Shipping Household Appliances from Altamira to Omaha via Ocean Freight

Getting large appliances for freight Requires careful steps. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and Secure doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or strong cartons with palletization for protection. Clearly Label units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You can in some cases combine kitchen gadgets with Cookware and bakeware, but only with proper separation. Place heavier Cookware at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually protect glass lids, ceramic bakeware, and appliance attachments, and avoid overloading any single carton to keep weight manageable and prevent crushing.

Because white goods are heavy and relatively high value, extra insurance makes sense beyond basic carrier liability. We recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers Moisture-related damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store domestic appliances in a moisture-controlled area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep Countertop appliances, kitchenware, and other boxed items off bare concrete floors, and Use pallet covers or top sheets if humidity is high. Avoid outdoor staging or open docks during rain, and do not shrink-wrap warm appliances immediately after use, as trapped condensation can damage electronics.

International shipments of powered kitchen appliances may be subject to import regulations in the destination country. We recommend that major appliances comply with local voltage, plug type, and certification requirements (such as CE, UKCA, or other regional marks). Include accurate product descriptions and HS codes for Home appliances on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

When shipping household appliances via ocean freight, it's essential to ensure that items are securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. This includes using protective materials and proper crating for larger appliances. Additionally, appliances may need to be drained of any fluids and prepared according to international shipping standards to comply with customs regulations.

The documentation required typically includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and a bill of lading. Additionally, specific customs forms may be necessary to comply with U.S. import regulations, including declarations regarding the appliances' compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Our platform helps shippers stay ahead of issues with instant delay alerts, automatic exception flags, and “hot” shipment flagging so you can prioritize critical freight and address problems before they ripple into larger issues.

DNA offers in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

Using DNA, you receive live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.