International Shipping: Your Complete Guide

Shipping Gold Wash Plants Worldwide

We've shipped wash plants to over 40 countries, from Peru's remote mining regions to Papua New Guinea's island operations. After hundreds of international shipments, we've learned what works — and what doesn't. Here's your complete guide to getting your wash plant delivered safely and cost-effectively anywhere in the world.

Container Sizing: The Foundation of Your Shipping Plan

Understanding how wash plants fit in shipping containers is crucial for cost planning:

• M50 wash plant: Fits perfectly in one 20' container
• Two M50s: Can ship together in one 20' container (space-efficient)
• M100 wash plant: Requires one 40' container
• M200 wash plant: Ships in four 40' containers
• M300 wash plant: Ships in six 40' containers

Wash Plant Model	Container Requirements	Approximate Shipping Weight	Best For International
M50	1 x 20' container	18,000 lbs	✓ Most cost-effective
M100	1 x 40' container	35,000 lbs	✓ Good balance
M200	4 x 40' containers	140,000 lbs	○ Higher shipping costs
M300	6 x 40' containers	210,000 lbs	○ Highest shipping costs

CIF vs FOB: Understanding Your Shipping Terms

Most of our international customers choose between two shipping arrangements:

FOB (Free on Board) - Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach:

• We deliver to the port and load onto your shipping vessel
• You arrange and pay for ocean freight and destination handling
• You handle customs clearance at destination port
• Best if you have established freight forwarders
• Typically saves 15-25% on total landed cost

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) - Your Destination Port:

• We arrange complete door-to-port delivery
• Includes ocean freight, marine insurance, and export documentation
• You still handle customs clearance and import duties
• Simplest option for first-time international buyers
• We can quote CIF to most major ports worldwide

Freight Logistics: Real-World Experience

Based on our shipments to major mining regions:

To Peru (Callao Port):

• Transit time: 12-16 days from Los Angeles
• Best option: CIF Callao for hassle-free delivery
• Local agent handles customs clearance efficiently
• Road transport to interior mining sites is excellent

To West Africa (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan):

• Transit time: 18-25 days from Los Angeles
• Port infrastructure varies significantly by location
• Customs processing can take 7-14 additional days
• Consider port storage fees in your timeline

To Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby, Lae):

• Transit time: 14-18 days from Los Angeles
• Limited shipping frequency (weekly services)
• Excellent mining equipment handling experience
• Air cargo available for urgent spare parts

Telex Release and Documentation

For smooth customs clearance, ensure these documents are ready:

• Commercial Invoice: Detailed equipment description and values
• Packing List: Complete parts inventory for each container
• Bill of Lading: Original or telex release (faster)
• Certificate of Origin: Required for duty calculations
• Technical Specifications: May be required by some countries

Telex Release Advantage: Instead of waiting for original documents to arrive by courier, telex release allows immediate customs processing with electronic documents. This saves 3-5 days and reduces demurrage charges.

Customs Brokers: Your Essential Partner

A good customs broker makes the difference between smooth delivery and weeks of delays. Choose brokers who:

• Have specific experience with mining equipment
• Understand HS codes for wash plants (usually 8474.10 or 8474.90)
• Can handle temporary import permits if you're testing equipment
• Offer port storage if customs clearance takes time
• Provide accurate duty and fee calculations upfront

Timeline Planning: What to Expect

Here's the realistic timeline for international wash plant delivery:

1. Manufacturing: 4-8 weeks depending on model and options
2. Pre-shipment preparation: 1 week for documentation and container loading
3. Ocean transit: 2-4 weeks depending on destination
4. Customs clearance: 3-10 days (varies greatly by country)
5. Inland transport: 1-5 days depending on distance from port

Total timeline: Plan for 8-15 weeks from order to delivery at your site.

Cost Factors and Hidden Expenses

Beyond the equipment cost, budget for these shipping-related expenses:

• Ocean freight: $3,000-$15,000 depending on destination and size
• Import duties: 0-25% of equipment value (varies by country)
• Port handling: $500-$2,000 per container
• Customs broker fees: $800-$1,500 for complete clearance
• Inland transport: $1,000-$5,000+ depending on distance
• Storage fees: $50-$150 per day if clearance is delayed

Regional Considerations

Africa: Plan extra time for customs. Port infrastructure varies widely. Consider regional hubs like Durban for southern Africa distribution.

South America: Peru and Chile have excellent mining equipment import processes. Venezuela and Bolivia have more complex procedures.

Pacific Islands: Limited shipping schedules require precise timing. Consider air freight for critical spare parts.

Europe: Excellent logistics but high costs. Consider used equipment options for cost savings.

Our Shipping Support

We don't just manufacture equipment — we're your partner throughout the entire shipping process. Our international shipping team:

• Provides detailed shipping cost estimates before you order
• Handles all export documentation and compliance
• Coordinates with your customs broker
• Tracks shipments and provides regular updates
• Provides technical support for customs questions

Ready to ship internationally? Call Chase at (888) 868-2650 for a complete shipping quote to your location. We'll walk you through every step and connect you with reliable logistics partners in your region.