Shipping Heavy Equipment to the Port of Newark, NJ for Export

Why Export Through the Port of Newark?

The Port of Newark (Port Newark Container Terminal and the Elizabeth Marine Terminal) handles millions of TEUs annually and offers specialized facilities for heavy equipment exports:

• RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) services: Dedicated RoRo terminals handle non-containerized heavy equipment, including excavators, dozers, cranes, and trucks. Major RoRo lines including Hyundai Glovis, NYK, and Sallaum Lines operate from Newark.
• Project cargo handling: Specialized stevedores handle oversized and overweight cargo that cannot be containerized, using heavy-lift cranes and specialized equipment.
• Container export: Smaller equipment (forklifts, skid steers, compact excavators) can be containerized in 20-ft or 40-ft containers for export.
• Intermodal connectivity: The ExpressRail on-dock network connects Newark to the Midwest and Eastern Canada, allowing equipment to be railed to the port from inland locations.
• Northeast market access: Newark serves equipment exporters throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New England.

RoRo vs. Container Export: Which Is Right for Your Equipment?

Method	Best For	Advantages	Considerations
RoRo	Operational equipment that can drive on/off the vessel	No containerization cost; handles large/tall equipment; faster loading	Equipment must be operational or towable; limited to RoRo-capable ports at destination
Container (20-ft)	Small equipment: compact excavators, skid steers, small forklifts	Door-to-door delivery; available at most ports worldwide	Size limits: max ~19.5 ft long, 7.5 ft wide, 7.5 ft tall inside
Container (40-ft)	Mid-size equipment: backhoes, telehandlers, mid-size forklifts	More space; door-to-door delivery	Size limits: max ~39 ft long, 7.5 ft wide, 7.5 ft tall inside (high-cube: 8.5 ft tall)
Flat Rack	Equipment too wide or tall for standard containers	Handles oversized cargo; available at most ports	Higher cost; limited weather protection

The Export Workflow: Step by Step

Step 1: Inland Transport to the Port

Equipment must be transported from its current location to the Port of Newark. IronHaul Logistics coordinates this inland transport, which may involve:

• Flatbed, step-deck, or lowboy transport for equipment that cannot be driven
• RGN transport for equipment that will drive onto the RoRo vessel
• Multi-state permit coordination for oversize loads
• Scheduling delivery to the port terminal within the vessel's cargo cutoff window

Step 2: Port Drayage and Terminal Delivery

Once equipment arrives in the Newark area, it must be delivered to the specific terminal handling your shipment. Port Newark has multiple terminals — confirm the correct terminal with your freight forwarder or ocean carrier before scheduling delivery. Drayage companies with port access credentials handle the final move from the staging area to the terminal.

Step 3: Documentation

Export documentation for heavy equipment typically includes:

• Commercial Invoice: Describes the equipment, quantity, and value
• Packing List: Details dimensions, weight, and any attachments
• Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the ocean carrier; serves as the title document for the shipment
• Export License (if required): Some equipment requires an export license from the US Department of Commerce, particularly if it has dual-use potential
• EEI (Electronic Export Information): Filed through AES (Automated Export System) for shipments over $2,500
• Title/Certificate of Origin: Required by many destination countries

Step 4: Customs Clearance

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reviews export documentation. A licensed customs broker can handle this process, ensuring compliance with all export regulations and filing requirements.

Step 5: Loading and Departure

For RoRo shipments, operational equipment is driven onto the vessel by port stevedores. Non-operational equipment is loaded by crane or specialized port equipment. Container shipments are loaded at the terminal and stacked on the vessel. Departure schedules vary by ocean carrier and destination — your freight forwarder will provide the vessel schedule.

Key Considerations for Newark Port Exports

• Cargo cutoff windows: Terminals have strict cutoff times for cargo delivery before vessel departure. Missing the cutoff means waiting for the next sailing, which can be 1–2 weeks.
• Demurrage and per diem fees: Equipment left at the terminal beyond the free time period incurs daily fees. Coordinate delivery timing carefully with your freight forwarder.
• Fuel levels: RoRo vessels typically require fuel tanks to be no more than 1/4 full for fire safety reasons.
• Battery disconnect: Batteries should be disconnected for containerized shipments.
• Fluid drainage: Some destination countries require equipment to be drained of all fluids before import. Confirm requirements with your freight forwarder.

IronHaul Logistics coordinates inland transport to the Port of Newark for equipment exporters throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. We handle multi-state permits, port drayage scheduling, and terminal delivery coordination. Request a free quote at our online form, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected] with your equipment details and export destination.