Shipping Kitchenware from Durban to Detroit via Ocean Freight

Preparing large appliances for freight Requires careful steps. 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 strong cartons with palletization for protection. Clearly mark units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You Can sometimes combine kitchen gadgets with Cookware and bakeware, but only with proper separation. Place heavier pots and pans at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter kitchen gadgets above. Individually protect 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 makes sense beyond basic carrier liability. We recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers water exposure, as many small appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store Home appliances in a moisture-controlled area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep Countertop appliances, kitchenware, 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 Electrical home appliances may be subject to import regulations in the destination country. We recommend 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 small appliances on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

When shipping household appliances via ocean freight, it is important to ensure that items are securely packed to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be cushioned and fixed in place to avoid movement. Additionally, consider the weight and size of the appliances, as they may require specialized handling equipment at both the port in Durban and the destination port in Detroit.

Shipping household appliances from South Africa to the United States requires compliance with U.S. import regulations, including adherence to safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Importers must also provide appropriate documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any necessary certificates of conformity for the appliances.

We bring 30+ years of experience with global reach and local touch, using deep carrier relationships to move freight worldwide with precision and white-glove attention at every step.

No, we use in-house customs brokerage with automation to reduce errors and accelerate clearance, rather than outsourcing to third-party brokers with outdated, manual documentation processes.

The “One Test Run Challenge” is an invitation to move a single shipment with DNA so we can demonstrate our visibility, reliability, and partnership, showing how our SAMMIE platform and proactive team perform in a real-world test.