It’s no secret that there’s a global push to modernize and accelerate agricultural initiatives. Although the pandemic stalled heavy equipment production and shipping, many countries picked up where they left off. Tractor sales increased in the U.S., Europe, and emerging markets year over year and fueled expectations for further growth.
For African countries, there’s perhaps even more of a need to revitalize and modernize the agriculture industry. Climate change is hitting the African continent’s food supply and sustainability harder. So, it’s natural to see a big push for better equipment, economic advancements, digital agriculture technologies, increasing the rural population, etc.
Tractors are staples of the agriculture industry. They’re versatile and often indispensable machines for a wide range of crops. But although plenty of tractors are available on the continent, sometimes shipping them from overseas is necessary. Understanding the process is key to consistent development and optimum production.
The following tips will ensure that international tractor shipping jobs can be completed in the most efficient manner possible.
International Tractor Shipping Costs
Shipping a tractor from the U.S. to Africa can cost serious money. Therefore, it’s best to avoid delays and complications by following a few simple tips.
Tip No. 1 – Pick the Right Shipping Company
Working with the best shippers in the business is one of the best ways to avoid a multitude of international shipping issues. Heavy machinery like tractors is hard enough to transport. Adding overseas logistics into the mix calls for veteran haulers with the right network and connections.
Tip No. 2 – Prepare the Equipment
Moving any vehicle overseas can also result in transporting various substances, particles, and organic materials that are harmful to the new environment. While not all African countries have stringent laws regarding what comes in, it’s always best to clean the tractor before crating and shipping it.
Furthermore, international shipping laws may impose extra transportation requirements on batteries, fluid levels, etc.
Tip No. 3 – Prepare the Documents
No international vehicle shipping, from personal cars and motorcycles to heavy machinery, happens without the proper paperwork. Tractors must clear customs on both sides, and each country has its own list of documents and permit requirements.
This is another reason to work with tractor haulers and shippers who know what they’re doing. You can find more information on the importance of getting the paperwork spot-on at https://www.a1autotransport.com/shipping-a-tractor/.
Tip No. 4 – Crated Shipping Is Better
Shipping a tractor from the U.S. to Africa is done via ocean freight. It’s important to understand that heavy machinery isn’t always crated or put inside containers. However, protecting the tractor from the elements is essential.
International shipping can take weeks, and that much exposure without maintenance and care can increase the wear on the vehicle.
Tip No. 5 – Size and Weight Affect the Cost
The port-to-port distance can already add a significant amount of money to the final transportation quote. Therefore, it helps to consider the size and weight of the tractor too. Not all applications require the largest and most powerful tractor.
Tip No. 6 – Picking a Close Port Helps
Shipping companies that move tractors won’t always work with the same ports. Some shippers develop their own networks to avoid competing with others on the same routes.
Reducing shipping costs can come down to finding a company that can ship the tractor to a closer destination port. The same can be said for arranging a pickup somewhere closer to the departure port. The less a tractor needs to be moved on the road, the cheaper the overall shipping cost will be.
Tip No. 7 – Provide Clear Details
Clear communication and coordination between customers and shippers are essential for domestic and international transport jobs. But heavy machinery like tractors is even more difficult to move than regular vehicles.
Therefore, it’s essential to be transparent and clear about any special requirements. For example, some tractors being shipped might not be operational. Some companies might buy used tractors to repair and recondition them before putting them to work.
Others might have specific loading and unloading procedures that require unique equipment. This is the type of information shippers need to know to assess the situation and prepare accordingly. It’s also important to share all requirements to prevent delays and extra charges in the final quote.
Tip No. 8 – Vet the Shipping Company
Transporting a tractor with a shipping company requires forward-thinking and planning. Checking up on international heavy haulers is crucial. Customers should request copies of their licenses, look at past completed jobs, read some reviews and testimonials, etc.
Otherwise, it’s easy to get scammed by many industry operators working in bad faith. At the very least, it’s a quick way to waste money on subpar and untimely services.
Tip No. 9 – Avoid Placing Urgent Orders
Sometimes it’s impossible to avoid urgencies. Businesses may rush to place orders if they need machinery to prevent production stalls. But the luxury of priority and urgent shipping can cost a lot of money. Shipping tractors and other heavy machinery overseas may cause an even greater financial strain.
Size, weight, type, and distance always affect the cost. But the delivery date also matters. It’s always best to avoid last-minute international tractor hauling when possible. That way, the shippers have plenty of time to make the best arrangements.
Work With the Best to Get the Best
Shipping tractors from the U.S. to Africa isn’t easy without help and guidance. The complex logistics require years of experience acquired through repetition. Reputable international haulers can access vast international networks of freight operators, dealerships, storage facilities, customs experts, etc.
That’s the only way to move heavy machinery like tractors between continents safely, affordably, and on time. Asking for advice, especially when dealing with complicated issues like picking the best container, arranging equipment inspections, and compiling paperwork, helps simplify the process for customers and eliminates delivery delays.
The journey is long enough. There’s no point in making it even longer and compromising business operations by not getting the tractor where and when you need it the most.
