Storage, export packing and disposal

Machinery storage, export packing and disposal: machines skidded, crated and protected for storage or shipping, and old kit removed for resale or scrap.

In short: This service covers preparing machinery for storage or export with skids, crating and corrosion protection, and removing redundant equipment for resale or scrap recycling. It suits businesses between premises, selling machines abroad or clearing old kit. Export crating typically costs from a few hundred pounds per machine, while scrap removal is often low-cost or offset by the metal value.

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Machines that are not going straight into a new building need protecting. In storage, bare metal surfaces and slideways can corrode within weeks if the building is damp, and stacked items can be damaged by forklifts. For export, a machine may be handled several times, lifted onto ships or containers and exposed to sea air, so it needs a proper base, secure fixing points and protection against moisture.

We prepare machines for whichever route they are taking. That can mean mounting them on timber skids for forklift handling, applying corrosion protection and vapour barrier wrapping, building export crates, and loading flat racks or containers with proper lashing. For redundant equipment, we remove it from site and pass it on for resale where it has value, or to licensed metal recyclers, with waste paperwork provided.

What is included

Timber skids or bases so machines can be handled by forklift
Corrosion protection on slideways and bare metal surfaces
Vapour barrier wrapping with desiccant for storage or sea freight
Export crating built to ISPM 15 treated timber requirements
Container and flat-rack loading with lashing and blocking
Short and longer-term storage arranged at suitable premises
Removal of redundant machines for resale or scrap recycling
Waste transfer documentation for recycled equipment

Who it is for

Businesses with a gap between leaving one site and moving into another
Firms selling used machinery to overseas buyers
Companies clearing redundant machines before a refit or handback
Machine dealers needing collection, packing and shipment
Workshops closing down or downsizing

How much does it cost?

As a guide, export crating and packing typically costs a few hundred pounds to around £1,500 per machine depending on size, and redundant machinery removal is often low-cost or partly offset by its scrap or resale value. See our full cost guide.

How it works

Agree the destination

We confirm whether each machine is going into storage, abroad or for disposal, as this decides how it is prepared and documented.

Prepare the machine

Fluids are drained by your team or a specialist, moving parts are secured, and surfaces are protected before the machine is skidded or crated.

Pack and load

The machine is wrapped, crated or blocked and loaded onto the vehicle, container or flat rack with restraint suited to the journey.

Store, ship or recycle

It is delivered to storage, handed to the freight forwarder, or taken to a reseller or licensed recycler with the right paperwork.

Storage, export packing and disposal: FAQs

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is the international standard for wood packaging used in export, including crates, pallets and skids. It requires timber to be heat-treated or otherwise approved and marked with the official stamp, to stop pests spreading between countries. Most export destinations enforce it, and untreated timber can lead to a shipment being held, treated or refused.

How do you stop machines rusting in storage?

Bare metal surfaces, slideways and spindles are coated with a suitable corrosion inhibitor, and the machine is wrapped in a vapour barrier with desiccant packs to absorb moisture. Storage should be dry and ideally ventilated. For long-term storage, periodic checks are worthwhile, and the machine's manual may include specific long-term storage instructions.

Do we get anything for scrap machinery?

Often, yes. Cast iron and steel have scrap value, and some machines are worth more sold as used equipment than as scrap. The value depends on the weight, metal type, condition and current scrap prices, set against the cost of removal. Waste fluids and electrical parts must be handled properly and documented.

Can a machine go in a shipping container?

Many can, if they fit through the container doors and the floor can take the load. Containers have weight limits and load-spreading requirements, so heavy machines often need timber bearers. Machines too tall or wide for a standard container usually go on a flat rack or open-top container. Your freight forwarder will confirm the shipping options.