25 Mar Heavy Equipment Shipping to Nigeria
Heavy equipment shipping to Nigeria from the United States? ROROFROMUSA provides dependable international shipping solutions for construction, mining, agricultural, and industrial machinery. Our experienced team oversees the entire shipping process—from export documentation to ocean freight—ensuring your equipment is transported safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
The cost of heavy equipment shipping to Nigeria generally ranges from $3,500 to $12,000, depending on factors such as equipment size, weight, shipping method, and U.S. port of departure. With clear pricing, customised quotes, and reliable logistics support, ROROFROMUSA makes international heavy machinery shipping straightforward and stress-free.
Cost to Ship Heavy Equipment
Shipping costs for heavy equipment depend on several key factors related to the machine and shipping method. Larger and heavier equipment typically requires higher handling and freight charges.
Excavator Shipping Cost to Nigeria (RoRo)
Operational excavators such as CAT 320, 330, 336, Komatsu PC200/PC300, and similar mid-size units are commonly shipped via RoRo.
How excavators are rated for RoRo:
Tracked equipment. Excavators are rated based on operational status, overall dimensions, and track width. Units are driven or guided onto the vessel under their own power and secured in place.
Estimated RoRo price range (USA → ):
USD $8,500 – $14,500
Factors affecting price include:
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Operating weight
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Track width
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Height clearance
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Export port (e.g., Savannah, Baltimore, Houston)
Excavators shipped to Lagos (Apapa or Tin Can Island) typically fall within this range when fully operational.
Bulldozer Shipping Cost to
Bulldozers such as CAT D6, D7, Komatsu D65, and similar units are well suited for RoRo shipping if running and steerable.
How bulldozers are rated for RoRo:
Tracked and self-propelled. Bulldozers are rated by blade width, overall length, weight, and operational condition. Units must be able to move under their own power.
Estimated RoRo price range:
USD $10,500 – $18,500
Larger bulldozers (D8 and above) may exceed standard RoRo limits and require specialized handling, which increases cost.
Wheel Loader Shipping Cost to
Wheel loaders like CAT 950, 966, Volvo L90/L120, and Komatsu WA-series loaders are frequently shipped to for construction and port operations.
How wheel loaders are rated for RoRo:
Wheeled and self-driven. Pricing is based on overall dimensions, operating weight, and axle configuration. Wheel loaders are among the easiest machines to rate and load for RoRo.
Estimated RoRo price range:
USD $9,000 – $15,500
Wheel loaders are among the most cost-efficient machines to ship via RoRo due to their mobility and balanced dimensions.
Backhoe Loader Shipping Cost to
Backhoe loaders such as JCB 3CX/4CX, CAT 420/430, and Case 580 are some of the most commonly imported machines into .
How backhoe loaders are rated for RoRo:
Wheeled and self-driven. Backhoes are rated based on length, height, weight, and bucket positioning. Their compact footprint makes them ideal for RoRo vessels.
Estimated RoRo price range:
USD $6,500 – $11,500
Their compact size and strong demand in make backhoes ideal for RoRo shipping.
Dump Truck & Heavy Truck Shipping Cost to
Dump trucks and heavy-duty trucks (Volvo, Mack, Freightliner, Kenworth) ship efficiently via RoRo since they are road-ready.
How trucks are rated for RoRo:
Road-driven vehicles. Trucks are rated based on axle count, overall height, length, and whether the unit runs and drives. Non-running trucks may require towing, which affects cost.
Estimated RoRo price range:
USD $7,500 – $13,500
Pricing depends on:
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Axle configuration
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Overall height
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Whether the truck runs and drives
Forklift Shipping Cost to
Forklifts and material handling equipment (Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Mitsubishi) are frequently shipped for warehouses, ports, and factories.
How forklifts are rated for RoRo:
Wheeled and self-driven. Forklifts are rated by mast height (collapsed), weight, and tire type. They are typically driven directly onto the vessel.
Estimated RoRo price range:
USD $4,500 – $8,500
Forklifts are among the lowest-cost heavy equipment exports when shipped via RoRo.
Agricultural Equipment Shipping Cost to
Tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery from John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Case IH, New Holland, and Kubota are commonly exported to support agriculture projects across .
How agricultural equipment is rated for RoRo:
Mostly wheeled and self-propelled. Units are rated based on overall dimensions, tire width, and operational condition. Implements attached may affect rating.
Estimated RoRo price range:
USD $6,000 – $12,500
Self-propelled units ship most efficiently; oversized implements may require alternative methods.
Crane Shipping Cost to
Mobile cranes may qualify for RoRo depending on configuration, while crawler cranes often require project cargo.
How cranes are rated for RoRo:
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Mobile cranes: Wheeled and self-driven, rated by axle count, boom length, and overall dimensions
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Crawler cranes: Tracked and typically rated as project cargo unless dismantled
Estimated RoRo price range (mobile cranes):
USD $12,000 – $25,000+
Final pricing depends heavily on boom length, axle count, and overall dimensions.
⚓ Nigerian Ports
We offer dependable delivery services to all major ports in Nigeria, ensuring smooth handling and efficient import processing. Your shipment may be routed through key Nigerian ports, each offering strategic advantages for international heavy equipment and vehicle shipments:
- Lagos (Apapa Port): Nigeria’s busiest port and a primary gateway for international cargo and machinery imports.
- Tin Can Island Port: A major hub for RoRo and container shipments, known for its modern facilities and efficient customs clearance.
- Port Harcourt: Ideal for clients serving southern and eastern Nigeria, helping reduce inland transportation time and costs.
Types of Heavy Equipment We Ship via RoRo
Our RoRo shipping services are designed to accommodate a wide range of heavy equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, trucks, and agricultural machinery, offering a dependable and cost-effective way to export equipment from the United States.
Excavators
Caterpillar (CAT 320, 330, 336), Komatsu (PC200, PC300, PC400), Hitachi (ZX200, ZX350), Volvo (EC210, EC300), Hyundai (R210, R220), Kobelco
Ideal for RoRo shipping when operational, excavators are commonly exported for construction, mining, and large infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Bulldozers
Caterpillar (D6, D7, D8), Komatsu (D65, D85, D155), John Deere, Liebherr
Drivable bulldozers can be shipped efficiently via RoRo, offering a cost-effective solution for land clearing and heavy earthmoving operations.
Wheel Loaders
Caterpillar (950, 966, 980), Volvo (L90, L120, L150), Komatsu (WA320, WA380), Hyundai
Wheel loaders are well-suited for RoRo shipping due to their mobility and are widely used in construction, quarry, and port operations.
Backhoe Loaders
JCB (3CX, 4CX), Caterpillar (420, 430), Case (580 Super N), New Holland
Backhoe loaders are among the most commonly shipped machines via RoRo, combining versatility, compact size, and easy port handling.
Cranes
Liebherr (mobile & crawler cranes), Grove, Tadano, Terex, Manitowoc
Drivable mobile cranes and select crawler units can be shipped via RoRo or project cargo, depending on size and configuration.
Forklifts & Material Handling Equipment
Toyota Forklifts, Hyster, Yale, Mitsubishi, Clark
Forklifts and warehouse equipment are ideal for RoRo shipping when fully functional, offering fast loading and reduced handling risks.
Dump Trucks & Heavy Trucks
Caterpillar, Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Kenworth, Freightliner
Dump trucks and heavy-duty trucks are perfectly suited for RoRo shipping, making them a preferred option for construction and mining logistics.
Agricultural Machinery
John Deere (tractors, harvesters), Massey Ferguson, Case IH, New Holland Agriculture, Kubota
Agricultural machinery is frequently shipped via RoRo to support farming, agribusiness, and commercial agriculture projects.
Mining & Oilfield Equipment
Caterpillar Mining Equipment, Komatsu Mining, Sandvik, Atlas Copco, Epiroc
Mining and oilfield machinery can be shipped via RoRo or specialized cargo methods, depending on size, weight, and operational status.

Required Documents
Accurate and well-prepared documentation is essential when transporting heavy equipment across international borders. Having the correct paperwork in place ensures compliance with export and import regulations, supports a smooth customs clearance process, and helps avoid unnecessary delays, fines, or disruptions during transit.
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Commercial Invoice
Confirms the value, seller, and buyer details of the heavy equipment for customs purposes.
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Bill of Lading
Serves as the official shipping contract and receipt issued by the carrier.
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Packing List
Details the equipment specifications, dimensions, and shipping contents.
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Export Declaration
Required for U.S. export compliance and customs clearance.
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Equipment Ownership / Title
Verifies legal ownership of the machinery being exported.
Shipping Timeline
Transit times for heavy equipment shipments vary based on the size of the machinery, the selected shipping method, and port-related processes. Proper planning helps keep every stage of the shipment moving efficiently from origin to destination.
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Ocean Transit (Approximately 3–5 Weeks)
Estimated time for vessel travel from the United States to the destination port.
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Port Processing & Final Delivery
Time allocated for customs clearance, inspections, and arranging onward delivery from the port to the final location.
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Oversized Cargo Coordination
Extra time may be required for specialized lifting, securing, and handling of oversized or heavy-duty equipment at the port.
Illustration of the heavy equipment shipping process, from pickup and port handling to ocean transit, customs clearance, and final delivery.
Equipment Loading, Safety & Insurance
Safe handling and proper preparation are essential when transporting heavy equipment overseas to prevent damage and ensure smooth delivery.
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Pre-Transport Inspection
Each piece of equipment is carefully examined before shipment to confirm its condition and confirm it is ready for transport.
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Expert Lashing & Securement
Heavy machinery is professionally fastened using approved securing techniques to keep it stable throughout the voyage.
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Marine Cargo Insurance Coverage
Optional marine insurance is available to safeguard your equipment against unforeseen risks during ocean transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about international heavy equipment shipping, including transport methods, costs, eligibility, and customs requirements.
Can Caterpillar & Komatsu equipment be transported using RoRo?
Yes. Most Caterpillar and Komatsu machines qualify for RoRo shipping as long as they are operational and meet safety requirements.
What is the most economical way to ship heavy machinery overseas?
RoRo shipping is often the lowest-cost solution for self-moving equipment because it reduces loading complexity and handling expenses.
Is used heavy equipment permitted for import?
Yes. Pre-owned heavy machinery is commonly allowed for import, although regulations vary depending on the destination country.
How long does the customs clearance process take?
Customs clearance usually takes several days, depending on the accuracy of documentation and the procedures at the receiving port.
Which types of equipment are eligible for RoRo shipping?
RoRo shipping is ideal for drivable machinery such as excavators, wheel loaders, dump trucks, tractors, and forklifts.
Can oversized equipment be shipped without disassembly?
Yes. Large or oversized machinery can be shipped fully assembled using RoRo, flat rack, or breakbulk shipping options, depending on its dimensions and weight.
✅ Why Choose ROROfromUSA?
When you ship car with ROROfromUSA, you benefit from:
- FMC Licensed & Bonded NVOCC for secure and compliant international shipping
- 20+ years of international car shipping experience
- Nationwide U.S. pickup from all major cities
- Affordable, competitive rates with no hidden fees
- Full insurance options for peace of mind
- Expert support with documentation and customs compliance
👉 We ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on schedule.
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