CNC Machines Shipping from China
Export freight for cnc machines — packing specification, container loading, HS classification and clearance. Quoted EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP or delivered duty-paid.
We move CNC Machines out of China as ordinary export freight — booked, packed and cleared to the same standard as any other commodity, but planned around the fact that it precision machine tools where alignment, not appearance, is what arrives damaged.
The pricing follows from it. Generally weight-limited but with a large protective-packing overhead — the crate and internal bracing can add a substantial share of the shipping weight, and that is money well spent rather than waste to be trimmed.
A caution particular to this commodity. Geometric accuracy lost in transit. A machine that looks perfect can be out of tolerance after a rough crossing, and it is discovered during commissioning weeks later. Budget for laser alignment on arrival and keep the indicator evidence for any claim.
On the compliance side the recurring item is straightforward to state and easy to leave too late: CE marking to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC with a signed declaration of conformity. HS classification generally falls in chapter 84, though the exact heading depends on specification and should be confirmed against your own product before you rely on a duty estimate.
Freight reference — CNC Machines
| Typical HS chapter | 84 |
|---|---|
| Cargo behaviour | Precision machine tools where alignment, not appearance, is what arrives damaged |
| How it prices | Weight plus packing overhead |
| Usual service | Air or sole-use Sea FCL |
| Main compliance step | CE marking to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC with a signed declaration of conformity |
| Trade terms available | EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP, DAP or delivered duty-paid |
HS chapters are indicative. The binding classification depends on your exact specification — confirm the heading before relying on a duty estimate.
Packing and protection
Lock every axis and clamp the spindle per the maker transport instructions, drain or secure coolant and hydraulics, and bolt the machine to a skid through its designed mounting points. Shock and tilt indicators fitted and photographed before the crate closes.
Loading the container
On loading: Block and brace so the case cannot shift at all — a case that moves has already defeated its own isolation. Never stack other freight on top unless the case is rated and marked for it.
Choosing the service
On routing: Air for high-value or time-critical units and for anything where four weeks of marine humidity is a real risk. Sea FCL, sole-use, for larger machines: sharing a box with unknown cargo is how precision equipment arrives out of alignment.
Where it usually goes wrong
Geometric accuracy lost in transit. A machine that looks perfect can be out of tolerance after a rough crossing, and it is discovered during commissioning weeks later. Budget for laser alignment on arrival and keep the indicator evidence for any claim.
Live rates on lanes that carry this cargo
Published per-kilo and per-CBM rates from China, updated from carrier feeds. Rates are lane-based rather than commodity-based, so these apply to cnc machines as much as to any other general cargo on the same route.
Frequently asked questions
How is freight priced for cnc machines?
Generally weight-limited but with a large protective-packing overhead — the crate and internal bracing can add a substantial share of the shipping weight, and that is money well spent rather than waste to be trimmed.
How should cnc machines be packed for export?
Lock every axis and clamp the spindle per the maker transport instructions, drain or secure coolant and hydraulics, and bolt the machine to a skid through its designed mounting points. Shock and tilt indicators fitted and photographed before the crate closes.
Air or sea for cnc machines?
Air for high-value or time-critical units and for anything where four weeks of marine humidity is a real risk. Sea FCL, sole-use, for larger machines: sharing a box with unknown cargo is how precision equipment arrives out of alignment.
What customs paperwork does cnc machines need?
The step that most often holds a shipment is CE marking to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC with a signed declaration of conformity. Classification normally falls in HS chapter 84, but the exact heading depends on your specification — send the product details and we will confirm the code and the duty position for the destination before you commit.
What goes wrong most often with cnc machines shipments?
Geometric accuracy lost in transit. A machine that looks perfect can be out of tolerance after a rough crossing, and it is discovered during commissioning weeks later. Budget for laser alignment on arrival and keep the indicator evidence for any claim.
Is there anything specific to cnc machines we should know?
Ship with the spindle, axes and any hydraulic system locked and drained per the maker's transport instructions. Machines damaged in transit are almost always ones moved in running configuration.
Can you quote cnc machines on FOB or CIF rather than duty-paid?
Yes. We quote EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP, DAP and delivered duty-paid on this cargo. The term decides how much of the journey is already inside the price — the trade-terms table on any of our rate pages sets out exactly who carries which cost at each stage.