Pallet shipping is a cost effective method of sending engines to your customers.
Shipping an engine is a common requirement for both trade professionals and car enthusiasts. While pallet shipping is an efficient way to move heavy mechanical parts, engines and gearboxes require specific preparation to ensure they are accepted into the courier network and transported safely.
Essential preparation: cleaning & draining.
The most critical requirement for shipping any mechanical part is that it must be completely free of fluids. Engines, generators, or gearboxes that have contained oil must be thoroughly flushed out and dried before collection. Our pallet couriers need access to the dipstick; if any oil is present, the engine will not be collected.
This rule is in place because engines are classified as leakable goods. Any fluid leakage can contaminate other customers' shipments, damage the transport vehicle, or create environmental hazards, leading to the refusal of your consignment and potential surcharges.
leakable goods
How to secure your engine
Because engines are heavy and have an offset centre of gravity, they must be bolted or strapped securely to a sturdy pallet. Simply "sitting" the engine on the pallet is not enough. You should use heavy-duty ratcheting straps or steel banding to ensure there is zero movement. For a visual guide on securing heavy loads, please refer to our pallet presentation page.
We recommend protecting the engine with clear shrink wrap so it remains visible for inspection. Placing the engine / gear box on old rags or in an old tyre to provide support and help protect the goods, ensuring any additional parts are securely fastened to the pallet and remain within the standard UK pallet dimensions to avoid oversized pallet charges.
When you are ready to ship, you can get an instant quote through our pallet shipping costs calculator. Please note that while we provide expert transport, mechanical parts that have not been fully flushed may have restricted insurance coverage. If you have any questions about whether your engine is prepared correctly for transit, please contact our team for assistance.
