Shipping Vehicle Components from Durban to Chicago via Ocean Freight

For moisture-sensitive Auto parts, Use inner poly bags with desiccant around each component, then place them in Sturdy cartons with sufficient cushioning. Seal all seams with strong packing tape and clearly mark cartons “Protect from Moisture”. For export or long-duration transit, evaluate adding Desiccant packs inside master cartons and, if needed, inside the shipping container.

You Can ship Tires with boxed automotive parts, but They should be physically separated and properly secured. Logistics providers commonly recommend palletizing boxed auto components and then stacking or racking car tires so they do not press against or rub cartons. Avoid placing heavy loose Tires on top of fragile or moisture-sensitive vehicle parts, as this can cause crushing or punctures during transit.

Fluid-filled Auto parts such as fuel system components, shock absorbers, or oil coolers May require dangerous goods documentation, depending on the type and quantity of fluid. You should verify whether the product is classified as dangerous goods under IMDG and IATA regulations and include the appropriate safety data sheets (SDS), UN numbers, and packing group information if applicable. Even when not regulated as hazardous, clearly Indicate “Contains Fluids – Keep Upright” on packaging and shipping documents to guide carriers.

High-value Car parts such as engines, transmissions, ECUs, and safety modules Are best shipped with declared value coverage. Carrier default liability Is often limited and may not cover the full replacement cost of specialized vehicle parts. Most brokers recommend insuring based on replacement value, documenting serial numbers and condition at pickup, and retaining invoices and packing lists so any claim for loss, impact damage, or moisture-related failure is processed efficiently.

To reduce damage in mixed Automotive pallet loads, Place the heaviest metal components at the bottom, with lighter boxes and car tires above. Use Corner boards, shrink wrap and bands to stabilize the load and prevent shifting. Keep moisture-sensitive auto components toward the center of the pallet, away from potential leaks or condensation on trailer walls, and prominently mark any fragile or orientation-sensitive cartons so handlers Can follow correct handling procedures.

Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary export permits from South Africa, as well as compliance with U.S. customs regulations, including an import declaration and any applicable tariffs.

Seasonal considerations include potential weather disruptions such as storms during the South African summer, which can affect shipping schedules and logistics, as well as peak shipping seasons in the U.S. that may lead to congestion at ports.

SAMMIE was built to avoid surprises like a vessel’s status suddenly changing to a long delay by delivering platform-level visibility with real-world accuracy through combined data sources and human checks.

It means we serve people, not just packages, focusing on face-to-face communication, thoughtful support, and long-term trust rather than one-off transactions.

You can take the “One Test Run Challenge” by giving us a single shipment, which we use to demonstrate what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like, with a dedicated page available to get started.