The ESSENTIAL Guide to Sending an Engine on a Pallet

Did You Know? Engines are one of the most popular items shipped through a pallet network... But despite engines being shipped so frequently, people aren't always sure how to package them correctly. 

Engines come with very specific safety rules. They’re heavy, often awkwardly shaped, and can contain residual fluids if they haven’t been prepared properly. When those rules aren’t followed, it can lead to leaks, safety risks at depots, damaged trailers, refused collections and extra charges.

This guide explains how to prepare and secure an engine for pallet delivery, what our drivers will check on collection, and how to avoid delays or failed collections.

Let’s get into it!

Can I send an engine on a pallet?

Yes, but used engines must now meet specific packaging requirements before they can be accepted for transport.

An engine must not be presented on a pallet alone. All used engines must be fully contained within a suitable and sufficient crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame.

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, surrounding freight and handling equipment from damage

Engines presented on pallets without suitable containment will not be accepted for carriage.

These requirements are in place to reduce the risk of leaks, instability, damage and injury while engines are being handled throughout the pallet network.

Preparing your engine for shipping

Drain all fluids completely

This is the single biggest cause of refused collections.

All engines must be fully drained before collection, in line with pallet network rules. This includes:

• Engine oil
• Fuel
• Coolant
• Water

Even small amounts of remaining fluid can leak once the engine is lifted or tilted, creating slip hazards and contamination risks.

After draining, place the engine on absorbent material or place a drip tray below and allow enough time for any remaining liquid to escape. Leaving the engine to stand for several hours, or overnight, is strongly recommended.

Our drivers inspect engine shipments on collection. If there is any sign of leakage, the pallet will be refused and a failed collection may still be chargeable.

Clean, seal and protect the engine

Once the engine is fully drained, it should be prepared properly for transit.

Start by cleaning the engine externally. Removing excess oil, grease and debris reduces contamination risk and allows the driver to inspect the engine safely.

All exposed openings and ports must then be sealed to prevent dirt or water ingress. This should be done using:

• Proper threaded plugs or caps where available
• High-quality tape
• Plastic sheeting secured firmly in place

Vulnerable components should also be protected. We strongly recommend covering items such as sensors, wiring looms, pulleys and turbo inlets using foam padding or bubble wrap, secured so it cannot come loose during handling.

Securing the engine for transport

Use a suitable crate, stillage or transport frame

Used engines must be fully contained within a robust crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame. An engine secured directly to a pallet will not be accepted for transport.

The containment used must be capable of safely supporting the engine’s weight and protecting it throughout normal handling and transit. It must also allow the load to be handled safely by forklift without compromising its stability.

Preventing movement during transit

The engine must be positively secured within the crate, stillage or transport frame so that it cannot slide, shift or tip during handling.

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 or engineered supports

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

Any crate, stillage or frame that is damaged, unstable, inadequately constructed or allows the engine to move may be refused.

Protect against residual leaks

Even after an engine has been fully drained, small amounts of residual fluid may remain.

Oil-absorbent pads, drip trays or another suitable containment method should therefore be incorporated within the crate, stillage or transport frame to capture any remaining leakage.

Protect vulnerable components

Sensors, wiring looms, pulleys, turbo inlets and other exposed or vulnerable components should be suitably protected against impact during handling and transit.

Where appropriate, clearly marking the shipment with labels such as “This Way Up”, “Heavy”, “Fragile” or “Engine – Keep Upright” can also help with safe handling through the network.

Why draining engines matters

Leaking oil, fuel or coolant creates serious safety hazards at depots, damages trailers and other freight, and requires clean-up before the pallet can continue its journey.

If your pallet leaks:

• Clean-up charges may apply
• The engine will not be delivered until it is safe to move
• Delays are unavoidable

Taking the time to prepare the engine properly keeps your shipment moving and avoids unnecessary cost.

Final checks before booking

Before booking your engine pallet delivery, take a moment to confirm:

• All engine oil, fuel and coolant have been fully drained
• The engine is clean externally
• All openings and ports are securely sealed
• Vulnerable components are adequately 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
• Heavy-duty restraints, bolts, brackets, steel banding or another appropriate securing method have been used
• Suitable absorbent material or leak containment is in place
• The crate, stillage or frame is stable and suitable for forklift handling

As with all pallet deliveries, also make sure there is hard-standing ground at both collection and delivery. Pallet trucks cannot operate on gravel, grass or loose surfaces.

TIP: Our help page has all the details you need to know before sending an engine.

Final Thoughts

Once you are confident that your engine is packed safely & correctly, you can finally look for a reliable engine pallet courier that will transport it to your desired address. 

The cost of engine pallet delivery depends on the pallet size, weight and destination. At PalletOnline, you can get a free and instant quote for your engine shipment.

We offer some of the most competitive engine delivery rates in the industry, combined with reliable service and fast transit through our trusted pallet network.

As always, if you have any questions or second thoughts before booking your engine delivery, our Support team are happy to help.