Shipping Major Appliances from Salvador to Tacoma via Ocean Freight

Preparing white goods for freight demands careful steps. 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 strong cartons with palletization for protection. Clearly identify units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You Can sometimes combine small appliances with kitchenware, but only with proper separation. Place heavier Cookware at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter kitchen gadgets above. Individually protect 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 advisable 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 Moisture-related damage, as many small appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store Home appliances in a well-ventilated 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 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 electrical safety standards 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 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 items are properly secured and cushioned to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, appliances should be drained of any liquids, and any removable parts should be securely packed to avoid loss or damage.

The necessary documentation for customs includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any relevant certificates of origin. Additionally, import permits may be required for certain household appliances to comply with U.S. regulations.

SAMMIE helps you stay ahead of issues with instant delay alerts, automatic exception flags, and “hot” shipment flagging so you can prioritize critical freight and address problems before they ripple into larger issues.

We offer in-house customs brokerage that handles classification, documentation, and clearance across U.S. and global ports with accuracy and speed, supported by SAMMIE’s delay flagging and ongoing updates from your dedicated Client Success Officer.

With DNA, you get live map tracking with milestone updates and 24/7 access via SAMMIE, while other forwarders often provide only basic carrier links and manual updates that can be delayed or incomplete.