A lot of people ask us, sometimes, “What the hell is that you’re doing?”. That’s a good question. Well, we can confidently state that our company doesn’t jump off straight out of our website and smacks you on the face. So in this blog post, we’re going to dive into the one aspect of our service: Door to door shipping to Jamaica from the US. We are very proud of the fact that we operate a service which is door to door for barrel shipping (and drum shipping … and just about everything else that a barrel can contain). Our competitors are not as committed to door to door as we are. They’re going to lay it down on their competent service and huge vans and shiny ships, but they’re not going to be as vocal about the fact that they’re going to drop your things off at your recipient’s door or a depot for them to pick up. Imagine that you’re moving house. Now imagine that you’re going to Jamaica or move back to the US, the sheer amount of work involved is enough to make you think again. But that’s where Caribshipping is coming in. We’re here to pick up all your sealed barrels from the front door of your old address and ship them to the front door of your Jamaican destination, skipping the pick up from the wharf, and taking care of the shipping agent fees, tax and paperwork. Of course, you don’t need to move out to another country at all. Let’s just say that you’re going to Jamaica on vacation from the US and find that you’ve packed too much. Provided you book ahead of time, Caribshipping will ship your excess goods or other shipments in sealed barrels abroad to your holiday destination, door to door. No secret baggage costs, no waiting carousel, no bulky luggage to pull around and a lot less time spent in queuing. Think about it for a bit. Whatever your reasons of wanting to ship your barrels from US to Jamaica, we’ll take care of your shipment till it makes it to the front door of the recipient. Why Door to Door Shipping Service? Let’s have a look at the top benefits and advantages of the door to door shipping service from US to Jamaica. 1: Time Saving The number one reason why door to door delivery is preferred over the other methods is that it saves you time. Tons of it. From putting your documentation together (you can find all information you need on our blog), and how import taxes work (We got you covered), to actually making it to it’s destination safely (we know what we’re doing). And who has time for that anyway? 2: Saving Effort & Headaches Transportation is the movement of people, objects and vehicles from point A to point B. The destination point typically depends on the transport system, whether local transport, door to door or intermodal transportation. Furthermore, safety is of the utmost concern when it comes to shipping services. The service provider guarantees the safety of your shipment in door to door delivery services. 3: Saving Money Normally, door to door delivery requires different costs for those involved in freight transport, which ensures a significant reduction in transit time. This method of shipping constantly saves money to those involved in the process. This is also most convenient for customers, as the shipping company provides you with a contract outlining the shipping costs to your destination. Typical shipping facilities provide the pricing of the cost of transferring the product from one point to another. This expense excludes other items such as customs duty, import or export taxes or other costs or charges. Caribshipping covers all import taxes and international customs for you. On the other side, our door to door delivery is hassle-free and means that you don’t have to think about any additional costs after signing the contract. 4: It’s Simple The whole transport operation may be difficult, it requires several steps because of part of the transport, but it is much simpler than it was before for everyone involved in it. Customers can no longer be part of the door to door delivery. More importantly, the door to door delivery of barrels makes travel much safer. Our Door to Door Delivery streamlines the operation from start to finish and you’ll be able to track the process here. We separate ourselves from the local competition by providing our customers with more information which you will find useful when it comes to assisting you shipping your barrels door to door to Jamaica from New York. Now we can’t offer a door to door service all across Caribbean-despite saying that it’s actually quite big, you know-but we run a comprehensive door to door service in our key areas in Jamaica so get an instant quote right now and see if we’re covering your area. If we do, you’re not going to find a better deal anywhere else. Note: If you need to ship a parcel, cargo or container, please check our other services. The door to door service is exclusively for barrels and drums.
How to Read the Sailing Schedule when Shipping from US to Jamaica
At Caribshipping, we offer fast, efficient shipping to Jamaica, with shipments sent out on a fortnightly basis. We require all barrels to be collected at least two days before the shipment is due to leave, to avoid any delays and ensure that the shipment is ready to depart on the US sailing date. There is a traditional trade route between the US and Jamaica – Kingston and Montego Bay, making it possible to ship all types of cargo, including large container shipments for furniture and vehicles or barrel shipments for toiletries and food. Find out more about the shipment services we offer in Caribshipping . The sailing schedule from US to Jamaica can be found here. But how do I navigate all these different cells, you’ll ask. Let’s go through the different columns on the table: Closing Date: This is the first thing you should consider before shipping. That means that your goods need need to be with us at our depot prior to the closing date. There is a closing day every 7 days. If the current day is 17/02 and the next closing day is 17/02, there is little time for placing an order, and getting your barrels/cargo collected for shipping. We highly recommend having your barrels ready for shipment and the collection date arranged at least 2 days before the closing date. In this case, the next available closing day at 24/02 would be ideal. Make sure you calculate the actual amount of time needed for your items to be collected. US Sailing Date: This is the date your barrels/cargo will leave the US and sail to Jamaica. So you have to work out your dates in reverse. If you want your goods to be available by, eg, 05/04/21 (if shipping to Montego Bay), you would have to book a collection with us no later than 21/02/21 to ensure we can have your goods at our depot before the closing date of 24/02/20. We will then load your goods into a shipping container. Your goods will leave the US wharf on 03/03/21. Estimated Arrival to Kingston: This is an estimated arrival day of your goods to Kingston wharf. The actual arrival day might differ based on circumstances or special events. It usually takes about a month. Earliest pick up date Kingston: After your goods arrive at Kingston wharf, allow further and sufficient time for goods to be out turned and cleared before you’re able to pick them up. That usually takes 6 days. From the date listed and afterwards, feel free to visit the wharf to pick up your stuff. Estimated arrival to Montego Bay: This is an estimated arrival day of your goods to Montego Bay wharf. The actual arrival day might differ based on circumstances or special events. It usually takes about a month. Earliest pick up date Montego Bay: After your goods arrive to Montego Bay, allow further and sufficient time for goods to be out turned and cleared before you’re able to pick them up. That usually takes 6 days. From the date listed and afterwards, feel free to visit the wharf to pick up your stuff. If there are empty fields on estimated arrivals, that means the specific shipment is destined for only one of the wharfs, either Kingston or Montego Bay. For any questions regarding the Sailing Schedule from US to Jamaica. feel free to contact us.
Living in Jamaica
Living in Jamaica is an exciting experience. Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning 10,990 square kilometres (4,240 sq mi) in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the fourth-largest island country in the Caribbean. Jamaica lies about 145 kilometres (90 mi) south of Cuba, and 191 kilometres (119 mi) west of Hispaniola (the island containing the countries of Haiti and the Dominican Republic).
How much tax do I have to pay?
How much tax do I have to pay? When shipping your barrels from the US to Jamaica, there is a variety of different taxes needed to be paid before the shipment makes it to the final destination. Every order is different. Every barrel is unique and comes with its own set of circumstances and pricing associated with it. Therefore, we cannot give you a clear answer of the final amount as there are so many different variables that determine the final cost. To save you confusion and headaches we’ve started delivering Door to Door from the US to Jamaica, we’re clearing the items at the wharf and pre-paying all the fees and taxes on your behalf. Have a look here. 1. Import Duty/Customs Duty This is the tax payable on imported goods. The rates of duty are published in the Jamaica Customs Tariff, which can be purchased from Jamaica Printing Services at 77 ½ Duke Street, Kingston, Telephone (876) 967-2250; www.jps1992@cwjamaica.com. 2. Stamp Duty Postage Stamps amounting to the value of Jamaican Five Dollars ($5) must be affixed to receipts with a Cost Insurance and Freight (c.i.f.) value of Five Thousand Five Hundred Jamaican Dollars (J$5,500) and less. For receipts with values above this range, One Hundred Dollars ($100) worth of stamps must be affixed. 3. Additional Stamp Duty (ASD) Additional stamp duty is payable on certain items e.g., chicken and most chicken parts, pork and some pork products, beef and some beef products; some aluminum products, alcoholic beverages, and cigarettes. 4. General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT) The General Consumption Tax Act provides for two main types of taxes These are the General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT). Since October 22, 1991, the General Consumption Tax (GCT) and Special Consumption Tax (SCT) have replaced several duties and taxes, e.g., Excise Duty, CARICOM Duty, Consumption Duty, Entertainment Duty, Retail Sales Tax, Hotel Accommodation Tax and Telephone Service Tax. GCT is paid on goods and services except for those items that are zero-rated and those that are exempted from GCT. Zero-rated items are items that attract 0% GCT. Exempted items are items that do not attract GCT. SCT is payable on a few items. These are alcoholic beverages, most tobacco products, and some petroleum products. Most items attract only GCT, while some attract both GCT and SCT. 5. Standard Compliance Fee (SCF) This is a fee of 0.3% collected on behalf of the Bureau of Standards. SCF is calculated on the CIF value. 6. Customs Administrative Fee (CAF) The Customs Administrative Fee is payable on the processing of documents, the examination of goods, and on specific imported commodities. 7. Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) Cost: This is the total cost of the goods abroad including ex-factory price, commission, mark-up, and inland freight but excluding sales tax and interest. The cost of the goods is sometimes expressed as FOB (Free on Board) or FOA (Free on Air) Insurance: This is the insurance charge which is payable to transport the goods to Jamaica in order to ensure that some compensation will be available to you in the event of the loss or damage of the goods. If you have not paid any insurance charges when freighting your goods to Jamaica, an insurance charge is still applicable for valuation purposes. For goods arriving by sea, the insurance charge is 1.5% of the total Cost and Freight(c. & f.), that is, if the goods cost US$100 and the freight charge is US$50, then C&F would be US$100 + US$50 = US$150. 1.5% of US$150, i.e. 150 x 3/200 = US$2.25. Total c.i.f. therefore is $100 + $50 + $2.25 = US$152.25. For shipments arriving by air, the insurance applicable is 1% of the Total Cost and Freight. The insurance rate of 1.5% is applicable to marine cargo. Freight: This is the amount of money paid or payable to the shipping agent or the airlines for the goods to be shipped or transported to Jamaica, including inland freight, packaging and handling charges. 8. Environmental Levy 0.5% of the CIF value of all imports Note: If you’re shipping cargo and it’s at Berth 5 or 6 Warehouses, you will need to pay the KWL charges at the Kingsport Building. _______________________________ In a brief; The fees involved may include Landing Fees, which are paid to the clearing local Agent. Expect to pay about JA $3,700.00. Handling and Storage Fees, paid to Kingston Wharf, maybe about JA $4,630.00. Import Fees, such as customs duties, paid to Kingston Wharf might run around JA $6,500.00 . Barrels containing “Personal Effects” or “Non-commercial” items attract a flat rate charge of JMD $6,500.00 (rate is subject to change). This roughly currently equates to about 38 Pound sterling. Too much hassle? Try our “Door to Door” shipping service from the US to Jamaica, and get your barrels delivered to your recipient’s door without paying extra for taxes. We cover ALL taxes for you. Contact us for more useful information related to taxes and customs to clear in Jamaica using one of our social links below.
5 Easy Steps: How to Clear a Barrel
Step by Step guide on how to clear a barrel and your packages from Jamaica Warehouses when shipping from the US.
Jamaican Currency and Exchange Rate to British Pounds
Jamaican Currency (J$ or JA$) The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar (J $ or JA $). Jamaican banknotes have a face value of $ 100, $ 500, $ 1,000 and $ 5,000. Jamaican coins have a face value of $ 1, $ 5, $ 10, and $ 20 (older coins that currently have no real value but are still legal are denominated in 1, 10, and 25 Jamaican cents). Most Jamaican places, even in remote areas of the island related to the tourism industry, accept Jamaican dollars and US dollars. Places that are far from the main tourist areas, far from Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, etc., and that are not related to the tourism industry, usually use only Jamaican dollars. Exchanging British Pound to Jamaican Dollars Jamaican dollars are available from banks, stock exchanges and hotels. However, because each merchant can set their own exchange rate, places located outside tourist areas usually offer very low exchange rates for all foreign currencies if they usually price their goods and services in Jamaican dollars. Also, be careful with airport exchange rates. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major tourist areas, and Jamaican dollars can be withdrawn from ATMs. [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Custom_HTML”][/siteorigin_widget] However, holding cash British pounds still requires conversion. The British Pound is a highly convertible currency. The same goes for the Euro and the Canadian dollar. If you have pounds, you have two options. You can only convert them to U.S. dollars if you plan to use this currency first, but we recommend that you convert them directly to Jamaican dollars. The use of Jamaican dollars is often cheaper in smaller guest houses, local shops, and restaurants because of local exchange rates. What to be aware of when exchanging Jamaican currency You should also exchange Jamaican coins back to your local currency, if possible, before leaving Jamaica, as they won’t have any when you return home. We recommend that you convert only the amount you need to avoid charging two exchange fees (fees for converting currency into Jamaican dollars or US dollars and then back to British pounds). Also, do not Convert British Pounds to US Dollars in your home country, and then Convert US Dollars to Jamaican Dollars in Jamaica. Avoid additional conversion fees by converting only from British Pounds to Jamaican Dollars or US Dollars, and preferably do the conversion in Jamaica. Note: The Scottish Pound is not considered a highly convertible currency in Jamaica. They need to be converted to British Pounds in the US if you plan to bring pound banknotes to Jamaica if you move there or on holiday. [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Latest_News”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Latest_News”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Latest_News”][/siteorigin_widget]
How to Clear a Barrel at Montego Bay Jamaica
A lot of shipping takes place between the US and Jamaica at Montego Bay, which makes it easy to ship cargo and barrels filled with clothing, toiletries, or food, including large containers for vehicles and furniture. When you need to pick up cargo or a barrel at the Montego Bay Port, you will find these helpful tips important to know about clearing barrels at Montego Bay Jamaica.
Jamaican Language and Common Phrases
What languages are spoken in Jamaica? The most commonly spoken language is Jamaican English, and then Jamaican Patois. Jamaican English is the official language of Jamaica and is widely used in media, education, government, and business. The English used in Jamaica has mostly British grammar and spelling in its colonial history, but American English has also changed it over the years. The majority of Jamaicans do not speak English as a mother language but learn it as a second language in school, the first being Jamaican Patois. The most widely spoken language in the country is Jamaican Patois (also known as Patwa and Jamaican Creole). While Jamaica is the official language, many Jamaicans speak Patois in their day-to-day casual conversations. Compared to 50,000 English-speaking Jamaicans, 2.7 million speak Jamaican, a kind of Creole English born during the slave trade. The Jamaican Patois is a blend of African languages, English, Arawak (the original Jamaican language), Portuguese, French, Irish, Chinese, Spanish, and Scottish. It was considered to be the worst language in its history but it has since been regarded as the language of liberty and independence in Jamaican history. In addition to English and Jamaican Patois, what language do the Jamaicans speak, if anything? Arawakan, spoken by the indigenous people known as Taino, is Jamaica’s only living indigenous language. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [bctt tweet=”Nuh everyting you yearry good fe talk” username=”Ace Global”] Learning the Jamaican Language It is good to learn a couple of phrases and words Jamaicans use in their everyday conversations when planning a vacation in Jamaica or start doing business there. The official language of Jamaica is English, which means that tourists to Jamaica who speak English have no trouble interacting entirely with the local population. But learning more about Jamaican ducks can help you connect with the local people and make your journey or business a more positive experience. It’s not about mastering the local language to speak it fluently. To the local people you meet and communicate with on your journey, attempts to respect the local style of speech should be courteous. If you take the time to listen to it you can easily understand the dialect. When the speaker is excited, words normally emerge fairly rapidly, but when there is a general conversation, the words come out much more slowly and are easier to understand. “Patois” from Jamaica is conveyed as much by gesture and drama as by rhythm and sound. This is how people exchange thoughts and emotions with very passionate people. The language appeared as the voice of a special and proud people, far more than a means of communication. Common Phrases in the Jamaican Language Some common Jamaican phrases you might come across or find useful: ‘Small up yuhself’ A good phrase to know when using crowded buses or taxis. It simply means making space. Notice how similar it looks to the English phrase “Small up yourself”. ‘Weh Yuh Ah Seh’ The translation of the word to English is equal to “What are you saying?” or otherwise “How are you doing?” The sentence can also be spelled as’ weh yaw seh.’ ‘Inna di morrows’ Used for saying goodbye. “Tomorrow” will be the literal version, which means “see you later.” ‘Boonoonoonoos’ Boonoonoonoos is a word for love in the Jamaican language. In Engish, this means “special person”. When visiting Jamaica, if you have a loved one with you, we suggest calling them a “boonoonoonoos friend” to share your feelings. It is often used to denote things or objects that are also pleasant. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] [bctt tweet=”Mi mouth a mi market” username=”Ace Global”] ‘Mi Soon Come’ Literally, the Jamaican word means: I am there. But don’t be mistaken if you’re told to come soon. The island’s weather is much more slow and sluggish than the rest of the planet, so this expression could be interpreted from a few hours to a few days. ‘Wah Gwaan’ If you heard the speech of former US President Barack Obama when he visited Jamaica ahead of his second term, you might have heard him greet his audience using this phrase. It is an informal welcome which means “How are you?” or “What’s up?”. ‘Kick Up Rumpus’ Kick-up rumpus means getting a nice riotous time. It was also the title of Colourman and Jackie Knockshot’s hit 1985 album. ‘Lickkle more’ In other words, ‘see you later’ or ‘goodbye’. For example, mi see yuh likkle more den – means I’ll see you later then. ‘Irie’ To say “all is well,” the Jamaican proverb “Irie” is also used. Be conscious that to greet others, Jamaica has several varieties. When someone asks “How are you?”, “My Irie” would be a reasonable response. ‘Ya Mon’ “Man” is an important word in the Jamaican language for the locals and is often used when you speak to someone, whether it is a child or adult. “No problem” or “yes” is the English version of the Jamaican word “ya mon”. For instance, if someone suggests to you a rum runner, you may want to say “Ya, mi!” ‘Chaka-Chaka’ Chaka-chaka is used when something is being perceived as low performing, disorganized, and messy. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_SocialMediaButtons_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget]
Document List
Shipping document lists is an example of documents used in International trade. There may be more documents needed based on the country of export, country of import and the goods being shipped.
What to Pack in a Barrel
A question we’re getting very often is “What can I pack in my barrels/drums?” or “What items are eligible to be shipped in a barrel to Jamaica?”. The answer is, pretty much anything. Yes, that’s right. You’re allowed to ship barrels to Jamaica containing all different types of items and goods, as long as they’re not listed in the prohibited items list. The most important thing to remember is to only pack ready-made products with a long lifespan. Shipping by the sea can take up to two months, so always be considerate of the type of stuff you’re putting in your barrels. What to Pack in a Barrel [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Dishes, utensils, cutlery, cups, pots and pans, jars, tupperware and plastic food containers. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Food bags, plastic wrap, foil, and food clips. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Dried pasta, noodles, tea bags, dried beans and legumes, rice, couscous, cold and hot drink powders (especially with sugar and milk inside), breakfast cereal, popping corn, biscuits, snacks, health foods and any type of protein powders. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Tinned vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, baked beans, soups, milk and desserts. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Peanut butter, spreads, jams, cooking oil, sauces, condiments, pickles, olives and coffee. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Sewing kits, washing line, clothes hangers, clothes pins, and hangers. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Shampoo, shower gel, liquid soap, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, face cream, body lotion, face scrub / wash, deodorant, suntan lotion, cotton wool, earbuds, and razors. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Washing up liquid, washing detergent for clothing, bleach, sponges, cloths, pot scrubbers and any other cleaning material. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Plasters (band-aids) bandages, antiseptic cream, allergy relief, tape, muscle rub, pain pills, flu/cold remedies, vitamins, bite relief, insect repellent, sickness relief, and rehydration salts. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Any type of clothing and apparel, as well as soft furnishing, from blankets, covers, bed sheets, shower curtains, curtains, to towels and bath mats. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Pens, pencils, colored pencils, pencil cases, backpacks, notebooks, craft supplies, sketch pad, books, educational aids, other school supplies. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Flash light, candles, rope, tarpaulin, umbrella, rain poncho, water boots, batteries, vessels to hold water, and counter-top gas plate (WARNING: DO NOT include the GAS cylinder!) That was a brief list of plausible items to pack in a barrel. Of course, there are many more items and goods that can be shipped. If you have any doubts regarding your items eligibility you can contact us. [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget] What NOT to Pack in a Barrel [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Do not pack any items that need to be refrigerated, such as meat, fish, cheese, or other dairy products. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Do not pack any fresh vegetables or fruits, flowers or plants, any forms of live animals; including birds (iand eggs) / sea life / reptiles / insects or other organisms! [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Do not pack any freshly prepared products, or partialy cooked foods, such as breads and baked goods, pizza and pastry items, microwave and oven meals, and fast food. [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Do not pack anything that is flammable, corrosive, explosive or dangerous in any way! [siteorigin_widget class=”SiteOrigin_Widget_Image_Widget”][/siteorigin_widget] Do not pack lighters, matches, gas cylinders of any kind, wet batteries (vehicle batteries) and fireworks. Other commonly prohibited items include: [siteorigin_widget class=”WP_Widget_Media_Video”][/siteorigin_widget] Plants Perishable items Drugs Intoxicating beverages Meat products Tobacco Firearms Animals Full list here. [siteorigin_widget class=”PW_Call_To_Action”][/siteorigin_widget]
