Granite is extremely heavy and its polished surfaces are vulnerable to scratching and chipping during transit. Understanding how monuments are packaged and shipped — and what can go wrong — helps dealers inspect incoming shipments correctly and handle transport claims if damage occurs.
At the manufacturing facility, finished monuments are inspected and then crated individually or in small groups. Each polished face is protected with foam padding, cardboard, or a protective film to prevent contact with other surfaces during transit. The monument is then placed in a wooden crate — typically rough-sawn pine or hardwood — with the polished face down or facing inward, protected by padding on all sides. Metal strapping bands are applied to the crate for structural integrity. For small markers, multiple pieces may be nested together in a single crate with protective materials between each piece.
Crated monuments are loaded into 20-foot or 40-foot steel shipping containers at the port. Loading is done by forklift; crates are positioned to minimize movement within the container during the ocean voyage. Heavier pieces are positioned at the bottom and toward the front of the container for stability. The container is sealed and loaded onto a container ship.
Ocean transit from India to US East Coast ports takes approximately 20–28 days, depending on the specific routing and whether the vessel makes intermediate stops. The most common US entry points for Northeast-bound monuments are Port Newark/Elizabeth (New Jersey), Port of Philadelphia, and Port of Baltimore. After arrival, the container must clear US Customs and Border Protection — this typically takes 3–7 business days under normal circumstances but can extend significantly during periods of high volume or if Customs selects the container for a physical exam.
After customs clearance, containers are transported by truck to the importer/distributor's facility. Here, crates are unloaded, opened, and each monument is inspected against the order paperwork. Inspectors look for chips on polished edges, cracks from transit stress, surface scratches, and any engraving errors. Minor defects — small edge chips in non-critical locations — may be acceptable with a price adjustment; major defects require a claim against the manufacturer and a replacement.
When monuments arrive at your facility, inspect them promptly. Photograph any damage you find and note it on the delivery receipt before signing. Claims for transit damage must typically be filed within a specific window (often 30–60 days of delivery), and having documented photographic evidence is essential for a successful claim. Check that polished surfaces are scratch-free by examining them under good lighting at a low angle — surface scratches that are invisible in overhead light often become apparent when you look across the surface at a shallow angle.