When you buy a used excavator from China on FOB terms, you are agreeing to pay for the machine once it is loaded on the vessel at the Chinese port. But the FOB price is only one part of your total landed cost. This walkthrough breaks down each stage of the export process, using real examples from our current inventory, so you can see exactly what you are paying for and when. We are an independent exporter and are not affiliated with any manufacturer. All machine details, prices, and terms are provided upfront.
Inquiry: What We Need From You
Your first message should include the model you are looking for, the destination port, and any preference for year or hours. If you are unsure, tell us the job: trenching, utility work, or general digging. For example, a contractor in Nigeria recently asked for a mini excavator under 10 tonnes for utility work. We had three units in stock: a 2025 Caterpillar CAT 307.5 with 500 hours at 26,000 USD FOB, a 2025 Caterpillar CAT 307E2 with 500 hours at 17,000 USD FOB, and a 2022 Caterpillar CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 with 800 hours at 16,000 USD FOB. All are mini class under 10 t and come with a start-up video, photos, and an inspection report. The year and hours are given as a reference, not as proof of use. We respond with availability and a firm FOB price for the specific unit.
Quote: FOB Price and What It Includes
Our quote states the FOB price in USD, the port of loading, and the machine's condition grade. The FOB price covers the excavator as inspected, plus loading onto the vessel at the Chinese port. It does not include ocean freight, insurance, import duties, or inland transport at destination. For the CAT 307.5, the FOB price is 26,000 USD. The CAT 307E2 is 17,000 USD, and the CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 is 16,000 USD. These are single-unit prices; we do not bundle or discount without a separate agreement. The quote also lists the HS code 8429.52 and the duty percent for the destination country when known. For Nigeria, the duty percent is 5%. We do not quote CIF or DDP unless you request it.
Sample: Inspection Report, Photos, and Video
Before you commit, we provide a sample of the machine's condition. For each unit, you receive a start-up video, high-resolution photos of the actual machine, and an inspection report. The inspection covers the engine, hydraulics, undercarriage, and cab. We do not use stock photos. For the CAT 307.5, the report notes it is a 2025 machine with a 500 hour meter reading and an as inspected condition rating. The CAT 307E2 is also a 2025 machine with 500 hours. The CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 is a 2022 machine with 800 hours. If you need a specific part checked, tell us and we will include it in the report. This step is free and does not commit you to purchase.
Production: Preparing the Machine for Shipment
Once you confirm the order, we prepare the excavator for export. This includes cleaning, draining fluids if required, and securing loose parts. We also handle the necessary customs export documentation in China. The machine is not modified or repaired unless we agree in writing. For the CAT 307.5, the unit is in stock and ready to load. The CAT 307E2 and CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 are also in stock. Preparation typically takes 3 to 5 working days after deposit. We do not charge extra for standard preparation. If you need additional work, such as new decals or a different bucket, we will quote it separately. We follow Chinese customs export regulations for all shipments.
QC: Final Inspection Before Loading
Before the machine leaves our yard, we perform a final quality control check. This is separate from the initial inspection report. We verify that the machine starts, runs, and moves under its own power. We check for leaks and confirm that the hour meter reading matches the report. For the CAT 307.5, the reading is 500 hours. For the CAT 307E2, 500 hours. For the CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2, 800 hours. We take photos of the loading process and send them to you. If any discrepancy is found, we notify you before proceeding. We do not ship a machine that does not match the agreed condition. This step is done at no extra cost.
Shipping: From Port to Destination
We handle booking with the freight forwarder and arrange loading onto the vessel. The FOB price includes loading at the Chinese port. Ocean freight and insurance are arranged by you or your agent, but we can recommend freight forwarders. For Nigeria, the HS code 8429.52 applies, and the duty percent is 5%. The CAT 307.5, CAT 307E2, and CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 are all classified under this code. Shipping time varies by destination; to Lagos, it is typically 30 to 40 days. We provide the bill of lading and all export documents. We do not inflate shipping costs; you pay the forwarder directly. We can also arrange inland transport in China to the port if needed.
After-sales: Support After Delivery
After the machine arrives, we remain available for support. We can provide technical advice and help source spare parts. We do not provide warranty unless explicitly stated. For the CAT 307.5, CAT 307E2, and CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2, we offer a start-up guide and can connect you with local technicians. If you have any issues, contact us and we will respond within 24 hours. We also ask for feedback on the machine's performance. This helps us improve our inspection process. We are an independent exporter, not a dealer, so our after-sales support is limited to advice and parts sourcing. We do not provide on-site service.
Understanding the Full Cost Breakdown
Your total cost is more than the FOB price. Here is a breakdown using the CAT 307.5 as an example. FOB price: 26,000 USD. Ocean freight to Lagos: approximately 2,500 to 3,500 USD depending on the forwarder. Insurance: about 1% of FOB, so 260 USD. Import duty in Nigeria: 5% of CIF value. If CIF is 26,000 + 3,000 + 260 = 29,260 USD, duty is 1,463 USD. Port charges and clearing: 500 to 1,000 USD. Inland transport: varies. So your landed cost could be around 33,000 to 35,000 USD. For the CAT 307E2, FOB 17,000 USD, landed cost might be 22,000 to 24,000 USD. For the CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2, FOB 16,000 USD, landed cost might be 21,000 to 23,000 USD. These are estimates; actual costs depend on your forwarder and local charges.
Why FOB Matters for Used Equipment
FOB pricing gives you control over shipping and insurance. You can use your own forwarder and negotiate better rates. It also makes the price transparent: you know exactly what the exporter is charging for the machine. For used excavators, FOB is common because buyers often have existing logistics arrangements. We provide FOB prices for all our units. The CAT 307.5 at 26,000 USD FOB is a 2025 machine with 500 hours. The CAT 307E2 at 17,000 USD FOB is also 2025 with 500 hours. The CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2 at 16,000 USD FOB is 2022 with 800 hours. These prices are firm for the specific unit. We do not add hidden fees.
Common Questions About FOB Pricing
What does FOB include? It includes the machine and loading at the Chinese port. It does not include ocean freight, insurance, or import duties. Can I get a CIF price? Yes, we can quote CIF if you provide the destination port. How do I pay? We accept T/T and L/C. What documents do I get? Bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and certificate of origin. How long does it take? From deposit to loading is typically 5 to 7 working days. Can I inspect the machine myself? Yes, you can send a representative to our yard. Do you offer any warranty? No, unless stated. Are the hours accurate? We report the hour meter reading as is; it is a reference, not a guarantee. Can I buy multiple units? Yes, but each is priced individually.
Next Steps: How to Proceed
If you are interested in any of these units, contact us with your destination port. We will confirm availability, send the inspection report, and provide a formal quote. For the CAT 307.5, CAT 307E2, or CAT 305.5 / 305.5E2, we can arrange loading within a week of deposit. We are Anhui Gangya Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., operating as CAT Excavator Export. We are an independent exporter and are not affiliated with Caterpillar. All machine details are based on our inspection. We look forward to working with you.