Tarek Kalil Musa’s import/export business, TKXPORT, specializes in construction materials, heavy machinery, and spare parts. Most of these items come from China and are shipped to Gambia. With thousands of miles separating the two countries, this is no easy feat. Gambia is located in West Africa, and as such, materials from China must navigate an inconvenient route to reach Gambia’s ports. Tarek Kalil Musa now has 10 years of experience executing this shipping adventure and offers some expertise to the topic of shipping heavy machinery.
Shipping heavy machinery across the ocean requires some specialized equipment. One technique that Tarek Kalil Musa has seen when shipping things like dump trucks and backhoes is the use of a Roll On Roll Off ship. With these ships, explains Tarek Kalil Musa, heavy machinery is driven onto a flat deck and then attached with an array of straps and braces. For standard size materials (vehicles less than 8 feet wide), says Tarek Kalil Musa, a Roll On Roll Off is ideal when available.
The cheapest way to ship heavy machinery is to use containers. Many companies that ship heavy machinery use container shipping, says Tarek Kalil Musa, and it is a common way that TKXPORT brings items from their Chinese source. When shipping using a container, there are two options that Tarek Kalil Musa identifies. The first is to ship the machinery intact. This can be more costly because it will take up substantial room in this way. If possible, says Tarek Kalil Musa, the machinery will be partially taken apart and shipped in pieces. If you are considering this option, make sure that the destination for your heavy machinery has the ability to put it back together.
Tarek Kalil Musa 