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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about exporting machinery from the USA and Canada — timelines, pricing, documentation, and more.
Before You Ship
Questions Every Buyer Asks
We specialize in agricultural and heavy-duty machinery: combines, tractors, excavators, bulldozers, planters, sprayers, mining equipment, and more. We handle all major brands — John Deere, Case IH, CAT, Kinze, Kubota — and know the disassembly specs for each.
We pick up equipment anywhere in the USA and Canada. Our main facility is in Albion, Iowa, with partner packing yards and port warehouses across the US and Canada. We ship to any port worldwide — Latin America, Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and beyond.
Pickup, dismantling, packing and export documents come first, and how long they take depends on the machine and where the seller is. Transit then depends on the destination and on where the cargo is loaded: each destination page lists the figures from our current carrier rates, from US ports or the Chicago rail ramp. For urgent parts we can also arrange air freight. Every quote includes a detailed timeline so you know exactly when to expect delivery.
We work with 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft high-cube containers, plus flat racks and open tops for oversized equipment. Our team optimizes every cubic foot of space to keep your shipping costs as low as possible.
Yes — we handle all export paperwork: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and phytosanitary certificates. We coordinate directly with customs brokers to prevent delays at port.
Pricing depends on equipment type, dismantling complexity, pickup distance, and destination. Every quote is transparent and itemized — no hidden fees. Check our pricing page for reference rates, or use our freight calculator for an instant estimate.
Yes — our transportation and storage services are fully insured. Coverage details are outlined in our service agreement. We insure 100% of the shipments we move.
Every component is tagged, photographed, and cataloged. Hardware gets bagged and labeled with matching assembly points. You receive a complete documentation package so your team can reassemble everything on the other end.
Yes — our sourcing team helps international buyers find specific machinery from dealers, auctions, and private sellers across the USA and Canada. Every piece is inspected and documented with photos before we ship it.
Yes — we offer secure storage at our Iowa facility and partner warehouses across the USA and Canada. Short-term staging before loading or long-term storage while awaiting shipping schedules — your equipment stays protected.
We accept wire transfers and ACH payments. For larger projects, we can arrange milestone-based payment schedules. Every service comes with a detailed, itemized invoice.
No minimum order. We handle everything from a single piece of equipment to full fleet operations. Every project gets the same level of professional service regardless of size.
All transportation and storage is fully insured. We photograph and document every component before packing, establishing a clear condition baseline. If damage occurs during transit, we file claims with the carrier and insurance provider on your behalf.
Yes — we handle first-time exports regularly. Our team manages everything: figuring out the best way to disassemble your equipment, preparing all documentation, and clearing US export customs. No prior export experience needed on your end.
Anywhere with a seaport or airport. Our destination guides list the port, carriers and route details country by country. We work with Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM for reliable transit. See our destination guides
Parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, and DHL have strict weight and dimension limits — typically under 150 lbs per package. Heavy machinery weighing thousands of pounds requires specialized freight logistics: flatbed trucking for inland transport, professional dismantling and container packing, and ocean freight on cargo vessels. That is exactly what we do — full-service export logistics for equipment that parcel carriers cannot handle.
Import duties and taxes are set by the destination country and paid by the buyer at import. The rate depends on the machine's tariff classification, its origin and any trade agreement that applies, so your customs broker at destination confirms the tariff heading and the exact duty for each shipment; we don't quote duty rates on assumptions. Our quote covers the US side: pickup, packing, export documents and freight to your port. For some destinations the freight calculator also shows an indicative import-cost line, kept separate from the freight price.
Yes. We source and ship OEM John Deere parts, aftermarket replacement components, and used parts worldwide. Part-number lookup, with dated prices where M-Farm publishes them, is on M-Farm (mfarmusa.com), Meridian's John Deere parts division. We consolidate multiple items into single shipments to cut the freight cost per item. Parts can ship by air freight or, for larger orders, by ocean. No minimum order — contact parts@meridianexport.com for a quote.
Yes. We offer air freight for time-sensitive shipments, and your quote states the air transit time for your route. Air freight is ideal for urgently needed components, seasonal farming deadlines, or smaller items where speed matters more than cost. Most complete machines ship by ocean, but we arrange air transport when the timeline demands it. Our air desk holds current IATA dangerous goods acceptance training (DGR 7.3), so we can check shipments with batteries, engines or other regulated items before they reach the airline. See our credentials
Most commercial and agricultural machinery does not require a specific export license from the USA. However, certain equipment with dual-use technology or controlled components may need a Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) license. We check your equipment against the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and handle all required filings as part of our documentation service.
Still Have Questions?
Send us your equipment details and destination — we'll answer everything and send you a quote.