Bolt and small parts packing checklist for steel structure exports is a narrow but important topic for EPC buyers. Large beams and columns are usually easy to see during loading, but missing bolts, washers, splice plates, clips, and connection accessories can stop installation after the shipment reaches site.
The purpose of this checklist is to help buyers define how small parts should be counted, packed, labelled, photographed, and documented before the container leaves the factory.
1. Define which small parts are included
The RFQ and packing instruction should separate loose accessories from main steel members. If the supplier only provides one general packing list, the site team may not know which small items belong to each building area or connection type.
| Item group | Examples to list |
|---|---|
| Fasteners | High-strength bolts, ordinary bolts, nuts, washers, anchor bolts, and spare bolts. |
| Connection parts | Splice plates, gusset plates, clips, brackets, shim plates, and small stiffeners. |
| Installation accessories | Touch-up material, labels, temporary parts, alignment items, or special tools if supplied. |
| Documentation items | Packing list, bolt list, accessory list, inspection photos, and container loading photos. |
2. Count bolts and accessories by usable group
Counting only the total number of bolts is not enough. The packing list should show bolt size, grade, length, quantity, drawing reference, and intended area if possible.
- Separate bolts by size, grade, length, and surface finish.
- Match bolt groups to connection drawings or erection areas.
- List nuts and washers separately when quantities differ.
- Show whether spare bolts are included and how they are labelled.
- Record any special fasteners that cannot be easily replaced locally.
This small-parts list should support the wider export packing checklist for steel structure components.
3. Use packing labels that site teams can understand
Labels should be readable after sea freight, unloading, and outdoor storage. A label that works inside the factory may fail after moisture, abrasion, or rough handling.
| Label field | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Project or PO number | Prevents confusion when multiple projects are loaded close together. |
| Package number | Connects the box, crate, or bag to the packing list. |
| Item description | Shows bolt size, plate type, accessory name, or related component group. |
| Quantity | Allows receiving teams to check shortage quickly. |
| Drawing or area reference | Helps the site team place small parts near the correct erection zone. |
4. Choose suitable boxes, bags, or crates
Small parts should be packed to prevent loss, water damage, mixing, and crushing. Heavy bolts in weak cartons can break open during handling. Thin plates and clips can damage painted components if packed loose.
- Use strong boxes, crates, drums, or bags suitable for export handling.
- Keep heavy fasteners in manageable package weights.
- Separate coated, galvanized, and bare items if surface condition matters.
- Use inner bags or dividers when several item types share one crate.
- Protect sharp plates or clips so they do not scratch coated steel members.
5. Link small parts to component marking
Small parts should not be treated as anonymous accessories. They should connect to component marks, erection areas, or drawing references so the receiving team can sort them efficiently.
For larger member identification, use the guide on steel structure component marking for site installation. The same logic should apply to small parts: every package needs a clear relationship to the drawings or installation sequence.
6. Take photos before and during loading
Photo evidence helps resolve shortages and damage claims. Photos should show the contents before closing the package, the external labels, the package condition, and the final container loading position.
| Photo type | What it should show |
|---|---|
| Open package photo | Contents, separated groups, and visible item labels before sealing. |
| Closed package photo | External label, package number, and general condition. |
| Container loading photo | Where the package is loaded and whether it is protected from heavy members. |
| Final seal photo | Container number and seal number if required by the shipment record. |
7. Review the small-parts packing list before release
The final packing list should be reviewed before shipment release, not after the vessel departs. Ask the supplier to submit a package index that separates large steel members from bolts and loose accessories.
- Package number, item name, specification, quantity, and weight.
- Related drawing number, component mark, or building area.
- Photo reference for each critical package.
- Container number or shipment batch.
- Receiving note for the site team if packages must be opened in sequence.
For the final document review, compare the package index with the pre-shipment inspection document checklist.
Red flags before shipment
- Bolts are listed only as a total weight without size or quantity.
- Different bolt grades or lengths are mixed in one unlabelled bag.
- Small plates and clips are loaded loose inside a bundle.
- Package labels do not match the packing list.
- Photos show boxes placed under heavy steel members without protection.
- The supplier cannot explain which package supports which erection area.
Buyer note
Small parts control is a low-cost step that prevents expensive site delays. Define bolt and accessory packing rules in the RFQ, check the small-parts packing list before shipment, and keep the photo record with the final quality and delivery documents.