6 Steps of Shipping Auto Parts

Have you ever needed to ship auto parts overseas? If so, you’re in the right place! Auto parts are often irregularly shaped, heavy, and prone to damage. Hence, it can be challenging to ship them.

We usually don’t even think about what’s the best way to pack up a wiper blade. Whether you need to help a friend in need, you’re shipping to local mechanics, or anything else, these questions may come up as a surprise if it’s your first time sending an auto part. These tips are also helpful even if you regularly ship cumbersome and oddly shaped parts—we’re here to help optimize your packages!

From headlights to brake rotors, we have prepared a list of 6 steps to follow to have the smoothest shipping experience with PackageHopper. 

Get Your Basic Info Ready

First, what you need to do is get all your basic information about your shipment ready. On PackageHopper, enter the destination country, your package dimensions, and weight, and you’ll receive an upfront and affordable shipping rate! 

You’ll then be offered various shipping options and carriers to choose from. Depending on your shipment details, rates for regular worldwide or expedited services will vary. Choose the one that best suits your needs and priorities, whether it be budgeting or speediness.

Tell us what’s in the box by listing every item, its value, where it was made, and the quantity. Reference our list of prohibited and restricted items to make sure your item can safely be delivered to its destination.

Preparing Your Package

All items shipped through PackageHopper must be safely packed in a firm, unused (aka- new) cardboard box. Carriers will not accept shipments in any other type of container or packaging. PackageHopper cannot ship envelopes of any kind, padded mailers, cardboard tubes, suitcases, instrument cases, or palletized items.

This is especially important to know when shipping auto parts due to all the varying sizes and shapes that bumpers, wheels, exhaust tips, and other body sections may come in. It’s important to separate parts if they do not fit within a single package, this will help protect any fragile parts from rubbing or bumping against each other during movement and handling.

If your items are especially large or oddly shaped, you’ll want to make sure you’ve measured and entered the dimensions of your packing box accurately into our cost estimater. This can affect our carriers’ ability to accept and ship your package, and we wouldn’t want you to have to lug a huge box all the way to your local drop-off location to face disappointment. Then wrap and stuff the items with bubble wrap, packing paper, or other packaging supplies to keep your parts from moving around. With appropriate packing, you can avoid any potential damage during shipping. 

TIP: We’ve found that especially heavy and dense items ship well in boxes at least 2X the size and filled with bubble wrap or other padding to cushion the item in the middle. This distributes the weight really well when handled and also keeps items like brittle brake discs from shattering during their long trip!

Another important thing is making sure to drain and empty any liquids if you are shipping used auto parts. Leakage would result in a soggy box, and a soggy box does not make for a stable shipping container. 

Make sure the box you’ve chosen can hold the weight of your auto parts. Use a new single-, double- or even triple-wall box that’s rated for both the size and weight of your shipment.

Seal and Secure Your Auto Parts

Individual items, including any sensitive components that must be disassembled beforehand, should be cushioned with bubble wrap or padded.

Wrap and pad any susceptible parts, as well as sharp corners and rough edges. Plastic pouches can be used to contain materials like plastic moldings and tiny, loose components.

To prevent movement, fill any gaps in your box with an appropriate filler. Air cushion packaging, packing peanuts, and craft paper are suitable for lightweight products, but they might not protect heavy or sharp car parts adequately.

If you are shipping a heavy package that has multiple parts with odd shapes, use fillers such as as spray foam, foam-in-place, or customized foam enclosures intended for specific items. 

Finally, seal your box using pressure-sensitive plastic tape or filament tape. You don't want your new headlamp to fall out of your box during transit!

Prepare and Apply Your Label

Tell us what’s in the box by listing every item, its value, where it was made, and the quantity. Reference our list of prohibited and restricted items to make sure your package can safely be delivered to its destination.

When completing the “What’s in the Box?” section of your shipment details, your item description should answer the following three questions: 

1. What is the item?
2. What materials is the item made of?
3. What or who is the item for?

For example, if you are shipping a brake power booster, your answers would be:

1. Brake power booster
2. Steel
3. Auto part

And your item description would be: Brake power booster, steel, auto part

Customize your shipping label online with PackageHopper to meet any specific label requirements and avoid costly chargebacks. Print your shipping label and export documents.

Find a Drop-off Location

Go to Find Drop-off Location to find the closest drop-off location near you. All you need to do is choose a carrier and enter your zip code.

Track your package

Once you ship your package, we assure you it’s in good hands. We know how important transparency and communication with our customers are. You can track your package by entering the tracking number that you will receive, and you can share this with your recipients so they know when to expect their delivery. 

With these six simple steps, you are ready to ship your auto part! If you have unanswered questions or comments, feel free to contact us through an online chat with an expert or contact us at help@packagehopper.com.
 

 

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