International Heavy Machinery Shipping & Import

heavy machinery shipping

Taurus Logistics is one of a very small number of international freight forwarders that provide specialised heavy machinery shipping services. We speak the same language, so we understand what you're talking about when you call and want to ship a skid steer, D9 or a log forwarder.

We ship to and import from locations across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the USA. With over 40 years of experience behind us, Taurus Logistics knows how to deal with even the most difficult jobs. Our shipping agents around the world are also specialists in machinery, so have the expertise and infrastructure to handle all manner of difficult cargo.

80% receive a quote in 30 seconds! More complex jobs will receive a response within 24 hours.

How Long Does It Take to Ship Machinery?

While it’s not possible to list the shipping times for every route Taurus Logistics offers, below are a few of our most popular routes. These are indicative transit times, and do not include all shipping lines, containers, or part container options. Please contact us to discuss container sailing dates, or for RORO off please refer to our RORO Sailing Schedule.

Shipping to Oceania

  • Europe to Australia / New Zealand – 50 days Approx.
  • USA to Australia / New Zealand – 45 days Approx.

Shipping from Oceania

  • Australia / New Zealand to Europe – 80 days Approx.
  • Australia / New Zealand to USA – 50 days Approx.

Trans-Tasman

  • Australia to New Zealand – 10 days Approx.
  • New Zealand to Australia – From 5 - 30 days Approx. dependent on the shipping line.

What's Involved In Heavy Machinery Shipping?

It depends on what heavy machine(s) you are looking to ship and the start/end location, however, there are certainly some common procedures in heavy machinery shipping.

  • We handle site pickup and delivery for you.
  • In some cases we can disassemble them to fit in conventional containers which is normally the cheapest option, though this is not always possible and the cost to disassemble sometimes outweighs the cost savings.
  • Preparation of the machine is very important to avoid the machinery being rejected or costing thousands of dollars in cleaning and decontamination when it arrives in the country. If you're unsure then we can do the cleaning for you to ensure no dirt or contamination is present.
  • We collect your machinery and take care of all the customs and port formalities, if cranes are needed to lift your machinery then we can handle it all for you.
  • Non-operational heavy machines can be serviced by us where a basic fault has occurred i.e. flat batteries, tyres, hydraulic malfunctions and more.
  • Loading and lashing are handled by experienced professionals who understand loading points and weight distribution. You can be confident your precious machinery won't move unduly during transport.
  • We handle equipment disassembly to make it configurable for cheaper machinery shipping.
  • On arrival, we will pre-clear your machinery with Customs so there are no hold-ups with inspection by quarantine. Should your machine need to be washed for quarantine clearance, we have excellent relationships with the ports and wash bays to get your machine cleared and off the port as soon as possible.

What If I Haven't Bought The Machinery Yet?

If you're looking to purchase heavy machinery and need to budget your freight cost, then let us help. We work with several people who send potential buyers to us for ballpark calculations of freight costs.

If it's a more common machine, we probably already have specifications, so our ballpark figures are accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've helped many machinery importers and exporters, from the novice to 20-year veterans, and below are some of the more popular questions.

  • How clean does it have to be?
    Very! It's cheaper to spend a few hundred extra and have it properly cleaned than have it arrive and be pulled apart by quarantine. All dirt and any organic contamination need to be removed. In most locations, we can provide this service for you.
  • What is the duty rate for machinery?
    It depends on what country you are importing to, but generally it's free or only 5%.
  • What if my machinery is too large to fit in a container?
    No problem, we can ship on break bulk on RORO vessels. A cheaper alternative may be to partially disassemble.
  • What if my earthmoving machine gets stopped by quarantine?
    We will take care of whatever needs doing for you. Whether it's washing or fumigation, we will arrange all inspections and work to be done ASAP.
    Note Our quotations do not include any cleaning or fumigation costs, unless specified. Due to the unknown nature of used machinery, it’s impossible to know how long it will take to clean and what disassembly work will be required to access and clean the machine.
  • What if my machinery has oil leaks?
    Any oil or fuel leaks will need to be fixed before shipping; otherwise, the shipping line can refuse to carry your machine.
  • Disassembly for cheaper shipping
    Often it is cheaper to disassemble items like blades, rippers and ROPS to reduce the dimensions of the machinery and hence the shipping. The items can be bundled together or shipped as separate items, but the overall cubic volume will be much less.

80% receive a quote in 30 seconds! More complex jobs will receive a response within 24 hours.

Our Service Promise

  • We will respond to your enquiry within 24 hours.
  • No hidden agenda, just clear easy to follow quotations.
  • We'll take care of all the red tape for you.

Shipping advice

Talk to Richard, our boat & machinery shipping specialist.
(03) 8657 5563 ext 203

Richard Hack - Managing Director

Richard Hack

Managing Director