Shipping Building Products from Kaohsiung to Norfolk via Ocean Freight

When moving mixed loads of building products such as lamps, power tools, and bulk Hardware, clearly separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Place heavy, dense construction goods at the bottom, with lighter cartons of LED lights on top, and apply 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 do handle them appropriately.

For lamps and lighting components, pack in heavy-duty cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses do not contact each other. Our team recommends Wrapping each fixture in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then positioning them in snug compartments. 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 Hardware, and electrical LED lights need to be protected with poly wrap and, where feasible, Combined with desiccant packs. Select enclosed equipment—like dry vans or sealed ocean containers—rather than open trucks, and Avoid long outdoor dwell times at terminals. For export, evaluate container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value hand tools and branded Hardware usually require additional freight insurance, especially when combined with fragile light fixtures. Our specialists recommend Insuring shipments at full replacement value and maintaining serial numbers or SKU lists for premium Power tools. This documentation strengthens claim outcomes if cartons are lost, pilfered, or water-damaged.

Most standard electrical light fixtures ship as general Construction goods, but it is important to properly 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 Special labeling, 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 Lighting and powered power tools.

When shipping Building & Construction Materials via ocean freight, it is essential to ensure that the materials are properly packaged to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, items may need to be secured to avoid shifting within the container. Heavy construction goods may require special handling equipment at both ports.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with U.S. customs regulations, which may involve providing detailed documentation such as a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. Additionally, certain materials may be subject to inspection for compliance with safety and environmental standards set by U.S. authorities.

Our air freight solutions feature consolidation and customs pre-clearance to help move your air cargo quickly and compliantly.

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

Our distribution solutions include B2B pick/pack and palletization services.