Ocean Freight 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.

Shipping a Used John Deere 310L

We recently completed a full-cycle international shipment of a used John Deere 310L backhoe loader from the United States to Durban, South Africa. The unit was purchased by our client — a construction contractor based near Johannesburg — from a private individual in rural Iowa. The machine had been used on a farm and was sold in functional, but not refurbished, condition.

The client was expanding their fleet for small- to mid-scale infrastructure projects, including municipal road maintenance and rural land development. The John Deere 310L was selected for its versatility, reliable performance, and good availability of spare parts in South Africa.

Key specs of the machine:

Operating weight: ~14,669 lbs (6,654 kg)
Engine: 93 hp (69 kW)
Digging depth: up to 14 ft (4.3 m)
Transport size: approx. 23 ft (L) x 7 ft (W) x 11 ft (H)

We coordinated equipment pickup with a step-deck trailer, working directly with the private seller to inspect and secure the machine for transport. The backhoe was moved to the Port of Savannah, Georgia, chosen for its high frequency of RoRo vessels to Africa and efficient customs operations.

The machine was shipped via RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) service — the safest and most economical method for transporting self-propelled machinery. Transit time from Savannah to Durban was approximately 24–28 days port-to-port.

Upon arrival, our South African agent facilitated customs clearance and documentation for local compliance. The client arranged final transport from the Port of Durban to their equipment yard, where the backhoe was immediately prepped for work.

This project illustrates our ability to handle complex international shipments — even when equipment is purchased from private parties in remote locations — with full transparency, reliability, and client support from start to finish.

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.