Machinery and industrial parts
Machinery and industrial parts export checklist
A pre-shipment guide for equipment, spare parts, tooling, and industrial components moving by air, ocean, or road.
Planning notes
Machinery freight needs more than a pickup address and weight. Shippers should verify crate strength, center of gravity, lifting points, serial numbers, part descriptions, insurance needs, and the delivery equipment required at both origin and destination.
Use this checklist before you book freight.
- Confirm dimensions, weight, lifting points, crate strength, and whether cargo needs forklift, crane, or flatbed handling.
- Match serial numbers, part numbers, country of origin, and invoice descriptions so customs and receiver records agree.
- Plan insurance, inspection photos, and delivery equipment before the shipment is booked.
- Confirm whether export control, destination permit, or buyer installation timing changes the route or delivery plan.
Freight planning questions
What causes delays with machinery freight?
Common delays include unclear dimensions, missing serial numbers, weak crating, wrong lifting equipment, and invoice descriptions that do not match the cargo.
Why do lifting points matter?
They help warehouses, drivers, and receivers plan safe handling and avoid damage during loading, transfer, and final delivery.
Useful freight terms
- Crating: protective packaging built around cargo dimensions, weight, handling points, and route risk.
- Serial number: a product identifier that should match invoice, packing, receiver, and customs records.
- Lifting point: a safe handling location used for forklifts, cranes, rigging, loading, and final delivery.
Official sources
- International Trade Administration - Common Export Documents
- International Trade Administration - Know Your Incoterms
- World Customs Organization - Harmonized System
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Marking Requirements for Wearing Apparel
- Federal Trade Commission - Textile and Wool Labeling Requirements