Specialised Services

Containerised Machinery Shipping

Machinery packing is our speciality. We collect running and non-running units, then arrange to dismantle, block and lash boom lifts, excavators, wheel loaders, rollers and backhoe loaders into containers and onto flat racks, and ship them anywhere in the world from our many partnered packers across Darwin, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Port Kembla, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Perth.

Container types for machinery

The door opening is usually the limit, not the inside of the box. Machines wider or taller than the door are typically dismantled to fit. Where components are still too large, an open top or flat rack may be required. We work this out from your machine’s transport dimensions and our extensive dismantling experience before we book.

20' GP General Purpose

Internal
approx. 5.9 m L × 2.35 m W × 2.39 m H
Door / loading
approx. 2.34 m W × 2.28 m H
Best for
Small tandem and trench rollers, spider lifts, attachments and spare parts

40' HC High Cube

Internal
approx. 12.0 m L × 2.35 m W × 2.69 m H
Door / loading
approx. 2.34 m W × 2.58 m H
Best for
Articulating boom lifts, dismantled excavators up to around 25 t and wheel loaders up to CAT 988 series, several smaller machines together

40' OT Open Top

Internal
approx. 12.0 m L × 2.35 m W × 2.35 m H, removable roof
Door / loading
Loaded from above by crane, or through the doors
Best for
Machines too tall for a container door but within container width

40' OT HC Open Top High Cube

Internal
approx. 12.0 m L × 2.34 m W × 2.69 m H, removable roof
Door / loading
Loaded from above by crane, or through the doors
Best for
Taller cabs, ROPS and booms that need more height than a standard open top

20' FR Flat Rack

Internal
approx. 5.9 m L × 2.35 m W deck, end walls approx. 2.3 m H
Door / loading
No sides or roof; loaded from the side or above
Best for
Short, heavy or over-width units and dismantled components

40' FR Flat Rack

Internal
approx. 12.1 m L × 2.4 m W deck, end walls approx. 2.1 m H
Door / loading
No sides or roof; loaded from the side or above
Best for
Over-width or over-height machines: 20 t+ excavators, wheel loaders, large booms

40' FR HC Flat Rack High Cube

Internal
approx. 12.1 m L × 2.4 m W deck, end walls approx. 2.3 m H
Door / loading
No sides or roof; loaded from the side or above
Best for
Taller or heavier machines that need higher end walls and a greater payload

Dimensions are approximate and vary by carrier and container build. Payload limits depend on the container, the carrier and road limits at origin and destination.

Why containerise with RAD Global Freight

Protected from weather and theft

Machines inside a sealed container are out of the salt spray and away from interference until they are unpacked.

Combine machines and parts

Load attachments, spare parts and smaller machines alongside the main unit in a single booking.

More routes and sailings

Container services call at far more ports than RoRo vessels, often with more frequent sailings.

As is, where is

Mobile mechanics, cranes and transport available to assist with tricky collections of stubborn non-runners or accident-damaged machinery.

Experienced packers

Partial and fully dismantled packing solutions to suit the model being shipped, along with a full suite of equipment at our depots to facilitate loading.

Photographed at every stage

You get photos of the machine, including the chassis or serial plate, along with comprehensive container photos showing how it was packed and lashed.

Containerised freight FAQs

When should machinery be containerised instead of shipped RoRo?

Containerised freight suits machines that fit within container or flat rack limits. It is typically cheaper than RoRo, and a machine’s condition no longer determines whether it can be shipped. So for end-of-life machines, or those with mechanical or electrical problems, containers are the preferred option for exports. Machines bought at auction typically have little mechanical history available, and given the number of breakdowns we’ve seen over the years from component failures or even flat batteries, RoRo should be reserved for short direct sailings, such as coastal sailings, or for machines of a size that makes container or flat rack shipping impractical.

What is the difference between FCL and LCL?

FCL (Full Container Load) means the container is yours alone. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers. Most machinery travels FCL, while small items such as trench rollers, attachments and spare parts can go LCL if properly crated.

Does my machinery need to be cleaned before shipping?

This depends on the direction of the cargo and where it’s going. Imports going to Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and the Pacific Islands definitely require a high-quality clean prior to shipment. Other destinations, such as the Middle East and Africa, are not concerned by dirt on machines. Talk to us for advice on your specific situation.

Do you provide photos of the packing?

Yes. Every machine we pack is photographed before, during and after packing, so you have a record of its condition and of how it was secured.

Get Expert Help

Ready for Professional Shipping? Contact Our Expert Team

Get expert consultation and detailed quotes for your machinery shipping requirements. Our staff provides comprehensive logistics solutions with full regulatory compliance.

Request Professional Quote

Get detailed shipping solutions with technical specifications and compliance documentation

Professional Services

Mobile Machinery Transport

Up to 1000 tonnes capacity

RoRo Shipping Solutions

Weight restrictions apply

Containerised Freight

FCL & LCL options available

Customs & Compliance

Via wholesale partners

Project Freight

Out of Gauge shipments

Overseas Cleaning Services

Coordination & certification

Equipment Specialties

Excavators (1-200 tonnes)

Bulldozers & Graders

Boom Lifts & Scissor Lifts (focus)

Mobile & Tower Cranes (1000t capacity)

Wheel Loaders, Dump Trucks & Scrapers

Reach Stackers, Empty Container Handlers & Fork-lifts

Mining & Processing Equipment

Agricultural Machinery & Tractors

Construction & Road Equipment

Need Immediate Help?

Our experts are available 24/7 for emergency machinery transport with comprehensive technical support and regulatory compliance

Email: quotes@radglobalfreight.com • Response time varies pending complexity