Whether you are an engine manufacturer, purchaser, or supplier, it is essential for you to understand engine shipping. This article provides a detailed introduction to the features, methods, packaging, costs, and tips of engine shipping. You will gain a lot after reading it.
What is Engine Shipping
The engine shipping is a logistics service that transports the engine from one place to another in the world. Unlike ordinary goods, the engine is large and the transportation is more complicated. Specializing in the transportation of various engines to ensure these engines are delivered to the destination safely and on time.
Types of Engines for Shipping
In terms of application, engines can be classified into motorcycle engines, automobile engines, aviation engines, marine engines, and industrial engines. Among them, automobile engines usually have requirements for shockproof and transit time. Aviation engines have high value and high requirements for packaging, and they may involve AOG emergency transportation. Marine engines are usually overweight and need port lifting and RoRo shipping. Industrial engines have a large size and weight span, which requires customized solutions.
In logistics management, it is equally crucial to classify engines based on their power sources (such as diesel, electricity, and gasoline) and hazard levels. Electric or hybrid engines may contain batteries, while internal combustion engines often leave residues of fuel, engine oil or coolant. According to international transportation regulations, such residues may classify the engine as a dangerous good.
Features of Engine Shipping
Shipping an engine is complex. Engines are heavy, large, bulky, and of an irregular shape, so it is necessary to have professional packaging. Then, engines contain potentially oil and harmful liquids, which usually require special handling and transportation. Also, some engines have high value, and you need to buy full transportation insurance to avoid losses.
Due to the complexity and challenge of engine shipping, it is necessary to choose a logistics company with rich experience in this field, and we, Bansar, with our team holding IATA DGR certifications and deep experience in handling all kinds of cargo, can provide you with the best transportation solution.
Shipping Methods for Engine Shipping
It is fast, but the cost is high. The size and weight are limited by the cargo door of the aircraft. It needs to be customized packaging certified by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), such as containers or engineering pallets, which can be moisture-proof and shockproof, suitable for engines with urgent needs or high-value aircraft engines.
Sea freight is categorized into full container load (FCL), less than container load (LCL), bulk carrier shipping, and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping.
The carrying capacity is very large, and there is almost no size limit, but the transportation cycle is long, and the weather will affect the transportation time. It will also be affected by the environment, so it requires rust prevention for engines to ensure that parts of the engines will not rust due to a humid environment. Sea freight can transport giant marine engines and large industrial engines. For oversized marine engines, it is crucial for safety carry out fixation and lashing plans in accordance with the CSS rules. Engines classified as dangerous goods must comply with the IMDG Code.
Land freight
- Full truckload (FTL) shipping is suitable for large equipment.
This way is fast, has a stable transmission time, and high safety standards since it only transports one customer’s cargo. It is flexible to arrange the time and route according to your needs. However, it also has disadvantages: you have to pay for unused space, so the price is expensive, and it’s unsuitable for small engines.
- Less-than-truckload (LTL) is suitable for small equipment
You only need to pay for the space occupied by the engine in the freight truck, and the cost is low. You don’t have to worry about the problem of remote delivery. LTL distribution networks cover a wide range and have a large line network. This method can be considered when the engine size is small, the value is low, and your time limit requirements are not strict.
- Partial truckload (PTL) shipping is a combination of full truckload shipping and less than truckload shipping.
PTL has the advantage of cost-effectiveness and lower expenses while delivering faster transit times than LTL. However, it is relatively limited since not all routes support this service.
How Does it Cost for Engine Shipping
For example, if you want to transport a standard car engine (about 200-300 kg) from China to Los Angeles, the sea freight will cost about $600-1,200. Of course, numerous factors can influence the final quote of shipping an engine, such as:
- Size and Weight
Engines can be small, like mobile engines, or be larger, like marine engines. How big and heavy determines the choice of trucks and modes of transportation. Under normal circumstances, standard transportation is fine. If the engine is overweight, additional costs may be required.
- Pickup Location & Delivery Location
You can choose the place of pickup and delivery, either the port or your specified address. The price in the port will be relatively cheap, but regardless of the method chosen, we will ensure your engine is delivered safely and on time.
- Timings
If you don’t have any special time requirements, we will choose the most suitable transportation plan according to the information you provide. If you need expedited service, please contact us, and we will provide the fastest plan. Of course, this means that you need to pay an additional fee.
- Freight insurance
Insurance service is an additional service. We will ensure the safety of transportation as much as possible, but if you need to transport high-value and high-precision engines, it is strongly recommended that you buy insurance to prevent property losses caused by accidents. Usually, the premium is 0.3%-0.8% of the value of the engines.
In addition to the above aspects, please contact us for more details.
Engine International Shipping Process
- Consult the customized plan
Provide the model, size, picture, place of departure, and destination of the engine, and the freight forwarder will provide the best transportation plan. If the HS code of the engine and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) can be provided, it will greatly enhance the accuracy and efficiency of this solution.
- Quotation confirmation
Confirm the detailed cost quotation and sign the contract.
- Packaging reinforcement
Professionals carry out packaging to protect the engine from damage.
- Import and export customs clearance
Prepare necessary documents, commercial invoices, export licenses, bills of lading, and freight forwarding procedures.
- Destination distribution and delivery
Arrange inland transportation at the destination, and deliver the engine safely and intact to the receiving place.
Important tips you need to know for Engine Shipping
- Preparations before transportation
Clean the engine to make sure that there are no pollutants. Empty the liquids in every corner and cranny, including water, oil, fuel oil, coolant, and so on. And block the fluid outlet to prevent damage to the engine. In addition, the surface should also be wiped clean. If there is liquid, it may cause damage to the packaging materials.
- Packaging engine
Good packaging can be smoother in international transportation, and our wooden box packaging meets the ISPM15 international wooden packaging quarantine standards to avoid the risk of port delays and refusal of goods.
Usually, crates or pallets are used to pack the engine. Crates are the preferred method for transportation, which can reduce pressure and effectively prevent injury during transportation. Cardboard can be used to cover the four sides of the engine, wrap it with shrink film, and fix it in the box. It will not move or let water into the engine. For larger engines requiring pallets, put the engine in the middle of the pallet and secure it with industrial plastic strapping or chains.
- Prepare documents
prepare commercial invoices, certificates of origin, bills of lading, packing lists, etc.
Indicate the type and model, transportation information, address, cost, and date on the bill of lading, which is convenient for subsequent transportation and loading and unloading.
International transportation should pay attention to customs and regulations, and relevant licenses are required. For example, the dangerous goods shipper’s declaration, the cleanliness certificate, and some engine types may require export control licenses.
- Receiving Inspection
When delivering, check whether the outside of the crates and pallets is damaged, whether the engine is leaking, and whether the parts are damaged. If so, you can inform the staff on the spot and note any damage on the document before signing the delivery receipt, and we will contact you to solve it for you.
FAQ
What’s the freight class for engine shipping?
If you want to calculate the transportation cost of the engine, the freight class must be taken into account. The freight level depends on the type and density of the engine to be transported. The freight grade of the engine is usually 70 or 85. The weight of the 70-class engine is less than 12 pounds per cubic foot, and the length is less than 18 inches. It is usually packed in crates. The weight of the 85-class engine is more than 12 pounds per cubic foot, and the length is between 18 and 24 inches. Pallet packaging is generally used.
Can I track my engine’s journey？
Of course, we promise to be transparent throughout the whole process. Each customer will have an exclusive tracking code, which will be updated in real time through the online system, which can be convenient to check the location at any time. We also provide GPS location services to obtain the exact location of the goods. At the same time, our staff will also report the progress to you at the key nodes of departure, arrival, and customs clearance.
When will I receive a quote?
After you give us the relevant information about the engine, you can receive a three-point quotation within 30 minutes, from which you can choose the most suitable quotation for you.
How Long Does it Take to Ship an Engine?
The transportation time of the engine is related to many factors, such as the distance and the choice of transportation mode. It takes about 1-5 days to choose land transportation in China, about 1-3 days for air transportation, and it may take weeks or even months for international transportation. After you provide the information, we will give you an estimated schedule. The weather, customs detention may influence the lead time, but our estimated time will take these factors into account.
My engine is used. Are there any special requirements?
Yes, the used engine needs to be thoroughly cleaned, and all the liquids need to be discharged. At the same time, the customs clearance procedures used by engines are also more complicated, and the certificate of cleanliness and other required documents need to be prepared for smooth customs clearance.
