Shipping Home Appliances from Yokohama to Norfolk 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 fasten doors, cords, and loose shelves. We recommend using the original packaging when available, or reinforced boxes and pallets 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 cast-iron pieces at the bottom, add a rigid layer, then lighter Small appliances above. Individually cushion 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 humidity damage, as many Domestic 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 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 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 food prep equipment on commercial invoices and packing lists to reduce customs delays and potential fines.

When shipping household appliances, it is important to ensure that they are properly packaged to prevent damage during transit. Appliances should be secured in containers with adequate cushioning materials, and any fragile components should be protected. Additionally, it is crucial to verify that the appliances meet the import regulations of the United States, including energy efficiency standards.

The required documentation for customs includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and any relevant certificates of compliance with U.S. regulations, such as safety standards for electrical appliances. Importers must also provide an import declaration and may need to secure an import permit for certain appliances.

Yes, we provide global shipment support for hardware, electronics, and high-value IT assets with secure handling.

SAMMIE includes AI-powered ETAs, “hot” shipment flagging, instant delay alerts, live map tracking for every container globally, and centralized, searchable storage for BOLs, invoices, and customs forms.

We provide domestic and cross-border trucking for cross-country hauls and final-mile delivery, with hands-on support from dedicated Client Success Officers and proactive alerts from SAMMIE to solve problems before you spot them.