How to Ship Transmissions - Steps by Step & FAQs

The transmission is the driving power of any vehicle, so transporting it with care is essential. If you’re a business owner trying to figure out how to ship transmissions in a way that suits your budget, timeline and shipping requirements, then you’ve come to the right place.

Read on for a full guide on how to prepare and ship transmissions and learn more about which option is best for your business.

Decide How You’re Going to Ship the Transmissions

For most auto parts, there are two main shipping options: Less than truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL). Understanding the differences can help you identify the best way to ship a transmission for your business needs.

Here’s a comparison table to make your process easier:

Less than Truckload (LTL)	Full Truckload (FTL)
Several shipments from multiple shippers’ freight are combined into one truck	Commonly used for larger shipments that take up most of the truck space
Great option for smaller businesses with fewer shipping requirements	Ideal for bigger companies or those that stock large capacity products
More cost-effective option, especially for smaller shipments	Can be more expensive but may be more cost-effective for large shipments
May increase product damage risk with multiple loading and unloading times	Has a more direct route that can benefit safety and protection
Delivery times are more variable because the shipments are from multiple companies, requiring several stops	More predictable transit times because the truck only carries shipments from one company

Both LTL and FTL are suitable for shipping transmissions. LTL may be a better pick for small businesses with budget constraints. FTL is a better option for businesses with time-sensitive shipments or those shipping high-value or rare items.

Steps for Shipping a Transmission

Shipping a transmission can be a tricky process if you don’t have the right guide. With the right steps, businesses can ship sensitive automotive products in a way that keeps them secure. Here’s how to ship a transmission:

Prepare the Transmission

Preparation is vital in packaging a transmission for shipping. Follow these steps to protect your equipment:

Drain all fluids: Carefully drain all fluids from the transmission to ensure compliance with transit rules and the safety of the product and surrounding items.
Pack fragile segments separately: Remove fragile parts of the transmission, like the side shift consoles, and pack them separately to prevent bumps and damage.
Clean the transmission thoroughly: Wipe off any excess grease or oil to prevent packaging from deteriorating during transit.
Decide on the shipping class: Determine the shipping class of the transmission based on density handling, stability, and liability. Transmissions typically fall under freight class 85, but you should evaluate the type of transmission you’re shipping. If it falls into a lower class, you can benefit from lower shipping costs.

Use the Right Packaging Materials

Most auto parts require specialized packaging, such as a volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI), which helps protect metal parts from corrosion and external elements. Transmissions may also need scuff protection to prevent scrapes and bumps during transit. Selecting packaging materials that offer protection to the entire transmission is essential.

Typical materials used for packaging transmissions include:

Heavy-duty cardboard box or sturdy wooden crate for structural protection.
Industrial-grade plastic wrap or leakproof bags for fluid containment.
Foam inserts and other fillers for vibration-damping.
Heavy-duty straps to secure the transmission to the pallet.
Pallets to make loading easier and prevent damage.

Secure the Transmission

Properly securing the transmission to prevent damage and save costs on product replacement and repairs is vital.

Here’s how to package a transmission for shipping so that it’s properly secured:

Seal for liquid prevention: Double-check that you drained all fluids. Seal all openings with tape.
Wrap the transmission: Use a leakproof bag or industrial-grade plastic wrap to keep the transmission dry.
Add cushioning: Wrap the transmission in bubble wrap and secure it with heavy-duty tape.
Include foam protection: Add a layer of protection with foam inserts and use foam padding on any particularly sensitive spots.
Place in the container: Insert the wrapped transmission into the center of the box so all sides get equal protection.
Fill the box: Use fillers or packing peanuts to prevent the transmission from moving around too much in transit.
Secure to the pallet: Use heavy-duty straps to secure the box and keep it in place.

Choose a Shipping Company

The best company to ship a transmission is one that has experience in handling delicate and bulky auto parts. If you’re looking for the best service possible, smaller companies may be able to give you more attention to meet your unique needs.

A company that provides both LTL and FTL will be able to offer you the best shipping option for your requirements. Partnering with a provider that communicates consistently on the status of your delivery is also important.

A freight brokerage is an excellent option for businesses of all sizes because it offers negotiated rates, which can help cut costs. It also gives businesses access to a wide network, making it easier to meet deadlines. Partnering with a freight brokerage also comes with benefits like insurance coverage, monitoring and support.

Green River Logistics Solutions is a freight brokerage with experience shipping various auto parts, from transmissions and engines to fuel systems and radiators. You also get access to FTL and LTL transportation, so you can select the option that works for your business and budget. We coordinate shipping with experienced shippers who know how to treat automotive freight and can accommodate different timelines and budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Transmissions

Explore the following questions commonly asked about shipping a transmission.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Transmission?

The cost to ship a transmission depends on factors like distance, size and shipping method. You’ll also need to consider the cost of packaging, which adds to the total amount. You can get a quote from Green River Logistics Solutions to find the best option for your budget and business needs.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Transmission?

Depending on the location and type of shipping you choose, shipping a transmission can take anywhere from a day to a few weeks. Full Truckload (FTL) is significantly faster because it doesn’t involve multiple stops to pick up items from several companies.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Ship a Transmission?

Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is the cheapest way to ship a transmission because it allows businesses to pay only for the space their products occupy on the truck.

Transmissions are also not large enough to require an entire truck space but not small enough to be sent via parcel. LTL is the ideal option in most cases.

Rely on Green River Logistics Solutions For Your Shipping Needs

Are you looking for a logistics company with experience in handling auto parts like transmissions? Green River Logistics Solutions is here to help. We offer many freight options, including dry van freight shipping with everything from general 53-foot trailers to smaller pup dry van trailers.

We also provide engine shipping services and other specialized auto parts logistics solutions so auto companies can enjoy the utmost convenience when partnering with us. Our extensive shipper network has the capacity to help you meet your deadlines and get your products to their destination with the care they deserve.

Fill out our contact form for your no-obligation quote and get the logistics solutions you need.