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The Daily Bale
Natasha Post, Author
TractorTransport.com
Shipping a combine overseas is an entirely different aspect of heavy haul transport that presents its unique challenges. Transporting farm equipment like a combine to an international destination requires proper planning and understanding of the logistics process. This guide provides some essential insights into the overseas shipping of a harvester.
Things to Consider when Shipping a Combine Harvester Overseas
You need to conduct extensive and deep research into overseas heavy equipment shipping before choosing a freight shipping company. Discussed below are the three top things to consider when exporting a combine.
Combine Size and Dimension
You’ll need to consider the legal load dimensions to move your combine within your local jurisdiction to the port. Remember, ports all over the world have varying cargo handling capabilities. Some can handle large oceanic carriers, while others have shallow waters and can only handle smaller ships. Knowing your load’s dimensions helps you to see whether it’s right for a particular vessel. Various parties are involved in the shipment process, and knowing the cargo’s size helps everyone moving the freight at each stage of the shipment process.
Combine Transportation Method
A harvester is awkwardly shaped farm equipment that can’t fit inside a container. That leaves you with only two shipping methods:
- Lift-On/Lift-Off – Also referred to as LoLo, this method of transportation involves the use of auxiliary equipment, such as cranes, to load and lift-off the cargo off the ship. It’s a process that requires highly specialized personnel.
- Roll-On/Roll-Off – Regarded as RoRo, this shipping method is one of the most accessible options because it involves driving the harvester into the ship as it is a self-powered cargo. It’s a cost- and time-effective hauling method, but you’ll need ample space to fit the load and any equipment required when loading.
Documentation Required for Overseas Combine Shipping
When you deliver the combine at the port terminal, you’ll be required to show all the required paperwork.
From harvesters and loaders to other tracked agricultural vehicles, all self-propelled farm equipment must have the original Bill of Sale (BoS). This document indicates the load’s make, model, year, and Serial Number or Vehicle Verification Number (VIN). The BoS provided is used as a guarantee that you’ve paid for the vehicle fully.
Other critical documents for overseas harvester shipping include:
- Letter of Lien Release from A Financial Institution, If The Vehicle Was Acquired On A Loan
- Automobile Shipping Information Paper
- Insurance Documents
- Identification Info of the Shipper and Consignee
- Export Power of Attorney Indicating Legal Shipping
These documents, including the BoS, must be presented to US customs at the port terminal at least 72 hours of the departure date. Once verified, the customs office will send the papers to your freight forwarder.
How to Prepare Your Combine for Overseas Shipping
Preparing your combine for exportation is a critical stage of the planning process. Follow the following tips in your next overseas shipment to avoid equipment damage.
Check the Combine Owner Manual
The manufacturer’s manual offers valuable instruction on how you can prepare your combine harvester for shipping. It details the parts that require tying down, how to secure moving components, and adjustments that might help reduce the load weight.
Rust-Proofing the Combine
An in-transit combine is often exposed to environmental elements, such as water, salts, and wind, which can corrode the metallic surfaces. It would be best if you first proof the machinery against red rust using various anti-corrosion treatments. For instance, you can plate it with a zinc alloy to create a corrosion-resistant layer for enhanced protection.