How long does excavator shipping take?
For a used excavator shipped from China, the typical CIF lead time is 28–45 days port-to-port. However, the total time from order to delivery can range from 4 to 10 weeks depending on inspection, documentation, payment, and shipping method. This guide breaks down each stage so you can plan your project with confidence.
Understanding the Shipping Timeline
Shipping a used excavator involves several phases: pre-shipment inspection, documentation, booking, loading, ocean transit, and destination clearance. The 28–45 day figure applies only to the ocean leg under CIF terms. Before that, you need to account for inspection and paperwork, which typically adds 5–10 business days. After arrival, customs clearance and inland transport can take another 3–7 days, depending on the destination country.
Pre-Shipment Inspection and Preparation
Every machine sourced by ExcaYard undergoes a 150-point pre-shipment inspection. This includes hours verification, paint-thickness checks, and a full photo and video record. The inspection ensures you know exactly what you are buying and helps avoid surprises at destination. Typically, this process takes 2–3 business days after the machine is secured. Once you approve, we move to documentation and booking.
Documentation and Certifications
Exporting used excavators requires specific documents and, for some countries, certifications. ExcaYard handles the following:
- Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin – standard for all shipments.
- SONCAP for Nigeria.
- SABER for Saudi Arabia.
- PVoC for Kenya, Tanzania, and Ghana.
- GSA for Ghana.
- KEBS for Kenya.
Obtaining these certificates can add 3–7 business days, depending on the issuing authority. We coordinate with accredited agencies to ensure your machine meets destination requirements.
Payment Terms and Their Impact on Lead Time
We accept T/T USD wire, L/C through Bank of China, and Wise. T/T is the fastest; funds usually clear within 1–2 business days. L/C requires bank processing and document review, which can add 5–10 business days. To avoid delays, we recommend confirming your payment method early and ensuring all documents are in order before shipment.
Shipping Methods and Transit Times
We offer FOB or CIF terms, with RoRo, container, or flat-rack shipping. The choice affects both cost and transit time. The table below summarizes typical transit times from major Chinese ports to common destinations.
| Shipping Method | Typical Transit Time | Best For | Indicative Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | 28–35 days | Wheeled or tracked excavators that can roll on/off | Typically $2,000–$5,000 |
| Container (40ft) | 30–40 days | Mini excavators up to 8 tons | Typically $1,500–$3,500 |
| Flat-rack | 32–45 days | Large excavators over 20 tons | Typically $4,000–$8,000 |
| Breakbulk | 35–50 days | Oversized machines | Typically $6,000–$12,000 |
Note: Costs are indicative and vary by port, season, and fuel surcharges. Transit times are port-to-port and exclude inland delivery.
Ports and Destination Considerations
We ship from Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao, and Tianjin. These ports offer frequent sailings to Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the CIS. For landlocked countries, we can arrange combined sea and inland transport. Always check your country's import regulations for used machinery; some nations require pre-shipment inspection certificates like PVoC or SONCAP, which we handle.
Frequently asked questions
What is the total door-to-door time?
Typically 6–10 weeks from payment confirmation to delivery at your site, depending on destination and customs clearance speed.
Can I expedite shipping?
Yes, we can book express sailings or use premium carriers for an additional cost. However, documentation and inspection times remain similar.
What if my machine requires certification?
We handle SONCAP, SABER, PVoC, GSA, and KEBS. Certification adds 3–7 business days to the lead time.
Next Steps
Ready to get a precise timeline for your machine? Contact us on WhatsApp at +86 193 9277 7259 or email yuhua0095@gmail.com. We'll provide a tailored shipping plan and quote within 24 hours.
