How To Prepare An Engine For Safe Delivery

FACT: Engines are one of the most popular items shipped through pallet networks. But despite engines being shipped so frequently, people still aren't sure how to package them correctly. 

Engines, motors and gearboxes may be refused when they have not been properly prepared, contained or secured for transport. Poor preparation can increase the risk of damage not only to the engine itself, but also to other freight, handling equipment and everyone involved in handling the shipment.

But what exactly is the right way to prepare an engine? 

Learn how to protect your engine in transit with our simple expert preparation tips! 

Avoid Cutting Corners!

Engines Must Be Properly Contained

Used engines will only be accepted for transport when contained within a suitable and sufficient crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame.

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

The crate, stillage or transport frame 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

Taking the time to use suitable containment is essential for protecting the engine, other freight, handling equipment and everyone involved in its journey.

Drain All Fluids from the Engine 

Before an engine can be transported, all engine oil, fuel and coolant must be completely removed.

Residual fluids can create contamination and safety risks during handling and transit, so allow sufficient time for any remaining liquid to escape after draining.

Once drained, clean away any visible oil, grease or fluid from the outside of the engine.

Oil-absorbent pads, a drip tray or another suitable leak-containment measure should also be incorporated within the crate, stillage or transport frame to capture any residual leakage.

All ports and openings should be securely sealed using suitable threaded plugs, caps or other appropriate materials to help prevent leakage and protect the engine from dirt and water ingress.

Use Industrial-Standard Ratchet Straps 

The engine must be securely housed within a robust crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame.

It must not be able to slide, shift or tip during handling or transportation.

Depending on the design of the containment, suitable securing methods may include:

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

The securing method must be appropriate for the weight and dimensions of the engine and strong enough to withstand normal handling throughout the network.

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

Protect Vulnerable Components

Before the engine is collected, take time to protect vulnerable or exposed components such as sensors, wiring looms, pulleys, turbo inlets and other delicate parts.

Suitable protective materials can be used to reduce the risk of components being damaged during handling and transportation.

Stretch wrap or shrink wrap may be used as additional protective packaging where appropriate, but it must **not** be relied upon as the primary method of securing the engine.

The engine must remain securely contained and positively secured within its crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame throughout its journey.

Final Checks Before Collection

Before booking your engine delivery, check that:

• All oil, fuel and coolant have been completely drained
• The engine is clean externally
• All ports and openings are securely sealed
• Vulnerable components are suitably protected
• The engine is contained within a suitable crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame
• The containment is suitable for the engine’s weight and dimensions
• The engine cannot move, slide or tip within the containment
• Suitable heavy-duty restraints, bolts, brackets, steel banding or engineered securing methods have been used
• Suitable leak-containment measures are in place
• The complete shipment is stable and suitable for safe forklift handling

Additional markings such as “This Way Up”, “Heavy”, “Fragile” or “Engine – Keep Upright" are not mandatory, but may assist with safe handling throughout the network.

Important: Engines that do not meet these packaging and securing requirements may be refused for collection, rejected at the depot or held until corrective action has been taken.

Once you’re happy that your engine meets these requirements, you can go ahead and book your engine delivery.