Shipping Household Appliances from Colombo to New York via Ocean Freight

Readying large appliances for freight demands 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 may occasionally combine kitchen gadgets with kitchenware, 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 major appliances are heavy and relatively high value, extra insurance makes sense beyond basic carrier liability. Our team suggests 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 kitchen appliances in a moisture-controlled area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep small appliances, 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 domestic appliances may be subject to import regulations in the destination country. Our team suggests 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 properly packaged to withstand ocean conditions, including humidity and vibrations. It is essential to secure items to prevent movement during transit, and to use moisture-resistant materials to protect against water exposure.

Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary import permits specific to household appliances. Additionally, compliance with U.S. import regulations and safety standards is crucial for successful customs clearance.

Yes, we fully support high-volume and enterprise shippers by offering scalable services, custom EDI/API integrations, and expert client support for complex operations.

Yes, our team is able to integrate via robust EDI/API capabilities, mapping fields, automating status updates, pushing documentation, and syncing PO and invoice data with systems like SAP, NetSuite, Oracle, or custom WMS/ERP platforms.

Yes, our system supports user-level permissions so warehouse, finance, purchasing, or customer service teams can access exactly what they need and nothing they don’t.