Engine Shipping Alert: The Rules Have Changed

Planning to send a used engine? Before you reach for the ratchet straps, there’s an important change you need to know about.

Used engines can no longer be presented on a pallet alone.

Under the latest network requirements, every used engine must now be contained within a suitable crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame before it can be accepted for carriage.

So, if your usual engine-packing routine involves securing it straight onto a pallet, it’s time for an update.

Here’s exactly what’s changed, why it matters and what you need to do before booking your next engine delivery.

The big one: An engine strapped directly to a pallet will no longer be accepted, it MUST be in a crate, stillage or transport frame.

So, What Exactly Has Changed?

Previously, it was common for engines to be positioned and securely fastened directly onto a suitable pallet.

That is no longer acceptable.

Used engines must now be housed within a suitable and sufficient:

• Crate
• Stillage
• Purpose-designed transport frame

Whichever method you choose, it must safely support the engine and keep it stable throughout collection, handling and transit.

Engines presented on pallets alone will not be accepted for carriage.

Top tip: If you can see your engine sitting exposed on top of a pallet, you're probably not finished packing it yet.

Why Have the Engine Shipping Rules Changed?

Engines aren't exactly the easiest things in the world to transport.

They're heavy, awkwardly shaped and, even after being drained, can contain small amounts of residual oil, fuel or coolant.

If an engine moves, tips or leaks while travelling through a pallet network, it can create a risk to:

• Drivers and depot employees
• Forklift operators
• Handling equipment
• Other freight travelling alongside it
• The engine itself

The new requirements are designed to provide better containment, improve load stability and reduce the risk of leaks or damage while engines move through the network.

If you're new to sending engines, our essential guide to preparing an engine for pallet delivery walks through the process in more detail.

Engines and leaks: Not exactly a dream combination.

What Should I Put My Engine In?

Your engine needs to be contained within a robust crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame.

Whatever you use must:

• Be suitable for the engine's weight and dimensions
• Be strong enough to withstand normal handling and transportation
• Prevent the engine from moving during transit
• Be suitable for safe forklift handling
• Protect the engine and surrounding freight from damage

A damaged, unstable or inadequately constructed crate, stillage or transport frame isn't suitable just because the engine technically fits inside it.

Think strong, stable and forklift-friendly.

Top tip: Your packaging needs to handle the engine AND everything the journey throws at it.

Yes, You Still Need to Drain It

The new containment rule doesn't replace the existing engine preparation requirements.

Before collection, all engine oil, fuel and coolant must be completely removed.

Give the engine enough time after draining for any remaining liquid to escape, then clean excess grease, oil and debris from the outside.

Any open ports should also be securely sealed using suitable threaded plugs, caps or other appropriate materials.

Even after all that, small amounts of residual fluid can sometimes remain, so absorbent pads, a drip tray or another suitable leak-containment measure should be included within the crate, stillage or transport frame.

Top tip: Drain it early. Finding that last little leak five minutes before collection isn't anyone's idea of fun.

Make Sure the Engine Can't Move

Putting the engine inside a crate or stillage doesn't automatically make it ready for collection.

It also needs to be positively secured within its containment so that it cannot slide, shift or tip during handling or transit.

Depending on the engine and the design of your containment, suitable securing methods could include:

• Heavy-duty restraints
• Bolts or brackets
• Steel banding
• Secure mounting points
• Timber blocks
• Suitable engineered supports

The important part is that the complete package remains stable throughout its journey.

Give it the wobble test: If the engine can move around before collection, imagine what it'll do on the road.

What About Ratchet Straps and Shrink Wrap?

This is where it's important to distinguish between securing an engine and simply wrapping one.

Heavy-duty restraints may form part of a suitable securing arrangement, depending on the crate, stillage or frame being used.

However:

Rope, tape, stretch wrap and shrink wrap must not be used as the primary means of securing an engine.

Stretch or shrink wrap can still be useful as additional protective packaging, but it cannot replace proper containment and securing.

If you want more general advice on preparing freight correctly, take a look at our pallet packing guide before collection.

Shrink wrap is helpful. Shrink wrap is not magic. 

Don't Forget the Vulnerable Bits

An engine might be tough, but plenty of the components attached to it aren't.

Before collection, protect vulnerable or exposed parts such as:

• Sensors
• Wiring looms
• Pulleys
• Turbo inlets
• Electrical connections
• Other exposed components

Suitable cushioning and protective packaging can make a big difference when your engine is being handled throughout the network.

Top tip: If it sticks out, looks expensive and would ruin your day if it snapped off… protect it.

Measure the Complete Shipment

Once the engine has been properly contained, you'll need the dimensions of the complete packaged shipment — not just the engine itself.

That means measuring the crate, stillage or transport frame at its furthest points and recording the total:

• Length
• Width
• Height
• Weight

Accurate measurements matter when booking pallet transport because the space your freight occupies affects how it needs to be handled and transported.

Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the pallet measurements that matter before getting your quote.

Top tip: Measure twice, book once.

Should I Label My Engine?

Your normal shipping labels should be securely attached to the outside of the crate, stillage or transport frame where they can be clearly seen.

You can also add additional handling markings such as:

• This Way Up
• Heavy
• Fragile
• Engine – Keep Upright

These aren't mandatory, but they may help communicate useful handling information as your engine travels through the network.

What Happens If I Don't Follow the New Rules?

This is the important bit.

An engine that doesn't meet the required packaging and securing standards may be:

• Refused for collection
• Rejected at the depot
• Held until corrective action has been taken

That can mean delays, extra hassle and a shipment that isn't going anywhere until the packaging has been corrected.

A few extra minutes spent checking everything before collection can save a considerably bigger headache later.

No crate, stillage or frame = no journey. 

Your Pre-Collection Engine Checklist

Before booking, make sure you can tick every one of these:

• All oil, fuel and coolant have been completely drained
• The outside of the engine is clean
• All openings and ports are securely sealed
• Vulnerable components are protected
• The engine is inside a suitable crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame
• The containment is suitable for the engine's weight and dimensions
• The engine cannot slide, shift or tip
• Suitable securing methods have been used
• Leak-containment measures are in place
• The complete shipment is stable and suitable for forklift handling

Engine Ready? Let's Get It Moving.

Once your engine is drained, protected, securely contained and ready for the network, the hard part is done.

Enter the collection and delivery details along with the weight and dimensions of your complete packaged shipment, choose your service and arrange your PalletOnline collection online.

• Engine contained
• Fluids drained
• Everything secure

Then there's only one thing left to do.

Get your instant pallet delivery quote and book your engine collection today.