Updated Requirements for Transporting Used Engines Safely

Customers sending used engines should be aware of important packaging and preparation requirements designed to ensure engines can be transported safely and securely through pallet and freight networks.

Due to safety, handling and damage concerns, used engines must be contained within a suitable crate, stillage or purpose-designed transport frame before they can be accepted for transport.

Engines secured to a pallet alone will not be accepted for carriage.

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How should a used engine be packaged?

Any crate, stillage or transport frame should be suitable for the engine's weight and dimensions and strong enough to withstand normal handling and transportation.

The engine must be securely contained so that it cannot move during handling or transit. Packaging should also allow for safe forklift handling and provide sufficient protection for the engine, handling equipment and other freight.

Before collection, you should:

• Drain all fluids – Engine oil, fuel and coolant must be completely removed.
• Clean the engine – Remove excess oil, grease and debris to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Seal openings – Ports and openings should be securely sealed using suitable plugs, caps or other appropriate materials.
• Protect vulnerable components – Sensors, wiring, pulleys, turbo inlets and other exposed components should be adequately protected.
• Provide leak containment – Absorbent pads, drip trays or similar measures should be used to capture any residual fluid.
• Secure the engine – Heavy-duty restraints, bolts, brackets, steel banding or another suitable securing method should prevent movement within the crate, stillage or frame.

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What packaging is not accepted?

Used engines should not be presented for transport:

• On a pallet without a suitable crate, stillage or transport frame.
• With rope, tape, stretch wrap or shrink wrap used as the primary method of securing the engine.
• In packaging that allows the engine to move during handling or transit.
• In damaged, unstable or inadequately constructed crates, stillages or transport frames.

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Labelling your engine for transport

Clear handling labels can also help your shipment move safely through the transport network. While not always mandatory, labels such as "This Way Up", "Heavy", "Fragile" and "Engine – Keep Upright" can provide useful guidance to those handling your shipment.

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Check your engine before collection

Used engines that do not meet the required packaging and preparation standards may be refused for collection, rejected by the carrier or held until corrective action has been taken.

Preparing your engine correctly helps protect the shipment itself, other freight, equipment and the people handling it throughout its journey.

If you're unsure how to prepare an engine for transport or whether your shipment meets the required standards, contact the P4D team before booking your collection.