Transporting machinery is not like shipping an ordinary package. It is a task that requires precision, experience and thorough planning. Every move counts when it comes to moving valuable equipment, and any carelessness can mean irreparable damage. Do you know what the main transportation methods are for moving these giants?
We, Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, tell you everything you need to know about machinery transport, including its challenges, the advantages of sea and air transport, and how to choose the one that best suits your business needs. Let’s get started!
Main Challenges of Machinery Transportation
Transporting heavy machinery is no simple task. One of the main challenges is the size and weight of the equipment, which requires careful planning to ensure safe transportation. In addition, there are legal restrictions, high transportation costs and specific storage needs to be taken into account. The risks related to damage during transport, the need for specialized packaging and the logistics of loading and unloading also make transporting machinery quite a feat that requires experts in the field.
Machinery Transportation by Sea
Shipping is one of the most popular options for moving heavy machinery, especially on international routes. Let’s take a look at the keys:
Advantages
Maritime transport allows the movement of large volume machinery, something that is not always feasible by land or air. In addition, the cost per ton is usually lower compared to other options, which is ideal for companies with tight budgets. This type of transport is also suitable for machinery that has no time constraints and can withstand long transit times, which is very beneficial for large-scale projects seeking to optimize logistics costs.
Types of Vessels
Depending on the size and weight of the machinery, Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels, which are ideal for wheeled equipment, Break Bulk for goods that must be loaded and unloaded individually instead of being transported in containers, or Flat Rack containers, which are used for large machinery that does not fit in a standard container. Ro-Ro vessels offer the advantage of a faster and safer loading and unloading process, while Flat Racks allow greater flexibility for equipment of irregular dimensions and Break Bulk for oversized or irregularly shaped goods.
Machinery Transportation by Air
Air freight is ideal for situations where speed is needed. Although it is a more expensive option than ocean freight, it offers unique advantages, especially for urgent shipments or for machinery that cannot wait for extended periods of travel.
Advantages
Air freight is known for its speed. Therefore, when we have valuable machinery or when time is critical, air transport is the best option. In addition, it reduces the risk of damage during transport by having shorter handling times, which ensures that the equipment arrives in perfect condition, minimizing the possibility of mishaps.
Types of Aircraft
Depending on the type of machinery, cargo aircraft such as the Boeing 747 or Antonov An-124 may be used. These aircraft are designed to handle large volumes and weights, which is essential for industrial machinery.
Limitations
High cost and volume limitations are the main disadvantages of air transport. In addition, not all machinery is suitable for air transport due to weight and dimensional restrictions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Machinery Transport
Choosing the right transport method involves considering various factors, such as costs, urgency, type of machinery and available routes:
Costs
Ocean freight is usually cheaper compared to air freight, especially if there is no urgency. However, it is important to consider other additional expenses, such as port fees, which may influence the total cost. In addition, ocean transport may require additional insurance clauses due to the higher exposure to environmental factors and risks at the port.
Timing
If time is of key importance, air transport will be your best ally. On the other hand, sea freight is perfect if your deadlines are flexible and you want to reduce the cost of shipping. Likewise, it is also important to take into account factors such as flight frequency and shipping routes, as they can impact on the estimated delivery time.
Type of Machinery
Some machinery has specific requirements for transportation. Special attention must be paid to the type of machinery, for example, whether it is sensitive or requires specialized handling. The fragility of certain components, the need for adequate packaging and protection against vibrations or sudden temperature changes are fundamental aspects to evaluate when selecting the transport method.
Recommendations for Choosing the Best Machinery Transport
The first and most important point is to select a reliable partner. We, Nissin Transport GmbH Sucursal en España, are committed to be yours:
What is Machinery Like?
Not all machinery is suitable for transport by air or sea. Identifying specific characteristics, such as weight, dimensions and fragility, will help you choose the best transport option. In addition, it is important to consider whether the machinery requires special handling conditions, such as protection against vibration or extreme temperatures.
Where is it Going?
Depending on the destination country, there may be specific restrictions or transportation requirements that must be met. This may include special permits, customs regulations and packaging requirements. In this regard, it is important to work with a company that has international experience and detailed knowledge of the laws of the destination country.
Plan Ahead
Especially in the case of maritime transport, it is important to prepare in advance, as travel times are longer and delays may occur due to weather conditions. In addition, it is advisable to consider the availability of space on ships or aircraft and to coordinate deadlines with sufficient margin to avoid setbacks in the logistics chain.
Success Story: Transport of Gigacast Equipment
Nissin Corporation Japan was selected to import and install the innovative aluminum die casting machines, known as Gigacast, that are transforming automotive manufacturing. This technology enables the production of body parts in one piece, which optimizes manufacturing processes by significantly reducing the number of parts. The machine, with an impressive weight of up to 100 tons and a clamping capacity of more than 6,000 tons, is the first of its kind in Japan, marking an industry milestone.
The challenge of the project lay in the complexity of transporting and installing these giant machines, a process that involved nearly a year of planning, research and obtaining permits for land transportation in Japan. Shipment of the machine from Hitachi Port to its location in the North Kanto region was completed in November 2023, and installation was completed by the end of December. Thanks to Nissin Corporation Japan’s meticulous planning and execution this project was successfully completed, demonstrating the company’s ability to handle large-scale and complex logistics projects. With the growing demand for Gigacast technology in Japan, the company is positioned to take on more projects of this nature in the future, consolidating its leadership in the machinery transportation industry.
Your Trusted Partner
Transporting machinery is a process that requires careful planning and a good choice of transport method. Both sea and air transport have their own advantages, depending on the specific needs of your company. Nissin Transport GmbH, Sucursal en España, with its more than 25 years of experience in the international logistics industry, is here to help you find the best solution for your shipments. Contact us so we can analyze your situation and help you with the transport of your company’s machinery.
