Shipping and Delivery

How We Ship Foundry Equipment

We ship complete production lines as modular systems designed for container transport. A typical clay sand processing line breaks down into 2–3 forty-foot high-cube containers. Lost foam casting systems and resin sand lines follow the same principle — structural frames, hydraulic units, and control cabinets ship separately, then bolt together at your facility.

Our engineering team designs equipment frames to maximize container space. A 12-meter molding line fits lengthwise in a 40HQ with hydraulic power units stacked alongside. Control cabinets and electrical components ship in wooden crates within the same container. This isn't just about fitting equipment in — it's about your landed cost. Wasted container space means paying freight on air.

40HQ Container Specs

Internal Length 12.03 m

Internal Width 2.35 m

Internal Height 2.69 m

A typical clay sand line ships in 2–3 containers with frames engineered to maximize every cubic meter.

Modular Design

Structural frames, hydraulic units, and control cabinets ship as separate modules — bolted together on-site at your facility.

Optimized Packing

Frames engineered to fit 40HQ containers — a 12-meter molding line fits lengthwise with power units stacked alongside.

Lower Landed Cost

Maximized container space means you pay freight on equipment, not air. Every cubic meter is accounted for.

Packaging Standards

Heavy Fabrication Components

Welding Frames · Mixer Bodies · Crusher Housings

Ship on steel pallets with corner bracing and stretch wrap. Structural components are secured to prevent shifting during the multi-week ocean transit.

CNC-Machined Precision Parts

Mold Plates · Guide Rails · Hydraulic Cylinder Bodies

Individual wooden crates with foam padding. We hold ±0.02mm tolerances on these components — a dented guide rail means the entire molding press needs realignment at your site.

Hydraulic Systems

All Ports Capped · Nitrogen-Purged

Every port is capped and nitrogen-purged to prevent contamination during ocean transport. All hydraulic components are sealed at our facility before crating to ensure zero moisture ingress.

Electrical Control Panels

PLC Modules · HMI Touchscreens · Sensor Networks

Plywood cases with desiccant packs and shock indicators. PLC modules, HMI touchscreens, and sensor networks can't handle the vibration and humidity of a 30-day ocean voyage without proper protection.

Lesson Learned: Hydraulic Moisture Contamination

In 2013, a batch of hydraulic cylinders arrived with moisture in the lines. The customer's commissioning team spent three days flushing and re-testing before the line could run. Since then, every hydraulic component is sealed and nitrogen-purged at our facility before crating — eliminating moisture-related delays at your site.

What Ships Inside Every Control Cabinet Case

Wiring Diagrams

Equipment-specific electrical schematics

I/O Lists

Input/output mapping for your configuration

Commissioning Checklist

Step-by-step startup procedure

Production Timeline

Lead Times & Production Scheduling

Standard Production

Standard production lines ship in 30–45 days from deposit. That timeline covers the full production cycle from procurement through export documentation.

30–45 Days

Custom Configurations

Custom configurations add 10–15 days — if you need a vertical flaskless molding line modified for 6-meter ceiling height instead of our standard 8-meter design, our engineers need time to recalculate frame dimensions, adjust conveyor angles, and reprogram the PLC parameters.

+10–15 Days

Pre-Ship Commissioning

We run the modified system through full commissioning at our facility before crating, so you're not troubleshooting design changes during installation.

What the Standard Timeline Covers

Material Procurement

Steel plate, hydraulic components, electrical parts

Fabrication

CNC machining, robotic welding, hydraulic assembly

Three-Stage QC

Incoming inspection, in-process checks, pre-shipment commissioning

Export Documentation

All paperwork prepared and verified before shipment

No Queue Delays — 8 Parallel Production Lines

Our 8 production lines run simultaneously, so your order doesn't queue behind others. We maintain buffer inventory on long-lead components (Siemens PLCs, hydraulic pumps, servo motors) to prevent supply chain delays from pushing your delivery date.

If a critical component has a 12-week lead time and we don't stock it, we'll tell you upfront — no surprises three weeks before your scheduled shipment.

Freight & Logistics

Shipping Terms & Freight Options

FOB

FOB Qingdao

Free On Board

We deliver equipment to Qingdao port, handle export customs clearance, and load containers onto the vessel — you arrange ocean freight and destination handling.

Popular with buyers in the Middle East and Southeast Asia who use their own freight forwarders with better rates on specific trade lanes.

CIF to Your Port

Cost, Insurance, Freight

We book the ocean freight, arrange marine insurance, and deliver to your destination port — you handle import customs and inland transport from the port.

Preferred by most buyers in North America and Europe because it simplifies logistics coordination.

We work with both terms — send us your preferred terms and destination port, and we'll quote accordingly.

Ocean Transit Times by Destination

Vessel transit times only — add 5–7 days for port handling and customs clearance at destination.

US West Coast

25–30 days

Los Angeles, Long Beach

US East Coast

35–40 days

New York, Savannah

Europe

30–35 days

Rotterdam, Hamburg, Felixstowe

Middle East

15–20 days

Jebel Ali, Dammam

Southeast Asia

10–15 days

Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City

Other Destinations

Send us your destination port and preferred terms for a custom quote.

Complete Documentation Package

Export Documentation

Every shipment includes a full documentation package prepared to international trade standards — no chasing paperwork after your equipment ships.

Commercial Invoice

Itemized commercial invoice with HS codes, values, and trade terms for customs clearance at destination port.

Packing List

Detailed packing list with crate dimensions, weights, and contents mapping for each shipping unit.

Bill of Lading

Original bill of lading issued by the shipping line — your title document for cargo receipt and delivery.

Certificate of Origin

Certified certificate of origin for preferential tariff treatment and import duty calculations.

Export Customs Declaration

Filed and cleared export customs declaration with Chinese customs — ensures legal export compliance.

EU Market Exports — CE Technical Files

Equipment exported to EU markets includes full CE technical files: risk assessments, EMC test reports, and machinery directive compliance documentation — ready for your notified body review.

Third-Party Inspection (SGS)

Buyers requiring third-party inspection get SGS pre-shipment inspection reports with dimensional checks, pressure test results, and commissioning data. Request this when placing your order.

Equipment-Specific Operation Manuals

Each manual is specific to your equipment configuration, not a generic template. Specify your language preference when ordering.

English

Spanish

Arabic

Russian

Every Manual Includes:

Hydraulic schematics

Electrical wiring diagrams

PLC program documentation

Maintenance schedules

Troubleshooting guides

Remote Engineering Support

Installation Support & Remote Commissioning

Your local contractors handle mechanical assembly and electrical hookup following our installation drawings. Our engineering team provides remote commissioning support via video call — proven across 14 countries.

How Remote Commissioning Works

Your installation team connects hydraulic lines, wires control panels, and runs initial test cycles while our engineer watches and guides them through the process via video call.

Prerequisite

Remote commissioning works if your team can read hydraulic schematics and use a multimeter. No specialized foundry experience required.

Successfully commissioned equipment in 14 countries using this method.

Typical Commissioning Schedule

The typical commissioning call runs 4–6 hours over two days. We schedule calls during your local business hours — we adjust our schedule to match your time zone.

Day One

Mechanical assembly verification and hydraulic system pressure testing.

Day Two

Electrical connections and PLC parameter setup.

First-Year Spare Parts Kit — Included With Every Order

Every order ships with a first-year spare parts kit so your production line never sits idle waiting for a $15 sensor to arrive from China.

Hydraulic Seals

Proximity Sensors

Solenoid Valves

PLC I/O Modules

Other Consumables

Real-Time Shipment Visibility

Delivery Tracking & Communication

Once your equipment ships, we provide the bill of lading number, vessel name, and estimated arrival date. You can track the vessel's position through standard maritime tracking services (MarineTraffic, VesselFinder).

Container Loading

Notification sent when containers load at Qingdao port with full documentation and container numbers.

Vessel Departure

Confirmation when the vessel departs with updated ETA and vessel tracking details for your reference.

Destination Arrival

Alert when your shipment arrives at your destination port, so you can coordinate unloading and inland transport.

Delay Handling & Resolution

If your shipment encounters delays — port congestion, customs holds, vessel schedule changes — we notify you immediately and work with the freight forwarder to resolve the issue.

Most Common Delay Causes at Destination Customs

Missing Documentation

Incomplete or incorrect paperwork required by destination country authorities.

Incorrect HS Codes

Harmonized System classification errors that trigger customs review or re-classification.

Inspection Requirements

Unexpected inspection mandates that we weren't informed about prior to shipment.

We keep digital copies of all export documents and can provide additional paperwork within 24 hours if customs requests it.

Landed Cost Planning

Freight Cost Factors

Container freight rates fluctuate based on trade lane demand, fuel costs, and seasonal capacity. We quote current rates when providing CIF pricing, but if your order timeline extends beyond 60 days, we may need to adjust the freight component based on market rates at time of shipment.

Container Freight Rates

Rates are driven by trade lane demand, fuel costs, and seasonal capacity constraints. Pricing is dynamic and quoted at the time of your order.

Example Route Qingdao → Los Angeles

Container Type 40HQ

Typical Rate Range $3,000 – $5,000

Rate depends on market conditions at time of shipment. Orders with timelines exceeding 60 days may require freight rate adjustment.

Weight-Dependent Costs

Equipment weight affects your total landed cost beyond just freight — port handling fees, inland transport, and crane rental for unloading all scale with tonnage.

Complete Clay Sand Line 15 – 20 tons

Typical Container Count 2 – 3 containers

We provide exact weights and dimensions for each container so you can get accurate quotes from your destination logistics providers.

Cost Components That Scale With Equipment Weight

Port Handling Loading & discharge fees

Inland Transport Port to facility delivery

Crane Rental Unloading heavy equipment

Container Freight Base shipping rate per unit

Risk Protection

Insurance Coverage

CIF shipments include marine insurance covering loss or damage during ocean transport. The policy covers equipment value plus freight cost, with standard exclusions for war, strikes, and acts of God.

FOB Buyers: Arrange Your Own Coverage

If you're buying FOB and arranging your own freight, make sure your freight forwarder includes marine insurance — a 40HQ container of foundry equipment represents $80,000–$150,000 in value, and ocean transport carries real risk.

Claim #1

Port Handling Damage

Container damaged when a forklift punctured the side during port handling.

Insurance covered replacement of damaged components

Claim #2

Port Strike Delay

Shipment delayed 45 days due to port strike.

Insurance covered storage fees

Business interruption not covered

Marine Insurance Cost: 0.3–0.5% of Cargo Value

Marine insurance is cheap relative to the risk. Two claims in 15 years of shipping — but when you need it, the coverage pays for itself many times over.

Destination Country Requirements

Import Duties & Customs Clearance

Import duties vary by destination country and equipment classification. Foundry equipment typically falls under specific HS codes, with duty rates ranging from 0–10% depending on your country's tariff schedule and any applicable trade agreements.

HS Code 8454

Metal casting machinery — covers primary foundry production equipment.

Duty rate: 0–10%

HS Code 8474

Sand processing equipment — covers sand preparation and reclamation lines.

Duty rate: 0–10%

We Provide

HS code classification and technical specifications customs will need for clearance.

Documentation included

Your Responsibility at Destination

You're responsible for import duties, VAT, and customs clearance fees at destination. Work with a customs broker in your country who understands industrial equipment imports — they'll handle the paperwork and ensure your containers clear customs without delays.

Import duties

VAT / sales tax

Customs clearance fees

Import Licenses & Pre-Shipment Inspections

Some countries require import licenses or pre-shipment inspections for industrial machinery. If your country has these requirements, inform us when placing your order so we can coordinate the necessary documentation and inspections before shipment.

Damage Claims & Resolution

Inspect Containers Immediately on Arrival

If you see external damage — dented containers, broken seals, water intrusion — photograph the damage and document it before opening the container. Contact us immediately with photos and a damage description. We'll file the insurance claim and arrange replacement parts.

CIF Shipments

We handle the insurance claim process on your behalf. Document the damage, share photos with our team, and we manage the resolution from filing through settlement.

FOB Shipments

You'll need to file the claim with your marine insurance provider. We'll support you with documentation, packing records, and damage assessment to strengthen your case.

Documentation Checklist for Any Claim

Photos of container exterior showing damage points

Photos of damaged equipment inside the container

Packing list showing which items were affected

Estimate of repair or replacement cost

Where Most Damage Occurs

Most damage happens during port handling, not ocean transport. Forklifts puncture container walls, cranes drop containers, and dock workers sometimes open containers to inspect contents without proper resealing. This is why we use steel pallets and heavy-duty crating — it's not perfect protection, but it reduces the damage rate significantly.

Emergency Air Freight for Critical Components

If equipment arrives damaged and you need the production line running immediately, we can air freight replacement components. A hydraulic cylinder or control panel can reach most international destinations in 5–7 days via air courier.

Air freight costs 8–10× ocean freight per kilogram, but it's faster than waiting for an insurance claim to process and a replacement to ship by sea.

Questions Before Ordering

Before we finalize your order, confirm these details so we can prepare accurate documentation and build equipment to your exact specifications.

Destination Port

City and port name for accurate freight routing and documentation.

Shipping Terms

Preferred Incoterms — FOB or CIF — to determine insurance and freight responsibilities.

Import Restrictions

Any import restrictions or licensing requirements specific to your country.

Voltage & Frequency

We build to your local electrical standard — 380V/50Hz, 440V/60Hz, or other configurations.

Pre-Shipment Inspection

Whether you need a third-party inspection before equipment leaves the factory.

Consolidated Shipments for Multi-Line Orders

If you're ordering multiple production lines or a complete foundry setup, we can consolidate shipments to reduce your per-unit freight cost. Three clay sand processing lines shipping together use 6–8 containers, and consolidated booking often gets better rates than three separate shipments.

Ready to Get a Shipping Quote?

For questions about shipping timelines, freight quotes, or export documentation, contact our export team. Include your destination port and equipment specifications — we'll provide a detailed shipping quote within 24 hours.

sales@tzfoundry.com +86 13335029477