Why Did My Order Arrive in Multiple Packages?
You placed your order for new shocks, struts, or suspension components. A tracking number lands in your inbox, but when the box arrives, only half your parts are inside. Before you worry, take a breath. Split shipments are completely normal when ordering automotive suspension parts online, and there's a good reason they happen.
In this guide, we'll explain why your order might arrive in multiple packages, how to track each shipment, and what to do if something seems off.
What Is a Split Shipment?
A split shipment is when a single order is divided into two or more packages that ship separately. Each package gets its own tracking number and may arrive on different days. This is standard practice across the automotive parts industry, especially for retailers like Shockwarehouse that work directly with dozens of manufacturers, including Bilstein, Fox, KYB, Monroe, Rancho, KONI, and many more.
Split shipments don't mean anything went wrong with your order. They reflect the logistics of how parts move from the manufacturer to your doorstep.
Why Do Orders Ship in Multiple Packages?
There are several common reasons your suspension parts might arrive in separate boxes:
1. Items Ship from Different Warehouse Locations
Online auto parts retailers work with a network of distribution centers and manufacturer warehouses spread across the country. If the front shocks in your order are stocked at one facility and the rear shocks at another, each location ships its items independently. This is actually faster than routing everything through a single hub; you get your parts sooner because each warehouse ships immediately, rather than waiting for consolidation.
2. Drop Shipping from the Manufacturer
Some products, particularly specialty items, limited-availability parts, or components from smaller brands like Timbren, Safe-T-Plus, or SuperSteer, ship directly from the manufacturer's facility. This is called drop shipping, and it's common in the automotive aftermarket. The manufacturer picks, packs, and ships the item directly to you, so it arrives separately from anything coming from the retailer's warehouse.
Drop-shipped items may take slightly longer to process since the manufacturer handles fulfillment on their schedule. But it also means you have access to a much wider range of products than any single warehouse could stock.
3. Package Size and Weight Restrictions
Suspension parts are heavy. A single shock absorber can weigh 5 to 10 pounds, and a complete strut assembly with a coil spring can weigh 15 to 25 pounds. If you're ordering a full set of four shocks plus struts, that's potentially 60 to 100 pounds of parts. Shipping carriers like FedEx have weight and dimensional limits for individual packages. Splitting a heavy order into smaller, safer boxes reduces the risk of damage during transit.
4. Front and Rear Parts May Come from Different Product Lines
It's common to order front struts and rear shocks for the same vehicle, but these are often different product types from different manufacturing facilities. For example, your Bilstein B6 front struts might ship from one location while your Bilstein B6 rear shocks ship from another. Even though they're the same brand and series, they're physically different components that may be warehoused separately.
How to Track Multiple Shipments
When your order ships in multiple packages, you'll receive a separate tracking number for each shipment via email. Here's what to keep in mind:
- Tracking emails may arrive at different times. The first package might generate a tracking number hours or even a day before the second one. Don't panic if you only see one tracking email initially.
- Check your spam folder. Automated shipping notifications sometimes get filtered. If you're expecting a second tracking number, check your spam and promotions folders.
- Each tracking number is independent. One package might arrive via FedEx Ground in 3 days, while another might take 5 days from a different origin. Transit times vary by warehouse location and your distance from it.
What If Only Part of My Order Has Arrived?
If you've received one package but are still waiting on more items, here's a step-by-step approach:
- Check your email for additional tracking numbers. You likely have a second or third shipment already on its way.
- Compare what you received against your order confirmation. Identify which specific items are still in transit so you know exactly what to expect.
- Give it 1 to 2 extra business days. Split shipments from different locations commonly arrive a day or two apart. This is normal.
- Contact customer service if something seems wrong. If all tracking numbers show "delivered" but you're still missing items, or if it's been more than a week with no second tracking update, reach out right away.
Split Shipment vs. Missing Item: Know the Difference
This is an important distinction that can save you time and stress:
- Split shipment: You received some items and have, or will receive, a separate tracking number for the remaining items. This is normal. Wait for the next package.
- Missing item: All tracking numbers show as delivered, but an item from your order is nowhere to be found. This requires immediate attention. Contact the retailer with your order number and details about what's missing.
Before assuming an item is missing, double-check the packaging. Smaller components like bushings, washers, or mounting hardware are sometimes tucked inside the product box or wrapped separately inside the shipping carton.
Can You Request Everything Ships Together?
In most cases, consolidated shipping isn't guaranteed when items are sourced from different warehouses or manufacturers. Retailers combine items from the same location into a single shipment whenever possible. Still, they can't hold a package at one warehouse while waiting for another facility to ship its portion.
If timing matters, for example, you have an installation appointment scheduled at a shop, here are some tips:
- Order early. Give yourself at least a week's buffer before your appointment to account for split shipments arriving on different days.
- Confirm stock before ordering. Contact the retailer to verify all items are currently in stock. Backordered items add additional delay on top of normal split-shipment timing.
- Don't schedule your install until all packages arrive. There's nothing worse than having your vehicle on the lift with the shop waiting on one rear shock that's still in transit.
Why Split Shipping Is Actually Better for You
It might seem inconvenient to get multiple packages, but split shipping often works in your favor:
- Faster overall delivery. Each warehouse ships immediately rather than waiting for items to be consolidated, so you typically receive your first parts sooner.
- Less risk of damage. Smaller, lighter packages are less likely to be mishandled during transit.
- Access to more products. Drop shipping allows retailers to offer a massive catalog, including specialty and low-volume items, without physically stocking every single part number.
Bottom Line
If your order arrived in multiple packages or you've received part of it and are waiting on the rest, don't worry. Split shipments are standard practice in the automotive parts industry. Check your email for additional tracking numbers, give it a day or two, and reach out to customer service if anything seems off.
At Shockwarehouse, we've been shipping shocks, struts, and suspension parts for over 30 years. Our customer service team is available to help track down any package or answer questions about your order. Email us at customerservice@shockwarehouse.com or use the live chat on our website.
