Shipping Assorted Products from Durban to Seattle via Ocean Freight

For moisture-sensitive mixed cargo, Start by using sturdy, double-wall cartons sized closely to the contents. Line each box with a moisture-barrier bag and seal it before closing the carton. Most shippers recommend separating Kitchen accessories and other fragile miscellaneous items with dividers or bubble wrap, then filling voids with paper or foam so nothing moves. Finally, protect the palletized load with stretch film, including a top sheet, to reduce exposure to humidity and light rain during handling.

Yes, you can ship single-use items with heavier Other goods, but you need to control how they are combined. Place heavier cartons at the bottom of the pallet and lighter boxes with plastic tableware on top. Inside each carton, Use inner boxes or dividers so sharp or rigid items do not deform softer plastics. Most carriers recommend limiting stack height and marking “Do Not Crush” when mixed cartons contain fragile plastic tableware or thin packaging materials.

For medium-weight assorted products, Choose double-wall boxes that can handle stacking in trucks or containers. Smaller, well-filled cartons generally perform better than oversized boxes with lots of empty space. For shipments that include containers, Separate sharp-edged items so they do not cut into neighboring variety goods. On pallets, apply corner protectors and strapping to keep the load square and stable, especially for mixed consumer goods moving through multiple hubs.

In most cases, travel kits shipped with other General merchandise only require standard commercial documentation, but accuracy is important. Shippers should list each product group separately on the commercial invoice and packing list, indicating quantities and weights for items like plastic tableware. Use clear, non-technical descriptions and add handling marks such as “Keep Dry” or “Fragile” where appropriate. If any component of the travel kits (for example, aerosols or batteries) is regulated, Consult your carrier for additional dangerous goods documentation and packing rules.

Store containers and boxes and other Miscellaneous items in a clean, dry area away from direct sunlight and open dock doors. Keep cartons on pallets or shelving rather than directly on the floor to avoid moisture wicking into boxes, especially for moisture-sensitive disposables. Our team recommends maintaining good airflow and using dehumidifiers or desiccant where humidity is high. Rotate stock so older boxes and plastic goods are used first, ensuring they retain enough strength for safe stacking and transport.

When shipping mixed consumer goods via ocean freight from Durban to Seattle, it is important to ensure that the cargo is properly secured and stowed to prevent shifting during transit. Additionally, due to the variety of items, it may be necessary to group similar products together to facilitate easier inspection and customs clearance at both ports.

Regulatory requirements for shipping mixed consumer goods from South Africa to the United States include compliance with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Importers must ensure that all goods meet U.S. safety and labeling standards, and proper documentation, including a bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list, must be provided for customs clearance. Additionally, specific products may require additional permits or certifications depending on their nature.

The SAMMIE system is a proactive 24/7 virtual analyst rather than just a reactive dashboard, using AI-powered insight, predictive ETAs, anomaly alerts, and real shipment data to give you control over your freight—not just raw data.

Rather than depending on call centers, ticketing systems, or rotating contacts, DNA assigns dedicated Client Success Officers who provide fast answers, proactive problem-solving, and responsive, partner-level communication.

Our team can handle growing SKUs, shipment volume, and integration needs with agile processes and scalable systems, while many other forwarders struggle with rigid processes and patchwork systems that break under growth.