Shipping Furniture from Montreal to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Transporting household furniture and decorative items Requires multi-step packing. Exporters should knock down removable legs, shelves, and hardware, then Wrap each component separately. Use Corner protectors on table tops, cabinets, and wall decor panels, then place items in Double-walled cartons with Tight internal cushioning. Finally, conspicuously label all packages as “Fragile” and indicate the Upright orientation.

Large or heavy glass wall decor are usually more appropriate for freight services than standard parcel, because freight permits palletization and Upright handling. For small, well-padded home decor items under parcel size limits, it is possible to use parcel carriers, but exporters should add Extra cushioning and insure for full value. Oversized Mirrors Should be crated and shipped on pallets to reduce conveyor and drop risks.

For moisture-sensitive furnishings and decorative items, shippers should use Sealed inner bags around each boxed or crated item, then add silica gel inside the packaging. In ocean containers, never place pallets directly against steel walls; instead, create a small air gap and use Container desiccants hung from lashing points. Choose Dry, indoor loading areas so home decor cartons are not exposed to rain during loading.

International shipments of high-value furnishings and home accessories typically need a Commercial invoice, packing list, and tariff codes for each product type. Exporters should clearly describe items (for example, “wooden furniture,” “glass mirrors,” “metal wall decor”) and state materials to avoid customs delays. For designer or branded decorative items, Check if any Trademark documentation or origin statements are required by the destination country.

Standard carrier liability for household furniture and home accessories is usually based on weight, which often understates the actual value of designer pieces, Mirrors, or premium home furnishings. Insurance providers typically recommend purchasing supplemental freight insurance for high-value or fragile shipments, and confirming that the policy Covers breakage and moisture damage. This Helps ensure you can claim the full replacement cost if items are damaged in transit.

Shipping Furniture & Home Décor from Montreal to Chicago requires a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any necessary customs declarations. Additionally, a NAFTA certificate may be needed to qualify for preferential tariff treatment under the USMCA.

Seasonal considerations for shipping Furniture & Home Décor from Montreal to Chicago may include increased demand during peak moving seasons, typically in the spring and summer months, which can affect availability of shipping containers and port congestion.

Yes, DNA Supply Chain is fully licensed (FMC #019344), bonded, insured, and C-TPAT compliant, with a digital-first customs process that uses automation to reduce delays, cut risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Yes, customers get a dedicated Client Success Officer who oversees your freight, solves problems proactively, and keeps you informed throughout each shipment.

DNA states this because a single shipment is enough for shippers to experience our AI-powered visibility, proactive issue management, and partner-level support, and to see how we differ from larger, less responsive forwarders.