Shipping Hardware from Los Angeles to Charleston via Ocean Freight

When moving mixed loads of Construction materials such as lamps, power tools, and bulk fasteners, Separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Load heavy, dense construction goods at the bottom, with lighter cartons of tools 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 do handle them appropriately.

For lamps and LED lights, pack in heavy-duty cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses never contact each other. We recommend individually wrapping each item in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then positioning them in snug compartments. Prominently 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 LED lights need to be covered with Plastic sheeting and, where feasible, paired with desiccant packs. Book enclosed equipment—like dry vans or sealed ocean containers—rather than open trucks, and minimize 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 usually require additional freight insurance, especially when combined with fragile LED lights. We recommend obtaining coverage for shipments at full replacement value and retaining serial numbers or SKU lists for premium hand 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 it is important to properly declare them with the correct HS codes and electrical specifications on your documentation. If battery-powered tools with lithium batteries are included, Additional dangerous goods rules may apply, requiring UN-compliant labels, packing instructions, and sometimes carrier pre-approval. Coordinate with your carrier or freight forwarder in advance to confirm any restrictions for combined loads of electrical LED lights and powered Tools.

Building and construction materials should be properly packaged and secured to prevent damage during ocean transport. Heavy materials may require special equipment for loading and unloading, and it's essential to follow weight distribution guidelines to ensure stability on the vessel.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary certificates of origin or compliance with regulatory standards. It's important to ensure all paperwork is complete to facilitate smooth customs clearance at both the origin and destination ports.

Our customs brokerage includes tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.

Our network includes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.

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