Shipping Small Appliances from Mombasa to Oakland via Ocean Freight

Preparing Home appliances for freight Requires methodical work. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and Secure doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or Heavy-duty cartons and pallets for protection. Clearly identify units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You Can sometimes combine Countertop appliances with Cookware and bakeware, but only with adequate cushioning. Place heavier Cookware at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually Wrap 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 strongly recommended beyond basic carrier liability. We recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium countertop appliances. Verify that your policy covers Moisture-related damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store Home appliances in a Dry area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep Countertop appliances, bakeware, and other boxed items off bare concrete floors, and Use 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 Energy-efficiency rules in the destination country. We recommend 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 Home 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. This includes using proper cushioning materials and ensuring that appliances are adequately supported in their containers. Additionally, appliances should be cleaned and free of any residual materials to comply with customs regulations.

Required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary export permits from Kenya. Importers must also provide a customs declaration form and may need to comply with U.S. regulations regarding the import of household appliances, including safety certifications and compliance with environmental standards.

Shippers choose us because we offer smarter tech, faster answers, AI-backed visibility, deep carrier relationships, and support from people who act like an extension of their team, rather than relying on slow, impersonal processes.

We specialize in retail and hospitality, technology and electronics, industrial manufacturing, healthcare equipment, and complex spare parts and machinery, and we can move global freight for other sectors as well.

SAMMIE blends historical lane performance, live vessel telemetry, port congestion trends, and weather overlays to calculate constantly updating ETAs that go beyond static carrier estimates.