International warehouse and plant relocation
In short
We export warehouse stock, racking and production machinery from the UAE. Machinery is skidded and crated to ISPM 15, heavy items are rigged and loaded on flat racks or low-beds, and the commercial documentation covers each asset separately so destination customs can value the consignment.
Plant relocation is where crating, rigging and freight meet, and the constraint is usually physical rather than commercial: an item that exceeds container dimensions has to travel as out-of-gauge cargo on a flat rack, which changes the vessel options, the cost and the lead time all at once.
What counts as out-of-gauge cargo?
Anything that will not fit inside a standard container: too tall for the door aperture, too wide for the internal width, or too heavy for the floor rating. Such items travel on a flat rack, which is a container base with collapsible ends, or in an open-top with the load projecting above the roof line. Both cost substantially more than a standard box, need special stowage on the vessel, and are booked on fewer sailings, so lead times lengthen. Establishing early whether one machine forces the whole shipment out-of-gauge changes the economics of the entire move.
Our process
Technical survey
Dimensions, weights, lifting points and access assessed.
Disconnect and crate
Machinery decommissioned, skidded and crated.
Load and ship
Loaded to container, flat rack or low-bed as required.
Install
Delivered, positioned and handed to your installers.
What affects the price
| Dimensions and weight | Out-of-gauge cargo costs several times standard container rates. |
|---|---|
| Rigging complexity | Crane hire, road closures and permits where required. |
| Crating volume | Treated timber and build hours scale with the machine. |
| Destination duty on capital goods | Often significant; some countries offer relief schemes. |
Frequently asked questions
Do you disconnect and recommission machinery?
We handle mechanical disconnection, skidding, crating and positioning. Commissioning, calibration and anything requiring the manufacturer's sign-off stays with your engineers or the OEM, and we schedule the move around their availability.
Can racking be exported and reused?
Yes, if it is in sound condition and suits the new building's floor and layout. Bundled beams and uprights ship efficiently. Damaged components should not be re-erected, and we list those separately rather than shipping metal that will be scrapped on arrival.
How long does a plant relocation take?
The shipping is the predictable part. Disconnection, crating and rigging typically take two to four weeks before departure, and out-of-gauge bookings can add a further two to three weeks waiting for suitable vessel space. Plan the destination readiness around the arrival, not the sailing.
Get a free quote
A free survey and a fixed written price before you commit to anything.