Shipping auto parts 101: The basics you should know

Shipping auto parts to retailers and distributors is an essential everyday process for any auto manufacturer. Whether you’re transporting engines, alternators, radiators, or any other common car component, you must ensure they arrive on time and in good condition. 

But what does this involve? In this guide to shipping auto parts, we’ll explain how to prepare items properly and the key steps for transporting them efficiently.

The importance of getting automotive shipping right

Auto parts are precision equipment and must be shipped safely and securely to ensure they arrive in good condition. 

If your parts are heading to dealerships or repair shops, you’ll want peace of mind that they’ll be delivered as soon as possible to minimize costly vehicle downtime. That’s why you need to use proper packaging and follow automotive shipping best practices. 

Otherwise, you could experience shipping disruptions that affect your relationship with clients and customers, your reputation, and your bottom line. 

Preparation for shipping automotive parts

Most automotive parts are palletized. Shippers package similar-sized parts together on pallets for convenience. The industry standard pallet size is 48 by 40 inches and is used for shipping transmissions, engines, and other common car parts. 

Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP), a group of global automakers and suppliers, set this standard to improve sustainability in the automotive supply chain. 

Before placing parts on pallets, teams should prepare them for shipping by:

• Cleaning them thoroughly to remove debris and grease 
• Draining any fluids to prevent leaks that could affect packaging and other car parts being transported 
• Inspecting parts for signs of damage, such as dents or scratches, and note any you discover to avoid post-shipping issues with recipients
• Disassembling parts if necessary to make them smaller and more convenient to store on pallets. Just be sure to secure screws or other small items in labeled bags 

Once these early steps are complete, teams should:

• Secure any loose parts to prevent them from becoming disconnected in transit
• Protect all fragile components to minimize the risk of damage
• Label each part with a clear description and specific handling instructions as required
• Seal parts securely and reinforce corners to prevent damage 
• Create shipping labels that carry all the necessary details

How to ship car parts once they're packaged

After preparing and packing car parts onto pallets, here are the key steps to getting them ready to ship.

Gather all essential documents

When shipping auto parts, you’ll need several documents:

• Bill of lading (covering key details about the shipment, including product type and destination)
• Commercial invoices to help car parts clear customs
• Export licenses (if necessary)
• Itemized packing list of all parts shipped
• Purge certificate to confirm that relevant items have been drained of fluids

Consider extra freight insurance 

When shipping car parts, you may want to consider taking out extra freight insurance for your own peace of mind. This may provide reassurance if, for example, you’re working with a new carrier. 

Get accurate freight dimensions

Once goods are packaged, measure and weigh them to get accurate dimensions (length, width, height). Carriers may request package dimensions when planning pickups. If you only provide estimations, even good ones, it may cause issues when packages are loaded onto trucks. 

Find the right carrier for shipping car parts

Take the time to find a carrier with a history of shipping automotive parts. They’ll understand how to handle goods carefully from pickup to drop off. If you don’t have the time or resources to track down a carrier yourself, consider partnering with a shipping logistics company to do that for you. 

How DTS can help when shipping auto parts

Even if you know how to ship car parts, it can be complex. Transporting items safely demands planning, preparation, and monitoring to ensure they arrive at their destination as expected. Auto manufacturers may want to streamline their automotive shipping processes to free up time and resources to channel into other tasks. 

That’s why working with a logistics partner with extensive automotive industry experience is a good idea. DTS is a freight logistics company with the expertise to help you with all aspects of shipping automotive parts, including:

• Shipping auto parts to retailers and distributors
• Expedited auto part shipping
• Cross-border car part shipping
• High-value auto parts cargo insurance

If you want to learn more about how DTS can help you with efficient and reliable auto part shipping, get in touch with our team.