Customer advice
How to ship car parts
Key takeaways
- To ship car parts, prepare the item for transit by draining fluids and cleaning it, wrap it in cushioning materials (using stretch wrap and foam padding for particularly fragile areas), pack it into a sturdy box or sole-use moving pod, and send it overseas via a trusted shipping company.
- The cheapest way to ship large car parts internationally is by sea on a well-secured pallet.
- Car parts take between 2 weeks and 4 months to ship internationally, depending on several factors, including the item's size and weight, how soon you need it, and your origin and destination addresses.
How to ship car parts
To ship car parts, prepare the item for transit by draining all fluids, such as oil, coolant, or brake fluid, to prevent leaks, then remove dirt and grease using soapy water or a degreaser* until fully clean.
Once completely dry, wrap the part in cushioning materials, such as bubble wrap or foam padding, secured with strong packing tape; use several layers of protection on sharp edges. For parts that scratch easily, like painted panels or wheels, add extra protection with stretch wrap* or plastic bags. Use lots of cushioning layers or protective inserts, such as corrugated cardboard* or moulded foam, on fragile, rare or expensive parts to prevent movement or impact damage during transit.
Next, place the car part in a double-walled shipping box sealed with thick packing tape. Fill any gaps with soft materials like packing peanuts or bubble wrap. For heavier parts, like engines or transmissions, consider hiring a shipping company that provides a dedicated sole-use moving pod, such as the International MoveCube®, for additional security and peace of mind.
Cheapest way to ship large car parts
The cheapest way to ship large car parts internationally is by sea on a well-secured pallet. A secure, dedicated moving pod works especially well for bigger car parts such as doors, engines, or transmissions. While prices can vary dramatically depending on your to and from addresses and the item's weight, fortunately, most shipping companies offer online calculators or quote tools to help you estimate costs and budget.
Here's a list of more money-saving tips when shipping large car parts overseas:
- Securely package all items to prevent damage costs.
- Weigh and measure your shipment carefully to get accurate shipping cost quotes.
- Check if your chosen shipper includes customs clearance and destination charges in their quote.
- Choose an overseas shipping company with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
- Book as early as possible.
- Consider grouping items if sending multiple parts to save on customs and handling fees.
- Schedule shipments during weekdays and avoid end-of-month or holiday periods when shipping rates tend to be higher.
*Seven Seas Worldwide does not endorse these products.
How to pack automotive parts
To pack automotive parts, clean and drain the item, wrap it in cushioned protective packaging, place it in a robust box or container, and label the shipment, ensuring you provide a detailed description of each car part in your packing list. It's also wise to take out insurance in the rare instance the item is lost or damaged during shipping.
Below are some more packing tips specific to certain auto parts.
- No need for a box — instead, apply your shipping label directly to the tread.
- Wrap with stretch wrap if shipping two tyres together.
- Ship inside a custom wooden crate and secure the windows with moulded inserts*.
- Wrap door edges with foam padding or bubble wrap.
- Wrap in heavy-duty auto part bags*, taped securely in place.
- Use plenty of padding on corners and sharp areas.
- Drain any fuel or oil and use leakproof packaging.
- Place on a forkliftable pallet and strap down firmly.
- Wrap in plenty of bubble wrap and place inside a robust box.
- Use corrugated cardboard dividers to separate multiple items.
- Drain all fluids completely.
- Place in a heavy-duty auto part plastic bag and cover with absorbent padding*.
- Wrap in stretch film or auto-part plastic bags.
- Pad sharp ends with bubble wrap and tape securely.
*Seven Seas Worldwide does not endorse these products.
How long do car parts take to ship?
Car parts take between 2 weeks and 4 months to ship internationally, depending on several factors, including the item's size and weight, how soon you need it, and your origin and destination addresses.
Overseas shipping by land or sea can take 2 to 4 months for international delivery. However, if you don't mind paying a little extra, air shipping is a faster option for smaller car parts, such as filters, sensors, or brake pads, usually arriving within 2 to 3 weeks.
Discover more helpful packing advice
How to choose a box for shipping
Read this handy packing guide to discover which boxes are unsuitable for international shipping and which will keep your belongings safe.
How to pack fragile items
During international shipping, your fragile items will pass through numerous stages, follow these packing tips to ensure their safety. Read more here.
Preparing large items for collection
Read this guide on how to get your large items like sports equipment, bikes and guitars ready for our team to collect and transport to our depot for boxing.
How to load a MoveCube®
Follow the steps in this helpful guide to learn how to securely load a MoveCube® ready for domestic or international shipping.
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