Shipping Building Products from Chicago to Rio Grande via Ocean Freight

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

For light fixtures and lighting components, choose Double-wall cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses never contact each other. DNA recommends individually wrapping each item in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then positioning them in snug compartments. Clearly 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 LED lights Should be covered with moisture-barrier film and, where feasible, paired with desiccant packs. Select enclosed equipment—like dry vans or sealed ocean containers—rather than open trucks, and try to 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 LED lights. DNA recommends obtaining coverage for shipments at full replacement value and maintaining serial numbers or SKU lists for premium hand 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 battery-powered tools with lithium batteries are included, DG regulations may be involved, requiring UN-compliant labels, packing instructions, and sometimes carrier pre-approval. Check with your carrier or freight forwarder in advance to confirm any restrictions for combined loads of electrical LED lights and powered power tools.

When shipping building and construction materials via ocean freight, it is important to ensure that items are properly packaged to prevent damage during transit. Heavy materials should be securely loaded to avoid shifting, and moisture-sensitive products may require waterproof packaging. Additionally, compliance with weight limits and securing cargo within containers is crucial.

Required documentation typically includes a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary certificates of origin or compliance. Import regulations in Brazil may also require specific customs documentation, including import permits for certain building materials, so it's essential to verify requirements prior to shipping.

Yes, DNA includes consolidation and customs pre-clearance to help move your air cargo quickly and compliantly.

DNA provides in-house customs brokerage including import/export clearance, tariff classification and valuation, ISF, AMS, and ACE filings, plus FDA, USDA, and multi-agency support.

Yes, DNA provides B2B pick/pack and palletization services.