Sunset International can safely move your international oversized freight to your destination. Ask us about oversized or heavy cargo options.
Generally, there are limits to every kind of transportation shipment. Those limits, however, vary when it comes to the size or weight ratio, and can differ drastically from one type of shipment to another. In most cases, this cargo limit is set to anything that can fit inside a 40 foot shipping container. We at Sunset Moving have more freedom, since our shipments can be transported by air freight, sea freight, and even door-to-door shipping is available. Shipping oversized cargo is a matter of detail, proper planning, execution and the cost will depend on the actual size of the freight, machinery or heavy equipment being transported. If you happen to be transporting some machinery and equipment, it sometimes is the case that they are just too wide, too tall or too long to fit the standard specifications for a container service. Trying to figure out whether your cargo will fit requires knowing the standard shipping container dimensions as well as that of the cargo.
There are a few different options to choose from. The following methods are the most popular ways of shipping oversize freight.
As it implies, transporting with lift on lift off is used for vessels that don’t have storage in the hull. So the items, machines, or equipment are loaded onto the deck via crane.
Using the RoRo method for shipping oversize freight internationally is another option. This type of transport is cost effective and simple for large vehicles like trucks, motorhomes and RVs. They are rolled onto the shipping vessel below deck and out of the elements. Generally, operators adhere to a 15-foot height restriction for the loading ramp going into the hull of the ship.
This essentially uses a large container minus the walls and roof. It’s common when shipping boats overseas, trucks, RVs and heavy machinery. Often, these flat racks are the last items to be loaded onto a ship which means the cargo will generally be more exposed to the elements over the course of the sailing.
Cargo that exceeds standard container dimensions (taller, wider, longer, or heavier than a 40ft container can accommodate) is considered oversized. Common examples include industrial machinery, boats, RVs, large vehicles, prefab building sections, and heavy equipment. Sunset handles all of these by air, sea, or door-to-door.
LoLo (Lift-on/Lift-off) uses cranes to load cargo onto an open deck and is ideal for non-rolling equipment. RoRo lets wheeled cargo — trucks, motorhomes, RVs — drive directly onto the vessel and is the most cost-effective option. Flat rack shipping uses a container with no walls or roof, perfect for boats, oversized vehicles, and tall machinery.
Costs depend on dimensions, weight, route, and method (LoLo, RoRo, or flat rack). Pricing is quoted per shipment based on actual cargo size and destination port handling fees. Contact Sunset at 805-209-1426 for an accurate, no-obligation quote based on your specific cargo.
Transit time varies by destination and method. Typical ocean transit ranges from 2 weeks (US East Coast to Europe) to 8 weeks (US to Australia or Southeast Asia). Allow extra time for permits, port handling, and customs — oversized cargo often requires additional pre-loading inspections.
Yes. Oversized freight often requires special export permits, inland transport permits in the origin and destination country, and sometimes police escorts for road transport. Sunset’s logistics team coordinates documentation, permits, and routing on your behalf.
Contact Sunset International Moving at 805-209-1426 with your cargo dimensions, weight, origin, and destination. We’ll review feasibility, recommend the best shipping method (LoLo, RoRo, or flat rack), and provide a free, itemized quote tailored to your shipment.
Whether you choose to move by air or sea, we can help you budget and plan. We can even do all your packing for you. Schedule a call today!
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