Buying and shipping heavy equipment internationally

With more than 40 auction sites around the world, plus local yards and sellers selling from their own locations, Ritchie Bros. gives buyers easy access to the global heavy equipment market. From our large and varying inventory of equipment, a contractor in China can buy construction equipment located in Germany or an Australian mining company can buy rock trucks from the United States.

Here are six simple tips that will make it easy for you to confidently buy and ship heavy equipment internationally:

1. Work with an expert

As this may be your first time shipping internationally, you may not know who to call for help. To avoid delays, unexpected costs or roadblocks, get the answers you need before you buy. Things you need to consider: shipping, import and export duties, local and international regulations and restrictions. Your country’s customs, international trade, commerce or import/ export department may be a good place to start, but a professional, experienced customs broker is often your best source of information.

Contact Ritchie Bros. and we’ll be able to put you in touch with professional customs brokers and freight forwarders. A qualified customs broker can answer all of your questions, handle all the export paperwork and work with a freight forwarder who will handle all the paperwork and logistics associated with shipping overseas.

2. Check for import and export restrictions

Contact the customs authority in your country of import and check that your equipment is allowed under the authority of an import permit. Also ask for any special considerations when shipping heavy equipment -particularly cleaning and quarantine requirements. Many countries will refuse entry to equipment or vehicles that could host foreign pests in soil stuck to their tires, body etc; you may need to work with a certified equipment cleaner. Equipment may also need to meet local environmental, safety and other regulations. Again, find the answers to these questions before you buy.

3. Find out what taxes and duties apply

Some of our auction sites – Coarso, Italy; St. Aubin sur Gaillon, France; Dubai, UAE – are located in duty free or free trade zones. When you purchase equipment from these sites, the equipment will only be subject to local custom fees and taxes if the equipment remains in the country or the same export zone. For example, if you buy an item at our auction site in Dubai, then export it to another country, the item will most likely be exempt from local taxes and duty.

In other countries, you may be entitled to a refund of certain local taxes if you can prove that you exported your purchases. Contact the auction site to find out if you qualify, and what paperwork you need to produce.

4. Know your equipment’s specs

Before shipping heavy equipment, you will need to provide your freight forwarding company with the dimensions, including weight, of the item you want to ship. For the item’s dimensions, look at its detailed equipment information. To determine the item’s weight, look up the make and model on RitchieSpecs. Providing the freight forwarder with the correct information will ensure you get a much more accurate quote and help you choose the most appropriate shipping method. When shipping large equipment, it might be more economical to dismantle the machine to fit into a container. Your freight forwarder will help you pick the best option.

5. Budget wisely

Before you determine how much you are willing to spend on equipment at an auction, factor in the costs for importing your equipment from overseas. Even with these costs, buying equipment overseas may make the most sense if it means getting what you need, when you need it. Some of the possible costs related to shipping overseas are:

• Customs broker/freight forwarder
• Cleaning
• Packaging
• Loading charges
• Delivery to port
• Export duty and taxes
• Origin terminal charges
• Loading on carriage
• Carriage charges
• Insurance
• Destination terminal charges
• Delivery to destination
• Import duty and taxes

6. Choose reputable sources and service providers

Equipment is a major investment, and it’s much easier to resolve conflicts or issues with sellers and service providers in your own area. When buying internationally, make sure you work with well-established, well-known companies with a reputation for good customer service, including equipment sellers and shipping companies.

One final tip: do not overlook insurance for your purchase. Door-to-door international cargo insurance is a worthwhile investment for anyone transporting equipment around the world.