As infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia continue to advance, the demand for exporting Chinese construction machinery—such as excavators and loaders—is rising year by year. Construction machinery falls under the category of oversized and specialized cargo that cannot be accommodated by standard shipping containers. Common transport methods include Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels, break-bulk/general cargo ships, and specialized flat-rack containers. These shipments entail rigorous requirements for lashing and securing, documentation and certification, and customs clearance at the destination port; errors in documentation can easily lead to equipment being detained at the port, resulting in substantial demurrage costs.
CNDDP Shipping specializes in logistics for oversized equipment from China to Saudi Arabia. We offer comprehensive solutions ranging from port-to-port to DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) door-to-door services, assisting clients with pre-shipment document reviews to minimize the risk of cargo detention.
Shipping Excavators from China to Saudi Arabia: Methods, Transit Times, and Costs
Different shipping solutions are required depending on the excavator’s tonnage and dimensions. The table below provides reference information for port-to-port shipping from major Chinese ports to Jeddah and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. Costs are listed in US dollars and exclude domestic trucking, hoisting, destination customs duties and VAT, and inland delivery; these figures serve only as a market reference, and actual quotes are subject to current space availability from the shipping line.
| Shipping Mode | Applicable Scenario | Port‑to‑Port Transit | Ocean Freight Reference(Per Unit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ro‑Ro Vessel | New excavators, drivable machinery | 22‑32 Days | $1200‑5500 |
| Break‑bulk Vessel | Oversized / non‑drivable heavy equipment | 25‑38 Days | $1800‑6800 |
| Flat‑rack Container | Medium‑size machinery within container limit | 20‑30 Days | $1900‑4800 |
Note: Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels are suitable for new, self-propelled machinery; break-bulk vessels or flat-rack containers are preferred for oversized or non-self-propelled equipment; the shipment of used machinery is subject to carrier acceptance policies, so please verify requirements before booking.
If shipping mini-excavators, container transport from China to Saudi Arabia is also an option; you can view the associated costs here: Cost of Shipping 20ft & 40ft Containers from China to Saudi Arabia
Essential Documents for Customs Clearance of Exports from China to Saudi Arabia
Saudi Customs enforces mandatory SABER regulations for construction machinery; the Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) and Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) must be obtained prior to shipment, as they cannot be processed after the goods arrive at the port. Details on the machine’s nameplate, engine serial number, and technical specifications must strictly match the information on the Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, and certificates; any discrepancies will result in the immediate detention of the goods.
learn more: Customs Clearance Procedures for Goods Imported into Saudi Arabia
Standard export documentation includes the commercial invoice, packing list, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and equipment technical specifications; used machinery requires additional documentation, such as export filings and maintenance/inspection records. Local customs clearance in Saudi Arabia requires the importer’s Commercial Registration (CR) number, the complete set of SABER certificates, and equipment manuals in both English and Arabic.
The basic import duty for construction machinery is 5%, with a 15% Value Added Tax (VAT), both calculated based on the CIF value. If the equipment requires onward transport to inland cities like Riyadh, a special permit for oversized/overweight cargo must be obtained in advance; otherwise, inland transport will be intercepted and subject to fines.
When opting for the DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) model, CNDDP Shipping can coordinate with local Saudi agents to handle tax payments and the logistics of inland oversized cargo transport.
Process for Shipping Excavators from China to Saudi Arabia
Step 1. Pre-shipment Confirmation
Provide details such as equipment model, net weight, dimensions, and whether the unit is new or used. Confirm if the cargo exceeds standard size limits, select a shipping method, and book vessel space. For used machinery, verify Saudi import compliance standards in advance to prevent entry refusal.
Step 2. Port Consolidation and Protective Reinforcement
Upon arrival at the port yard, apply anti-rust protection and wrap the operator’s cabin. Secure attachments like hydraulic breakers and hydraulic components separately. Submit the heavy-lift and lashing plan to maritime authorities and document the entire process with photographs. All wooden reinforcement materials must bear the IPPC fumigation mark.
Step 3. Export Customs Declaration and SABER Document Pre-review
Complete domestic customs clearance while simultaneously processing the Saudi SABER certification; obtain the Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC) before the vessel departs. Thoroughly cross-check models and serial numbers across all documents to eliminate discrepancies.
Step 4. Ocean Freight, Destination Customs Clearance, and Cargo Pickup
Before the vessel arrives at the port in Saudi Arabia, all customs clearance documents must be transmitted to the Saudi agent in advance. Upon arrival, customs declaration, tax payment, and inspection procedures are completed; once inspection is passed, the port arranges for the release of the cargo. For onward transport to inland project sites, permits for the transport of oversized/heavy cargo must be secured beforehand. Charges for container detention and storage range from approximately 120 to 350 USD per day; therefore, it is advisable to minimize the duration of the stay at the port.
Recommendations for Shipping Excavators from China
There are significant restrictions on used machinery; Saudi Arabia prohibits the import of certain older equipment, so you must verify entry requirements before shipment—do not simply book space and ship the goods.
Do not undervalue the cargo; Saudi Customs conducts price comparisons for construction machinery, and under-declaration will result in fines.
Sea conditions on the Red Sea route can be rough; do not cut corners on lashing and securing the cargo, as this helps prevent damage during maritime transport.
For clients with project sites located inland, it is advisable to prioritize “DDP” (Delivered Duty Paid) all-inclusive services. This allows the freight forwarder to coordinate ocean freight, customs clearance and tax payments, and inland heavy-haul transport, thereby saving you from extensive local coordination work.
