Shipping Heavy Machinery Between the USA and India: Choosing the Right Method and Handling Customs

The Shipping Industry is not about bulk small shipments or cargoes only; transporting heavy machinery for high-load tasks is also required in the case of construction machinery, mining, military and defence, agricultural tools, etc. 

The shipping of heavy machinery between the USA and India is a crucial part of global trade. By importing and exporting heavy tools and equipment via this route, international companies can expand their operations and execute complex projects with reliable resources and minimal human intervention. Understanding the right details can help ensure better shipment execution through well-thought-out planning, documentation, and a clear understanding of freight methods. With this blog, you will get the answers to all your basic questions about shipping construction machines to India, and how to export heavy equipment from the USA to India, RoRo vs flat rack heavy machinery, customs clearance for machinery in India and many more such topics. 

Why ship heavy machinery from the USA to India

India is globally flourishing and registering itself as a prominent name in terms of Industrialisation and Development. Looking at the growing establishments of industries and start-ups, the need for machinery and equipment is at an all-time high.  There are many reasons which encourage companies and contractors to source equipment from the USA, such as better build quality and durability, lower depreciation and attractive resale value, wide availability of refurbished and used machines, and faster sourcing of project-specific machinery. As India is witnessing multiple active mining, infrastructure and machinery-led companies all across, demand for shipping construction machines to India continues to grow day by day. 

Best Way to Ship Heavy Machinery from the USA to India

Choosing the right shipping method is one of the most essential steps of any successful shipment. In the case of International shipments like India to the USA, convenient options can be Air or Ocean Freight. Which option is best from these two depends on the machine type, weight, dimensions, and budget of the company. For example, sending ocean freight for heavy equipment to the USA to India can be a smart decision as it won’t be as suitable for Air Freight due to the heavy weight. 

Let’s discuss the three standard methods here:

1. Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo)

This method is ideal for dealing with self-propelled machines like loaders, graders, cranes, tractors, trucks, and large vehicles. During this method, machines are driven onto a RoRo vessel and safely secured inside. With a fast loading and unloading process, this is the most economical option for mobile machines. However, the only drawback is that it is not suitable for oversized static machinery. While comparing RoRo vs flat rack heavy machinery, RoRo is more in demand.

2. Flat Rack Container Shipping

Ideal for oversized, heavy, or static machinery such as generators, drilling rigs, crushers, industrial presses, or large excavators, this method allows the machine to be secured on an open-sided flat rack, then loaded onto a container vessel. Allowing more flexibility with shape and size, this method fits even oversized cargoes. Although this shipping method has a higher cost than standard containers, which is a drawback.

C. Full Container Load (FCL)

The FCL method is ideal for compact or partially dismantled machinery items. This method can be a cost-effective, safer, and easy on documentation option for companies shipping machines in smaller units. 

Cost to Ship Construction Equipment from Houston to India

There are many factors that are considered while planning heavy machinery shipping from the USA to India. Things such as:

• Weight and dimensions of the machinery 
• Chosen method of shipping
• Chosen route
• On port handling charges
• Custom clearance charges
• Shipment Insurance 

Typical freight for large machinery from Houston to India ranges widely based on size, starting from USD 3,000 to USD 12,000+ for ocean freight alone.

Door-to-port Heavy Equipment Shipping Service USA to India

It is not always very convenient to drop heavy machinery at the port for shipment; that’s why many shippers prefer Door-to-port Heavy Equipment Shipping Service. These services include Pickup using lowboys or heavy hauliers in the USA, Export packing and loading, Transport to the US port, Export documentation support and Vessel booking.

Customs Clearance for Machinery in India

If you want to dodge any unwanted delays or penalties, it is always better to keep a prior understanding of customs clearance for machinery, which also includes import duty on used machinery in India from the USA. One of the most important steps of customs clearance is the right documentation process. 

Let’s break down all the must-have documents required to export heavy machinery from the USA to India:

• Packing List
• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance Certificate
• HSN Codes for machinery
• EPA Certificate (for certain engines)
• Purchase Invoice or Auction Invoice
• Machinery Condition Report
• IEC Code (Importer Exporter Code) of the Indian buyer

Import Duty on Used Machinery in India from the USA

Generally, the import duties include:

• Basic Customs Duty (BCD)
• IGST (18% or as applicable)
• Social Welfare Surcharge
• Compensation Cess (for some machinery types)

Total landed cost can increase 28–45% depending on the machine type.