Shipping Small Appliances from Newark to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Readying Home appliances for freight demands careful steps. 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 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 proper separation. Place heavier pots and pans at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter countertop appliances 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 food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers water exposure, as many kitchen gadgets 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, kitchenware, 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 domestic appliances may be subject to Energy-efficiency rules in the destination country. Our team suggests 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 small appliances on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

The required documentation includes a bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any applicable certificates of origin or compliance for the household appliances being shipped.

Yes, household appliances should be securely packaged to prevent damage during transit, and special care should be taken to protect fragile components. Additionally, appliances that contain refrigerants may require specific handling and disposal procedures in compliance with environmental regulations.

Our platform offers actionable reports on landed cost, performance, and billing that are instantly downloadable in Excel or PDF, whereas other forwarders often have limited reporting that may require manual pulls.

Our model blends smarter tech—through the SAMMIE AI platform—with faster answers and people who truly care, including dedicated Client Success Officers, so customers get both advanced visibility and hands-on, proactive support.

New shippers are typically up and running within days, after we gather basic shipment details and compliance documents, set up your profile, configure SAMMIE access, and align your first shipment.