Shipping Heavy Equipment to Port for Export: Los Angeles & Long Beach

Why LA/Long Beach for Equipment Exports

The San Pedro Bay port complex (LA + Long Beach) handles more container volume than any other U.S. port and offers robust RoRo infrastructure for self-propelled heavy equipment. Key advantages for equipment exporters:

• Frequency: Multiple weekly sailings to Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa on major RoRo and container lines
• Infrastructure: Dedicated RoRo terminals with heavy-lift capability for non-self-propelled equipment
• Freight forwarder ecosystem: Dense network of NVOCCs and freight forwarders specializing in heavy equipment exports
• Customs efficiency: Experienced CBP staff familiar with equipment export documentation requirements

Ocean Shipping Methods for Heavy Equipment

RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)

The default method for self-propelled equipment (excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, forklifts, telehandlers). The machine drives or is towed onto the vessel via a ramp and is secured to the vessel's deck with chains. RoRo is typically the most cost-effective method for drivable equipment and reduces handling risk compared to crane-lift methods. Most RoRo vessels accept equipment up to approximately 14 ft tall and 16 ft wide.

Flat Rack Container

Used for equipment that is too large for a standard container but can be crane-lifted. Flat racks are open-frame platforms (20 ft or 40 ft) that allow oversized cargo to extend beyond the frame's edges. Common for disassembled equipment, large attachments, and machines that are too tall for RoRo clearances.

Full Container Load (FCL)

Standard 20 ft or 40 ft containers for smaller equipment, attachments, and spare parts. Some compact machines (mini excavators, small skid steers, compact forklifts) can ship in a 40 ft high-cube container. The machine must be drained of fluids and properly blocked and braced inside the container.

Breakbulk

Reserved for massive project cargo — mining shovels, large generators, industrial machinery — that exceeds flat rack capacity. Breakbulk moves require specialized heavy-lift vessels and are typically arranged through project cargo specialists.

The Inland Transport Leg: Getting to the Port

IronHaul's role is the inland transport leg — moving your equipment from the origin (auction yard, dealer lot, job site, warehouse) to the port terminal. Key considerations:

• Port cutoff timing: RoRo terminals typically require equipment to arrive 3–5 days before vessel departure. Coordinate your inland transport booking with your freight forwarder's vessel booking to ensure the equipment arrives within the terminal's receiving window.
• Terminal access: Port terminals have specific gate hours and may require pre-registration of the incoming load. IronHaul coordinates with the terminal to ensure smooth gate entry.
• Oversize routing: The LA/Long Beach port area has specific oversize load routing requirements. Loads exceeding certain dimensions may be restricted from certain port access roads. IronHaul's drivers know the approved routes.
• Fluid draining: Some terminals and ocean carriers require equipment to be drained of fuel and hydraulic fluid before loading on the vessel. Confirm requirements with your freight forwarder before transport.

Export Documentation Requirements

Accurate documentation is essential to avoid customs holds that can cause you to miss your vessel:

• Certificate of Title or Bill of Sale: Required for all self-propelled equipment. The title must be clear (no liens) or the lienholder must provide a release letter.
• Commercial Invoice: Must include equipment make, model, serial number, hour meter reading, and declared value.
• AES/EEI Filing: Electronic Export Information must be filed through the Automated Export System to obtain an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) before the equipment can be loaded. Required for exports valued over $2,500.
• Bill of Lading: Issued by the ocean carrier after the equipment is loaded on the vessel.
• Packing List: Detailing dimensions, weight, and any attachments included in the shipment.

Common Equipment Exported Through LA/Long Beach

IronHaul regularly delivers the following equipment types to the LA/Long Beach port complex for export:

• Excavators (all size classes) to Asia-Pacific and Latin America
• Wheel loaders and dozers to Middle East construction markets
• Forklifts and telehandlers to Latin America and Africa
• Agricultural equipment to Southeast Asia
• Generators and compressors to international project sites

Ready to move equipment to the Port of Los Angeles or Long Beach for export? IronHaul Logistics coordinates the full inland transport leg with port timing precision. Get a quote at our website, call (208) 495-2260, or email [email protected] with your equipment specs, origin location, and vessel booking details.