Equipment Export Shipping: Port of Long Beach, CA — Complete Workflow Guide

Why Export Through Long Beach?

The Port of Long Beach (POLB), together with the adjacent Port of Los Angeles, forms the San Pedro Bay port complex — the largest port complex in the Western Hemisphere. For equipment exporters, Long Beach offers several advantages:

• Shipping line access: Major carriers including COSCO, Evergreen, Yang Ming, and others operate regular services from Long Beach to Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
• RoRo terminal capacity: Long Beach has dedicated RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) terminals that can handle self-propelled and non-self-propelled heavy equipment.
• Breakbulk capability: For oversized equipment that cannot be containerized or RoRo'd, breakbulk vessel services are available through specialized terminals.
• Inland connectivity: Long Beach is served by major interstates (I-710, I-405, I-110) and two Class I railroads (BNSF and UP), providing excellent inland access from California, Nevada, Arizona, and beyond.

Step 1: Inland Drayage to the Port

The first step is moving your equipment from its current location to the Port of Long Beach. This is called drayage — the short-haul transport from an inland origin to the port terminal.

For equipment coming from within Southern California (Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County), drayage is typically a same-day move. For equipment coming from farther inland (Las Vegas, Phoenix, Sacramento, the Central Valley), plan for a 1–2 day transit.

Key drayage considerations:

• California CARB compliance: All trucks operating in California must comply with CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations. IronHaul uses CARB-compliant carriers for all California drayage moves.
• Oversize permits: Equipment exceeding California's legal dimensions requires Caltrans oversize permits. California has some of the strictest oversize regulations in the country — allow 3–5 business days for permit processing.
• Terminal appointment: Most Long Beach terminals require a pre-scheduled appointment for equipment drop-off. IronHaul coordinates terminal appointments as part of the drayage service.

Step 2: Terminal Selection

Long Beach has multiple terminals, and the right one depends on your shipping method:

• RoRo terminals: For self-propelled equipment (machines that can drive on and off the vessel), RoRo is typically the most cost-effective option. Equipment is driven onto the vessel via a ramp and secured in the vehicle deck. Long Beach's RoRo terminals handle cars, trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
• Breakbulk terminals: For non-self-propelled equipment or oversized machines that cannot be RoRo'd, breakbulk terminals use cranes to lift equipment onto the vessel. Breakbulk is more expensive than RoRo but can handle virtually any size and weight.
• Container terminals: Smaller equipment (mini excavators, skid steers, forklifts) can sometimes be containerized and shipped in standard 20-ft or 40-ft containers. This is the most cost-effective option for small machines but requires the equipment to fit within container dimensions.

Step 3: Equipment Preparation for Export

Equipment destined for export must meet specific preparation requirements:

• Cleaning: Most destination countries require equipment to be free of soil, plant material, and organic debris. A thorough wash-down is essential. Some countries (Australia, New Zealand) have particularly strict biosecurity requirements.
• Fluid management: Fuel tanks are typically required to be at 25% or less for vessel loading. Hydraulic fluid and coolant levels should be checked and secured.
• Battery disconnect: Batteries should be disconnected or removed for long ocean voyages to prevent electrical fires.
• Documentation: Export documentation includes the Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and in some cases, an Export License or Certificate of Origin. Your freight forwarder handles most documentation, but accurate machine information (make, model, year, serial number, weight) is essential.

Step 4: Customs and Export Compliance

All equipment exported from the United States must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in the Automated Export System (AES). This is typically handled by your freight forwarder or customs broker. Key compliance points:

• Export Control: Some heavy equipment may be subject to Export Administration Regulations (EAR) or International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Check with your freight forwarder if you're unsure.
• Routed Export Transactions: If the foreign buyer is arranging the export, it may be classified as a "routed export transaction" with different compliance responsibilities.
• Timing: EEI filings must be submitted at least 24 hours before vessel loading for most cargo.

Typical Timeline for a Long Beach Export Move

Step	Typical Lead Time
Book drayage carrier	3–7 days before pickup
California oversize permit (if needed)	3–5 business days
Terminal appointment	1–3 days before delivery
Equipment cleaning and preparation	1–2 days before pickup
EEI filing	24+ hours before vessel loading
Vessel loading	Per shipping line schedule

Get a Quote for Your Long Beach Export Drayage

IronHaul Logistics handles inland drayage to the Port of Long Beach from origins across California, Nevada, Arizona, and beyond. Our team coordinates CARB-compliant carriers, California oversize permits, and terminal appointments. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or fill out our online quote form with your equipment details and origin location for a fast, accurate drayage rate.