Shipping Small Appliances from Barcelona to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Preparing white goods for freight necessitates careful steps. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and fasten doors, cords, and loose shelves. Most carriers recommend using the original packaging when available, or reinforced boxes and pallets for protection. Clearly Label units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You Can sometimes combine small appliances with food prep equipment, but only with proper separation. Place heavier cast-iron pieces at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter countertop appliances above. Individually cushion 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 advisable beyond basic carrier liability. Most brokers recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers humidity damage, as many kitchen gadgets contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store Home appliances in a well-ventilated area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep kitchen gadgets, 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 Electrical home appliances may be subject to electrical safety standards in the destination country. Most exporters ensure 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 they are securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be properly crated or palletized, with cushioning materials used to protect fragile components. Additionally, it is advisable to check for any specific handling requirements for large appliances, as they may need special equipment for loading and unloading at the ports.

The required documentation for customs includes a commercial invoice detailing the value and description of the household appliances, a packing list, and any necessary export permits from Spain. Upon arrival in Tacoma, an Importer Security Filing (ISF) and a bill of lading will also be needed to comply with U.S. customs regulations.

Yes, we provide inventory management and reporting to support your storage and fulfillment needs.

Yes, we support just-in-time delivery of industrial components, machinery, and replacement parts with full visibility across global lanes.

SAMMIE’s “DNA Expert Date” ETAs are described as the most accurate in the industry because they are AI-powered and based on real shipment events and vessel telemetry, rather than vague or static carrier schedule guesses.