One of the most common questions we get from customers is "How much does it cost to ship to Jamaica?" The answer depends on what you're shipping, how much of it there is, and how fast you need it to arrive.

This guide breaks down every shipping rate we offer in 2026 so you can choose the right service for your needs and budget.

Quick Rate Summary

Here's the overview before we dive into the details:

| Service | Rate | Unit | Transit Time | |---------|------|------|-------------| | Ocean Freight (Kingston, Commercial) | $4.20 | per cubic foot | 3 days | | Ocean Freight (Kingston, Individual) | $4.40 | per cubic foot | 3 days | | Ocean Freight (Montego Bay, Commercial) | $4.30 | per cubic foot | 4 days | | Ocean Freight (Montego Bay, Individual) | $4.70 | per cubic foot | 4 days | | Air Freight | $5.00 | per pound | 2–3 business days | | Barrel Shipping | $50.00 | per barrel (flat) | 3–4 days | | Standard Boxes | Same as ocean freight | per cubic foot | 3–4 days |

All rates are in USD. A $45.00 Bill of Lading (BOL) fee applies to each ocean freight shipment. Use our rate calculator to estimate your total cost.

Ocean Freight Rates — The Most Common Option

Ocean freight is how the majority of cargo moves from Miami to Jamaica. It's priced by the cubic foot, making it ideal for larger shipments where speed isn't the top priority.

Kingston Rates

| Customer Type | Rate per Cubic Foot | BOL Fee | |--------------|-------------------|---------| | Commercial | $4.20 | $45.00 | | Individual | $4.40 | $45.00 |

Montego Bay Rates

| Customer Type | Rate per Cubic Foot | BOL Fee | |--------------|-------------------|---------| | Commercial | $4.30 | $45.00 | | Individual | $4.70 | $45.00 |

What's the Difference Between Commercial and Individual?

Commercial customers are businesses that ship regularly — import shops, retailers, and distributors. They get a lower per-cubic-foot rate because of volume.

Individual customers are personal shippers — people sending goods to family or moving personal items. The rate is slightly higher but still very competitive.

How Is Cubic Footage Calculated?

Cubic footage is calculated from the dimensions of your shipment:

Length (in) x Width (in) x Height (in) / 1728 = Cubic Feet

For example, a box that measures 24" x 20" x 18":

24 x 20 x 18 = 8,640 cubic inches
8,640 / 1,728 = 5.0 cubic feet
At the Kingston individual rate: 5.0 x $4.40 = $22.00 + $45.00 BOL = $67.00 total

Don't want to do the math? Our freight calculator handles it for you — just enter the dimensions and destination.

Understanding the BOL Fee

The $45.00 Bill of Lading fee is a one-time charge per shipment (not per box). If you're shipping multiple boxes on one dock receipt, you pay the BOL fee once. This covers the documentation, manifest preparation, and export paperwork.

Air Freight Rates — When Speed Matters

Air freight is the fastest way to get goods to Jamaica. It's priced by weight rather than volume.

| Destination | Rate per Pound | Transit Time | |------------|---------------|-------------| | Kingston | $5.00 | 2–3 business days | | Montego Bay | $5.00 | 2–3 business days |

When Should You Choose Air Freight?

Air freight makes sense when:

Time is critical — documents, medication, urgent parts
The shipment is lightweight but valuable — electronics, jewelry, important papers
You need guaranteed speed — air cargo arrives in 2–3 business days vs 3–4 days for ocean

Air Freight Cost Examples

| Item | Estimated Weight | Cost | |------|-----------------|------| | Laptop + accessories | 8 lbs | $40.00 | | Box of documents | 15 lbs | $75.00 | | Small electronics package | 25 lbs | $125.00 | | Medium care package | 50 lbs | $250.00 |

For heavier shipments, ocean freight is almost always cheaper. The crossover point depends on the density of your cargo — lightweight but bulky items may actually cost less by air (since ocean is priced by volume).

Barrel Shipping — The Diaspora Favorite

Barrel shipping is the most popular service for the Jamaican diaspora. It's simple and affordable.

| Destination | Rate | Type | |------------|------|------| | Kingston | $50.00 | Flat rate per barrel | | Montego Bay | $50.00 | Flat rate per barrel |

No BOL fee. No weight surcharge. $50 per barrel, period.

A standard 55-gallon barrel is about 7.5 cubic feet. If you priced that same volume as ocean freight at the individual rate, it would cost $33–$35 plus the $45 BOL fee, totaling $78–$80. So the barrel flat rate of $50 actually saves you money — especially since there's no BOL fee.

For a complete guide to barrel shipping, read our barrel shipping guide.

Standard Boxes — Same as Ocean Freight

Standard boxes use the same rate structure as ocean freight — priced by cubic foot with the same commercial/individual distinction.

This is the option for shipping items in cardboard boxes, crates, or other non-barrel containers. Pack your boxes securely, bring them to our warehouse, and we handle the rest.

How to Decide Which Service to Use

Here's a decision framework based on common scenarios:

Sending food, clothing, and household items to family

Use barrels. The $50 flat rate is unbeatable for mixed personal goods. Most families ship 1–3 barrels at a time.

Shipping furniture or large items

Use ocean freight. Price it by the cubic foot. For very large items, request a custom quote for the best rate.

Sending urgent documents or small valuable items

Use air freight. The $5/lb rate is worth it for speed. A 5 lb envelope of documents costs just $25 and arrives in 2–3 days.

Moving a large amount of personal belongings

Use ocean freight (individual rate). If you're relocating or sending a large household shipment, ocean freight by the cubic foot gives you the best value at scale.

Shipping commercial inventory for your business

Use ocean freight (commercial rate). You'll get the lowest per-cubic-foot rate at $4.20 (Kingston) or $4.30 (Montego Bay).

Additional Costs to Consider

Our shipping rates cover the freight from Miami to Jamaica. There are some additional costs to be aware of:

Jamaica Customs Duties

Items valued over $100 USD are subject to customs duty in Jamaica. Duty rates vary by item type. General Consumption Tax (GCT) also applies. The consignee in Jamaica is responsible for paying duties. Read more in our Jamaica customs duties guide.

Insurance

Our standard liability covers up to $100 per package based on declared value. If you're shipping high-value items, consider additional cargo insurance. Ask us for details.

Door-to-Door Delivery

If you need pickup from your US location or delivery to a doorstep in Jamaica (rather than port pickup), we offer door-to-door service. Contact us for a quote on this option.

How to Get Started

Estimate your cost using our freight calculator
Pack your shipment securely
Drop off at our warehouse: 14735 NW 25th Ct, Opa Locka, FL 33054
Get your dock receipt with tracking number
Track online at shipwithcaricom.com/track

Warehouse Hours

Monday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Contact Us

Phone: (305) 687-1677
Email: info@shipwithcaricom.com
WhatsApp: Available for quick questions

Need a custom quote for a large or unusual shipment? Contact us and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship to Jamaica? 2026 Rate Guide