Shipping Household Appliances from Oakland to Detroit via Ocean Freight

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

You may occasionally combine kitchen gadgets with Cookware and bakeware, but only with adequate cushioning. Place heavier cast-iron pieces 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 major appliances are heavy and relatively high value, extra insurance makes sense beyond basic carrier liability. We recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium countertop appliances. Verify that your policy covers humidity damage, as many kitchen gadgets contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store kitchen appliances in a moisture-controlled 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 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 import regulations 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 food prep equipment on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

Our brokerage team supports ISF, AMS, and ACE filings for your shipments.

Our logistics solutions are tailored for omnichannel retail, technology and electronics, automotive parts and machinery, manufacturing and heavy equipment, healthcare and medical, and hospitality and FF&E.

Our company blends global freight forwarding services with the SAMMIE AI platform to provide live map tracking, predictive ETAs, exception alerts, and centralized shipment documents so you have total shipment control on one powerful platform.

Our team’s ocean freight offering uses deep carrier relationships and the SAMMIE platform to move FCL and LCL containers smarter, with fewer surprises, clearer ETAs, and proactive risk flagging before issues develop.