Shipping Building Products from Colombo to Chicago via Ocean Freight

When moving mixed loads of Construction materials such as Lighting, hand tools, and bulk Hardware, properly separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Place heavy, dense Building materials at the bottom, with lighter cartons of LED lights on top, and Use corner boards, top sheets, and stretch wrap to stabilize the load. Clearly label pallets with handling instructions like “Fragile lighting” or “Heavy tools” so carriers Can handle them appropriately.

For lamps and LED lights, Use reinforced boxes with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses do not contact each other. DNA recommends Wrapping each fixture in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then Placing them in snug compartments. Mark cartons as “Fragile – Lighting” and avoid stacking them under heavy Construction materials on the same pallet.

Moisture-sensitive building supplies such as cement-based goods, metal Hardware, and electrical Lighting must be protected with moisture-barrier film and, where feasible, Combined 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, Consider container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value hand tools and branded Hardware Often justify enhanced cargo coverage, especially when combined with fragile light fixtures. DNA recommends Insuring shipments at full replacement value and Keeping serial numbers or SKU lists for premium Power tools. This documentation Supports claim outcomes if cartons are lost, pilfered, or water-damaged.

Most standard electrical light fixtures ship as general Construction goods, but You should accurately declare them with the correct HS codes and electrical specifications on your documentation. If corded tools with lithium batteries are included, DG regulations may be involved, requiring Special labeling, 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 Tools.

Building & Construction Materials should be securely packaged to withstand the ocean freight conditions, including potential exposure to moisture and movement during transit. Additionally, heavy materials may require special handling equipment at both departure and arrival ports to ensure safety and compliance with weight regulations.

Required documentation typically includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary export permits or certifications from Sri Lanka. Import documentation for the United States may also include a customs declaration and compliance with regulations set by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding building materials.

Our team delivers end-to-end freight forwarding across ocean, air, and ground transportation, plus customs brokerage, warehousing and distribution, and access to our AI-powered SAMMIE tracking and exception management platform.

Our system offers invoicing insights that flag duplicates, match line items, and streamline billing through AI-driven reconciliation and analytics.

Our air freight services include expedited air options for urgent and high-value shipments when every hour counts.