How to ship a car bumper? What’s the cost to ship tires and wheels? What’s the cheapest way to ship large car parts like engines and transmissions? Auto parts international shipping can be challenging.
A comprehensive packing strategy, the right materials, and a suitable shipping service are essential. Here, you will find a detailed guide on shipping car parts overseas.
What auto parts can you ship?
Different carriers have specific rules and regulations regarding the shipment of car parts. If you’re uncertain about what you can deliver, contact our customer support team for customized shipping solutions.
However, some rules are nearly universal across all carriers.
Firstly, you cannot ship liquids or any components containing fluids. If an item, such as an engine or other car part, contains fluid, you should accompany a purge certificate confirming that you have completely drained it.
It applies to auto parts such as:
- Engines
- Radiators
- Fuel tanks
- Fluid reservoirs
Additionally, car parts with batteries cannot be shipped using standard courier services and require an additional UN Manual of Tests to verify security.
Many freight carriers also impose restrictions on package size and weight, so measure the dimensions and weight of the cargo you’re sending, including all packing materials.
How to pack car parts for international shipment?
Ship wheels, rims, and tires
To move wheels or rims without tires:
- Protect the Surface: Cushion the entire surface to prevent damage.
- Box decorative wheels: Chrome, painted, or decorative wheels are easy to scratch or scuff, please take them in a box.
- Wrap non-decorative wheels: You can ship without a box by wrapping them in heavy-duty plastic and securing them well with tape.
To deliver wheels or rims with attached tires without packing them in a box:
- Ensure to deflate all tires.
- Wrap with Bubble Packaging: Cover the entire wheel and tire with bubble wrap and secure it with tape.
- Prepare cardboard cutouts: Lay the tire on a large sheet of cardboard. Trace around the wheel with a marker, then cut out the circle. Repeat this process to create two cardboard cutouts.
- Attach cardboard cutouts: Place the cutouts on the top and bottom of the wheel and tape them securely.
- Wrap with stretch wrap: Wrap the entire package (including the tire, wheel, cardboard cutouts, and bubble wrap) with stretch wrap.
- Secure stretch wrap: Tape any exposed ends of the stretch wrap to the package.
- Label the package: Apply your shipping label on the flat side of the wheel.
Ship a car hood
To ensure safe car parts international shipping, cover any pointed or sharp edges using corrugated cardboard, foam padding, or bubble wrap. Secure the padding with tape. Additionally, cushion and box all exposed metallic surfaces to prevent scratches or dents.
Ship a car bumper
Bodywork, such as bumpers, grilles, and trim, needs more than just bubble wrap for protection. These car parts can easily bend or get damaged if not properly secured.
- Opt for a sturdy box to pack bodywork parts. If needed, reinforce the box for added strength.
- If a suitable box is unavailable, use ample soft packaging material. Pay special attention to the edges and corners, as these are vulnerable to damage during transit.
Ship a transmission auto part
When preparing to ship a transmission, it’s crucial to follow these steps:
Fluid drainage: Ensure all fluids are drained from the transmission. Pack it in a heavy-duty plastic bag with absorbent padding to absorb any residual.
Packaging options:
If you use non-reusable packaging, secure the transmission to its pallet using bands or blocks and brace it inside a corrugated container.
Conversely, if using a reusable container, strap the transmission securely to the base.
Ship glass components
Careful packaging is essential when transporting delicate items like headlights, side mirrors, or instrument displays. Start with a sturdy box to ensure protection. Strength the fragile areas with extra cardboard for added safety. Wrap the item securely in bubble wrap and make sure it’s snugly packed within the box.
Deliver car parts that are over 150lbs
Shipments weighing over 150 lbs, such as engines, gearboxes, and axles, are classified as freight and require robust packaging solutions like heavy-duty crates or wooden pallets.
Secure these items to a base compatible with forklift or pallet jack movement. This approach ensures the safe preparation of these heavy auto parts for international shipping.
Ship auto parts classified as dangerous goods
Certain auto and mechanical parts are classified as hazardous materials. Examples include airbags, lubricants, batteries, engines, used fuel tanks, flammable paints, and touch-up paints.
Generally, you should obtain the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the manufacturer to ensure safe handling during international shipping.
This document details the product’s hazardous properties and provides essential guidelines for safe handling.
Once you have the MSDS, you are responsible for classifying, packaging, marking, labeling, and completing the necessary documentation for the shipment. Fortunately, our Airsupply service can simplify these tasks for you.
We specialize in managing the transportation of various dangerous goods, including handling customs clearance and ensuring final delivery.
Customs compliance and documentation
If your cargo includes any motor vehicle, even as part of it, U.S. Customs requires the original title and at least three copies of the title (not notarized).
Furthermore, you should provide detailed commercial invoices and declarations of the auto part’s value. Meanwhile, you need to attach the MSDS documents for hazardous auto parts like airbags, lubricants, and batteries.
For other necessary shipping documents, check here.
Cheapest way for auto parts international shipping
Shipping auto parts overseas requires a customized approach, particularly for heavy components or hazardous materials. Air freight is often the most economical option for swiftly shipping smaller items under 2CBM/300kg, while sea freight provides a cost-effective balance between price and speed for larger shipments.
Partnering with specialists in car parts international shipping ensures each shipment is meticulously prepared and adequately protected, guaranteeing safe delivery to its destination.
Airsupply is a leading shipping and logistics company with a network of over 300 carriers and 150+ couriers worldwide. This extensive network allows us to negotiate exceptional shipping discounts, helping you reduce shipping costs by up to 25%.
