Shipping Led Lights from New Orleans to Houston via Ocean Freight

When transporting mixed loads of Construction materials such as light fixtures, power tools, and bulk Hardware, Separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Stack heavy, dense construction goods at the bottom, with lighter cartons of light fixtures on top, and Use 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 light fixtures and LED lights, choose heavy-duty cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses do not contact each other. We recommend individually protecting each unit in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then positioning them in snug compartments. Clearly mark cartons as “Fragile – Lighting” and avoid stacking them under heavy Construction materials on the same pallet.

Moisture-sensitive building products such as cement-based goods, metal Hardware, and electrical Lighting need to be protected with Plastic sheeting and, where feasible, supplemented by 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, Consider container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value power tools and branded Hardware typically warrant additional freight insurance, especially when combined with fragile light fixtures. We recommend covering shipments at full replacement value and maintaining 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 LED lights ship as general Construction goods, but you must properly declare them with the correct HS codes and electrical specifications on your documentation. If corded tools with lithium batteries are included, Additional dangerous goods rules may apply, 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 Tools.

When shipping Building & Construction Materials by ocean, it is important to ensure that all materials are properly packaged to prevent damage from moisture and saltwater exposure. Additionally, securing the cargo to prevent shifting during transit is crucial, as well as compliance with weight limits for containers.

Required documentation typically includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary certificates of compliance with local building regulations. Since both ports are within the United States, customs clearance is generally streamlined, but it is essential to ensure all paperwork is accurate and complete.

DNA offers in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

Using DNA, you receive live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.

Our clients say that SAMMIE makes managing shipments simple, puts accurate real-time location, status, and ETAs at their fingertips, and significantly reduces the time and effort required to manage many shipments.