Export Heavy Machinery to Australia

Heavy Equipment Shipping to Australia

Australian customs are detailed and specific about how to export heavy machinery to Australia. Heavy machinery is their second biggest import. But don’t be discouraged. It’s mostly common sense.

Australia is very protective of its land and environment. Foreign pests can devastate landscapes and ecosystems. Cleaning requirements are strict for this reason.

Just look at the foreign pests unintentionally brought into the U.S. The Emerald Ash Borer arrived via packaging material from Asia and has devastated forests in 33 states. The Asian Citrus psyllid caused over $4 billion in damage to Florida citrus crops. One cutting from a tree was enough.

Australia enforces these rules to prevent such disasters. Their import requirements include:

• Mandatory biosecurity inspection
• Thorough cleaning of used machinery
• Australian import permit for used heavy equipment

Used machines that arrive dirty can be rejected. Even new machines must ship within 60 days of manufacture to qualify.

You need a reliable company to export heavy machinery to Australia that understands customs, permits, and port logistics.

Australia’s Industrial Growth Needs U.S. Machinery

Export Heavy Machinery to Australia for the Mining Industry

Lithium is now Australia’s top export commodity. Australia leads global lithium production, fueling electric vehicle battery demand. China, North America, and Europe are driving that demand with aggressive electrification goals (source).

To keep up, Australian mines are modernizing. They’re phasing out old iron ore-era machinery and investing in new technology. Modern mining equipment is in high demand.

U.S. manufacturers like Caterpillar, John Deere, and Komatsu have an opportunity to supply this need. With global mining expected to grow 6.5% by 2025, now is the time to act.

A successful export involves coordination between manufacturers, a freight forwarder for heavy machinery to Australia, and a shipper with port experience. Texas International Freight helps bridge that gap.

We help book shipping for heavy equipment to Australia for mining, construction, energy, and agriculture.

Real Machinery Shipped to Australia

Texas International Freight and its network have handled:

Construction Equipment

• 250-ton crawler cranes: Delivered in pieces from the U.S. to Queensland via Port of Portland.
• Caterpillar bulldozers and Komatsu excavators: Commonly exported using break bulk and Ro Ro shipping heavy machinery to Australia. The D10 and PC1250 are high-volume exports.
• Volvo L120E wheel loaders: Sent from Texas to Brisbane for major civil projects.

Mining Machinery

• Rock crushers and tunnel boring machines: A 200-ton rock crusher and a TBM were shipped from Nevada to Perth, then moved inland to remote Western Australia mining sites.
• CAT 797F mining trucks and D11 bulldozers: These ultra-class machines are broken down and shipped via multiple flat racks to ports like Port Hedland and Brisbane.
• CAT 6090 shovels: Over 900-ton excavators shipped modularly for lithium mining, highlighting the scale of modern mine equipment.

Agricultural Equipment

• Gleaner combines: Exported via flat-rack containers, fully cleaned to pass bio inspections.
• John Deere harvesters, sprayers, and cotton pickers: Frequently shipped during planting and harvesting cycles. Buyers source used U.S. equipment to reduce local cost.

Oil & Gas Equipment

• Helmerich & Payne FlexRig 3: A state-of-the-art land rig imported to Darwin and trucked to Beetaloo Basin for shale exploration.
• Ocean Apex semi-submersible rig: Mobilized for offshore exploration in Australian waters.
• Oilfield skids: Including blowout preventers, pumps, and mast systems packaged in modules. We specialize in shipping oilfield country tubular goods to Australia.

Power Generation and Industrial Cargo

• Caterpillar G3516 gas gensets and C32 diesel engines: Exported to Australia for mining camps and backup power needs.
• Wind turbine components: Including tower sections and blades shipped to the Port of Brisbane and Kembla for wind farms.
• Mining substations and compressors: Over 4,500 kVA units delivered as breakbulk cargo, routed through the Port of Houston.

What You Need to Know About Cost and Permits

We handle:

• Container shipping rates to Australia
• Shipping heavy machinery cost to Australia
• Cost-effective transportation heavy equipment Australia
• Customs broker for heavy machinery to Australia
• Cargo insurance for heavy machinery

Before you ship:

• Check requirements for exporting used heavy machinery to Australia
• Ensure you meet permit timing on all used equipment
• Work with a reliable company to export heavy machinery to Australia

Frequently Asked Questions