Shipping Major Appliances from Altamira to Valparaiso via Ocean Freight

Getting large appliances for freight necessitates methodical work. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and tape doors, cords, and loose shelves. Our team suggests using the original packaging when available, or reinforced boxes and pallets for protection. Clearly identify units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You can in some cases combine kitchen gadgets with food prep equipment, but only with adequate cushioning. Place heavier pots and pans at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter kitchen gadgets above. Individually cushion 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. Most brokers recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium countertop appliances. Verify that your policy covers water exposure, as many small 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 kitchen gadgets, bakeware, and other boxed items off bare concrete floors, and apply 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. Most exporters ensure that kitchen 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 small appliances on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

Household appliances should be securely packaged to prevent damage during transit, with special attention to fragile components. It is essential to use appropriate cushioning materials and to ensure that appliances are properly strapped in containers to withstand ocean freight conditions.

The required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary customs declarations. Additionally, compliance with Chilean import regulations, including certifications for safety and energy efficiency, may also be required for household appliances.

Our company was founded by David Rosendorf, Founder & CEO, who navigates the company by values like love, trust, and collaboration.

The platform exists to avoid surprises like a vessel’s status suddenly changing to a long delay by delivering platform-level visibility with real-world accuracy through combined data sources and human checks.

For us, it means we serve people, not just packages, focusing on face-to-face communication, thoughtful support, and long-term trust rather than one-off transactions.