Heavy Machinery and Plant Shipping from the UK

Specialist international transport for construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and industrial plant.

Quick answer

What is heavy machinery shipping?

Heavy machinery shipping moves excavators, tractors, bulldozers and other plant by RORO, flat-rack or specialist vessel. A quote requires accurate dimensions, weight and operating condition.

The Ship Cars is the vehicle shipping agent division of Ascope Shipping Services LTD, registered in England.

Shipping heavy machinery requires specialist logistics planning, heavy-lift equipment, and detailed knowledge of oversized cargo regulations. The Ship Cars handles the full process from survey to delivery for all types of plant and industrial equipment.

We ship excavators, bulldozers, cranes, generators, agricultural tractors, and all forms of heavy equipment from UK ports to destinations worldwide. Our team assesses each shipment individually to determine the most suitable and cost-effective method of transport.

Excavator and tractor beside a roll-on roll-off cargo vessel — Heavy plant can travel by RORO, flat-rack or specialist vessel.

Why Choose Our Heavy Machinery Shipping

Up to 100 Tonnes

We have the capability to ship machinery weighing up to 100 tonnes using specialist flat-rack containers, breakbulk vessels, and heavy-lift cranes.

Flat-Rack Containers

Open-top and flat-rack containers accommodate oversized equipment that cannot fit inside a standard shipping container.

Breakbulk Shipping

For exceptionally large or heavy items, breakbulk shipping allows individual pieces to be loaded directly onto the vessel.

Site Collection

We arrange collection from construction sites, farms, and industrial premises using low-loader transport.

Preparation and Draining

All machinery is drained of fluids, batteries disconnected, and loose components secured before loading.

Export Licensing Support

We advise on and arrange any export licences required for shipping machinery and equipment internationally.

How It Works

Survey and Quote

We assess dimensions, weight, and condition of your machinery to determine the best shipping method and provide a quotation.

Transport to Port

We arrange low-loader collection from your site and transport to the departure port.

Loading

Machinery is loaded using cranes, forklifts, or driven onto RORO vessels depending on the method selected.

Shipping

Your equipment is shipped with full documentation, tracking, and marine insurance cover.

Destination Delivery

We coordinate customs clearance and arrange final delivery to the destination site if required.

Indicative Pricing

Prices are estimates for a standard car. Get an exact quote for your vehicle.

Small Plant (under 5 tonnes)

Container or RORO

£1,500

Medium Plant (5 to 20 tonnes)

Flat-rack or RORO

£3,000

Heavy Plant (20 to 50 tonnes)

Flat-rack or breakbulk

£5,000

Exceptional Loads (50+ tonnes)

Individually quoted

POA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you ship non-running machinery?

Yes. Non-running equipment is loaded using cranes or forklifts. We handle all types of machinery regardless of whether it is operational.

Do I need to drain fluids before shipping?

Yes. All fluids including diesel, hydraulic oil, and coolant must be drained or reduced to minimum levels. We can arrange this as part of our preparation service.

What size machinery can you ship?

We ship machinery of virtually any size. Standard containers suit smaller items, flat-racks handle oversized loads, and breakbulk services cater for exceptionally large or heavy equipment.

Is machinery insured during shipping?

Yes, all shipments include marine transit insurance. For high-value equipment, we arrange enhanced coverage based on the declared replacement value.

Official government resources

Always confirm current customs, duty and vehicle registration rules with the official authorities before you ship.

Related Services

Commercial Vehicle Shipping

Trucks, vans, buses, plant machinery, and heavy commercial vehicles shipped worldwide with specialist handling.

Truck Shipping

International shipping for trucks, lorries, HGVs, and heavy commercial vehicles via RORO and flat-rack services.

Shipping Methods

Ready to Ship?

Get a free, no-obligation quote for heavy machinery shipping from the UK. Browse our destinations or use the cost calculator for an estimate.