Shipping Household Appliances from Singapore to Detroit via Ocean Freight

Readying large appliances for freight necessitates Thorough preparation. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and tape doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend 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 may occasionally combine kitchen gadgets with food prep equipment, but only with Careful packing. Place heavier pots and pans at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually protect 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. Most brokers recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium Kitchen appliances. Verify that your policy covers water exposure, as many Domestic appliances 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 kitchen gadgets, 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 domestic appliances may be subject to import regulations in the destination country. Most exporters ensure 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.

Household appliances should be securely packaged to prevent damage during ocean transport. It is essential to ensure that appliances are properly crated or palletized, and that any fragile components are cushioned adequately. Additionally, appliances containing refrigerants must comply with international regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials.

The required documentation includes a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and any necessary certificates of origin or compliance. Importers in the United States must also ensure that the appliances meet U.S. safety standards and may need to provide additional documentation for customs clearance.

Our SAMMIE system offers a live look at shipments from port to final delivery with 18 milestone updates, satellite container tracking, and instant alerts, so your team always knows what’s moving, what’s delayed, and what’s next.

Yes, our system relies on enterprise-grade security, including role-based access controls, secure cloud infrastructure, and encrypted data transmission so only authorized users can access shipment data.

Yes, our team can arrange custom handling such as white-glove delivery, inside delivery, liftgate, and assembly services, especially for retail, hospitality, or medical equipment rollouts.