Importing Heavy Construction Machinery: A Step-by-Step Guide for Bangladeshi Contractors
Bangladesh is in the middle of a construction boom. From the sprawling highways connecting the districts to the skyscrapers reshaping Dhaka’s skyline, the demand for power—Mechanical Power—has never been higher.
As a contractor or developer, you know that buying machinery locally from retail showrooms often means paying a 30-40% markup. The smart money is on Importing Directly.
Whether you need a CAT Excavator from a US auction, a brand new SANY Concrete Pump from China, or a fleet of Dump Trucks from Alibaba, the path to profitability lies in global sourcing. But the path is also filled with obstacles: Complex Customs Codes, LC Regulations, RORO Shipping logistics, and Port Clearance nightmares.
This is where the game changes.
Welcome to the Ultimate Guide on Importing Heavy Construction Machinery. Brought to you by Total Import Solution, your bridge to the world’s heaviest equipment, delivered directly to your project site.
Phase 1: Why Import Directly? (The Profit Equation)
Before we dive into the “How,” let’s look at the “Why.” Why should you deal with international borders?
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Cost Savings: Importing a reconditioned excavator directly can save you Lakhs of Taka compared to buying from a local broker in Dhaka.
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Variety: The local market limits you to what’s in stock. The global market gives you access to specific models, engine types, and attachments that fit your exact project needs.
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Condition: When you buy from global auctions (like Ritchie Bros) or direct from Chinese factories (XCMG, SANY), you get transparent inspection reports. No hidden “local repairs.”
Phase 2: Sourcing Your Machine (Where to Look)
Total Import Solution helps you source from the world’s three biggest hubs.
1. China (The New Machinery Hub)
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Platforms: Alibaba, Made-in-China.
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Best For: Brand new equipment at unbeatable prices.
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Brands: SANY, XCMG, LiuGong, Zoomlion.
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Our Role: We verify the factory. Is it a real manufacturer or a trading company? We find out.
2. USA & Europe (The Used Market Goldmine)
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Platforms: IronPlanet, Ritchie Bros Auctions, eBay Motors.
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Best For: High-quality Used/Reconditioned famous brands.
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Brands: Caterpillar (CAT), Komatsu, JCB, Volvo.
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Our Role: We bid on your behalf and handle the complex US export compliance.
3. Japan (The Reconditioned Legend)
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Best For: Used Excavators and Generators.
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Brands: Hitachi, Kobelco, Yanmar.
Phase 3: The Step-by-Step Import Process
Here is how Total Import Solution transforms a complex international trade deal into a simple local purchase for you.
Step 1: Consultation & Cost Analysis
You send us the link or specification of the machine you want (e.g., “I need a 20-ton Excavator”).
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We calculate the Landed Cost: Machine Price + Shipping (RORO/Flat Rack) + Duty + Carrying.
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Result: You get a fixed price in BDT. No surprises.
Step 2: Payment in BDT (No LC Headache)
Traditionally, importing heavy machinery requires opening a commercial LC (Letter of Credit), which ties up your bank limit and takes weeks.
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The TIS Way: You pay us in BDT (Bank Transfer/Cash).
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We handle the international payment to the supplier in USD/RMB immediately.
Step 3: Inspection & Logistics
This is crucial. Heavy machines cannot just be put in a box.
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Disassembly: If the machine fits in a container, we disassemble the boom/bucket to save shipping costs.
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RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): For drivable machines (Trucks, Cranes), we book RORO vessels.
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Flat Rack: For oversized static machines, we secure specialized open-container slots.
Step 4: Customs Clearance (The Biggest Hurdle)
This is where 90% of importers fail. Heavy machinery attracts high duties, VAT, AIT, and requires complex H.S. Code classification.
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Our Strength: We have our own C&F Team at Chittagong and Mongla Port.
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We manage the assessment, pay the government treasury, and release the goods.
Step 5: Inland Transport
We don’t just dump the machine at the port. We arrange Low-Bed Trailers to carry your excavator or crane from Chittagong Port directly to your construction site, whether it’s in Dhaka, Sylhet, or a remote bridge project.
Machinery We Import Regularly
We have experience handling the following equipment:
Earthmoving Equipment
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Excavators: (Crawler & Wheeled) – CAT, Hitachi, Doosan.
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Backhoe Loaders: JCB, Case.
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Bulldozers: Shantui, CAT.
Road Construction
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Motor Graders: For leveling highways.
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Road Rollers / Compactors: Vibratory rollers.
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Asphalt Pavers: Vogele, Dynapac.
Material Handling
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Cranes: Mobile Truck Cranes, Rough Terrain Cranes.
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Forklifts: Diesel & Electric (3 Ton to 20 Ton).
Concrete Machinery
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Concrete Pumps: Boom pumps and line pumps.
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Mixer Trucks: Self-loading mixers.
Why Choose Total Import Solution?
We are not just a logistics company; we are your Heavy Equipment Partner.
1. Door-to-Door Service
We take full responsibility from the seller’s yard to your project site. You do not need to deal with shipping lines, insurance agents, or customs officers.
2. No Import License Required
Don’t have an IRC (Import Registration Certificate)? No problem. We import under our company license and transfer the goods to you via sales invoice.
3. Technical Expertise
We understand machinery. We know the difference between a “Wet” and “Dry” shipping line. We know how to check if an excavator’s hour meter has been tampered with. We protect your investment.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I import used machinery from China? A: China generally restricts the export of very old scrap machinery, but high-quality reconditioned units are allowed. We guide you on which year models are safe to import to comply with Bangladesh customs rules (usually under 10-15 years old rules apply for certain categories).
Q: How is shipping cost calculated for an Excavator? A: It depends on volume (CBM). A 20-ton excavator takes up significant space. We usually dismantle the arm and bucket to fit it into a 40ft HQ Container, which is much cheaper than RORO shipping.
Q: What is the delivery time? A:
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From China: 20-30 Days.
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From USA/Europe: 45-60 Days.
Start Your Project with the Right Equipment
Stop letting equipment shortages delay your project. Stop paying rental fees that eat your profit. Own your fleet today.
Total Import Solution is ready to mobilize your heavy machinery import.
Contact Us for a Quote
Total Import Solution Your Global Gateway to Heavy Machinery
📞 WhatsApp / Mobile: +880 1717-954302 📧 Email: totalimportbd@gmail.com 🌐 Website: totalimportsolution.com 📍 Office: Plot 3/8, Road 111, Dhanmondi River View Model Town, Sultanganj, Rayerbazar, Dhaka-1209.
We Import From:
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🇨🇳 China (Alibaba, Taobao, Factory Direct)
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🇺🇸 USA (Auctions, Amazon, eBay)
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🇬🇧 UK & Europe
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🇯🇵 Japan
Build Stronger. Build Faster. Import Smart with Total Import Solution.
