Shipping White Goods from Baltimore to Houston via Ocean Freight

Getting white goods for freight demands careful steps. 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 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 small appliances with kitchenware, but only with proper separation. Place heavier cast-iron pieces 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 is advisable beyond basic carrier liability. Our team suggests declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers humidity damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store domestic appliances in a well-ventilated area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep small appliances, kitchenware, 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 powered kitchen appliances may be subject to electrical safety standards in the destination country. Our team suggests 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 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 items are properly secured and cushioned to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be packed in sturdy containers with adequate padding and bracing to withstand the movement and vibrations associated with ocean freight. Additionally, it is advisable to use moisture-resistant packaging to protect against humidity and saltwater exposure during the journey.

Shipping household appliances within the United States typically requires a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list. While customs documentation is not necessary for domestic shipments, it is essential to ensure that all appliances comply with U.S. regulations and safety standards, which may include product certification and labeling requirements.

The DNA Expert Date feature relies on AI models with lane history, port trends, and weather data to deliver dynamic, accurate delivery timeframes.

Yes, DNA manages both full container loads (FCL) and less-than-container loads (LCL) shipments.

DNA offers ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.