In used construction machinery exports, logistics and customs clearance are the real determinants of delivery time. Take a 40-ton used excavator as an example: shipping from Tianjin Port by breakbulk vessel to Mombasa, Kenya, takes about 22-26 days at sea. Adding customs declaration at both ends, lashing, and inland transport, the whole process can be delivered to the job site in 28-35 days if everything goes smoothly. If there are document flaws or the destination port selects the shipment for inspection, port detention of over two weeks is common, and daily demurrage and storage fees can eat up several hundred dollars in profit.
Global Major Routes and Transit Time Reference
Over the past two years, 70% of Sanqi Machinery's shipments have been concentrated in Africa and Southeast Asia, with the remainder in the Middle East and South America. Different routes vary greatly. For the most common used excavators and used loaders:
- East Africa route (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam): Departing from Tianjin/Shanghai, breakbulk vessels take 22-30 days; container ships are slightly faster but cannot accommodate large equipment. Customs clearance normally takes 3-7 working days.
- West Africa route (Lagos, Tema): 35-45 days at sea. Customs clearance in Nigeria is notoriously slow; it is recommended to allow 15-20 working days. Finding a capable local customs broker is more important than bargaining down ocean freight.
- Southeast Asia route (Jakarta, Manila): 7-12 days to port. Indonesia requires import permits for used equipment to be obtained in advance; without a permit, the equipment cannot even be loaded.
- Middle East route (Dubai, Dammam): 18-25 days. Jebel Ali Port is relatively friendly to construction machinery, but equipment over 8 years old may be required to undergo third-party inspection.
- South America route (Santos, Callao): 35-50 days. Brazil has high tariffs and complex customs clearance; it is recommended to use CIF terms and have the seller designate the freight forwarder.
Core Documents for Port Customs Clearance
When customs clearance gets stuck, 90% of the time it is a document issue. For exports of used excavators, used bulldozers, and mining trucks, the following are essential:
- Commercial invoice and packing list. The product name must be specific, such as "used crawler excavator," not just "machinery."
- Certificate of origin. Some African countries can reduce tariffs with this.
- Equipment inspection report. Sanqi Machinery performs three inspections—power, hydraulic, and undercarriage—on every unit before dispatch, with a Chinese-English report attached, which has relatively high acceptance by destination customs.
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate (mandatory in some countries), such as PVOC required by Tanzania and Kenya.
- Insurance policy. For breakbulk vessels, it is recommended to insure at 110% of cargo value.
A reminder: The engine number and chassis number must match the documents exactly. A single mismatched letter can result in customs rejection.
Equipment Delivery Process and Inspection Points
Arrival at the destination port is only the first step; there is still a journey from the port to the job site. Sanqi Machinery's delivery process is roughly: destination port customs clearance → container/pickup → check lashing and appearance → inland transport to job site → on-site startup test → signed acceptance confirmation. When the buyer picks up the goods at the port, focus on three areas: whether the hydraulic cylinders leak, whether the track pads are broken, and whether the engine exhaust color is normal. If transport damage is found, take photos before signing and have the shipping company or insurer confirm; disputes afterward are very troublesome.
Simultaneous Supply of Hydraulic and Engine Parts
The biggest fear with used equipment is that it breaks down as soon as it reaches the job site. When shipping complete machines, we usually recommend customers carry a set of wear parts: hydraulic pump seals, travel motor oil seals, diesel filters, and oil filters. These original parts are not high in value, but if ordered after arrival in Africa, the air freight alone would be enough to buy several sets. Sanqi Machinery has parts warehouses in Guangzhou and Tianjin, with over 3,000 SKUs in regular stock for hydraulic and engine parts. When exporting complete machines, parts can be declared together with the main unit, saving one procedure.
FAQ
How far in advance should I book space for used excavator exports?
For breakbulk vessels, it is recommended to book 15-20 days in advance; for containers, 10 days in advance. During peak season (September-November), allow an extra week, otherwise you may miss the sailing and incur additional storage fees.
How much do destination port customs clearance fees roughly cost?
Taking East Africa as an example, miscellaneous customs clearance fees for a 40-ton excavator are about USD 800-1,500, including declaration, inspection, and agency fees. In Lagos, West Africa, it may exceed USD 2,000, depending on cargo value and local policies.
How can I determine whether used construction machinery can be exported to the target country?
First check the destination country's requirements on equipment age and emissions. For example, Indonesia restricts equipment over 5 years old, and the EU has Stage emission requirements for non-road machinery. If unsure, ask the seller to provide an inspection report and confirm with a local agent.
What should I do if I find a fault after the equipment arrives at the port?
Keep the acceptance records and photos, and contact the seller immediately. Reputable exporters generally assist in determining whether it is transport damage or a pre-existing fault, and if necessary, arrange local service providers or send replacement parts.
What are the differences in sea freight lashing for used bulldozers and mining trucks?
Bulldozers have a low center of gravity and can be lashed conventionally. Mining trucks are large and mostly shipped by breakbulk or Ro-Ro vessels, requiring special deck securing. The lashing plan must be submitted to the shipowner for approval in advance.
How to choose between original and aftermarket parts for export?
For core components such as hydraulic main pumps and engine cylinder liners, original parts are recommended for guaranteed lifespan and compatibility. For consumables such as filters and belts, branded aftermarket parts can be used, reducing costs by 30-40%, but batch testing is required.
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