Sea freight

Shipping heavy machinery and complete production lines by sea freight seems complex. However, it can be done faster and safer than you think when one specialist takes control. At Pol Industrial Movements, we arrange everything from dismantling and packaging to customs, shipping and installation at the new location. This keeps your production moving and keeps downtime to a minimum.

What exactly does our ocean freight solution for machines include?

Sea freight is ideally suited for large, heavy and expensive installations. We combine engineering, lifting, special transport, export packaging and customs into one end-to-end solution. That means: one point of contact, clear planning, controlled risks and predictable lead times. Thanks to the combination of Pol Transport, Pol Compact Lifting and Pol Hoogwerkers, all the knowledge and equipment is available for every step, from factory to quay and beyond.

How does our approach work step by step?

• Intake and survey: we measure sizes/weight, review routes in your factory and determine any permits.
• Project plan and transport engineering: lift plan, crane selection, route check and milestones.
• Packaging and packaging: ISPM 15-compatible export crates, moisture and corrosion protection, shock absorption.
• Lashing & securing: professional securing in a box or container with a photo file.
• Pre-transport: deliver to the terminal just-in-time, taking into account cut‑offs.
• Customs & documentation: export declaration (DMS/AES), trade and packing list, B/L instructions, Incoterms agreements.
• Sea transport & monitoring: booking, status updates, proactive adjustments.
• After transport and installation: unloading, lifting, positioning and alignment on location, including aftercare.

Which sea freight option suits your cargo?

• In‑gauge (standard container): the fastest and often most economical option when the load fits inside dimensions.
• Open‑top container: useful when carrying a high load or when top loading is required.
• Flat rack container: for overwidth/overheight and concentrated weights.
• Breakbulk/project cargo: if the dimensions/weights exceed container transport or special terminal handling is required. We advise you on a case-by-case basis, including pros and cons, rates, transhipment risks and lead time.

Which rules and documents are important when it comes to sea freight?

• ISPM 15: wooden packaging and firewood must comply with international phytosanitary requirements for most export destinations.
• VGM (Verified Gross Mass): Without verified weight, a container will not be accepted on board.
• Customs declaration (export): for exports outside the EU, an electronic declaration is mandatory; in the Netherlands, this is done via DMS/AES.
• Incoterms: agreements about costs, risks and documents; we help you decide which term fits (e.g. FCA, FOB, CFR, CIF, DAP or DDP).

What do lead time and costs depend on?

The total lead time and price are determined by route and capacity, the equipment chosen (in-gauge, OOG or breakbulk), container availability, stovement/packaging, terminal handling and local regulations. Market developments and regulations such as EU ETS can also lead to surcharges, depending on route and shipping company. We transparently substantiate your quote by cost component and create lead time scenarios (fastest vs. best price).

Who is our sea freight solution suitable for?

• Food industry: sensitive, hygienic lines (clean handling, condensation protection).
• Pharmaceutical and medical production: strict quality requirements, traceability and document control
• General manufacturing industry: robot cells, injection molding machines, presses, extruders, packaging machines.
• OEMs and system integrators: turnkey delivery and installation at end customers worldwide.

Why Pol Industrial Movements?

• One control partner for packaging, lifting, transport, customs and installation.
• Minimal downtime through tight engineering and 24/7 planning.
• Precision work in tight spaces with compact (optional electric) lifting equipment.
• Experienced teams, predictable turnaround time, clear reports and photo files.

Internal links

• Industrial removals: this is how we approach (dis) assembly and installation on location.
• Packaging machines: materials and methods for export packaging.
• Expensive of machines: custom export crates for heavy installations.
• About us: vision, safety and core values.

Do you want to ship machines or an entire production line by sea freight with minimal downtime? Request a free intake now. We deliver a proposal with a planning, approach and transparent price within 24—48 hours.

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