Oversized and heavy imports from China
Agree packed dimensions, gross weights and lifting drawings while the factory can still change the design. Have the forwarder, haulier and unloading contractor assess the complete route and accept their scope in writing before manufacture is completed. Ask Cambridge China Bridge to coordinate the factory information.
Agree a transport drawing before completion
Ask the factory for a drawing of each packed item showing overall length, width and height, gross weight, centre of gravity, support positions and protruding parts. Include the crate, skid and protective packing. Mark estimates clearly and agree how final measurements and weights will be verified. See our guide to net, gross and tare weight.
Decide whether removable parts can travel separately without compromising the product. Record who dismantles, labels, protects and reassembles them. Set a written approval point before the factory finishes features that determine transport size, lifting access or packing. Any subsequent change should trigger another transport review.
Make lifting points usable in the packed condition
Request lifting and handling drawings for both the bare product and its packed condition. Show lifting points, their intended loading direction and capacity, sling clearances, permitted fork entry and areas that must not bear loads. Ask the handling contractor to assess the drawings. Do not assume a crate lifting point can support the product or that a securing eye is a lifting eye.
Check that packing leaves the agreed lifting points accessible and protects vulnerable surfaces from slings. Ask the factory to distinguish lifting points from transport securing points and mark the centre of gravity. Obtain photographs of the completed arrangement before release, together with confirmation of any differences from the approved drawing.
Check the complete route, including the last approach
Send the same drawing revision to the forwarder, proposed carrier, UK haulier and receiving contractor. Ask each to confirm suitability for its part of the journey: factory collection, export terminal, sea transport, arrival terminal, road delivery and site positioning. Request an assessment of container access, concentrated loads, securing arrangements and any proposed alternative equipment. Use freight quote comparisons for the wider quote checklist.
Have the haulier assess the loaded vehicle and proposed route, including bridge constraints, overhead clearance, bends and site entrances. Ask it to identify applicable notification or approval arrangements and who will manage them. Give the receiving contractor photographs and an access survey covering gates, doors, turning space, floor loading and the path to the final position. See the premises delivery checklist.
Agree the handling plan and responsibilities
For UK workplace lifting, HSE states that operations involving lifting equipment must be properly planned by a competent person, appropriately supervised and carried out safely. Have the receiving contractor plan unloading and positioning against the agreed load information, including equipment selection, crane reach or forklift load centre, ground conditions, exclusion areas and supervision.
Record who supplies lifting accessories, removes packing, provides temporary supports and moves the goods indoors. Agree what happens if access is blocked, the load differs from the drawing or the planned equipment is unavailable. Separate physical delivery and positioning from operational acceptance; use our installation and commissioning guide for machinery testing and training.
Get written acceptance before manufacture is completed
Collect written acceptance of the proposed transport and handling arrangement from the forwarder, haulier and receiving contractor while factory changes remain possible. Each acceptance should identify the drawing revision, packed dimensions and weights, equipment, route assumptions, scope and outstanding conditions. A freight price or a factory statement that the goods are shippable does not establish acceptance by the other parties.
Write into the order who pays for repacking, redesign, specialist handling, waiting and storage, and who approves changes. Keep unresolved conditions visible rather than treating a conditional quote as a confirmed booking. Before shipment, reconcile the measured packed goods with the accepted drawings and obtain renewed acceptance for deviations. Cambridge China Bridge can coordinate factory drawings and packing evidence through its staff in China.
Frequently asked questions
What dimensions should I give a freight forwarder?
Give the overall packed dimensions and gross weight of each item, including its crate, skid and protrusions. Include centre of gravity, support positions and lifting drawings, and identify estimates.
Can a heavy machine go in a standard container?
Ask the carrier to assess packed size, door access, weight distribution, securing and loading method. Fitting inside the container does not establish that it can be loaded or carried as proposed.
Who should arrange unloading at my premises?
Name the responsible contractor in writing before completion. Give it the load drawings and site survey, and agree equipment, supervision, packing removal and movement to the final position.
What if the factory changes the packing size?
Pause shipment approval and send revised dimensions, weights and drawings to the transport and handling parties. Obtain renewed written acceptance before releasing the changed load.