The Gulf builds relentlessly, and American equipment builds with it: used construction machinery (excavators, loaders, cranes), oilfield equipment, generators, and industrial machinery flow from US auctions and dealers to UAE contractors and the re-export trade serving the wider region. Used US equipment holds legendary status in these markets — and moving it is classic project freight.
AGF exports heavy equipment from all US regions: auction pickups, port drayage of oversized loads, mode selection across container, RORO, and flat rack, and export documentation that clears without drama.
How Machinery & Heavy Equipment Ships from USA to UAE
Mode follows the machine: track equipment and oversized units move RORO (driven or towed aboard) or on flat racks; containerizable machines crate into standard boxes; attachments and parts consolidate around the primary unit. Jebel Ali's equipment-handling capability is world-class — the US side is usually the harder half.
Heavy-haul trucking to port with permits, dimensional surveys before booking, and washdown (clean equipment travels and clears better) are the operational keys. Transit to Jebel Ali runs roughly 4–6 weeks by routing.
- RORO for self-propelled equipment — often the best value
- Flat rack/breakbulk for oversized non-runners
- Dimensional survey and weight certification before booking
- Attachments and spares consolidated with the machine
What Drives the Cost
- Mode (RORO vs flat rack vs container) by machine dimensions
- US inland heavy-haul distance and permits
- Running vs non-running condition
- UAE import duty (typically 5%) and destination handling
- Insurance at equipment value
HS Codes and Duty Notes
Classification guidance only — duty rates change and depend on your exact product. Our licensed customs brokers verify every code before you commit to an order.
| HS Code | Products | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8429 / 8431 | Self-propelled construction equipment / parts | US export filings via EEI; used self-propelled equipment documentation includes serials matched across title/invoice/filing. |
| 8502 / 8413 | Generator sets / pumps and oilfield equipment | Energy-sector equipment moves constantly on this lane; some categories touch export-control review — screened as standard. |
Regulations and Compliance
EEI filings and used-equipment documentation
Electronic Export Information filings are required, with used self-propelled equipment needing clean serial/ownership documentation. We assemble the package per unit — this is daily routine on this lane.
Export control screening
Most construction machinery is EAR99, but certain oilfield, drilling, and dual-use equipment requires license review. We screen every unit and consignee before booking.
UAE-side entry
Roughly 5% duty on CIF for most equipment, with efficient clearance at Jebel Ali; re-export flows to the wider region clear under their own regimes — declare the true final destination from the start.
Door-to-Door Shipping Service
From US auction yard or dealer lot to Jebel Ali (and onward to site): pickup with heavy-haul where needed, port processing, correct export filings, ocean transport by the right mode, and coordination with your UAE clearing agent through our WCA partners.
Dealers exporting at volume get standing programs — dimensional templates per machine model, batch documentation, and predictable per-unit pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ship an excavator from the USA to Dubai?
Can non-running equipment be exported?
What paperwork does used equipment need to leave the USA?
Machinery & Heavy Equipment is just one example. AGF ships whatever your business moves — on this lane and beyond. If your commodity isn't covered by one of our guides, tell us what you ship and we'll build the logistics around it.