Shipping Construction Machinery from Surabaya to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Shipping very heavy industrial machines Requires careful planning. Use Steel‑reinforced skids with clear lifting points, Engage experienced machinery movers for loading, and choose step‑deck or lowboy equipment rated for the full load. Block and brace the machine to prevent any movement, and photograph its condition before pickup.

Yes, moisture‑sensitive air handling units Should be shielded from moisture. Use Shrink wrap with Desiccant packs inside, cap all duct and cable openings, and select Enclosed trailers whenever possible. For ocean freight, evaluate VCI packaging for long voyages.

Exporting heavy equipment typically Requires a customs invoice, packing list, Bill of lading, and any Export licenses applicable to your destination. Most freight forwarders recommend including serial numbers, model numbers, and precise weights for each unit, especially for 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 backup generators Should be protected by stand‑alone coverage, 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 retain inspection reports and photos in case you need to file a claim. This is especially important for custom‑built Industrial 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 Elevated dunnage, not bare ground. However, moisture‑sensitive items like HVAC equipment and backup generators Are better 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 proper crating and securing of the equipment to withstand ocean transit. Heavy machinery may require special handling equipment for loading and unloading, and it is crucial to comply with weight restrictions and dimensions set by both ports.

The necessary documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any specific export permits from Indonesia. Importers in the United States must also prepare customs declarations and may need to provide additional documentation such as compliance certificates for machinery safety and environmental standards.

DNA offers in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

Using DNA, you receive live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.

Our clients say that SAMMIE makes managing shipments simple, puts accurate real-time location, status, and ETAs at their fingertips, and significantly reduces the time and effort required to manage many shipments.