Project Cargo Archives

School BUS Transportation

From Oklahoma to Nicaragua: How We Shipped a Used School Bus.
We were recently approached by a client who had purchased a used school bus at an auction in Oklahoma and needed to transport it all the way to Nicaragua. The request required a full-service logistics solution — from domestic pickup in the U.S. to final delivery in Central America.

The project began with a detailed route assessment and cost breakdown. At the initial stage, we partnered with a trusted carrier who provided a step-deck trailer — ideal for moving oversized vehicles like buses. The bus was safely loaded and transported from Oklahoma to the Port of Houston, a major hub for international shipping to Latin America.

Once at the port, our team took over the export documentation process, including vehicle title verification, customs paperwork, and booking the vessel. For the ocean leg of the journey, we used a RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel — the most secure and efficient method for shipping drivable units. This eliminated the need for containerization or dismantling, and minimized handling risks.

The bus was shipped from the Port of Houston directly to the Port of Corinto, Nicaragua, the country’s main commercial seaport. Throughout the transit, we maintained communication with the client, providing real-time updates and documentation tracking.

Upon arrival in Corinto, we coordinated with local customs agents to ensure smooth clearance. We also assisted the client in arranging final delivery from the port to the buyer’s location within Nicaragua. Our goal was to provide not just transportation, but full-cycle support — and that’s exactly what we delivered.

Thanks to careful planning, trusted partners, and transparent communication, the project was completed on time and without complications. The client received their vehicle in excellent condition, ready for its new chapter on the roads of Nicaragua.

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.

Project Cargo

SEAVOLK manages complex, oversize and heavy shipments from any US state to ports worldwide. We plan the route, arrange permits and escorts, coordinate cranes and special trailers, prepare cargo for sea or air, and keep your timeline on track with clear updates.

Key features with SEAVOLK

Route Engineering — surveys, axle-load checks and method statements for a safe, legal move.
Permits & Escorts — state/superload permits, police/utility escorts and pilot cars coordinated for each leg.
Heavy-Lift & Rigging — cranes, forklifts and rigging teams; lift plans and on-site supervision.
Packing & Securing — ISPM-15 crating, lashing, moisture protection; photo proof at each milestone.
Single Coordinator, 24/7 — one accountable point of contact until terminal handoff or delivery.

What we move

Oversize modules and skids • Heavy machinery (construction, mining, agriculture) • Plant equipment and generators • Trucks, buses and specialized vehicles • Steel structures and tanks • Boats/yachts (via Ro-Ro or cradle).

Equipment & modes

Flatbed • Step-deck • Double-drop RGN • Multi-axle heavy haul via partners • Self-propelled moves to Ro-Ro • Flat Rack/Open Top for OOG containers • Breakbulk and charter options when required.

How it works (5 steps)

Feasibility & plan — origin/destination, specs, deadlines → route concept, equipment and permits.
Site prep — rigging, cranes, packing/crating, lashing; photos and measurements verified.
Permits & schedule — state/superload permits, pilot cars/escorts, port/rail appointments.
Move & handoff — inland haul or self-propelled to terminal; gate-in, seals and receipts captured.
Ocean/Ro-Ro/Air — booked per timeline; final documents and confirmations shared.