---
title: "Undercarriage"
description: "A supporting frame or structure of a wheeled vehicle. The landing gear of an aircraft."
url: "https://oceancargo.co.uk/shipping-terms/undercarriage"
date: "2026-04-30T16:09:57+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

![Ocean Cargo](https://oceancargo.co.uk/images/GenPics/OCs-Customs-Brokerage.webp)

 # Shipping Undercarriage: A Comprehensive Freight Guide

## Understanding Undercarriage in Global Logistics

The term "undercarriage" might conjure images of aircraft landing gear, but in the world of global freight, it encompasses a much broader range of heavy, often oversized, components. Essentially, an undercarriage refers to the supporting frame or structure of a wheeled vehicle, particularly heavy machinery. This can include the track systems of excavators, the chassis of large industrial vehicles, or the complex assemblies that allow heavy equipment to move. Shipping these vital, often high-value, components requires specialised knowledge, robust planning, and a freight forwarding partner with a deep understanding of project logistics.

At Ocean Cargo, we specialise in the precise and secure transportation of all types of undercarriage, from individual track links to complete chassis assemblies. Our expertise ensures that these critical components reach their destination efficiently, whether for manufacturing, repair, or deployment in remote project sites.

## Types of Undercarriage Commonly Shipped

The variety of undercarriage components shipped globally is vast, each presenting its own unique challenges in terms of size, weight, and handling requirements. Understanding these types is the first step in planning an effective shipping strategy:

- **Track Systems:** Found on excavators, bulldozers, and other tracked vehicles. These include track frames, track links, idlers, sprockets, and rollers. They are often heavy, irregularly shaped, and require careful securing.
- **Chassis & Frames:** The foundational structure of trucks, trailers, and specialised industrial vehicles. These can be exceptionally long and wide, often exceeding standard container dimensions.
- **Axle Assemblies:** Complete axle units for heavy-duty vehicles, including wheels, brakes, and suspension components.
- **Bogies:** Multi-axle assemblies used in rail transport or for very heavy road transport applications.
- **Landing Gear Components:** While less common for general freight forwarders, specific components for aircraft landing gear (e.g., struts, wheels) may require highly specialised air freight services.
- **Agricultural Equipment Undercarriage:** Components for tractors, harvesters, and other farm machinery, which can be large and require specific handling to prevent damage.

Each of these types demands a tailored approach, considering everything from packaging and loading to route planning and customs documentation. Ocean Cargo's project logistics team excels in managing these complexities.

## Key Considerations for Shipping Undercarriage

Transporting heavy and oversized undercarriage components is not a standard operation. It involves a series of critical considerations to ensure safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

### Size and Weight Restrictions

Undercarriage components frequently fall into the category of Out of Gauge (OOG) or Break Bulk cargo. This means they exceed the dimensions or weight limits of standard shipping containers. Specialised equipment and permits are often required for both land and sea transport.

- **Road Transport:** Requires heavy-haul trucks, low-loaders, and often escort vehicles. Route surveys are essential to identify bridges, tunnels, and overhead obstructions.
- **Sea Freight:** OOG cargo may be loaded onto flat racks or open-top containers. Break bulk cargo is stowed directly onto the vessel's deck or in holds, requiring expert lashing and securing. Ocean Cargo offers comprehensive [sea freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/sea-freight/) for all cargo types.
- **Air Freight:** For smaller, critical components, [air freight](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/air-freight/) may be an option, but weight and dimension limits are even stricter, often necessitating freighter aircraft.

### Packaging and Protection

Due to their robust nature, undercarriage components might seem indestructible, but proper packaging is crucial to prevent damage during transit. This includes:

- **Corrosion Protection:** Components may be coated or wrapped to prevent rust, especially during long sea voyages or storage in humid environments.
- **Securing:** Components must be securely blocked, braced, and lashed to prevent movement within the container or on the vessel. Custom cradles or skids may be necessary.
- **Protection of Sensitive Parts:** Hydraulic lines, sensors, or delicate connections must be protected from impact.

### Customs and Documentation

Navigating international customs regulations is a significant hurdle for any global shipment, and undercarriage is no exception. Accurate documentation is vital to avoid delays and penalties.

- **Harmonised System (HS) Codes:** Correct classification is essential for duties and taxes.
- **Import/Export Licenses:** Some components may require specific licenses, especially if they are dual-use or subject to export controls.
- **Certificates of Origin:** Required for preferential tariffs in certain trade agreements.
- **Pre-Shipment Inspections:** May be mandated by the importing country.

Ocean Cargo's dedicated [customs compliance team](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance/) ensures all paperwork is meticulously prepared and submitted, streamlining the process for our clients.

### Route Planning and Logistics

The journey of an undercarriage component often involves multiple modes of transport and careful coordination.

- **Multimodal Solutions:** Combining road, rail, and sea transport to optimise cost and transit time.
- **Port Selection:** Choosing ports with the necessary heavy-lift capabilities and [infrastructure](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "infrastructure").
- **Last-Mile Delivery:** Arranging specialised transport from the port or airport to the final destination, often a remote [construction](https://oceancargo.co.uk/industries/construction-infrastructure-logistics "construction") site or factory.

## Ocean Cargo's Expertise in Undercarriage Shipping

With over 25 years of experience in complex logistics, Ocean Cargo is your trusted partner for shipping undercarriage components worldwide. We understand the intricacies involved and offer tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.

### Specialised Equipment and Network

Our extensive network of carriers and equipment providers ensures we have access to the right tools for the job, whether it's a heavy-lift crane at a port or a specialised low-loader for inland transport. We regularly handle [excavators and diggers to the UAE](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/uae/excavators-diggers-uae), demonstrating our capability with heavy machinery components.

### Project Logistics Management

Shipping undercarriage often falls under [project logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics "project logistics"), requiring meticulous planning and coordination. Our team provides end-to-end management, from initial consultation and route surveys to final delivery and installation support. We have successfully managed the transport of sensitive [wind turbine components to Australia](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/australia/wind-turbine-components-blades-nacelles-tower-sections-australia), showcasing our expertise in complex, high-value cargo.

### Global Reach, Local Knowledge

Ocean Cargo offers comprehensive [sea freight services to Canada](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/canada/sea-freight-canada), [customs brokerage for the USA](https://oceancargo.co.uk/countries/usa/customs-brokerage-usa), and robust [road freight services](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/road-freight/) across the UK and Europe. Our global network combined with local expertise ensures seamless transitions across borders.

### Risk Management and Insurance

We understand the value of your cargo. Ocean Cargo provides comprehensive advice on cargo insurance options to protect your investment against unforeseen events during transit.

#### What is considered "undercarriage" for shipping purposes?

In shipping, "undercarriage" typically refers to the heavy, structural components that support a vehicle or piece of machinery and enable its movement. This includes track systems (for excavators, bulldozers), chassis frames (for trucks, industrial vehicles), axle assemblies, and bogies. It generally excludes the engine or cabin, focusing on the foundational moving parts.

#### How do you ship oversized undercarriage components?

Oversized undercarriage components are shipped using specialised methods. For sea freight, this often involves flat rack containers or break bulk shipping, where the cargo is stowed directly on the vessel. For road transport, heavy-haul trucks with low-loaders and often escort vehicles are used, requiring careful route planning and permits. Ocean Cargo assesses each component's dimensions and weight to determine the most suitable and cost-effective method.

#### What documentation is needed to ship undercarriage internationally?

Key documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (for sea freight) or air waybill (for air freight), and a certificate of origin. Depending on the destination and type of undercarriage, import/export licenses, pre-shipment inspection certificates, and specific customs declarations based on the Harmonised System (HS) code will also be required. Our customs compliance team manages all these details.

#### Can Ocean Cargo handle the entire logistics chain for undercarriage?

Absolutely. Ocean Cargo provides end-to-end [project logistics](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/project-logistics "project logistics") for undercarriage components. This includes origin collection, expert packaging and lashing, multimodal transport (road, sea, air), [customs clearance](https://oceancargo.co.uk/services/customs-compliance "customs clearance"), and final delivery to your site. We manage all aspects to ensure a smooth and efficient process from start to finish.

### Ready to simplify your global logistics?

Get advice and a quote for your next shipment. Contact the Ocean Cargo team to start shipping.

[Freight Quote](https://oceancargo.co.uk/contact-us)

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