Shipping Household Appliances from Memphis to Columbus via Ocean Freight

Readying white goods for freight necessitates Thorough preparation. 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 strong cartons with palletization for protection. Clearly Label units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You may occasionally combine small appliances with food prep equipment, but only with Careful packing. Place heavier cast-iron pieces 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 major 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 Kitchen appliances. Verify that your policy covers humidity damage, as many small appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store kitchen appliances in a well-ventilated area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep kitchen gadgets, Cookware, 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 domestic appliances may be subject to electrical safety standards in the destination country. Most exporters ensure that White goods 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, it is important to ensure that items are securely packaged to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be properly crated or palletized, and any fragile components should be cushioned. Additionally, climate control may be necessary if appliances are sensitive to temperature changes.

Since both Memphis and Columbus are within the United States, there are no customs duties or tariffs between these locations. However, compliance with safety standards and regulations for household appliances, such as UL or ETL certifications, may be required to ensure they meet federal safety guidelines before shipping.

Our company name comes from a conversation between our founder and his daughter, Ameerah, who suggested merging their names—David ‘N’ Ameerah—to create DNA, reflecting strong bonds, shared values, and trust.

We use SAMMIE, which is Shipping Analytical Maritime Management for Import and Exports, a full exception-management system and total supply chain management platform powered by live carrier data, independent port tracking, a proprietary AI rules engine, and human verification.

We made SAMMIE user-friendly by shaping its interface to look and function like a spreadsheet, with live alerts, exception flags, and a smart dashboard for clarity and action.