Truck Engine Freight and Delivery: What to Expect

Engines are typically bolted or strapped to a skid or pallet sized for the engine, and sometimes crated. Proper securing keeps the engine from shifting and protects the oil pan, which is easy to damage if the engine sits directly on it.

Fluids are commonly drained before shipping to prevent leaks and freight claims. Openings such as the intake, exhaust, and turbo ports should be capped or covered to keep out debris and water.

• Engine secured to a skid or in a crate, not resting on the oil pan
• Oil and coolant drained
• Intake, exhaust, and fluid openings capped or covered
• Loose parts bagged and secured, or listed separately
• Wrapped or tarped against weather where needed

Commercial addresses with a loading dock or forklift are the simplest freight deliveries. Residential addresses, farms, and job sites often cost more and may have restrictions, because carriers may need smaller trucks, appointments, or extra equipment.

If you do not have a dock or forklift, you will likely need liftgate service, which lowers the shipment to the ground. A liftgate only gets the engine to the ground at the back of the truck; moving it from there is up to you. Make sure the liftgate rating covers the shipment weight, and arrange a way to move it once it is on the ground.

• Confirm whether the address is commercial or residential
• Confirm whether you have a dock or forklift, or need a liftgate
• Check access for a large truck (road size, turnaround, gates)
• Have someone available during the delivery window
• Plan how the engine moves from the curb to the shop

Inspect the shipment before the driver leaves. Walk around it, take photos, and look for crushed packaging, broken straps, fluid leaks, and visible damage to the engine.

If you see damage, write it on the bill of lading (BOL) before signing, as specifically as you can, such as "crate broken on left side, oil pan dented." Signing a clean BOL can make a later freight claim much harder. Report any damage to whoever arranged the shipment right away.

• Photograph the shipment on the truck and after unloading
• Check packaging, straps, and skid for damage
• Look for impact damage to the oil pan, turbo, sensors, and accessories
• Write specific damage notes on the BOL before signing
• Report damage immediately and keep all packaging

If your purchase includes a core charge, the old engine usually has to go back to be refunded. Plan this before the new engine arrives so the old one is ready to go.

Core terms vary by seller. Typical requirements include draining fluids, keeping the engine complete, securing it to a skid, and returning it within a set period. Ask who arranges and pays for core freight, and get the requirements in writing.

• Read the core terms: deadline, condition requirements, and acceptance criteria
• Drain fluids and cap openings
• Secure the old engine to a skid or reuse the incoming packaging
• Photograph the core before it ships
• Keep the return BOL and tracking information

Freight details are easy to overlook in the rush to get a truck back on the road. A few questions up front prevent most delivery headaches.

Get the answers in writing along with the rest of the purchase terms, so everyone involved is working from the same expectations when the shipment arrives.

• Is freight included in the quote, and to what type of address?
• Is liftgate or residential delivery included or extra?
• How will the engine be packaged and secured?
• Who handles a freight damage claim if one is needed?
• Who arranges and pays for the core return?