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The Complete Guide to Shipping Heavy Machinery to South America

•16 min read

Shipping heavy machinery and industrial equipment from Canada to South America requires specialized knowledge, proper documentation, and careful planning. This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing transport methods to navigating complex customs requirements.

Types of Heavy Machinery We Ship

Construction Equipment

  • • Excavators and backhoes
  • • Bulldozers and graders
  • • Cranes and loaders
  • • Concrete mixers and pumps

Industrial Machinery

  • • Manufacturing equipment
  • • Printing presses
  • • Processing machinery
  • • Packaging systems

Mining Equipment

  • • Haul trucks and loaders
  • • Drilling equipment
  • • Crushing and grinding machinery
  • • Conveyor systems

Agricultural Equipment

  • • Tractors and harvesters
  • • Irrigation systems
  • • Processing equipment
  • • Storage solutions

Did you know?

Canada is one of the top exporters of mining and construction equipment to South America. Chilean and Peruvian mining companies particularly value Canadian equipment for its quality and durability in harsh conditions.

Choosing the Right Shipping Method

RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off)

Best for self-propelled wheeled equipment like excavators, bulldozers, and tractors that can be driven on and off the vessel.

Advantages

  • • Lower cost than container shipping
  • • Faster loading/unloading
  • • No dismantling required
  • • Ideal for oversized equipment

Limitations

  • • Equipment must be operational
  • • Limited port availability
  • • Less protection from elements
  • • Longer transit times

Container Shipping

Best for smaller equipment, parts, or machinery that can be dismantled. Uses standard 20ft, 40ft, or 40ft high-cube containers.

Advantages

  • • Better protection from weather
  • • More frequent sailings
  • • Easier to secure cargo
  • • Standard customs procedures

Limitations

  • • Size restrictions
  • • May require dismantling
  • • Higher cost for oversized items
  • • Complex loading procedures

Flat Rack or Open Top Containers

Best for oversized machinery that exceeds standard container dimensions but doesn't need RORO service.

Perfect for: Equipment that's too large for standard containers but non-operational or cannot be driven. Provides weather protection while accommodating oversized dimensions.

💡 Pro Tip

Before deciding on a shipping method, get exact dimensions and weight of your equipment including any attachments. Equipment that's "just slightly" oversized can dramatically increase shipping costs or require special permits at destination.

Essential Documentation

Heavy machinery shipments require extensive documentation. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay your shipment for weeks at customs.

Commercial Invoice

Must include detailed equipment specifications, serial numbers, year of manufacture, and accurate valuation. Used for customs duties calculation.

Bill of Lading

Shipping contract and receipt of goods. Must match all other documentation exactly. Choose between negotiable and non-negotiable based on payment terms.

Certificate of Origin

Proves equipment is manufactured in Canada. Can reduce or eliminate duties under trade agreements with Chile, Colombia, and Peru.

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical data sheets, manuals, and compliance certificates. Some countries require safety and environmental certifications.

Used Equipment Declaration

For pre-owned machinery, many South American countries require inspection certificates and declarations of condition, including hours of operation.

Preparing Equipment for Shipment

Critical Preparation Steps

1. Cleaning and Decontamination

Remove all soil, seeds, and organic material. Most South American countries have strict biosecurity requirements and may reject or fumigate dirty equipment at your expense.

2. Fluid Management

Drain or secure all fuel, hydraulic fluid, and lubricants per shipping regulations. Some shipping lines prohibit equipment with more than 1/4 tank of fuel.

3. Securing Loose Parts

Remove or secure loose components like mirrors, lights, and antennas. Document removals and pack parts separately inside the cab or in labeled crates.

4. Documentation of Condition

Take detailed photos and videos of equipment condition before shipping. Document serial numbers, hour meters, and any existing damage for insurance purposes.

Country-Specific Requirements

🇨🇱 Chile

Chile has a free trade agreement with Canada offering zero or reduced duties on Canadian equipment. Strong demand for mining equipment.

  • Strict biosecurity - thorough cleaning required
  • Fumigation certificates may be needed
  • Certificate of Origin reduces duties to 0%
  • Main ports: San Antonio, Valparaíso

🇵🇪 Peru

Growing mining sector creates high demand for construction and mining equipment. Canada-Peru FTA provides duty benefits.

  • Certificate of Origin required for duty benefits
  • Technical inspection may be required
  • Used equipment over 10 years faces restrictions
  • Main port: Callao

🇧🇷 Brazil

Largest South American market but most complex import procedures. High duties make used equipment less competitive.

  • Import duties: 14-35% depending on equipment type
  • Complex documentation requirements
  • INMETRO certification needed for some equipment
  • Main ports: Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Itajaí

🇦🇷 Argentina

Agricultural equipment is in high demand. Import regulations can change frequently.

  • Import licenses (SIRA) required
  • Duties: 0-18% depending on equipment
  • Used equipment age restrictions apply
  • Main port: Buenos Aires

Ship Your Heavy Equipment with Confidence

Metro Shippers specializes in heavy machinery shipments to South America. Our team handles all logistics, documentation, and customs procedures for construction, mining, and industrial equipment.

Get Heavy Equipment Quote

Conclusion

Shipping heavy machinery to South America requires careful planning, proper documentation, and understanding of destination country requirements. The choice between RORO, container, or specialized shipping depends on your equipment type, size, and destination.

Work with experienced freight forwarders who understand heavy equipment logistics and South American import regulations. Metro Shippers has successfully shipped thousands of tons of machinery from Canada to every South American country, and we're ready to help with your next shipment.