Every year we send thousands of barrels from the United States to Jamaica. Both businesses and households use this method to get their supplies across international waters.
Sending a barrel to Jamaica from the United States is not as hard as you may think. Here we list the steps you may take to get a barrel to Jamaica from the United States.
Step 1.
Be sure your barrel is well packed. Keep common items together and putting canned items at the bottom of your barrel. Wrap your bottles in plastic wrap or traps to avoid spills or damage to other goods. Soap and other strong smells can penetrate thin bags such as flour and rice bags, and should be sent in a different container if possible. Now your barrel is ready to be sent.
Step 2.
Call a shipping company. Usually, a google search for ‘shipping companies near me’ will show you a list of companies that ship barrels and containers to other countries, including Jamaica. Be sure to check their reviews and shop around for better rates if you have more than one option. Arrange and time and date for the shipping company to come and collect your barrel for your house. Some companies will have you deliver the barrel to send to Jamaica at their location, or come with your items and pack the barrel at their location.
Step 3.
After your barrel is collected, be sure to have the relevant documents you may need to give to the barrel’s recipient. You may need the name of the shipping company in the US, the name of the collecting agency in Jamaica, You will also need the bill of Lading and the airway bill to clear your goods through customs.
Step 4.
Now that your goods have arrived in Jamaica, it is time to collect them at the pier if the barrel was not directly sent to your home. You will need to visit the company that your barrel was sent to and get the necessary documents to take to the wharf to get your barrel. Please note that more than one fee may be associated with this effort depending on the company you ship with and the value of items that are in the barrel.
Step 5.
The recipient of the barrel should have a valid Government Issue Identification card, a tax registration number, and the documents given by the shipping company. Take them to the customs officer and wait to be identified. After being identified, be prepared to open your barrel so the customs officer can assess the items.
If contraband or items that will need to pay additional duty are found, you may need to have further inspection done.
Step 6.
After your items have been checked, you will pay the amount specified by the officer that assessed your goods. After returning that receipt, you will collect your barrel and be on your way.
Total Costs as of November 22 is JMD $13000 for one barrel. This is inclusive of all fees both for your shipping company and all Jamaica customs fees.
It is important to note that you can have someone collect your barrel for you or have your barrel sent directly to your home. Whichever option you may use, ensure your paperwork is in place, and you should be ready.