How to Ship Car Parts
Here are a few tips on how to successfully ship automotive parts, specifically small items that we repair here at Auto Tech Rescue such as instrument clusters, climate controls, ABS modules, etc. Note that there is no top or bottom to a box. Pack each item knowing that it will be safe from all sides of the box. Shipping companies handle millions of packages each day. Assume that at some point it will be stacked below or on top of something else. It will likely travel on a conveyor belt and could be thrown along the way. Keeping all of these things in mind, will help you choose the best packing material and box for the part you are shipping.
**When shipping automotive parts, please remember to treat each package as if it may be thrown at some point. Use plenty of bubble wrap, foam, paper, etc. **
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Find a sturdy box to ship the part in. Make sure that it is large enough that there is at least one inch of space between the item and the box.
- If using a recycled box, make sure to take off any old shipping labels.
- Wrap the item in bubble wrap if available and place the part in the box.
- Fill the remainder of the box with paper, newspaper, or foam peanuts to keep the box from losing its shape during transit and to provide an extra barrier of protection to the part you are shipping.
- Place your completed customer information form in the box with the part.
- Use packing tape to seal the box.
- Measure and weigh the box.
- Create a shipping label online or take the package to your local post office, UPS store, or Office Depot/Staples where they can create a shipping label for you. The post office requires that you round up to the nearest pound. Do not round down.
INSURANCE:
- The US Postal Service will provide $50 of free insurance with their priority shipping option. You may purchase additional insurance if desired.
- UPS typically provides $100 and will request a value for the item.
- If you choose to have us create a shipping label for you, we provide additional insurance for $2 per $100 of additional insurance.
USE CAUTION:
If the item has tabs, be sure to place them where they will not be easily broken if the box is dented in shipping.
If the item has a lens, it might be a good idea to place it in the box at an angle, so that if something crushes one side of the box, it does not fall directly on the lens and crack it.
DO NOT:
- DO NOT ship any parts in a BAG. It WILL arrive broken.
- DO NOT use scotch tape to seal up the box. You can purchase a small roll of packing tape at the post office counter if necessary. They also carry this in any Wal-Mart or Target store in the office supply section.
- DO NOT leave space for the part to roll around in the box during shipping.
- DO NOT use a box that is too small for the part.
- DO NOT leave old labels on a recycled box.
PURCHASE A SHIPPING LABEL FROM AUTO TECH RESCUE:
We are going to begin providing shipping labels upon request as a convenience to our customers. Please be sure to find a box that is as close to our specified dimensions as possible to avoid any extra charges that the shipping company may request from you upon drop off of the item.
LINKS: