Common Mistakes Companies Make During Machinery Freight Forwarding
Shipping heavy machinery abroad is not simply about transporting goods from Point A to Point B. It could be a high-risk venture for many companies if not managed properly. That is the point where a professional machinery freight forwarding service becomes indispensable, rather than just an optional service.
It doesn’t matter if you are exporting generators, CNC machines, hydraulic systems, or construction equipment, missing any detail might result in delays, additional costs, or even serious damage. In fact, most of the expensive problems are caused by situations that could have been easily avoided.
These are the most frequent mistakes that companies falling into when trying to ship their heavy machinery abroad and the ways of steering clear of them.
1. Underestimating Machinery Weight and Dimensions
It is common for companies to use estimated figures rather than exact details. This is among the major errors in the shipping of heavy equipment which result in:
- Transportation costs being calculated based on weight and size
- Just a few millimeters of difference can cause the change of the route
- Customs and port clearance may refuse the shipment
Professional machinery freight forwarding starts with accurate measurement, load analysis, and safe transport planning—not guesswork.
2. Poor Packing and Crating Planning
Heavy equipment can’t be packed the same way as regular goods. When packaging is insufficient:
- Parts become loose during sea freight
- The machine gets rusted due to being exposed to moisture
- Vibration damages the machine’s sensitive parts
Typical export-grade crating might look like this:
- Wood crate treated with heat
- Shock-absorbing platform
- Corrosion-resistant film
- Tightened bolting and bracing
Without this, even the most advanced machine can arrive damaged.
3. Ignoring Compliance and Export Regulations
Various nations have set different regulations for:
- Requirements for cleaning the machine
- Fumigation and ISPM 15 certification
- Customs documentation
- Insurance & insurance liability
Quite a few companies only get to know about the lack of documents when their goods arrive at the port of destination. A trustworthy machinery freight forwarding partner avoids such a situation by getting the compliance requirements ready in advance.
4. Choosing the Wrong Transport Route or Shipping Method
Machinery freight forwarding isn’t a case of “one-size-fits-all”. The right freight method for a piece of machinery might be:
- A flat rack container
- An open-top container
- Roll-on / roll-off (RoRo)
- Conventional vessel
If the decision is made incorrectly, it can cause:
- Delays
- Increase in costs
- On the risks of mishandling
Proper logistics planning is what makes machinery export work without any hiccups.
5. No Insurance or Partially Covered Insurance
It is quite common for companies to think that they will not require marine cargo insurance. However, in the case of heavy equipment:
- High-value machinery = high-value risk
- To replace or repair the machinery will be very costly.
- Port or freight accidents are unpredictable
Insurance should not be considered as a luxury—it is a necessary component of safe freight planning.
6. Not Working With Professional Machinery Freight Forwarders
One of the biggest mistakes?
Attempting to run all the operations in-house or using a general freight provider without specialization in the industrial sector is one of the largest errors.
A professional machinery freight forwarding helps with:
✔ Route analysis and feasibility checks
✔ Engineering-based packing and crating
✔ Regulatory compliance
✔ Proper loading, lashing, securing
✔ Reliable overseas coordination
This significantly reduces operational risk.
Need Help With Export of Heavy Machinery?
Shipping heavy machinery overseas is a complex process—but the most serious problems are preventable. With proper planning, logistics knowledge, and professional engineering support, your equipment can arrive safely and on schedule.
For businesses in Singapore, working with an experienced machinery freight forwarding company like Jaberson Technology. Email or call us to get more information.
📧 Email: info@jaberson-technology.com
📞 Call : +65 6734 3992