Shipping is an integral part of the auto parts industry. It takes a lot of moving parts to properly move auto parts from point A to point B. Whether you are looking for packaging, a logistics provider, or storage, you must understand the processes that make auto parts shipping cost-effective, efficient, and dependable.
Unique Challenges in Auto Parts Shipping
Several challenges exist for companies looking to ship automotive parts, largely centered on component size, composition, and fragility. For example, size variability is a major consideration when it comes to auto parts.
Everything from packaging to the type of transportation used changes when you switch from shipping tiny processor chips to assembled rear ends, yet both are auto parts. Manufacturers can often ship small items, such as spark plugs, sensors, and switches, in bulk packaging. On the other hand, complete engines will require special handling as oversized items.
The range of part types is just one challenge of auto parts shipping. Manufacturers and logistics providers must also make special accommodations for hazardous materials, fragile items, and sensitive electronics.
Shipping Auto Parts With Hazardous Materials
Some automotive parts contain hazardous materials. Common examples include:
Hazmat shipping has unique requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under the Department of Transportation. Specifically, Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations explains what is hazardous, what steps carriers must take, and special handling requirements.
Shipping Small and Fragile Auto Parts
Some parts are especially fragile. These are often smaller parts, but can also be glass or similar items. Common small auto parts include:
Custom shipping trays provide each auto part with a secure compartment for physical protection. This also makes it easy to sort, count, and locate small pieces that might otherwise get overlooked.
Most modern cars contain touchscreens, special smart mirrors, and other glass components that are fragile and expensive. You must take extra care when shipping these types of auto parts. Using compartmentalized packaging is a great way to ensure that each unit is carefully packed and protected before being placed within a larger shipping box.
Shipping Electronic Components
Electronics are usually fragile, but they also pose extra challenges for shippers. For example, static electric charge buildup can damage these items when you transport auto parts. You can limit that type of damage by using special materials designed to absorb or shield electric charges.
Several types of ESD and anti-static plastics make excellent auto parts shipping materials. For example, ESD polycarbonate trays are excellent for computer chips and other highly sensitive electronics. Anti-static PVC is another great choice, and it can be formed in multiple colors to assist with inventory and order tracking. Conductive styrene, ABS, and HDPE are additional options that protect auto parts by absorbing.
Best Practices for Shipping Auto Parts
In auto parts transport, implementing the right packing and shipping systems can improve productivity and lower costs. This starts with inventory management processes and extends through receiving completed orders.
Carefully recording items shipped allows you to restock so you can fulfill future orders as they come in. Proper tracking allows you to know exactly where your products are at any given time. Most major logistics providers offer some form of live tracking to accommodate this need.
Using customized labels makes it simple to comply with regulations while reducing damage to shipped auto parts. Specific labels can denote fragile, flammable, and caustic items. There are also specific hazmat labels for lithium batteries. Directional labels provide instructions for correct handling and storage.
Cost is another consideration when choosing a shipper. You may find that a slightly slower shipping speed brings overall costs down enough to justify the move. In that case, you can offer a higher-priced priority shipping method for customers with time-sensitive orders.
Packaging Best Practices
Best practices also extend to packaging for auto parts. Choose containers and wrapping appropriate for the size and weight of each component. Large auto parts, such as engines and transmissions, often do best with crating, while smaller parts like sensors benefit from individual packaging and added cushioning for protection.
When packaging products for auto parts shipping, try to keep like items together. This allows you to use appropriate materials for them and lowers waste. Small items often do well when packaged individually. Foam inserts, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and other cushioning materials help to reduce vibration and shifting during transport.
Another packaging consideration is how you secure containers. Heavy-duty tape and strapping effectively seal boxes and cartons. Pallet wrap and straps are useful for oversized palletized or crated items.
Regulations To Follow When You Transport Auto Parts
Several DOT regulations cover transporting auto parts within the United States. The biggest factor is whether you are shipping hazardous materials. Hazmat regulations require special labeling and product handling. They also require specific driver and truck certifications for safety.
A lot of auto parts used in the US initially come from other countries. Many parts also move internationally, in some cases multiple times, before a car is delivered. These must follow customs procedures, including filling out an entry summary or CBP Form 7501.
The Importance of Packaging in Auto Parts Shipping
Auto parts can travel quite a bit before reaching their destination in today’s global marketplace. That makes the need for dependable packaging more important than ever.
Auto parts that do not have sufficient or proper packaging can get damaged during shipping. This creates backlogs where you or your customers cannot fill orders. It can damage brand reputation and cause customers to turn to other suppliers.
While packaging won’t overcome every automotive supply chain problem, it can ensure that the components you send or order arrive at their destination in the best possible condition. This helps keep your operations and all downstream operations on schedule.
Improve Auto Parts Shipping With Custom Plastic Trays
Ready-Made Plastic Trays has been making stock and custom trays for automotive parts suppliers for 35 years. We can create custom plastic trays to protect your auto parts during shipping. Contact us to learn how we can support your shipping processes.