Export / Import Consulting Archives

Excavator CAT 309 Shipping

We recently managed the international shipment of a Caterpillar 309 CR mini excavator from Nebraska, USA, to Tema Port in Ghana — a full-service project that highlighted our capability in transporting heavy machinery across continents with precision and care.

The CAT 309, weighing approximately 21,000 lbs (9.5 metric tons) and featuring a rubber track system, boom/stick hydraulic lines, and an enclosed cab with A/C, was first moved from the seller’s location via step deck trailer. This type of trailer is ideal for medium-sized heavy equipment like the 309 CR, which stands about 8’4″ tall and 19’6″ long. Our driver secured the load using heavy-duty chains and binders, ensuring compliance with FMCSA transport regulations.

The excavator was delivered to the Port of Baltimore, one of the leading U.S. ports for Ro-Ro shipments. At the port, our team prepared the unit for Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) transport — a method perfectly suited for tracked machinery, as it eliminates crane handling and reduces the risk of scratches or hydraulic damage during loading.

All necessary export documentation was arranged, including:

Bill of Lading
Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
EPA and DOT compliance forms, as required for used equipment exports

The excavator was shipped on a Grimaldi Lines Ro-Ro vessel, with real-time tracking provided throughout its Atlantic crossing to Tema Port, Ghana. Upon arrival, our local Ghanaian partners ensured smooth customs clearance and delivery to the buyer.

The client was particularly impressed with our attention to technical detail — from hydraulic lockout confirmation to battery disconnect and fluid level checks pre-shipment. This ensured the unit was operational and damage-free upon arrival.

Whether it’s a compact mini-ex or a full-size dozer, we offer door-to-port and door-to-door logistics solutions for heavy equipment worldwide.

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.