insights
From Parsdorf to the U.S.
| Katharina Knaut
The Journey of a Large Machine
18 trucks, 42 packages, and a distance of nearly 12,000 kilometers: Transporting a large KraussMaffei machine requires a great deal of planning, experience, and teamwork. How is this logistical challenge accomplished? We followed the large machine on its journey to the U.S. In this article, we take you along for the ride: from the production site in Parsdorf, across the Atlantic, to the customer in the United States.
Departure from Parsdorf: The machine’s journey begins
When a large machine leaves our plant in Parsdorf (near Munich), its journey begins long before the first day of transport.
For this system, which set off for a customer in the U.S. in the summer of 2026, 320 transport units had to be planned, prepared, and securely packed – that amounts to 42 packages with a gross weight of approximately 271 metric tons.
To ensure a delivery of this magnitude runs smoothly, a large number of teams work closely together: from internal departments such as shipping, production, sales, and commercial processing to external partners such as packaging service providers, freight forwarders, shipping companies, customs brokers, and, of course, the customer.
Months before production ends, the New Machinery Shipping department determines the package sizes based on drawings and 3D models, issues transportation requests, secures space on ships, and prepares the necessary transport permits.
At the same time, various coordination rounds take place: The shipping department plans the entire route down to the last detail – in some cases, down to the exact time: when each part is handed over from assembly to shipping, when the trucks pick up the parts, how long the transport permits are valid, and on which day the parts must be delivered to the port. Especially with large custom machines, it is crucial to plan every step.
After the preliminary work is complete, the components are packed and the digital documentation is prepared. As soon as customs clearance is granted, the packages are loaded and leave Parsdorf bound for Bremerhaven – in this case on a total of 18 trucks, including seven vehicles requiring special permits.
