Shipping Large Appliances from New Orleans to Colon via Ocean Freight

Preparing Home 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. Most carriers 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 kitchenware, but only with adequate cushioning. Place heavier pots and pans at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter countertop 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. 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 kitchen gadgets 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 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 Electrical home appliances may be subject to Energy-efficiency rules 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.

When shipping household appliances via ocean freight, it is essential to ensure they are properly packaged to withstand the rigors of ocean transport. This includes using sturdy crates or pallets, securing items to prevent movement, and protecting sensitive components from moisture.

Regulatory requirements include compliance with the Panama Customs regulations, which may involve providing documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Additionally, certain household appliances may need to meet specific safety standards or certifications recognized by Panamanian authorities.

The “One Test Run Challenge” is an invitation to give DNA Supply Chain Solutions one test shipment so we can prove what visibility, reliability, and real partnership feel like with just a single shipment.

The 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.

SAMMIE 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.