There are many choices when you are transporting your equipment in the continental U.S. from carriers to brokers. However, when you are trying to ship your equipment overseas to a foreign country there are fewer options to choose from. This process is a bit more complicated and requires expert attention to the details and creative problem solving. BeKa Holdings, LLC is very experienced in working with overseas shipping lines and U.S. ports and can help you get your equipment shipped. The following is just a few common questions that we receive from our customers.
1. The equipment is not going to fit in a container. Now, what do I do?
Most of the equipment bought to be shipped overseas is bought seen only through pictures. Afterwards, the customer realizes the piece is bigger than thought and will not fit in a High cube, Dry or Open top container. There are other options to consider. One choice is to have the equipment dismantled and shipped in separate containers. This choice will require re-assembling when upon arrival at the port. If dismantling is not an option, then other options could be shipping in one piece via Flat Rack, Roll on/Roll off (RO/RO), Lift on/Lift off (LOLO) and break bulk. Weight vs. measurements will affect the charges and port and terminal fees differ. Call our office for help in determining the best shipping method
2. How do I get the equipment to a US Port for shipping?
Any carrier can deliver to US Ports as long as the driver has a TWIC card or has a port escort available to escort them into the port. Be sure you use a company that you can trust for rates and availability. You would not want them to be late on the delivery and miss the next ship out. Also be sure they are knowledgeable about whether equipment needs to be washed or cleaned before entering the port. This could be a costly delay. BeKa Holdings, LLC can arrange for transport to and from any domestic locations using one of our reliable, dependable trucking partners.
3. Do I need to load or secure the cargo to the flat rack?
Since we have reliable partners and service providers at most ports, BeKa Holdings can take care of having the flat racks loaded for you. It is important to use someone that you and your transporter both trust to handle the shipment. Not everyone knows the intricacies of managing larger, sometimes oddly shaped cargo.
4. How do I measure my cargo correctly?
Most people from outside the industry measure differently versus those of us inside the industry! Mistakes can easily be made because an exhaust pipe wasn’t unscrewed on a bulldozer or mirrors were not folded in on a bus. It is always better to measure the widest, tallest and longest part of the item. Don’t forget to give the most accurate weight of the cargo. The more accurate on your weights and measures, the more accurate your shipping rate will be with no surprises down the road from inaccurate information.
5. Should I take out extra Insurance? It’s EXPENSIVE
It is not as expensive as losing your equipment with no compensation. If you haven’t insured the cargo beyond the minimum, you will hate yourself if something should happen. It is very important to insure yourself against any risk. Specialized freight brokerages, like BeKa Holdings, LLC work with insurance companies and are often able to achieve a better rate for you than what you might be able to secure on your own.
6. How long will take to receive my cargo?
Weather, port congestion, labor, mechanical issues, etc. affect your overseas shipment. While much of this is out of our control, there are some things that are within our control. Paperwork is one of them! Be sure you are working with companies that know the current customs laws for the countries you are shipping to and avoid delays. With over 30 years in the transportation industry, BeKa Holdings have a proven track record of assisting our clients with the required documents when shipping any type of equipment all over the world.
