Shipping Doors to an Overseas Project: From Measurements to Container
Sending doors to a site by truck and loading them into a container bound overseas are very different things. The product is the same, but the journey takes weeks, with moisture, vibration and several changes of hands along the way. On export projects, success lies in the decisions made before the doors leave the factory.
Dimensions and standards
Every country has its own usual door sizes, swing conventions and lock types. Whether a European profile cylinder or another lock system will be used, and which standard the door height follows, must be settled before ordering. Made-to-measure production is a real advantage here.
Packaging: built for the journey
Packaging that is fine for domestic delivery may not be enough for sea freight. Corner protectors, moisture-proof wrapping and frames packed separately from the leaves and secured in place help the product arrive on site as it left the factory.
Container loading plan
When doors, frames, architraves and accessories are loaded in installation order, unloading and distribution at the destination become much easier. Codes on the packages that match the loading list exactly save time at customs and on site.
Delivery terms
Whether delivery takes place at the factory, the port of loading or the port of destination — that is, which Incoterm such as EXW, FOB or CIF is chosen — determines where responsibility and insurance change hands. Stating this clearly at the quotation stage protects both parties.
Installation support
On a distant site, even a small installation question can cost days. An installation guide, video support when needed or on-site training for the first units help the local team start right. Sending spare accessories and some spare parts with the first shipment is also a good habit.
In summary
- Settle dimensions, swing and lock type for the destination country
- Sea-freight packaging protected against moisture and impact
- Loading in installation order with coded packages
- Delivery terms and insurance clearly stated in the quotation
- Installation guide, remote support and spare accessories
We ship doors to projects in a range of markets, Africa in particular. If you’d like to prepare the product, packaging and shipping plan for your overseas project together, reach us through the quote form.