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Sending a machine – machine transport from the CNC mill to the production line

You send a machine with precisely matched equipment, because machine tools are heavy, often top-heavy and sensitive to shock and moisture: the core factors are dimensions, weight, centre of gravity and lifting points – these determine the vehicle, loading method and securing.

Private jet hangar – machine transport

A machine transport is no standard job: machine tools, CNC machining centres, printing and packaging plant are heavy, often top-heavy, sensitive to shocks and moisture – and usually tied to a production date. Speed Logistics organises machine transports as direct transport with precisely matched equipment: from the Sprinter for a small machine through flatbed and low-loader vehicles to the articulated lorry for plant components up to 24 t.

You supply the dimensions, weight, centre of gravity and lifting points – we plan the vehicle, loading and route and quote a fixed price within a few hours. If needed, we inspect the loading and unloading site in advance.

Typical machine transports

  • Machine tools and CNC centres in the sale of used machinery
  • Production relocations: several machines moved on a timed schedule between plants
  • New machines from the manufacturer to the end customer, on time for commissioning
  • Machines sent for overhaul to the manufacturer's works and back
  • Export machines to Türkiye, North Africa, the Middle East or Central Asia – including customs clearance

Loading: crane, forklift or ramp

Loading determines the vehicle type: for machine transport with crane loading we provide vehicles with an uncovered or open loading floor and side access, for forklift loading flatbeds or curtainside vehicles with sufficient load-capacity clearance, and for rollable machines vehicles with ramps. Lashing points, load distribution and centre of gravity are planned before the journey – securing is tight-fit with chains, lashing straps, chocks and anti-slip mats in accordance with the relevant load-securing standards.

Protecting sensitive machines

Guideways, spindles, measuring systems and electronics tolerate neither shocks nor condensation. That is why machines travel with us without transhipment, on request with film wrapping or a transport crate, VCI corrosion protection and a low-shock route choice. As a premium forwarder we also handle high-value individual items such as measuring machines or prototypes with documented handover and increased value insurance by agreement. The CMR consignment note and photos of loading and securing document the condition seamlessly.

Exporting machines to non-EU countries

For machine exports, Speed Logistics handles the complete customs clearance: export declaration, preference and origin documents, and import clearance in the destination country – from EXW to DDP. For temporary use, such as demonstration machines, we handle the transport with an ATA Carnet. The cost of a machine transport depends on weight, dimensions, loading method, distance and deadline; depending on lane and lead time you receive a binding fixed price door to door – without hidden extras.

Production relocation: several machines on schedule

In plant relocations the sequence matters: the machine that is to produce again first must arrive first – and the dismantling teams at the sending site must not wait for vehicles. We therefore plan relocations as a timed project: a loading list per vehicle, time windows coordinated with your fitters or machine mover, and if necessary interim buffering of individual units by agreement. One contact in dispatch coordinates all journeys, reports deviations immediately and adjusts the schedule if dismantling or installation shifts. This keeps the production standstill as short as planned – even when the relocation crosses a border and customs clearance is added. For complex loading, allow around a week's lead time if possible: then crane provision, permit questions and time windows can be organised without short-notice surcharges. After delivery you receive all documents – consignment note, photo documentation and customs papers – bundled for your project file.

Frequently asked questions: Machine Transport

What details does Speed Logistics need for a machine transport?

For a robust quote we need the dimensions (L × W × H), weight, centre of gravity and the machine's lifting or lashing points, the loading method at both sites (crane, forklift, ramp), and the deadline and lane. With this we plan the vehicle and securing and quote a fixed price within a few hours.

Is a machine transport with crane loading possible?

Yes. For crane loading we assign vehicles with a side- or top-accessible loading floor, such as uncovered flatbeds. The crane provision is usually organised by the shipper on site; we agree lashing points and load distribution in advance so loading runs without waiting time. We also factor in unloading by crane at the destination in the schedule.

Up to what weight does Speed Logistics transport machines?

With vehicles from the Sprinter to the 40 t articulated lorry we move machines and plant components up to around 24 t payload. Top-heavy or tall machines are accommodated through load-distribution planning and suitable trailers (e.g. low-bed) – the decisive factors are your dimension and weight details. For borderline cases we check in advance whether a permit for abnormal or heavy transport is required.

How are machines secured against transport damage?

Tight-fit loading, chain and strap lashing at defined points, chocks and anti-slip mats are standard. Sensitive machines receive film wrapping, VCI corrosion protection or a transport crate on request. Loading and securing are documented photographically. In addition, the driver checks the securing after the first few kilometres and again at breaks.

Does Speed Logistics also handle machine export with customs clearance?

Yes. For exports to non-EU countries such as Türkiye, North Africa or Central Asia we handle the export declaration, proofs of origin and import clearance in the destination country – from EXW to DDP. For demonstration machines and temporary use we use the ATA Carnet. We coordinate the documents with your export clerk before loading.

What does it cost to send a machine?

The price depends on weight, dimensions, loading method, distance and deadline – a compact CNC machine in a direct vehicle costs considerably less than a low-bed run. Depending on lane and lead time we quote you a binding fixed price door to door based on your details.

Common mistakes with machine transport – what should I watch out for?

Without details of the centre of gravity, lifting or lashing points and loading method (crane, forklift, ramp) at both sites, the transport cannot be planned cleanly, and over-height or over-width is not recognised in time as a permit-required abnormal or heavy transport. Guideways, spindles, measuring systems and electronics tolerate neither shocks nor condensation – Speed Logistics protects them with film/crate and VCI corrosion protection.

Why is a production relocation planned as a timed project?

In plant relocations the sequence matters: the machine that is to produce again first must arrive first – and the dismantling teams must not wait for vehicles. Speed Logistics plans a loading list per vehicle, coordinated time windows and, if needed, interim buffering; one contact coordinates all journeys. This keeps the production standstill as short as planned, even across a border with customs clearance.

Request machine transport

Contact our dispatch team – fixed-price quote within hours, available 24/7.