Shipping Large Appliances from San Jose to Charlotte via Ocean Freight

Preparing white goods for freight Requires Thorough preparation. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and tape doors, cords, and loose shelves. Our team suggests using the original packaging when available, or strong cartons with palletization for protection. Clearly Label units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You Can sometimes combine small appliances with Cookware and bakeware, but only with Careful packing. Place heavier pots and pans 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. We recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium Kitchen appliances. Verify that your policy covers water exposure, 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 Countertop appliances, Cookware, 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 electrical safety standards in the destination country. We recommend 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 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 that items are properly secured and cushioned to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be packed in sturdy boxes or crates, and any fragile components should be adequately protected. Additionally, it is crucial to consider weight distribution within the shipping container to maintain stability during transport.

Shipping household appliances from Costa Rica to the United States requires compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations. Importers must provide necessary documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any required certifications related to safety and environmental standards. Appliances may also need to comply with specific regulations regarding energy efficiency and emissions as mandated by U.S. law.

Yes, we can full port-to-door service, managing booking, loading, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery with one point of contact and one visibility platform.

Yes, they are. You can see our certifications and compliance credentials, including FMC license, DOT number, and C-TPAT partnership, in the Certifications section of our FAQs.

If something looks off, our team responds quickly, and SAMMIE also flags duplicates or anomalies before invoices are sent, with your dedicated Client Success Officer available for clarification.