Home?Import Representation? How to choose a shipping agent for imported equipment? Three golden rules will help you avoid traps
Maritime TransportationThe current situation of the agency industry and the particularity of equipment transportation
In 2025, the global trade volume of industrial equipment is expected to exceed $1.8 trillion, with the proportion of precision instruments increasing to 37%. Equipment transportation has the following characteristics:High cargo value, strict customs clearance, and difficult operationThree characteristics:
The value of a single piece of equipment generally exceeds $500,000
32% of countries implement the access certification system for mechanical and electrical products
The utilization rate of special containers has increased by 18% year-on-year
Five core elements for choosing a shipping agent for equipment
Based on the latest trade data in 2025, high - quality agency companies should have the following capability matrix:
Qualification verification system
FIATA international freight forwarder qualification
China Customs AEO advanced certification
Professional equipment operation experience
Thermostatic transportation plan for precision instruments
Ability to disassemble/assemble over - sized equipment
According to the latest technical trade measures notification of the WTO:
Newly added China Customs AEO certification standardsEquipment traceability managementModule
The customs clearance time for RCEP member states has been shortened to 48 hours
The scope of EU CE certification is extended to used machinery
Analysis of typical equipment transportation cases
Case Background:A certain automobile manufacturer imported a stamping production line worth 12 million euros from Germany
Transportation difficulties: 12 - meter extra - long frame + precision control system
Solution:
Custom - made 40 - foot open - top container
Direct voyage to Port of Hamburg + domestic bonded distribution
Pre - declaration shortens the port detention time
Implementation effect: The overall transportation cycle has been compressed by 22 days
Risk prevention and control and cost control strategies
Common Risk Matrix and Countermeasures for Equipment Transportation:
Cargo Damage RiskRequire the agent to purchase All Risk insurance
Risk of port demurrageEstablish a customs clearance reserve fund system
Exchange Rate RiskAdopt the euro settlement locking mechanism
2025 Industry Trends and Response Suggestions
Based on the latest shipping report of UNCTAD, there are two major changes in the field of equipment transportation:
The shipping capacity of special ships has increased by 14%, but the booking of shipping space needs to be made 60 days in advance
The transition period for the electronicization of customs documents ends on June, 2025
Recommended for enterprises to establishDual - agent Backup Mechanism8., Select a comprehensive service provider with both equipment transportation qualifications and customs declaration AEO certification to ensure the stability of the supply chain.