The international trade in agricultural machinery poses considerable logistical challenges for companies, dealers and farmers. These machines are often large, bulky and fragile - their safe and efficient shipment therefore requires a well thought-out transport strategy. As agricultural machinery is not only expensive but also essential to the business, delays, damage or complicated customs formalities must be avoided at all costs.
One of the best solutions for transporting these machines over long distances is the so-called RoRo shipping (roll-on/roll-off). This method offers a cost-effective and safe way of loading large vehicles and machines directly onto specialised ships without having to repack them into containers or secure them at great expense. Protected loading below deck is also guaranteed. Companies not only save time, but also considerable logistics costs and minimise risks.
When transporting agricultural machinery, companies are often faced with the choice between RoRo, containerised freight and flatrack transport. While container solutions are often space-saving, they are only suitable for smaller machines, as the limited interior space of a standard container size is not designed for large machines. Flatrack transport, in which machines are attached to open container racks, is an alternative - but also involves certain risks.
RoRo shipping offers decisive advantages here: Machines are simply rolled onto the ship under their own power or with the help of tractors and unloaded just as easily at the port of destination. This reduces the risk of damage and loading and unloading is much faster than with other transport methods. RoRo ships are also specially designed to safely stow large machines and protect them from the weather.
Most modern RoRo ships are designed to protect the loaded machines from rain, wind and salt water. As the machines are transported below deck or in enclosed areas, the risk of corrosion and other weather-related damage is minimised considerably. In addition, loading is carried out by trained personnel who are very familiar with the specific requirements of agricultural machinery.
Another advantage of RoRo shipping is the efficiency of loading and unloading. Direct access to the holds of the ships eliminates the need for time-consuming loading with cranes or other specialised equipment. This not only reduces reloading times in the harbour, but also the risk of transport damage due to incorrect handling. This can bring decisive time and cost benefits, especially for large machines such as combine harvesters or tractors.
RoRo is particularly suitable for vehicles and machines that have their own wheels or chain drives. These include tractors, combine harvesters, forage harvesters, crop protection equipment and other agricultural vehicles. Heavier machines that need to be moved using special transport platforms can also be shipped via RoRo ships without any problems.
For particularly large machines that do not have their own drive systems, special roll trailers or heavy-duty platforms are used. These enable easy loading and safe transport, even if the machine itself is not roadworthy. Precise coordination with the haulage company is essential here in order to find the right transport solutions.
Each destination country has different regulations for the import of agricultural machinery. For example, there are sometimes restrictions on the permitted age of the machines, environmental regulations or technical requirements that must be met. Clarifying these requirements at an early stage can prevent machines from not being imported once they arrive at their destination.
Complete vehicle documentation is essential for smooth RoRo shipping. This includes registration documents, proof of ownership and technical data sheets that provide information on the dimensions, weight and drive type of the machine.
Each country has its own customs and import regulations, which can change regularly. Thorough research and close co-operation with customs agents or freight forwarders help to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
Special transport insurance is recommended when shipping agricultural machinery. It covers damage caused by unforeseen events such as accidents, extreme weather conditions or theft.
Not every port is optimally equipped for RoRo transport. It is therefore important to choose a route that offers short turnaround times and efficient logistics processes. An experienced freight forwarder can help to identify the best route for the specific transport requirements.
The cost of a RoRo shipment depends on various factors, including the size of the machine, the distance and any harbour fees. Significant savings can often be made by booking early and choosing a skilful route.
More and more manufacturers and dealers are turning to RoRo shipping as it offers a safe, cost-effective and fast solution. The future of overland machinery transport will be further improved by optimised logistics processes and specialised RoRo ships. Those who consult with experts at an early stage and choose the right forwarders can organise their machinery exports smoothly and successfully.
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