Heavy machinery shippingHeavy machinery shipping from Dubai, by the right equipment.
Heavy machinery shipping needs the right equipment, lashing and paperwork, not just a space on a vessel. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, moves excavators, loaders, cranes, generators and production lines by flat rack, open top, RoRo and breakbulk, and prepares each unit for clean, safe loading. Tell us the dimensions, weight and destination, and we recommend the cheapest option that fits.
Four ways to move heavy equipment
The right method depends on whether the machine drives, how wide and tall it is, and what the destination port can lift. Click a row for details.
| Method | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Machines too wide or tall for a closed box, such as excavators and presses | Out-of-gauge surcharges; the unit is lashed and exposed | |
| Tall items loaded from above by crane | Needs a tarpaulin; over-height cargo is charged extra | |
| Wheeled or tracked machines that can drive on and off | Must run under its own power; limited sailings | |
| Very heavy or very large pieces, such as transformers and tanks | Needs port cranes, a lashing plan and a conventional vessel |
How we prepare equipment for shipping
Most delays on heavy machinery come from missing measurements, unclean equipment or fuel left in tanks.
- 01
Exact dimensions and weight
We need length, width, height and gross weight with attachments, because they decide the equipment and the route.
- 02
Soil, plant matter and oil are removed. Some destinations inspect used machinery for contamination.
- 03
Tanks, hydraulics and batteries are checked. Machines with fuel or batteries can be dangerous goods.
- 04
Securing and lashing
Booms, buckets and arms are lowered or removed, and the unit is chocked and lashed to rated points.
- 05
Low-bed transport
We arrange the trailer, escort and permits from your site to Jebel Ali. See our land transport service.
- 06
Photos and weights
Photos before loading and a verified gross mass protect you against disputes and meet container weight rules.
Documents for equipment exports
The set below is typical for machinery leaving the UAE. Your destination may add its own requirements.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | States the value and description for the export declaration and destination customs |
| Packing list with dimensions and weights | Used to plan the equipment, the lashing and the vessel stowage |
| Filed with Dubai Customs through the customs system before loading | |
| Ownership or purchase proof | Shows the machine is yours to export, and its serial number |
| Required by some countries for used machinery | |
| Bill of lading | The contract of carriage and the document of title for the cargo |
heavy machinery shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsAsk a freight questionRoRo is usually cheaper for machines that drive. It needs no container, lifting or lashing frame. Flat rack suits machines that cannot drive or are too wide for the ship's ramp. We quote both against your destination port and timing, so you can compare the real totals.
- RoRo needs the machine to run.
- Flat rack adds out-of-gauge charges.
Often yes. Many destinations inspect used equipment for soil, seeds and pests, and may refuse it or re-clean it at your cost. Pressure-wash tracks, tyres and the undercarriage, then keep photos or a cleaning certificate with the shipping documents. Check your destination's rules before booking.
- Check your destination rules.
- Keep proof with the papers.
Not without checking. A machine with fuel in the tank or a battery installed can be classed as dangerous goods, with extra declarations and limits. Drain the tank or tell us the fuel level and battery type before booking, so we can classify it correctly.
- Tell us fuel and battery type.
- Classification affects the carrier.
We need four measurements. Send length, width, height and gross weight including attachments, plus the pickup address and destination port. Photos help a lot. With these we choose the equipment, check road limits and price the lashing and any escort needed.
- Send photos if possible.
- Include attachments in the weight.