Car Part Packaging: Key Considerations

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Shipping parts for cars can be tricky. On one end, you have extremely delicate and fragile parts. On the other end, you have large-scale and heavy parts. Both ends of the spectrum need to be protected. 

Shipping car parts is an art. Done correctly, packaging materials and placement are perfected so parts arrive at their destination fully intact without even a scratch. When done incorrectly, the wrong packaging materials are used or applied improperly, leaving parts damaged, boxes shredded and delicate items shattered. To save both time and money without sacrificing performance, it’s imperative to use the proper packaging for car parts. Using our key considerations, learn how to select the best car part packaging to ensure every shipment arrives intact.

Related Content: Foam Packaging Applications for the Automotive Industry

Key Considerations for Car Part Packaging

Protecting Delicate Electronics and Parts

A huge factor to consider when packaging car products is having the necessary cushion that inhibits electronics and other delicate parts from breaking. You need a material that offers enough thickness to protect parts from bouncing around and breaking during transit. On top of that, extra cushion may be necessary when sending heavier products simultaneously.

The best solution to protect delicate parts in transit is packaging foam. It offers a range of cushioning to fit each unique part and ensures that parts are less likely to break while in transit. You can choose between multiple densities and softnesses to ensure that electronics and delicate parts have the necessary protection. It can also be designed for electronic parts, to ensure that electronics remain functional during transit.

Related Content: Is Packaging Foam Safe for Electronics?

Avoiding Scratches

When packaging and shipping painted body parts or products with a softer, more scratchable surface, it’s imperative to have a layer of protection to remove the possibility of scratches. An easy solution to keep surfaces damage-free is using foam packaging. Foam combines durability and softness and provides the necessary protection to keep parts intact from the moment they are placed in a box until they are unpackaged.

Ease of Transportation

Packaging parts for the automotive industry means there’s a wide range of products from extra small to extremely large. Car parts could be as small as a fuse or as large as an engine, body panel, or windshield. With such a wide range, transportation must be made easier. The lightweight properties of foam make it an excellent choice for large, heavy parts. It’s able to cushion and protect protects during transit, without drastically increasing the weight of the packaged part.

Resistance to Contaminants  

The last key consideration pertains to resisting contaminants. During transit, car parts need to be protected from dust, moisture, mold and other contaminants. One of the best solutions for this is packaging foam. Foam is both water and dust resistant while acting as a barrier against outer contaminants. 

Advantages of Foam Packaging for Car Parts

There are so many advantages to using foam for shipping car parts. Some of the top benefits include:

  • Highly customizable protection
  • Better shock absorption
  • Lightweight materials for lower shipping costs
  • Versatile densities for various car parts
  • Non-abrasive surfaces to protect from scratches
  • Moisture resistance against contaminants

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Find Your Best Option with a Packaging Expert

Choosing the right packaging the first time can greatly reduce shipping damages. If you’re hoping to improve the quality of your automotive shipments, Foam Industries can help.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyethylene (PE) or polyurethane (PU) foam are three of the most common choices for automotive parts. The right choice for you depends on the application.

Foam Industries is a leader in the packaging industry and has set the bar with an unwavering commitment to quality, exceptional client service, and constant innovation. Through our extensive inventory of endlessly customizable products, we ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Contact a Packaging Expert


Foam Industries is a custom protective packaging company specializing in foam – with additional wood and plastic fabrication services. Our custom foam fabrication services are ideal for any type of packaging, display, or support service needed – from design to finished product.

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Ensure your product(s) arrive from A to B, damage-free. Foam Industries will optimize your protective packaging. The results? Less damage, better bottom line.