What is the most cost-effective way to ship to the Middle East?

Ocean freight is generally the most cost-effective method for non-urgent cargo. For oversized machinery, breakbulk or RoRo can lower handling costs compared to air freight.

Do you handle heavy equipment and project cargo to the Gulf region?

Yes. We ship cranes, bulldozers, drilling rigs, turbines, and other industrial machinery using breakbulk, RoRo, and container solutions, with export packing and inland heavy-haul support.

Which documents are required for customs clearance?

Common requirements include a commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, and certificate of origin. Certain goods may require technical specs and HS codes.

Can you arrange inland transport from Middle East ports?

Yes. We coordinate lowboy trailers, permits, and escorts for oversized loads from ports such as Hamad Port to project sites across the region.

Do you offer cargo insurance and export packing?

Yes. We provide cargo insurance and professional export packing (crating, blocking and bracing, weatherproofing) to protect shipments during long-haul transit.

Shipping A Harvester Machine Worldwide

Shipping a Combine Harvester Worldwide From the USA

You need to move a combine harvester from the USA to a farm or dealer overseas, and the unit is heavy, wide, and built around a header that may not fit a standard load. A John Deere S790, a Case IH Axial-Flow, or a Massey Ferguson 9500 each ships a little differently. How do you keep a self-propelled or towed harvester safe, on schedule, and on budget? The right method, prep, and paperwork get it there.

Texas International Freight ships harvesters from the USA worldwide. We handle the inland haul, the export filing, the ocean booking, and the customs as one job.

Choosing the Right Transport Method

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off): drive the combine straight onto the vessel deck, ideal for self-propelled machines with running gear. Indicative intercontinental budget: USD 8,000 to 15,000.
LoLo (lift-on/lift-off): port cranes lift static combines into the hold, best when the unit cannot roll. Budget USD 12,000 to 20,000 including crane and stevedoring.
Flat-rack and oversize: secure wide headers and long pieces on flat-rack containers with engineered lashings. Budget USD 10,000 to 18,000, with oversize permits and special gear adding 10 to 20 percent.
FCL (full container load): pack compact harvesters or disassembled headers into a 40-foot high cube. Rates USD 4,000 to 7,000, with blocking and bracing to protect the load. See our heavy equipment shipping overview.
Air cargo: move urgent parts, belts, hydraulic pumps, or control modules, when time is tight. Starts around USD 25 per kg, best for small, high-value items. See shipping machinery by air.

Coordinating a multi-leg move? Our international freight forwarding desk runs it end to end.

Preparing the Machine

Clean and inspect: pressure-wash crop residue and debris, check for dents, leaks, or cracked welds, and photograph the condition.
Safe staging: park on a flat, clear pad with at least 10 feet of perimeter clearance.
Fold or remove the header: reduce width on draper or flex headers per the OEM manual.
Lash and protect: use ratchet straps or cable lashings at factory tie-down points, and pad sensor pods, auger motors, and hoses.

Heavy-Haul Trailers for Inland Moves

Removable gooseneck (RGN): best for full-size combines like the Massey Ferguson 9500, since the detachable neck eases loading.
Drop-deck or lowboy: handles header-on shipments under common bridge heights.
Flatbed: for smaller units on skids, with wheels removed, chained down, and contact points edge-protected.

We plan routing, permits, escorts, and crane time through our heavy-haul trucking team.

International Shipping From the USA

Step 1, select an export port. Houston handles RoRo and LoLo for heavy ag machines, a fit for project logistics. Savannah runs strong flat-rack and container programs. Los Angeles serves Asia and Oceania lanes for farm equipment.

Step 2, inland to port. Book RGN or lowboy, confirm axle-load limits, and secure OS/OW permits plus pilot cars as needed.

Step 3, export documents. File EEI through AES for shipments of USD 2,500 or more, and provide the commercial invoice, packing list, title certificate, and EPA emissions compliance where required.

Step 4, ocean booking. Reserve space 4 to 6 weeks ahead for Europe and 5 to 7 weeks for Asia to align with harvest windows.

Step 5, customs and delivery. Local brokers handle clearance and final-mile trucking. For destination detail, see shipping to Israel and shipping to Sweden.

Cost Drivers for Harvester Transport

Method and distance: RoRo, LoLo, or flat-rack, plus route mileage and transshipment.
Dimensions and weight: oversize or overweight loads add permits, escorts, and special gear.
Inland haulage: RGN USD 3,000 to 6,000 per 500 miles, lowboy USD 2,500 to 5,000, flatbed USD 1,500 to 3,000.
Permits and escorts: OS/OW permits USD 200 to 800 each, escorts USD 1.50 to 3.00 per mile.
Customs, duties, insurance: broker USD 300 to 600, duties 0 to 10 percent, all-risk coverage 0.5 to 2.0 percent of value. More in logistics troubleshooting.

Indicative door-to-door budget: RoRo for a 20-ton John Deere combine from Houston to Rotterdam, including inland haul, permits, and insurance, often runs USD 18,000 to 25,000.

Important Considerations

OS/OW rules vary by state or country, and routes and travel hours can change day to day.
Weight capacity has to match trailer ratings and tractor specs.
Cargo insurance: pair ocean coverage with the inland legs through all-risk policies.
Professional crews: certified riggers, hydraulic jacks, and survey-backed lashing plans from Texas International Freight.

Ship Your Harvester

Texas International Freight moves combine harvesters and headers from the USA worldwide by RoRo, LoLo, flat-rack, and container, with inland haul, permits, customs, and insurance handled in house. Send us the model, dimensions, and destination, and we return a plan and a quote.

Contact Information:

Phone: +1 877-489-9184
Email: ship@txintlfreight.com
Address: 11511 Katy Fwy #320, Houston, TX 77079
Web Form: Request a Quote

Connect With Us:

Can I ship a combine without removing the header?

Yes, by flat-rack or LoLo if the header folds to fit the height and width. Lash it to the OEM tie-down points and protect the sensors to avoid damage and penalties.

How do I block and brace a harvester inside a container?

Chock the wheel hubs with hardwood, band the axles with steel strap, and use airbags between folded header panels. Add desiccants for long voyages.

Which permits do oversize loads require?

State or national OS/OW permits set the route, axle loads, travel hours, and escort needs. We obtain the permits and arrange pilot cars.

When should I book transport?

Reserve ocean space at least 6 weeks ahead of target departure, and book inland trucking and brokerage 2 to 3 weeks before pickup.

What documents does customs require?

The commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, title or ownership documents where needed, and any emissions or phytosanitary certificates.