Shipping Hardware from San Juan to Minneapolis via Ocean Freight

When transporting mixed loads of building products such as light fixtures, Tools, and bulk fasteners, properly separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Place heavy, dense construction goods at the bottom, with lighter cartons of tools on top, and add 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 light fixtures and lighting components, choose Double-wall cartons with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses never contact each other. DNA recommends Wrapping each fixture in bubble wrap or foam sleeves, then positioning them in snug compartments. Prominently mark cartons as “Fragile – Lighting” and avoid stacking them under heavy hardware on the same pallet.

Moisture-sensitive building products such as cement-based goods, metal Hardware, and electrical Lighting Should be covered with moisture-barrier film and, where feasible, Combined with 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, look at container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value power tools and branded Hardware typically warrant All-risk cargo insurance, especially when combined with fragile LED lights. DNA recommends Insuring shipments at full replacement value and maintaining serial numbers or SKU lists for premium hand tools. This documentation improves claim outcomes if cartons are lost, pilfered, or water-damaged.

Most standard electrical LED lights ship as general Construction goods, but you must Declare them with the correct HS codes and electrical specifications on your documentation. If battery-powered tools with lithium batteries are included, DG regulations may be involved, 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 LED lights and powered power tools.

Required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary certificates of origin or compliance with U.S. regulations.

Yes, shipping may be affected by hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November, potentially impacting port operations and scheduling.

DNA combines smarter tech—through the SAMMIE AI platform—with faster answers and people who truly care, including dedicated Client Success Officers, so customers get both advanced visibility and hands-on, proactive support.

The majority of clients are up and running within days, after we gather basic shipment details and compliance documents, set up your profile, configure SAMMIE access, and align your first shipment.

Typical tools only visualize carrier data, while SAMMIE is built on ecosystem data from third-party sources and DNA’s proprietary history, enabling predictive ETAs, intelligent alerts, and advanced automation powered by clean, validated data.