Shipping Home Appliances from Foshan to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Getting 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. 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 can in some cases 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 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 white goods 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 small 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 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 powered kitchen 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 via ocean freight, it is crucial to ensure that items are securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be protected against moisture and salt exposure, as ocean conditions can lead to corrosion. Additionally, proper loading techniques should be employed to avoid shifting during transport.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with U.S. safety standards, such as those set by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Importers must also provide necessary documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any required certifications for appliances, to ensure smooth customs clearance in Tacoma.

To explore additional services, you can visit the section to explore DNA Supply Chain’s complete logistics services.

Our company was founded by David Rosendorf, Founder & CEO, who navigates the company by values like love, trust, and collaboration.

The platform exists to avoid surprises like a vessel’s status suddenly changing to a long delay by delivering platform-level visibility with real-world accuracy through combined data sources and human checks.