In used construction machinery exports, logistics and customs clearance often hold up delivery more than the equipment itself. Sanqi Machinery (83777.cn) takes this approach: equipment undergoes inspection reports and reconditioning before shipment, then ports and shipping schedules are matched according to the destination country's import requirements, with full tracking through to customs release at the destination port. For a 20-ton used excavator shipped from Tianjin Port to Mombasa in East Africa, the normal sea freight plus customs clearance cycle is 35 to 50 days, with full-container freight of about USD 1,800 to 3,200; breakbulk vessels are calculated separately by volume.
Which Regions Does the Global Logistics Capability Cover?
Sanqi Machinery's export routes mainly cover Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, South America, and Russia. For Southeast Asia, shipments go via Qinzhou Port and Guangzhou Port, typically taking 7 to 12 days to Jakarta and Manila; for the Middle East, via Shanghai Port or Tianjin Port, about 18 to 25 days to Jebel Ali; for Africa, via Tianjin Port and Qingdao Port, about 30 to 40 days to Mombasa and Dar es Salaam; for South America, via Shanghai Port, about 35 to 45 days to Santos. Used bulldozers and used loaders, because of their large size, mostly go by breakbulk vessel or flat rack container; mining trucks are more cost-effective when disassembled and shipped in open-top containers or by breakbulk vessel.

Port Customs Clearance and Equipment Delivery Process
Customs clearance does not begin only when the goods arrive at the destination port. Before shipment, the destination country's import access, emission requirements, and tariff policies must be confirmed. Taking some African countries as an example, used excavators over 8 years old may be restricted from import, and customs declaration requires an inspection report, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading. Sanqi Machinery's operational process is roughly divided into six steps:
- Confirm equipment condition and destination country access, and issue an inspection report
- Recondition and clean, drain oil, disconnect power, and disassemble large components if necessary
- Book shipping space and determine container type or breakbulk vessel schedule
- Declare for export and prepare certificate of origin, invoice, and packing list
- Track the shipment at sea and send customs clearance documents to the destination port agent in advance
- Clear customs at the destination port, pay duties, pick up the container, and arrange trucking to the job site
The most common problem in destination port customs clearance is inconsistent documents. The equipment model, engine number, and year must match on the invoice and bill of lading; a single letter difference can lead to the container being detained by customs. If hydraulic parts and engine parts are shipped together with the equipment, they must be listed separately in the packing list to avoid being deemed as complete machine parts and taxed separately.
Purchasing and Delivery Precautions
When purchasing a used excavator or used bulldozer, in addition to checking the hours and undercarriage, it is best to confirm whether the equipment has complete maintenance records and inspection reports. Before shipment, Sanqi Machinery provides key-item inspections, including engine cylinder pressure, hydraulic system pressure, travel motor, and slewing bearing clearance. In terms of price, the export price of mainstream brands of 20-ton used excavators after reconditioning in China is roughly RMB 180,000 to 450,000, depending on year, hours, and condition; 5-ton used loaders are mostly RMB 120,000 to 280,000; mining trucks vary more widely depending on tonnage and condition.
Payment and delivery are recommended in stages: a deposit to lock in the equipment, final payment after inspection passes, and a copy of the bill of lading before shipment. Destination port customs clearance fees, duties, and trucking fees are generally borne by the buyer, though some deals are CIF to port, which must be clearly stated in the contract. After-sales: Sanqi Machinery provides original factory parts supply; common parts such as hydraulic pumps, travel motors, and engine overhaul kits can be shipped together with the equipment or later separately by air or sea.
Common Questions FAQ
What customs clearance documents are required to export a used excavator to Africa?
Usually an inspection report, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and import license are required. Some countries also require emission compliance certificates and age declarations, subject to the destination country's customs requirements.
Should used bulldozers and used loaders go by breakbulk vessel or container?
Small loaders can go in 40-foot containers, while bulldozers and large loaders mostly go by breakbulk vessel or flat rack container. Breakbulk vessels charge by volume and are suitable for over-width and over-height equipment, but their schedules are less stable than container shipping.
What special requirements are there for mining truck export logistics?
Mining trucks usually need to have the cab or dump body disassembled before loading into containers. After disassembly, they must be securely fastened and treated for rust prevention. Some destination ports require a disassembly list and weight distribution statement to avoid overweight fines.
Can hydraulic parts and engine parts be exported together with the complete machine?
Yes, but the name, quantity, and value must be listed separately in the packing list. Mixed loading without declaration can easily be deemed by customs as complete machine parts requiring additional tax; it is recommended to pack parts separately and mark them for spare parts use.
What is the approximate freight level for used construction machinery exports?
For a 20-ton excavator, full-container freight on Southeast Asia routes is about USD 800 to 1,500, the Middle East about USD 1,200 to 2,200, Africa about USD 1,800 to 3,200, and South America about USD 2,500 to 4,000. Breakbulk vessels are calculated separately by volume, depending on port and season.


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