Importing and transporting ship-to-shore container cranes (STS Crane) is a complex and important task, especially for businesses and port managers who require efficient handling equipment in ports and logistics centers. As one of the world’s major manufacturing bases, China provides a large number of high-quality and competitively priced quayside container cranes.

This article will introduce in detail what a quayside container crane is, why it is imported from China, how to import, transport and clear customs.

What Is A Ship-To-Shore Container Crane?

Ship-to-shore container crane (also known as port crane or quayside container crane) is the main equipment used in ports to load and unload containers. It is a heavy-duty mechanical equipment used in port terminals and is specially used to load and unload containers on ships. They are efficient, safe and reliable and can greatly improve the port’s cargo handling capacity.

Ship-to-shore container cranes have the following characteristics:

High load capacity: capable of handling large tonnage containers.

Efficient Operation: Designed to load and unload cargo quickly and efficiently.

Precision control system: Adopt advanced automation and control technology to ensure safe and precise operation.

Why Import Ship-To-Shore Cranes From China?

As the center of global manufacturing, China has strong manufacturing capabilities and technological strength. China’s ship-to-shore container cranes are highly competitive in terms of quality, performance, price, etc. In addition, China also has a complete supply chain and logistics system to ensure timely and accurate delivery of products.

Importing China-made quay container cranes has the following advantages:

Cost-Effectiveness: Chinese manufacturers offer competitive prices, often cheaper than European and American manufacturers.

High quality standards: Many Chinese manufacturers meet international quality standards and have passed ISO, CE, etc. certifications.

Advanced technology: China has made significant progress in heavy machinery and automation technology, and equipment performance is reliable.

Customized services: Chinese manufacturers can carry out customized design and production according to customer needs.

How To Import Quayside Container Cranes From China?

Importing quayside container cranes requires detailed planning and operating steps. Here are the main steps:

Determine needs and budget
Clarify the technical specifications: including lifting capacity, span, lifting height, operating speed, etc.
Budget evaluation: Determine an acceptable budget range based on equipment specifications and market conditions.

Find the right supplier
Online platforms: Use Alibaba, Global Sources and other platforms to search.
Exhibitions and trade events: Participate in the Canton Fair, Shanghai International Port Machinery Exhibition, etc. to obtain supplier information.
Industry recommendations: Obtain recommendations through industry associations and professional forums.

Supplier evaluation and screening
Qualification certification: Check the supplier’s ISO, CE and other certifications.
Previous cases: Understand the supplier’s past projects and customer feedback.
On-site inspections: Conduct on-site inspections whenever possible to understand factory production capabilities and quality management.

Business negotiation and contract signing
Price negotiation: Determine the final price and discuss payment methods (such as letter of credit, installment payment).
Contract terms: detail technical specifications, delivery time, quality assurance, after-sales service, etc.
Sample confirmation: If necessary, ask the supplier to provide a sample or model for confirmation.

Shipping Ship-To-Shore Crane From China To Your Country

Transporting large equipment such as quayside container cranes involves multiple logistics arrangements and coordination.

Choose the right shipping method

Due to the large size of quayside container cranes, the following transportation methods are usually used:
Ocean freight: In most cases, Ro-Ro (Roll-Roll-Off) or segmented transportation is chosen.
Multimodal transportation: Combining sea and land transportation to ensure the transportation of equipment from the port to the final destination.

Choose the right logistics partner

Choose an experienced shipping company: companies such as Maersk and COSCO that have experience in handling large equipment transportation. However, few customers can directly contact shipping companies. You can contact Winsail Logistics and Winsail will help you arrange shipping. The company transports your goods.
China Freight Forwarding: Choose a professional freight forwarding company to assist with transportation arrangements and customs clearance procedures.

For shipping from China to your country, it is best to find a China freight forwarding company to serve you, Below is the shipping information about shipping from China to different countries.

Price Of Shipping Ship-To-Shore From China

Estimating Ship-to-shore shipping costs requires considering a variety of factors. Size, weight, destination, shipping method, and additional services like insurance or expedited shipping all affect the final cost. It is crucial to get accurate shipping quotes from different carriers or shipping companies to compare prices and services.

As a rough estimate, shipping a 40-foot container from China to the U.S. West Coast costs between $2,500 and $4,000. For the U.S. East Coast, costs may increase by $3,000 to $4,500 due to longer shipping distances.

Please keep in mind that international shipping may incur additional charges such as duties and taxes. While cost is an important consideration, prioritize the safe and timely arrival of your valuables and choose shipping options that balance affordability and reliability.

What Documents Are Required For Customs Clearance Of Quayside Container Cranes?

Taking the United States as an example again, the following documents need to be prepared for customs clearance of shore container cranes in the United States:

Commercial Invoice: Details the goods information, value and trade terms.

Packing List: Lists the contents and quantity of each packaging box.

Bill of Lading: The transportation contract and receipt issued by the carrier.

Certificate of Origin: Proves that the goods are produced in China and can be used for tariff concessions when necessary.

Import License: Required in some cases, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will provide specific requirements.

Insurance Certificate: Proof of freight insurance.

Inspection Certificate: Such as the quality and conformity certificate provided by a third-party inspection agency.

Technical specifications and product manuals: Detailed equipment technical specifications and operating manuals for review by customs and relevant departments.

Importing and transporting quayside container cranes from China is a complex but orderly process. By clarifying needs, selecting appropriate suppliers, conducting detailed business negotiations, reasonably arranging transportation, and preparing sufficient customs clearance documents, foreign customers can successfully complete the import task. We hope this guide can provide valuable reference and guidance for your import business.