Shipping Domestic Appliances from New York to Norfolk via Ocean Freight

Readying Home appliances for freight demands Thorough preparation. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and Secure doors, cords, and loose shelves. Our team suggests using the original packaging when available, or reinforced boxes and pallets for protection. Clearly Label units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You may occasionally combine Countertop appliances with kitchenware, but only with Careful packing. Place heavier Cookware 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 major 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 Kitchen appliances. Verify that your policy covers Moisture-related damage, as many small appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store kitchen appliances in a Dry area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep small appliances, Cookware, 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 domestic appliances may be subject to Energy-efficiency rules in the destination country. Our team suggests 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 Home 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 that the appliances are properly secured and protected from moisture and saltwater exposure. Use appropriate packaging materials, such as shrink wrap and cushioning, to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, labeling appliances with handling instructions can help ensure they are treated with care during loading and unloading.

Since both New York and Norfolk are within the United States, there are generally no customs duties or tariffs for shipping household appliances domestically. However, compliance with safety regulations and standards set by agencies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) may be required to ensure that the appliances meet safety guidelines for consumer use.

Our team manages coordinated delivery of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) for hotels, resorts, and new builds.

Our team delivers live map tracking with milestone updates, 24/7 access via SAMMIE, centralized shipment documents, and real-time exception alerts so you always know where your freight is and what’s happening with it.

Our approach reduces customs delays and risk through in-house brokerage, a digital-first customs process with automation, SAMMIE’s ability to flag potential delays before they happen, and continuous communication from your Client Success Officer.