Construction Equipment

Caterpillar Equipment Shipping

Compact and mini CAT models, backhoes and loaders go in containers after partial disassembly, which is cheaper and reaches more ports. CAT excavators from the 320 up and D6 and larger dozers are wider than a container door in one piece, so they ship whole on 40 ft flat racks or RoRo where a lane serves the destination, or taken apart across two or more containers when that suits the port or the budget better.

Deerfield, Illinois, USA

Founded 1925

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Caterpillar machines we have loaded in containers

228 Caterpillar models are in our dismantling and loading records, each with the boxes it went in and the parts that came off. Containers reach more ports and usually cost less than RoRo or flat racks.

Excavators · 64 models

Excavators · 64 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 206B	1 × 45 ft high cube	Loaded on its side
CAT 214 Wheel Excavator	1 × 45 ft high cube	Loaded on its side
CAT 214B	1 × 45 ft high cube	Loaded on its side
CAT 215	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 224 Wheel Excavator	1 × 45 ft high cube	Loaded on its side
CAT 225	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

All 64 excavators and their loading plans

Wheel loaders · 62 models

Wheel loaders · 62 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 908	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 910	1 × 20 ft container	Standard preparation
CAT 916	1 × 20 ft container	Standard preparation
CAT 920	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 924F	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 926	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

All 62 wheel loaders and their loading plans

Dozers · 47 models

Dozers · 47 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT D3 Series	1 × 40 ft high cube	Driven into the box
CAT D3B	1 × 40 ft high cube	Driven into the box
CAT D3C	1 × 40 ft high cube	Driven into the box
CAT D4	1 × 40 ft high cube	Cab or ROPS removed and crated, blade off, driven into the box
CAT D4H	1 × 40 ft high cube	Cab or ROPS removed and crated, blade off, driven into the box
CAT D4K2	1 × 40 ft high cube	Cab or ROPS removed and crated, blade off, driven into the box

All 47 dozers and their loading plans

Motor graders · 29 models

Motor graders · 29 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 12	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 12G	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 12H	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 12M III	1 × 40 ft high cube	Drive shaft disconnected
CAT 14G	1 × 40 ft high cube	Drive shaft disconnected
CAT 14H	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

All 29 motor graders and their loading plans

Pipelayers · 11 models

Pipelayers · 11 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 5	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 561B	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 561C	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 571G	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 572C	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 572D	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

All 11 pipelayers and their loading plans

Rollers and compactors · 6 models

Rollers and compactors · 6 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 815 B	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 815 F	1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 825B	2 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 825C	2 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 826C	3 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation
CAT 836K	1 × 40 ft high cubeOr: 3 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Articulated dump trucks · 3 models

Articulated dump trucks · 3 models
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 769C	1 × 40 ft high cube + 1 × 20 ft container	Dump body off
CAT 777B	1 × 40 ft high cube + 1 × 20 ft containerOr: 2 × 40 ft high cube	Dump body off
CAT D250	1 × 45 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Material handlers · 1 model

Material handlers · 1 model
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 322C MH	2 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Scrapers · 1 model

Scrapers · 1 model
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 613C	1 × 45 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Rigid haul trucks · 1 model

Rigid haul trucks · 1 model
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT 773 B	2 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Pavers · 1 model

Pavers · 1 model
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT AP800B	1 × 40 ft open top + 1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Road machines · 1 model

Road machines · 1 model
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT RM300	1 × 40 ft open top + 1 × 40 ft high cube	Standard preparation

Telehandlers · 1 model

Telehandlers · 1 model
Model	Boxes	Dismantling
CAT TH460B	1 × 20 ft container	Standard preparation

How each Caterpillar model ships

Weights and transport dimensions come from the manufacturer's published specifications (linked under each model). The method is worked out from those dimensions against container, flat rack and RoRo limits, in the order we quote them.

Model	Weight	L × W × H (transport)	Best method	Preparation
CAT 308 CRMini excavatorSpec source	18,700 lb (8,462 kg)operating weight	19 ft × 7 ft 7 in × 8 ft 4 in (5.8 × 2.3 × 2.54 m)	40 ft high-cube containerFits as is	Ships as it is, blocked and lashed.
CAT 320Hydraulic excavatorSpec source	49,800 lb (22,600 kg)operating weight	31 ft 3 in × 9 ft 9 in × 9 ft 9 in (9.53 × 2.98 × 2.96 m)	40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge	Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (1 ft 11 in / 0.58 m over width, 3 ft 4 in / 1.01 m over height).
CAT 336Hydraulic excavatorSpec source	82,000 lb (37,200 kg)operating weight	36 ft 9 in × 11 ft 3 in × 10 ft 5 in (11.2 × 3.44 × 3.17 m)	40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge	Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (3 ft 5 in / 1.04 m over width, 4 ft / 1.22 m over height).
CAT D6Track-type tractor (dozer)Spec source	48,800 lb (22,130 kg)operating weight	17 ft 10 in × 8 ft 4 in × 10 ft 6 in (5.44 × 2.54 × 3.19 m)	40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge	Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (6 in / 0.14 m over width, 4 ft 1 in / 1.24 m over height).
CAT D8Track-type tractor (dozer)Spec source	87,100 lb (39,500 kg)operating weight	25 ft 11 in × 9 ft 2 in × 11 ft 7 in (7.91 × 2.79 × 3.53 m)	RoRoWhere a RoRo lane serves the destination	Drives on assembled where a RoRo lane serves the destination.
CAT 950Wheel loaderSpec source	42,500 lb (19,260 kg)operating weight	27 ft 3 in × 9 ft 3 in × 11 ft 4 in (8.31 × 2.82 × 3.46 m)	40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge	Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (1 ft 5 in / 0.42 m over width, 4 ft 11 in / 1.51 m over height).
CAT 140Motor graderSpec source	43,100 lb (19,531 kg)operating weight	33 ft 9 in (10.3 m) × n/a × 11 ft 4 in (3.45 m)	Measured before quoting	The manufacturer does not publish the transport width, so we measure the machine at pickup and confirm the method before you book.
CAT 745Articulated truckSpec source	73,000 lb (33,110 kg)empty weight	37 ft 6 in × 12 ft 6 in × 12 ft 4 in (11.43 × 3.8 × 3.76 m)	40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge	Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (4 ft 7 in / 1.4 m over width, 5 ft 11 in / 1.81 m over height).
CAT 420Backhoe loaderSpec source	17,300 lb (7,834 kg)operating weight	23 ft 6 in × 7 ft 5 in × 12 ft (7.16 × 2.25 × 3.65 m)	40 ft flat rackOut-of-gauge	Ships assembled, blocked and lashed; out-of-gauge surcharge applies (5 ft 7 in / 1.7 m over height).

Dimensions vary with shoes, tyres, buckets and options, so we confirm them on your machine before booking. Container limits used: 40 ft high-cube door 7 ft 8 in (2.34 m) wide and 8 ft 6 in (2.58 m) high, 39 ft 6 in (12.03 m) long inside.

Container, flat rack, RoRo or breakbulk?

We quote in this order because it is usually cheapest first. Most machines that look too big for a box fit once our crew takes off the bucket, boom, cab or wheels; larger ones are taken further apart across several containers, and pieces too big or heavy for a flat rack or roll trailer go breakbulk.

01Container

Work needed: We partially disassemble when needed (bucket, boom, cab, wheels), or take larger machines further apart across several high-cubes and open-tops, then crate, block and lash every part.
Destinations: Widest: almost every port worldwide, plus inland delivery by rail.
Typical cost: Usually the lowest, with no out-of-gauge surcharges.
Protection: Sealed steel box; loose parts and attachments travel locked inside.
Best for: Most machines: compact ones as they are, others after partial disassembly, and large ones split across several containers.

Container shipping How we containerize heavy equipment

02Flat rack

Best fit

Work needed: Ships assembled, blocked and lashed. Surcharges apply when wider than 2.4 m or taller than about 1.95 m.
Destinations: Most container ports, on the same vessels as containers.
Typical cost: Moderate; rises with every centimetre out of gauge.
Protection: Open to the weather; we protect cabs, electronics and hydraulics.
Best for: Excavators, dozers and loaders too wide for a container door.

Flat rack shipping

03RoRo

Work needed: Drives on assembled; non-runners go on a roll trailer.
Destinations: Fewer destinations: regular lanes to Europe, West Africa, the Middle East, Oceania and parts of Latin America.
Typical cost: Often competitive for large self-propelled machines where a lane exists.
Protection: Below deck, but loose items and attachments cannot ride inside the cab.
Best for: Running machines going to a port with regular RoRo sailings.

RoRo shipping

04Breakbulk

Work needed: Lifted aboard piece by piece by ship’s or shore cranes, on its own skids or cradle, then stowed and lashed in the hold or on deck.
Destinations: Ports with breakbulk berths and heavy-lift cranes; sailings are booked voyage by voyage.
Typical cost: Usually the highest for a single small machine; often the only option for the largest pieces.
Protection: In the hold or lashed on deck; we crate, wrap and protect exposed parts.
Best for: Pieces too large or heavy for a flat rack or roll trailer: transformers, process modules, mining trucks, crane sections.

Breakbulk shipping

Preparing Caterpillar machines for export

Tier 4 Final and Stage V engines need ultra-low-sulfur diesel (15 ppm or less) and DEF. Where only high-sulfur diesel is sold, the after-treatment clogs, so check fuel quality or source a lower-tier export machine.
Telematics (such as Cat Product Link, Komtrax or JDLink) may stop working abroad; the dealer can transfer or end the subscription before export.
D8 and larger dozers ship with the blade and ripper removed to stay within flat rack width; we crate the pins and hardware with the machine.
Wide body excavators may require flat rack or RoRo shipping
Articulated trucks often need disassembly of dump body
Track-type machines require proper blocking and securing
EPA/CARB compliance verification for US-origin equipment
Dealer-specific export procedures may apply

Containerizing a machine means taking off the parts that stop it fitting, then crating, labelling and lashing them in the same box. See how we containerize heavy equipment

Where Caterpillar machines go from the U.S.

The destinations we see most for Caterpillar equipment, with the import rule that most often catches buyers out.

NigeriaTransit 21-30 days
Form M must be opened through a Nigerian bank before the machine ships.
Quote to Nigeria
Saudi ArabiaTransit 18-25 days
Shipments need SABER conformity certificates arranged before arrival.
Quote to Saudi Arabia
AustraliaTransit 28-35 days
Strict biosecurity cleaning; dirty undercarriages are re-cleaned at the importer's cost.
Quote to Australia
ChileTransit 21-28 days
Mining demand for 336 and larger excavators, usually on flat racks from Houston.
Quote to Chile

Equipment Types We Ship

Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment. With iconic yellow machines found on job sites globally, CAT equipment requires specialized logistics expertise for safe transport.

Excavators
Bulldozers
Wheel Loaders
Motor Graders
Articulated Trucks
Backhoe Loaders
Skid Steers
Compact Track Loaders

Why Ship Caterpillar with Us

Direct relationships with CAT dealers worldwide
Experience shipping from Caterpillar factory locations
Specialized knowledge of CAT equipment dimensions
Global network familiar with CAT parts and attachments

Caterpillar shipping questions

Does a CAT 320 fit in a container?

Not in one piece: at 9 ft 9 in (2.98 m) wide over the tracks it is about 2 ft (0.6 m) wider than a container door. It ships whole on a 40 ft flat rack, or RoRo where a lane serves your port. It can also be containerized after major disassembly (boom, stick, counterweight, cab, the upper structure off the undercarriage, and the track chains), usually across two or more containers; we survey it first.

Which CAT machines fit in a 40 ft container?

Mini excavators such as the 308 CR, skid steers and compact track loaders fit, some as they are and some once we take off the bucket or ROPS. Backhoes such as the 420 are over 11 ft 10 in (3.6 m) high in transport, so they usually ship whole on a flat rack or RoRo, or in a container once the backhoe and cab come off. Larger excavators, dozers and loaders containerize after major disassembly, across two or more containers.

Can you ship a CAT dozer with the blade on?

A D6 with an SU blade is 10 ft 10 in (3.3 m) wide across the blade, so the blade comes off and travels on the same flat rack, which keeps the load in gauge and the freight lower. For containers, we also take off the ripper, cab and track chains and split the load across containers.

Caterpillar and its logo are trademarks of their respective owner, shown only to identify the equipment we ship. Seaway Project Cargo is an independent shipper and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Caterpillar.

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