Ocean freight is usually the second-largest cost item after the machine itself when importing construction machinery from China. Yet many buyers focus only on the machine price and treat freight as an afterthought — then get surprised by the final bill.
This guide explains the two main shipping methods, what drives freight costs, typical transit times to our most common destination markets, and how to plan shipments so your total landed cost stays predictable.
The Two Main Shipping Methods
RORO (Roll-On / Roll-Off)
The machine is driven onto the vessel at the Chinese port, secured on deck or below deck, and driven off at the destination port.
Best for:
- Crawler excavators 20 t and above
- Self-propelled machinery (wheel loaders, motor graders, compactors)
- Cranes within standard transport dimensions
Advantages:
- Usually the lowest cost per unit for large machines
- Fast port handling — the machine drives on and off under its own power
- No container return costs
Watch out for:
- Sailings can be less frequent than container services on some routes
- Salt-air exposure during transit (we apply protective measures before loading)
Container and Flat-Rack
The machine is secured inside a standard container (mini excavators up to about 8 t) or on a flat-rack platform (oversize units).
Best for:
- Mini excavators and compact machinery
- Machines needing extra protection during transit
- Consignments that combine machines and spare parts
Advantages:
- Better protection from weather and handling
- Regular sailing schedules on major routes
- Easier consolidation with parts and attachments
Watch out for:
- Per-unit cost is usually higher for large machines
- Oversize cargo needs flat-rack engineering and securing plans
What Drives Your Freight Cost
Five factors determine the final freight number:
- Machine dimensions and weight — a 37.5 t excavator costs more to move than a 7.5 t mini
- Shipping method — RORO and container rates differ, and the right choice depends on machine size
- Route and sailing schedule — direct sailings cost differently from transshipment routings
- Season — freight rates move with global demand; Chinese New Year and peak season windows see higher rates
- Port pair — Shanghai to Lagos prices differently from Qingdao to Mombasa
Because these factors move constantly, the only reliable way to budget freight is to get a current quotation that names your specific machine and destination port.
Typical Transit Times from China
Based on our regular routings from major Chinese ports (Shanghai, Lianyungang, Qingdao):
| Destination | Typical transit |
|---|---|
| Manila, Philippines | 7–14 days |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | 7–12 days |
| Jebel Ali, UAE | 12–18 days |
| Mombasa, Kenya | 20–28 days |
| Lagos, Nigeria | 25–35 days |
These are sailing times only. Port congestion, customs processing and inland transport add to the total door-to-project timeline. Plan your project schedule around the outer end of these ranges, not the fastest case.
RORO vs Container: Which Is Right for Your Machine?
| Factor | RORO | Container / Flat-Rack |
|---|---|---|
| Mini excavator (≤ 8 t) | Possible | ✅ Usually better |
| 20 t excavator | ✅ Standard choice | Possible (flat-rack) |
| 30 t+ excavator | ✅ Standard choice | Flat-rack only |
| Wheel loader | ✅ Standard choice | Possible |
| Protection during transit | Moderate | ✅ Better |
| Parts consolidation | Limited | ✅ Easy |
| Cost for large machines | ✅ Usually lower | Higher |
When in doubt, ask us to price both methods for your machine and port. The difference can be meaningful, and the better option depends on the current sailing schedule as much as on the machine itself.
Five Ways to Keep Freight Costs Down
- Match the machine to the method. Do not force a 20-ton excavator into a flat-rack when a RORO sailing is available at lower cost.
- Consolidate when buying multiple machines. Two or three units moving together on one booking usually price better per unit than separate shipments.
- Be flexible on the Chinese loading port. Shanghai, Lianyungang and Qingdao often have different rates to the same destination.
- Plan around peak season. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead of Chinese New Year or the pre-summer construction rush avoids premium rates.
- Compare both shipping methods. We quote RORO and container options side by side whenever both are feasible.
What Happens Before Your Machine Is Loaded
Every machine we ship goes through a pre-loading process:
- Cleaning and inspection — the machine is washed and checked
- Photo and video documentation — you see the machine’s condition before it leaves
- Protective measures — exposed cylinders, electronics and glass are protected against salt air
- Load securing — lashing points are engineered for the carrier’s approval
- Loading confirmation — you receive photos and loading details before the vessel departs
This process protects you and us — the machine’s condition at loading is documented end to end.
Freight Is Only One Part of Landed Cost
Remember that freight sits inside a larger cost stack:
Landed cost = FOB price + freight + insurance
+ import duty + VAT + port charges
+ clearing and agency feesFor a full breakdown of the duty side, read our import duty overview by country.
Get a Shipping Quote for Your Machine
Tell us three things — the machine model, your destination port and your timeline — and we will respond within 24 hours with an FOB quotation plus current freight for both viable shipping methods. Request a shipping quote or browse our product catalogue to shortlist machines first.