usually limited and may not cover full replacement cost. Insure for replacement cost, confirm that water damage are covered, and retain 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 Construction machines may be stored outdoors short‑term if packaging is designed for it and placed on concrete pads, not bare ground. However, moisture‑sensitive items like industrial fans and backup 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 plan for timely installation to reduce corrosion and electrical damage.

When shipping industrial machinery and construction equipment, it is important to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and protected against potential damage during ocean transit. This includes using appropriate crating, blocking, and bracing methods to prevent movement, as well as considering the weight and dimensions for loading and unloading at ports.

The required documentation for customs includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary certificates relevant to the specific industrial machinery and construction equipment being shipped. Additionally, it is essential to comply with any regulatory requirements related to safety and environmental standards within the United States.

We differentiate ourselves by smarter tech, faster answers, and people who care, combining our AI-powered SAMMIE platform with real humans who know your freight and act as a trusted partner.

You can export shipment-level data, invoices, event histories, and landed costs in Excel or PDF format, structured for finance audits, operations tracking, customer service updates, and performance analysis.

Yes, we handle urgent, oversized, or specialized shipments, including temperature-sensitive cargo, high-value electronics, and complex FF&E rollouts across all modes.