Shipping Building Supplies from Istanbul to Seattle via Ocean Freight

When moving mixed loads of construction goods such as Lighting, power tools, and bulk fasteners, properly separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Stack heavy, dense construction goods at the bottom, with lighter cartons of tools on top, and apply corner boards, top sheets, and stretch wrap to stabilize the load. Label pallets with handling instructions like “Fragile lighting” or “Heavy tools” so carriers will handle them appropriately.

For lamps and light fittings, Use heavy-duty cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses do not contact each other. DNA recommends individually protecting each unit in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then positioning them in snug compartments. Prominently mark cartons as “Fragile – Lighting” and avoid stacking them under heavy building supplies on the same pallet.

Moisture-sensitive building supplies such as cement-based goods, metal fasteners, and electrical Lighting need to be protected with moisture-barrier film and, where feasible, supplemented by desiccant packs. Select enclosed equipment—like dry vans or sealed ocean containers—rather than open trucks, and minimize long outdoor dwell times at terminals. For export, evaluate container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value hand tools and branded fasteners Often justify additional freight insurance, especially when combined with fragile light fixtures. DNA recommends covering shipments at full replacement value and maintaining serial numbers or SKU lists for premium hand tools. This documentation strengthens claim outcomes if cartons are lost, pilfered, or water-damaged.

Most standard electrical light fixtures ship as general building products, but You should properly 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 hazmat markings, 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.

The required documentation typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary certificates of origin or compliance with U.S. regulations, particularly for materials that may be subject to specific import restrictions.

Yes, seasonal weather patterns can affect ocean freight conditions, including potential storms or rough seas during winter months, which may impact loading and unloading at ports, as well as the overall stability of shipments.

Our team offers seamless EDI/API connectivity tailored to your systems—including ERP, WMS, finance, and more—while many other forwarders depend on third-party platforms with limited integration and manual data entry.

The SAMMIE system enables international teams by providing a single dashboard with all data needed to manage shipments, saving significant time and improving control compared to archaic, time-consuming methods using inaccurate data.

Shippers can submit details via our Request a Quote form or talk to our team through the Contact Us page on our website.