Shipping White Goods from Tianjin to Chicago via Ocean Freight

Readying white goods for freight necessitates careful steps. Disconnect water, gas, and power; drain hoses and internal water from washers, dishwashers, and fridges; and fasten doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or strong cartons with palletization for protection. Clearly mark units as “Fragile – Appliance” and “Keep Dry” due to moisture sensitivity.

You may occasionally combine small appliances with food prep equipment, but only with proper separation. Place heavier cast-iron pieces 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 is advisable beyond basic carrier liability. Most brokers recommend declaring the full replacement value for fridges, ranges, washers, and premium food prep equipment. Verify that your policy covers humidity damage, as many Domestic appliances contain electronics that can fail after contact with water or high humidity.

Store kitchen appliances in a well-ventilated area, raised on pallets and away from exterior doors or damp walls. Keep kitchen gadgets, kitchenware, 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 electrical safety standards in the destination country. Most exporters ensure 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 food prep equipment on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

When shipping household appliances, it is crucial to ensure that they are securely packaged to withstand the rigors of ocean transport, including potential exposure to moisture and vibrations. Proper cushioning and moisture barriers should be used, and appliances should be secured within the shipping container to prevent movement during transit.

Household appliances imported into the United States must comply with safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and may require certification from organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Additionally, importers must ensure that all necessary documentation, including customs declarations and invoices, are accurately completed to facilitate clearance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Our team manages ground transportation including full truckload (FTL), less-than-truckload (LTL), and drayage services, with U.S. and Mexico cross-border coverage, scalable capacity, GPS tracking, and digital documentation.

Our customs brokerage includes tariff classification and valuation as part of our in-house expertise.

Our network includes partnered facilities in key logistics hubs, including locations near important ports for strategic storage and fulfillment.