Automotive Parts Shipping: Best Practices for Businesses

Whether you're an enthusiast restoring a classic car, a mechanic stocking up on parts, or a growing business shipping components for assembly, understanding how to ship automotive parts safely and efficiently is crucial.

Shipping auto parts: A look under the hood

Imagine a classic car enthusiast just scored a refurbished engine for their 1950s restoration project online. The seller, a seasoned pro, knows the importance of proper packaging and shipping and takes the following steps to ensure a smooth, timely shipment.

First, they drain all fluids from the engine, ensuring compliance with safety regulations for hazardous materials. This is a critical step, as shipping fluids can pose risks and may not be permitted by carriers.

Next, the seller expertly crates the engine. This isn't just about putting it in a box; it requires careful sizing and consideration. Because LTL carriers will only pick up fully crated, safely secured engines, the seller straps the engine to the bottom of the crate and ensures there is proper protection around the engine to prevent shifting during transport.

Once packaged, the seller weighs and measures the freight precisely. This information is essential for obtaining accurate shipping quotes and selecting the most appropriate carrier. The seller then considers the pickup and delivery locations. Since the buyer is a hobbyist receiving the engine at their home, not a business with a loading dock, they'll need to opt for residential delivery with a lift gate service.

Now, it's time to select the carrier. The seller carefully compares quotes from various carriers, considering factors like transit time, cost, and the carrier's reputation. They choose a carrier with positive carrier reviews.

Recognizing that the refurbished engine is a valuable asset, the seller adds shipper's interest insurance to the shipment. This extra coverage provides added protection beyond the carrier's standard liability, which may not fully cover the value of a used or refurbished part.

Finally, the seller prints and attaches clear labels to the crate. The chosen carrier picks up the carefully prepared shipment, equipped with the Bill of Lading (BOL) provided during the booking process. The seller can then track the shipment's progress throughout its journey until it safely arrives at the hobbyist's doorstep.

Shipping tips for different types of auto parts

The example above might seem like a lot of steps for shipping a single engine, and the specific process will vary depending on the type of automotive part you're shipping. Factors like size, weight, fragility, and potential hazards will influence how you package, handle, and ship the part.

However, there are ways to simplify the process. Including knowing the best practices to follow for your specific product type.

Finding the right ride

Selecting the ideal shipping provider is crucial for success in the automotive parts industry, where precision and timely delivery are paramount. Just as choosing the right vehicle is essential for a smooth road trip, the wrong shipping provider can lead to delays and disruptions.

Look for a quality provider that understands the unique demands of the automotive industry and offers a range of transportation options—small parcel, less than truckload, and full truckload—to suit your needs. Freightquote by C.H. Robinson simplifies the process by providing instant, free quotes that compare rates from reliable carriers.