Export & Logistics

Exporting Compact Machinery: A Practical Freight & Customs Guide

Incoterms, container loading, fumigation, emissions compliance and delivery timeframes — what importers of compact equipment need to plan.

2026-05-25 7 min read

Choose your Incoterm deliberately

EXW leaves everything to you. FOB gives you the main carriage. CIF and DAP shift freight and risk onto the seller — at a price. For first-time imports, DAP to a named port is the most predictable; you control final delivery and customs from there.

Whatever the term, agree it in writing with the machine price, port, and which party holds insurance at each stage.

Container and consolidation math

A 1.8 t mini excavator with ROPS folded fits two units in a 40' HQ container. Wheel loaders and skid steers typically ship as breakbulk or flat-rack. Our logistics desk gives you the loading plan before you pay, so your container cost is locked early.

For smaller machines, LCL consolidation to major ports works, but factor in handling risk and port-side charges.

Emissions and documentation

Every Craton machine ships with CE documentation and engine certificates. Check your market's emission tier: EU Stage V, EPA Tier 4, or regional equivalents. Confirm with us before ordering so the engine spec matches your registration path.

Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin ahead of the vessel — we supply the export documentation pack with every order.

All articlesCraton Machinery knowledge hub