Customs Clearance Archives

Broderson IC-80 Shipping

Not every day you get to ship a pair of compact industrial cranes halfway across the world — but that’s exactly what we did with two used Broderson IC-80s, bound for Senegal.

These little powerhouses might be small in size, but they pack serious utility. Each Broderson IC-80 weighs around 16,000 lbs (7,250 kg), with a width of 6’6”, length just under 15 feet, and a max boom reach of about 30 feet. Designed for tight spaces and precision lifting, they’re a favorite in plants, ports, and job sites around the world — and they’re perfect for export thanks to their compact, self-propelled design.

We handled pickup from two separate U.S. locations, where the machines were loaded and transported to the Port of Houston. Given their low profile and ability to move under their own power, both cranes were prepped for Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping — no container needed, no dismantling, no fuss. That’s the beauty of sending equipment like this via Ro-Ro: minimal handling, maximum protection.

Before export, we took care of all necessary documentation, including:

Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
EPA Non-Road Engine Exemption Form (since these were used machines)
Shipper’s Export Declaration
Power of Attorney for customs processing

The shipment went out on a Grimaldi Lines Ro-Ro vessel, heading from Houston to the Port of Dakar, Senegal’s busiest gateway for industrial equipment. We kept the client informed with real-time updates, from port staging to vessel departure and ETA on the other side.

Once in Dakar, our local partners assisted with offloading and inland delivery to the final job site. Both cranes arrived in excellent condition — ready to get to work.

Two cranes, two origins, one smooth international operation. That’s how we do it.

Shipping used Excavator Doosan DX140LC

Our team successfully managed the international shipment of a Doosan DX140LC crawler excavator from the United States to the Port of Georgetown, Guyana. Although this model falls into the mid-size range, its weight and dimensions required a non-standard logistics solution for both inland and ocean transport.

Weighing approximately 31,000 lbs (14 metric tons) and measuring 28 feet in length, 9 feet in width, and nearly 10 feet in height, the unit was classified as oversize cargo under U.S. transportation regulations. Moving the machine overland required special oversize permits, pilot escorts in select states, and careful route planning to ensure safe transit to the port.

For the ocean leg, flat rack shipping was selected. Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) was not suitable due to the machine’s steel tracks, low ground clearance, and lack of self-propulsion capabilities on ramps, making flat rack the most secure and practical alternative.

At the Port of Savannah, Georgia, we handled full pre-shipment preparation, including:

Removal of the bucket to reduce transport height and length
Securing the excavator with marine-grade chains and lashings
Blocking and bracing with treated timber in compliance with maritime standards
Thorough cleaning and compliance checks to meet export requirements

We also managed all export documentation:

Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
EPA Non-Road Engine Exemption Form
Non-Hazardous Certificate
Power of Attorney for U.S. export clearance
Automated Export System (AES) filing
State oversize load permits for inland transport

The excavator was shipped on a container vessel and arrived on schedule at the Port of Georgetown, where our local partner handled unloading and final delivery to the end user.

This project demonstrates how tailored transport solutions, proper handling, and regulatory compliance ensure safe and efficient delivery of heavy machinery — even when conventional methods aren’t an option.

International Sweeper Truck Shipping

We recently managed the international transport of a used street sweeper truck, built on a heavy-duty International chassis, from Kansas City, Missouri to Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia — a growing logistics and industrial hub in South America.

This wasn’t just any truck — it was a full-featured sweeper vehicle, equipped with dual steering, hydraulic brush systems, debris hopper, and water tanks for dust suppression. With an overall length of 28 feet, width of 8.5 feet, height of around 11 feet, and a weight exceeding 25,000 lbs (11,300 kg), the unit presented both overland and ocean freight challenges.

Due to its height and configuration, the truck was not eligible for Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipping. Instead, it was carefully prepped and shipped as static cargo inside an open-top container. This process included:

Draining all fuel and fluids per port safety guidelines
Disconnecting the battery and securing all movable components
Wrapping exposed hydraulic and electrical systems for protection
Lowering suspension and removing side mirrors to optimize container fit

From Kansas City, the vehicle was transported by land to the Port of Houston, where it was professionally containerized and loaded for international shipment. The ocean leg took it to Port of Arica, Chile, the nearest seaport gateway for inland Bolivian cargo. From there, we coordinated inland customs clearance and cross-border trucking to the final destination — Santa Cruz de la Sierra, one of Bolivia’s largest and most dynamic urban centers.

Our team handled all required documentation:

Bill of Lading
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
AES Export Filing (Shipper’s Export Declaration)
Non-Hazardous Certification
Original Vehicle Title & Power of Attorney
EPA Form for used diesel vehicles export

Throughout the journey, the client received real-time tracking, photos from staging and loading, and full support with Bolivian customs requirements.

From Midwestern city streets to South American infrastructure, this project is a great example of how we connect complex equipment to emerging markets — safely, efficiently, and with full attention to detail.

Customs Clearance

Customs Clearance for Importing and Exporting Goods and Machinery in the USA

Customs clearance is a critical process for businesses engaged in international trade and logistics. Whether you are importing goods and machinery into the United States or exporting them to other countries, understanding the intricacies of customs procedures can save time, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This article provides a comprehensive guide to customs clearance for imports and exports in the USA, with a focus on heavy machinery and goods.

Importing Goods and Machinery into the USA

Documentation Preparation
- Importers must provide detailed documentation, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and importer’s security filing (ISF) for ocean shipments.
- Additional documentation may be required for specific goods, such as machinery, which might need an HS (Harmonized System) code classification.
Customs Entry Filing
- The importer or their customs broker files an entry declaration with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- This includes submitting the necessary forms and ensuring that all duties, taxes, and fees are calculated correctly.
Inspection and Examination
- CBP may inspect the shipment to verify compliance with U.S. regulations, including safety standards, licensing requirements, and proper labeling.
- Certain machinery may also need to comply with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.
Duty and Tax Payment
- Import duties are calculated based on the value of the goods and their classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
- Additional fees, such as the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) and Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF), may apply.
Release of Goods
- Once all requirements are met, CBP releases the goods for entry into the US market

Exporting Goods and Machinery from the USA

Export Documentation
- Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, and the shipper’s export declaration (SED) or electronic export information (EEI) filing through the Automated Export System (AES).
- Exporters must also provide any required export licenses for restricted or controlled items.
Classification and Compliance
- Exporters must classify goods using the Schedule B code and verify compliance with export control regulations.
- Machinery and certain goods may require additional certifications, such as CE markings for European exports.
Customs Clearance in the Destination Country
- While U.S. customs clearance focuses on export requirements, exporters must ensure that goods meet the import requirements of the destination country, including documentation, tariffs, and standards compliance.
Freight and Carrier Coordination
- Selecting the right freight forwarder and carrier is critical for efficient international shipping.
- Coordination includes proper packaging, labeling, and ensuring adherence to Incoterms.

Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

Engage a Licensed Customs Broker: A licensed customs broker can help navigate complex regulations, handle documentation, and expedite the customs clearance process.
Pre-Classify Goods: Proper classification under the HTS or Schedule B codes reduces the risk of delays or fines.
Maintain Accurate Records: Detailed and accurate documentation ensures compliance and facilitates future audits or inquiries.
Understand Trade Agreements: Leverage trade agreements, such as USMCA, to reduce duties and improve trade efficiency.
Stay Updated on Regulations: Customs regulations and tariff schedules change frequently. Staying informed can prevent costly mistakes.

Penalties for Incorrect Customs Documentation

Incorrect or incomplete customs documentation can result in significant fines and delays. Common penalties include:

Fines of up to $10,000 per violation for incorrect or incomplete filings.
Additional penalties for fraud or misrepresentation, which can exceed $100,000 and may involve legal action.
Delays in the release of goods, leading to storage fees and disrupted supply chains.

Random Inspections by Customs

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) conducts random inspections at ports to ensure compliance with customs regulations and security measures. These inspections are not limited to suspicious shipments and may occur even if all documentation is in order.

Timeframe: A random inspection can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the cargo and the availability of CBP resources.
Preparation: To minimize delays, ensure all documentation is accurate and accessible. Properly labeled and packaged goods are less likely to experience extended inspection times.

Our Services

We can assist you in preparing all necessary documentation for both imports and exports, ensuring compliance with all US and international customs regulations. Our team of experts is experienced in handling complex cases, including heavy machinery and specialized goods, providing you with peace of mind throughout the customs clearance process.

Conclusion

Navigating customs clearance for importing and exporting goods and machinery in the USA requires meticulous attention to detail, compliance with regulations, and effective coordination with all stakeholders. By understanding the process and working with experienced professionals, businesses can minimize delays, avoid penalties, and ensure smooth international trade operations.

Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in achieving hassle-free customs clearance.