Shipping Domestic Appliances from San Juan to Chicago via Ocean Freight

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

You Can sometimes combine kitchen gadgets with Cookware and bakeware, but only with Careful packing. Place heavier Cookware at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small 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 Home 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 Kitchen appliances. Verify that your policy covers Moisture-related damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

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

Household appliances require careful handling during loading and unloading to prevent damage. It is essential to secure the appliances properly to avoid shifting during transit, and to use appropriate packaging materials to protect against moisture and saltwater exposure during ocean transport.

Shipping household appliances from San Juan to Chicago requires proper documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and any necessary export permits. As Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, customs regulations are aligned with U.S. standards, but importers must ensure compliance with any specific regulations applicable to household appliances, including safety and environmental standards.

Every client receives access to SAMMIE, where you can track each shipment in real time with predictive ETAs, milestone updates, and instant alerts in a single dashboard.

We support compliance with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), the FDA, USDA, DOT, and other regulatory bodies, and we maintain active certifications including C-TPAT and FMC.

Yes, support is available for urgent cases, which are escalated and managed with after-hours monitoring when needed, especially for high-volume or time-critical shipments.