Project logistics
Project logistics under one contract
One contract covers every leg from the suppliers’ plants to the site: the piece list, inland permits, the export filing that is due 24 hours before loading[1], the ocean method for each piece and the delivery, with one schedule and one point of contact.
Who does what
What the contract covers and what stays with the buyer. The terms of sale decide where the line falls; this is the usual split for a delivery to site.
| Task | Who[3] |
|---|---|
| Piece list and method per piece | Seaway, from the suppliers’ drawings |
| Inland permits and trucking | Seaway, with a permit from each state on the route |
| Export filing (EEI) | Seaway as the exporter’s authorized agent |
| Ocean booking or charter | Seaway |
| Import entry and duties | The buyer’s licensed customs broker |
| Site access, foundations and permits at destination | The buyer |
An agent files EEI only with the exporter’s power of attorney or written authorization[3].
How the work runs
- 01
Survey
Measure and weigh each piece at the supplier, and check the road, port and site for the largest one.
- 02
Plan
A schedule that ties each supplier’s ready date to a sailing and the site’s installation sequence.
- 03
Authorize
The exporter signs a written authorization so the EEI can be filed for it[3].
- 04
Move
Each piece goes by its method; used machines that drive are filed 72 hours before export[2].
- 05
Report
Position and documents for every piece until the last one is delivered.
Rules that apply
- Electronic Export Information (15 CFR 30)U.S. Census Bureau
Electronic Export Information is filed in AES for each Schedule B number worth more than $2,500 going to one consignee on one conveyance, and for every vehicle whatever its value. For vessel cargo it is due at least 24 hours before loading; the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) goes to the carrier with the booking.[4][1]
Applies to: Any Schedule B line over $2,500, and every vehicle
- Filing through an agent (15 CFR 30.3)U.S. Census Bureau
An agent that files Electronic Export Information in AES must hold a power of attorney or written authorization from a principal party in interest. It should state the responsibilities of each party and that the agent acts as the principal’s lawful agent for creating and filing EEI. In a routed export the U.S. seller does not have to give the foreign buyer’s agent that authorization.[3]
Applies to: Exports where a forwarder files the EEI
- Used self-propelled vehicles: 72-hour ruleU.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. regulations count self-propelled construction and agricultural machinery as vehicles. A used one must be filed in AES at least 72 hours before export, whatever its value or destination, and the ITN, the VIN or serial number and the ownership documents go to CBP at the port of export. Filing after departure is not allowed.[5][2][1]
Applies to: Used machines that drive: excavators, loaders, dozers, tractors, trucks
- Licensed customs brokers (19 CFR 111.2)U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Anyone transacting customs business for another party must hold a customs broker license. Importers and exporters acting only on their own account, and their regular employees, need no license, nor does a broker’s employee acting for the broker under its authorization and supervision.[6]
Applies to: Import entries made on behalf of another party
Questions about project logistics
Does one contract cover customs at destination?
The import entry is made by a licensed customs broker in the destination country, usually appointed by the buyer. We send the broker the documents and coordinate the release.
What do you need to start planning?
The piece list with weights and dimensions, the supplier locations and ready dates, the site address and the date the site needs each piece.
Can the plan change once the cargo is moving?
Yes. Ready dates move often; the method and sailing for each piece are rebooked against the site schedule.
Sources
Every figure on this page comes from the documents below, each checked on the date shown. Carriers and authorities revise them, so we confirm the current figure when we book.
- [1]U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Regulations FAQs, checked October 18, 2026
- [2]U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Exporting used self-propelled vehicles, checked October 18, 2026
- [3]eCFR, 15 CFR 30.3 Electronic Export Information filer requirements, parties and responsibilities, checked October 18, 2026
- [4]eCFR, 15 CFR 30.37 Miscellaneous exemptions (Foreign Trade Regulations), checked October 18, 2026
- [5]eCFR, 19 CFR 192.1 Definitions (used self-propelled vehicles), checked October 18, 2026
- [6]eCFR, 19 CFR 111.2 Customs broker license and permit required, checked October 18, 2026
Send us the machine and the destination
Give us the model or the measured dimensions and weight. We come back with the method, the sailing and a price, and the figures behind them.