Shipping brackets, also referred to as shipping rods, are temporary structural elements installed on metal expansion joints to maintain their correct overall length during handling, transportation, and installation.

These brackets are typically painted in yellow for visibility and are fixed across the bellows ends to prevent unintended movement or damage before the joint is secured in place.

They play a vital role in protecting the bellows from over-compression, torsional stress, or accidental deformation during transit or on-site positioning

NOTE: It is essential that shipping brackets are removed only after the expansion joint has been fully installed, all associated piping supports, anchors, and guides are in place, and before any pressure testing is performed. This ensures the bellows can operate as designed without restriction.