How to Transport Oversized and Heavy Cargo from China

Shipping oversized or heavy cargo from China to global destinations—especially the USA—requires special planning, equipment, and coordination. From trucks and large machinery to train carriages, each type of cargo demands a tailored approach to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency.

Passionship Logistics shares a comprehensive breakdown of how we handle project cargo and heavy equipment shipping across sea and land.

🚢 1. Sea Transport of Oversized Cargo

Depending on the cargo type, different vessel types and loading equipment are used. Here’s how we handle various kinds of large cargo:

🛻 Trucks & Heavy Vehicles – PCTC Vessels

PCTC (Pure Car Truck Carrier) vessels are ideal for rolling stock like trucks. These ships feature single-layer decks (usually 3–4 meters high) and a stern ramp that can support:

Max load: 45 tons

Weight per square meter: 3 tons

Trucks can drive directly into the cargo hold via the stern ramp, allowing safe, efficient loading.

⚙️ Large Machinery – RORO + Container Vessels

For bulky machinery with oversized components, RORO-CONTAINER combination vessels are the best fit. These allow mixed loading of containers and heavy parts.

Key Equipment:

Bolster Flatbeds for parts <4m long and <28 tons

Cargo lifted by crane <1m high

Secured using nylon straps or padded steel ropes to avoid surface damage

Forklift transports the flatbed via the stern ramp

Heavy-duty Bolster Flatbeds

Can support up to 25 meters long and 120 tons (practical limits vary depending on ramp load and tug vehicle capacity)

Roll Trailers

Rolled into the hold with zero cargo damage

Ideal for ultra-heavy, long equipment

🚆 Train Carriages – Special Rotating Trailers

Train wagons (~40m long) cannot be maneuvered into the hold using standard trailers due to limited ramp width. We use special 360-degree rotating trailers, which pivot inside the ship and allow safe, precise cargo placement.

🚛 2. Inland Transport Control & Execution

To ensure safe and lawful inland transport of oversized cargo, a quality management system must be in place from planning to execution.

✅ Pre-Transport Preparations:

Coordinate with consignee for customs clearance and LC documents

Pre-check customs systems for potential errors

Track vessel ETA and prepare special transport vehicles in advance

Obtain government-issued road transport permits beforehand

Complete cargo pickup formalities ahead of time

👥 Logistics Personnel & Vehicle Planning:

Ensure trained, certified staff in line with local laws

Plan for oversize weight & dimensions, road/bridge limits

Confirm technical condition of all heavy-duty vehicles

Design optimal transport routes with full risk assessment

🏗️ 3. Temporary Storage (If Needed)

Normally, direct truck-to-vessel loading is preferred to avoid lifting costs and risks. However, in rare cases, temporary storage may be needed.

Requirements:

Storage Guidelines from manufacturer (e.g., load-bearing ground, environmental controls)

Custom-built storage frames to distribute load evenly

Must match equipment base structure and weight points

Height must fit with hydraulic lifting ranges on loading equipment

Why Choose Passionship Logistics for Oversized Cargo?

At Passionship Logistics, we specialize in China-to-USA project cargo shipping, offering:

End-to-end handling of oversized freight

Expertise in PCTC, RORO, breakbulk, and heavy-lift shipping

Custom solutions for machinery, vehicles, train parts, and more

Full inland support including permits, planning, and storage

📩 Contact us today for a custom quote:
👉 https://www.sz-passionship.com
📞 Or message us via WhatsApp for a fast reply!