Shipping Kelly Drives Worldwide

Shipping Kelly Drives for Oil and Gas Drilling

A Kelly drive bound for a rig overseas is heavy, precision oilfield gear. The kelly, the square or hexagonal pipe that passes through the kelly bushing, transmits torque from the rotary table to the drill string and turns the bit downhole. How do you ship one safely and keep the drilling project on schedule? Careful prep, the right mode, and clean customs get it there.

Texas International Freight ships Kelly drives from Houston to drilling operations worldwide. We handle the packing, the mode, the customs, and the insurance as one job.

Why Shipping Kelly Drives Matters

Timely delivery keeps a drilling operation on schedule, and a Kelly drive’s weight, size, and complexity call for careful handling to get it to site intact. Reliable equipment logistics reduce the delays that stall a rig. Delivering drives into new markets also brings modern drilling technology and methods to local operators, building their capability across regions such as South Korea, Italy, and Argentina.

Preparing for Shipment

Preparation is what keeps a Kelly drive safe in transit. We measure dimensions and weight to meet transport rules and pick the right method, then secure the drive with proper crating, protective coatings, and bracing. In many cases we disassemble the unit to cut the risk on the move.

Choosing the Shipping Method

Air freight brings speed for urgent deliveries. A Kelly drive can move as air cargo on specialized aircraft, within the airline’s size and weight rules, with an experienced forwarder running the booking.

Sea freight is the economical choice for larger or less time-sensitive shipments. Drives ship in containers or on flat racks, on roll-on/roll-off and container vessels, with heavy machinery logistics behind the loading and handling.

Customs and Documentation

Customs clearance runs on the destination country’s rules. The key documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. A customs broker keeps the filing compliant and the shipment out of a costly hold.

Insurance and Risk Management

Cargo insurance is strongly advised given the value of a Kelly drive. It covers loss, theft, or damage in transit, and a specialized policy sets the right level of coverage for the move.

Working With Texas International Freight

Kelly drives are precision oilfield cargo, and that is our lane. As experienced drilling equipment forwarders, we handle rate negotiation, logistics planning, and the regulatory side on one desk. The same team ships the rest of the drill string and rig package alongside the drives. Tell us the unit and the destination, and we map the move.