Sending an engine on a pallet

Important update: the rules for transporting used engines have changed.

What has changed?

From August 2026, Palletline network requirements for transporting used engines have changed. 

• Drain fully. All oil and fluids must be drained. The engine must stay dry with no drip, leak, or weep.
• Contain securely. The engine must be secured in a suitable crate, stillage, or transport frame that prevents movement and allows safe handling. Engines on pallets alone will no longer be accepted.
• Trap any residue. Provide absorbent material, a drip tray, or both. Stray fluid must not reach the vehicle, depot, or other pallets.
• No exceptions. Poor preparation or unsuitable containment may result in the engine being refused for collection or carriage and will void cover. We may reclaim clean-up, downtime, repairs, and other losses.

Can I Send an Engine on a Pallet?

Yes, we send engines and vehicle parts every day through our pallet network. However, there are strict safety requirements that must be followed to prevent leaks, damage and refusal at collection. 

Used engines MUST be contained within a suitable 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

How to Prepare an Engine for Transport

Engines must be fully drained of all fluids before collection. This includes oil, fuel and coolant. Any remaining liquid can leak during transit and may result in refusal, delays and clean-up charges.

• Clean the engine externally to remove grease, oil and debris
• Drain all oil, fuel and coolant
• Allow sufficient time for any residual fluid to escape
• Seal all openings with suitable threaded plugs or caps
• Protect vulnerable parts such as sensors, wiring looms, pulleys and turbo inlets
• Add absorbent material, a drip tray or another suitable leak-containment measure within the crate, stillage or transport frame
• Keep the dipstick accessible where required for collection checks

If there are signs of leakage or poor preparation at collection, the shipment may be refused and the collection charge may still apply.

How to Secure an Engine for Safe Transit

Once fully drained, cleaned and sealed, the engine must be securely contained within its crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame.

The engine must not be able to slide, shift or tip during handling or transit.

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 securing arrangements

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

Any damaged, unstable or inadequately constructed crate, stillage or transport frame may be refused.

How Much Does It Cost to Send an Engine?

The price will depend on the weight and overall dimensions of the complete packaged shipment, including the crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame, as well as the delivery postcode. You can get an instant quote here:

Get an engine delivery quote now.

We offer competitive rates with reliable UK-wide pallet delivery through our trusted network.

Final Checks Before Booking

Before booking your engine delivery, make sure:

• All oil, fuel and coolant have been completely drained
• The engine is clean externally
• All ports and openings are securely sealed
• Vulnerable components are 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 securing methods have been used
• Leak-containment measures are in place
• The complete shipment is stable and suitable for safe forklift handling
• There is hard-standing ground at both the collection and delivery addresses, as pallet trucks cannot operate on gravel, grass or loose surfaces

If you’re unsure about your packaging, contact us on Live Chat and we’ll be happy to help.

Why Draining the Engine Is Essential

Leaking oil, fuel or coolant creates safety risks and can damage other consignments, handling equipment and vehicles.

If an engine leaks within the network, clean-up charges may apply and the shipment could be delayed or held until it is safe to move.

Preparing your engine correctly helps avoid unnecessary costs and keeps your delivery moving safely through 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.

Last updated: August 2026