Shipping Household Appliances from Atlanta to Houston via Ocean Freight

Preparing Home appliances for freight necessitates methodical work. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and fasten doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or Heavy-duty cartons and pallets for protection. Clearly identify units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You Can sometimes combine Countertop appliances with food prep equipment, but only with adequate cushioning. Place heavier cast-iron pieces at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually Wrap glass lids, ceramic bakeware, and appliance attachments, and avoid overloading any single carton to keep weight manageable and prevent crushing.

Because Home appliances are heavy and relatively high value, extra insurance Is strongly recommended 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 humidity damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store Home appliances in a Dry 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 add 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 Electrical home appliances may be subject to Energy-efficiency rules 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 food prep equipment on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

When shipping household appliances, it is important to ensure that they are properly secured and protected from water damage during transit. Appliances should be packed in sturdy containers and cushioned to prevent movement. Additionally, it is essential to consider weight distribution when loading the containers to avoid shifting during the ocean voyage.

Since both Atlanta and Houston are within the United States, there are no international customs requirements. However, it is important to adhere to local regulations regarding the transport of household appliances, including compliance with safety standards and any applicable state regulations.

We reduce customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.

Our ETAs are AI-powered and based on real data, congestion, and vessel telemetry, whereas other forwarders often rely on static estimates copied from carrier schedules.

Customers describe SAMMIE’s data as extremely accurate and reliable, especially compared to the inaccurate or outdated data they used before adopting the platform.