Shipping Construction Goods from Antwerp to Charleston via Ocean Freight

When transporting mixed loads of building products such as light fixtures, Tools, and bulk fasteners, clearly separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Load heavy, dense Building materials at the bottom, with lighter cartons of LED lights on top, and add corner boards, top sheets, and stretch wrap to stabilize the load. Label pallets with handling instructions like “Fragile lighting” or “Heavy tools” so carriers do handle them appropriately.

For light fixtures and lighting components, choose Double-wall cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses do not contact each other. Our team recommends individually wrapping each item in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then Placing them in snug compartments. Mark cartons as “Fragile – Lighting” and avoid stacking them under heavy hardware on the same pallet.

Moisture-sensitive building products such as cement-based goods, metal fasteners, and electrical Lighting Should be protected with poly wrap and, where feasible, paired with desiccant packs. Use enclosed equipment—like dry vans or sealed ocean containers—rather than open trucks, and Avoid long outdoor dwell times at terminals. For export, look at container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value power tools and branded fasteners typically warrant All-risk cargo insurance, especially when combined with fragile light fixtures. Our specialists recommend obtaining coverage for shipments at full replacement value and Keeping serial numbers or SKU lists for premium Power tools. This documentation improves claim outcomes if cartons are lost, pilfered, or water-damaged.

Most standard electrical LED lights ship as general building products, but you must Declare them with the correct HS codes and electrical specifications on your documentation. If corded tools with lithium batteries are included, you may trigger dangerous goods regulations, requiring UN-compliant labels, packing instructions, and sometimes carrier pre-approval. Consult your carrier or freight forwarder in advance to confirm any restrictions for combined loads of electrical Lighting and powered power tools.

Building & Construction Materials should be securely packaged to prevent damage during ocean transit. It is important to consider weight distribution and stacking limitations, as well as the potential for moisture exposure during the journey.

Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary customs declarations. Compliance with U.S. import regulations, including any specific certifications for construction materials, is also essential.

DNA utilizes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.

You’re invited to take the DNA “One Test Run Challenge” with a single shipment so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership-focused approach.

DNA Supply Chain offers ocean freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, ground transportation (domestic and cross-border trucking), customs brokerage, and warehousing & distribution, all supported by our SAMMIE visibility platform and dedicated Client Success Officers.