Shipping Building Materials from Shanghai to Oakland via Ocean Freight

When transporting mixed loads of construction goods such as lamps, hand tools, and bulk Hardware, Separate items by weight and fragility on each pallet. Load 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 will handle them appropriately.

For light fixtures and light fittings, pack in reinforced boxes with internal dividers or foam inserts so glass and lenses do not contact each other. We recommend individually wrapping each item 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 products such as cement-based goods, metal fasteners, and electrical LED lights must be protected 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 Avoid long outdoor dwell times at terminals. For export, evaluate container liners or dehumidifier units for high-humidity routes.

High-value power tools and branded fasteners usually require enhanced cargo coverage, especially when combined with fragile light fixtures. We recommend obtaining coverage for shipments at full replacement value and retaining 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 LED lights ship as general building products, but it is important to accurately 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 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 Lighting and powered power tools.

Required documentation includes a Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any necessary export permits from China. Additionally, an Importer Security Filing (ISF) is required for the United States.

Yes, all Building & Construction Materials must comply with U.S. regulations, including adherence to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines, as well as any specific safety and quality standards applicable to construction materials.

DNA Supply Chain Solutions’ mission is to provide valuable logistics services so clients feel under the care, guidance, and expertise of professionals, supported by constant visibility, attention to detail, smart technology, and data mastery.

DNA Supply Chain is grounded in values of love, trust, collaboration, and a belief that service is a relationship, not a transaction, supported by technology that keeps its word and a commitment to staying human even at scale.

Our platform enhances control by combining live carrier data, independent port tracking, an AI rules engine, and human verification to provide real-time visibility, predictive alerts, and exception management.