Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about shipping to Jamaica with Caricom Freight Consolidators. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.

Shipping Costs & Rates

How much does it cost to ship a barrel to Jamaica?
Barrel shipping to Jamaica is a flat rate of $50 per barrel, regardless of whether you're shipping to Kingston or Montego Bay. This rate covers standard barrel sizes. Visit our rates page for full details and to use our freight calculator.
What are your ocean freight rates?
Ocean freight (LCL) rates are charged per cubic foot and vary by destination and customer type:

Kingston: $4.20/cu ft (Commercial) | $4.40/cu ft (Individual)
Montego Bay: $4.30/cu ft (Commercial) | $4.70/cu ft (Individual)

All ocean freight rates include warehouse handling. A $45 Bill of Lading (BOL) fee applies per shipment.
How much does air freight to Jamaica cost?
Air freight to Jamaica is $5.00 per pound for both Kingston and Montego Bay. Air freight is ideal for urgent or time-sensitive shipments with transit times of 2-3 business days.
Are there any additional fees beyond the shipping rate?
For ocean freight shipments, a $45 Bill of Lading (BOL) fee applies per shipment. Rates do not include Jamaica customs duty, insurance, or other government-imposed fees. Items valued over $100 USD are subject to customs duty at the destination. Barrel shipping is all-inclusive at the flat rate with no BOL fee.
What is a Bill of Lading (BOL) fee?
The Bill of Lading is a legal shipping document that serves as a receipt for your cargo and a contract for its transportation. The $45 BOL fee covers the preparation and processing of this document for ocean freight shipments. It is added once per shipment, not per box or piece.
Do you offer discounts for bulk shipments?
We offer competitive commercial rates that are lower than individual rates for ocean freight. For large or recurring shipments, contact us to discuss volume pricing and custom arrangements.
How do I get a custom quote?
You can request a custom quote directly on our rates page using the quote request form. Provide your shipment details and we'll respond within 24 hours. You can also call us at (305) 687-1677 or email info@shipwithcaricom.com.

Transit Times & Delivery

How long does ocean freight take to Jamaica?
Ocean freight transit times from Miami after departure:

Kingston: approximately 3 days
Montego Bay: approximately 4 days

These times begin from the vessel's departure date, not the drop-off date. Allow additional time for warehouse processing and loading before departure.
How long does air freight take?
Air freight shipments to Jamaica typically arrive within 2-3 business days. This makes air freight the best option for urgent or time-sensitive cargo.
Can I get door-to-door delivery in Jamaica?
Yes, we offer door-to-door delivery service. We can pick up from your US location and deliver directly to a doorstep in Jamaica. Contact us to arrange pickup and delivery details.
What areas in Jamaica do you deliver to?
We ship to Kingston and Montego Bay ports. Door-to-door delivery is available across all 14 parishes in Jamaica including Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, St. James, and more. Our Jamaica branch offices can be reached at Kingston: (876) 922-9596 or Montego Bay: (876) 979-0457.
How will I know when my shipment arrives?
You'll receive notifications as your shipment progresses. You can also track your shipment online using your dock receipt number. Our tracking system shows real-time status from warehouse receipt through to port arrival.

Customs & Duties

Do I have to pay customs duty on items shipped to Jamaica?
Yes, items valued over $100 USD are subject to Jamaica customs duty. Duty is assessed by Jamaican customs authorities and is separate from our shipping charges. The consignee (receiver) in Jamaica is typically responsible for paying customs duty.
What items are subject to duty in Jamaica?
Most imported goods are subject to customs duty in Jamaica. Duty rates vary by item category. Personal effects, household goods, electronics, clothing, and food items each have different duty rates. Jamaica Customs determines the applicable rate based on the item description and declared value.
How much is Jamaica customs duty?
Duty rates vary widely depending on the type of goods. Common categories include General Consumption Tax (GCT), customs duty, and environmental levy. The exact amount depends on the declared value and classification of your items. Check with Jamaica Customs and Excise for specific rates on your items.
Who is responsible for clearing customs?
The consignee (the person receiving the goods in Jamaica) is responsible for clearing customs and paying any applicable duties. We are not responsible for delays, seizures, or additional duties imposed by customs authorities. All shipments are subject to inspection by customs.
What documents do I need for customs clearance?
You will need your dock receipt number and a valid government-issued ID to claim your cargo. For commercial shipments, a commercial invoice and packing list may also be required. Ensure the description and declared value of your goods are accurate, as discrepancies may result in additional costs or delays.

Packing & Prohibited Items

What items are prohibited from shipping?
The following items are prohibited: hazardous materials, illegal substances, firearms and ammunition, and any items banned by U.S. export or Caribbean import regulations. Perishable goods require advance arrangement. We reserve the right to refuse any shipment at our discretion. See our terms of service for full details.
How should I pack my barrel for shipping?
Pack items tightly to prevent shifting during transit. Use padding or packing material to fill gaps and protect fragile items. Seal your barrel securely with a tight-fitting lid. Label the barrel clearly with the consignee's name and contact information. We are not liable for damage caused by improper packing.
What size barrels and boxes do you accept?
We accept standard shipping barrels and boxes of various sizes. Ocean freight boxes are charged by cubic foot based on dimensions (length x width x height). Use our freight calculator to estimate costs based on your box dimensions. Common piece types we handle include boxes, barrels, crates, pallets, drums, bundles, and suitcases.
Can I ship food items to Jamaica?
Yes, non-perishable food items can be shipped. Perishable goods require advance arrangement. Canned goods, dry goods, and packaged food items are commonly shipped in barrels. Ensure all food items are properly sealed and packaged. Note that some food items may be subject to Jamaica customs inspection and duties.
Are there weight limits?
There are no strict weight limits for ocean freight, as charges are based on cubic feet rather than weight. For air freight, there are no set limits but charges are per pound at $5.00/lb. For very heavy or oversized shipments, contact us for arrangements.

Tracking & Shipment Management

How do I track my shipment?
Visit our Track Shipment page and enter your dock receipt number. You'll see a real-time timeline of your shipment's progress from warehouse receipt through to port arrival. You can also receive notifications via email and WhatsApp as your shipment status updates.
What do the tracking statuses mean?
Our tracking statuses follow your shipment through each stage:

Received at Warehouse — your goods have arrived at our Miami warehouse
Loaded on Container — shipment has been loaded onto a container
Processing for Export — container is being processed for export
Customs Cleared & Shipped — cleared customs and ready to sail
In Transit — shipment is on the water heading to Jamaica
Arrived at Port — shipment has arrived at the destination port
What should I do if my shipment is delayed?
First, check the status on our tracking page. Delays can occur due to customs processing, weather, or port congestion. If your shipment shows an unexpected status or has been delayed beyond the expected transit time, contact us at (305) 687-1677 or email info@shipwithcaricom.com.
How do I get my dock receipt number?
A dock receipt is issued when your cargo is received at our warehouse at 14735 NW 25th Ct, Opa Locka, FL 33054. The dock receipt number serves as your shipment reference and tracking number. If you have an account on our customer portal, you can view all your dock receipts and tracking information there.

Payment & Account

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept online payments via Stripe (credit/debit cards), as well as cash and checks at our warehouse location in Opa Locka, FL. Invoices are generated from dock receipt data and are due upon receipt unless other terms are arranged.
Can I pay online?
Yes. Online payments are processed securely through Stripe. When you receive an invoice, you can pay it online through our customer portal. All outstanding invoices must be paid before cargo is released.
Do you offer a customer portal?
Yes, our customer portal gives you access to your shipment history, invoices, dock receipts, and real-time tracking. You can view all your shipments, pay invoices, and manage your account from one place. Visit the login page to access your account.
How do I create an account?
Customer accounts are linked via your phone number. When you first ship with us, your dock receipt information creates your account profile. You can then register on our website to access the customer portal with full visibility into your shipments and invoices. Contact us if you need help setting up your account.

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help. Reach out by phone, email, or WhatsApp and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.