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Cost Of Shipping a Container to Jamaica

Published on 2021-08-22

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How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Jamaica?

Jamaica Container Shipping Cost

Shipping a container to Jamaica is not a small task. Luckily, Three Movers has an experienced team of professionals to ensure your Container arrives there safely. We take the time to understand your needs and expectation then provide the best options for you. Trust Three Movers to offer you container shipping services at the best rates.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of Shipping

We pride ourselves in being transparent about arriving at the cost indicated on your quote. Here are the five main factors that affect the cost of shipping:

  • The destination port: Every port has different regulations and charges. For Jamaica, these would be the port of Montego Bay and the Kingston Container Terminal.
  • The mode of transport: For Jamaica, you will be looking at sea or air freight transportation.
  • The distance: This one is pretty obvious. The bigger the distance between your cargo and the destination, the higher the cost.
  • The time of the year: During the high season months (January, February, August, and September), demand drives up the cost of shipping.
  • The weight and volume of your cargo

Other additional factors that may affect the shipping cost include:

  • Insurance: The calculations for your insurance premium will be based on the cargo’s value.
  • Customs fees: Ivory Coast’s customs fees will be imposed on your cargo.
  • Inspections: Additional charges may arise if your Container is inspected.
  • General Rate Increase (GRI): The GRI is used to reflect the changes in the operation cost for shipping companies.

Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates

FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets, and anything which will require a full container shipping to Jamaica of up to 45,000lbs.

Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates

LCL shipping is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Jamaica.

  • LCL $83/CBM
  • Household Goods $480
  • Personal Effects $385

International House Moving Costs

International house moving to Jamaica services – quick, easy, and cheap.

  • Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) $530
  • 1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) $2807
  • 2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) $3205
  • 3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) $3804

Container Car Shipping

International auto transport services to Jamaica via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, SUVs, ATVs, boats, RV’s, heavy equipment, and more.

  • Container Car Shipping
  • Sedan (Container) $2156
  • SUV (Container) $2203
  • Sedan via RORO $1434
  • SUV via RORO $1552

Which Size Of Shipping Container Works Best For Me?

There are many types of shipping containers available. However, the two types you need to focus on are the 20ft container and the 40ft container. Here’s a tip on how to identify the right size:

  • The 20ft Container: Can your cargo fit in a one-bedroom, a two-bedroom, or a three-bedroom house? If yes, then this Container will be the ideal size. This size can also provide an average-sized vehicle; however, you won’t be able to fit much else.
  • The 40ft Container: Does your cargo exceed the capacity of a three-bedroom house? If yes, then this is the right container size. If you are shipping a car plus other items, this is the way to go.

Now that you have chosen the right container size, there are two additional terms you need to know:

  • Less than Container Load (LCL): This option allows multiple people to share a shipping container. The cost calculations are based on the area covered.
  • Full Container Load (FCL): Under this option, you will pay for the entire Container, and only your cargo can be loaded onto the Container.

Understanding The Different Types Of Freight Transportation

There are two viable options for shipping a container to Jamaica:

Ocean Freight Shipping: The low cost will ease the inconvenience of a 2 to 8 weeks delivery time.

Air Transport: For the 2-4 business days, you will need to pay up to five times what you would have paid for sea transport.

Whether you move from Jamaica Mexico, Jamaica Spain, Jamaica Brazil, Jamaica France, Jamaica Japan, Jamaica Korea, Jamaica Taiwan, Jamaica Chile, Jamaica United States, San Antonio, Salt Lake City, we are ready to give you the best shipping service.

What is the cost of shipping from Jamaica?

The cost of shipping a container from Jamaica varies based on several factors, including the type and weight of items, destination port in North America, distance to the departure port in Jamaica, etc. For example, it costs USD 1,144 to ship a 40′ High Cube Container from Kingston, Jamaica, to Houston-Bush Intercontinental in Texas. The cost to ship a 20′ sea container from Jamaica to the port of New York is USD 830.

Regarding the cost to ship a container from Jamaica, let us assume that your shipment weighs approximately 40 tonnes and is going to New York on a Roll-On / Roll-Off vessel. The estimated shipping cost of a sea container from Jamaica starts at USD 710 per TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit).

Traveling from Jamaica to New York city by Container

It will cost you about $700-$1100 one way, depending on Jamaica. Generally, a 40ft container can hold up to 50 cubic meters of items. That is equivalent to roughly three pallets of product. A standard 20ft container can hold up to 12 pallets of product.

In addition, the Kingston Shipping fee for a 40ft container from Jamaica to New York is $500, and the additional cost for a 20ft container will be $300. You can contact us, Jamaica Cargo, or we can provide you with an official quotation in specific details.

What is the cost of shipping a 20 ft container?

Shipping a 20 ft container from Jamaica to London is around $2800.00 US Dollars. The cost of shipping a 40ft container is about $3500.00 US Dollars.

The crossing between Kingston, Jamaica, and the UK takes six days at sea; this includes, however, 3-4 days in port for customs processing.

We can arrange shipment by Sea Freight for your personal belongings, household effects, vehicles, and general cargo. We have the best rates in the market with instant quotes 24 hours a day.

What is the cost of shipping a 40 ft container?

The cost of shipping a container is so much dependent on the type of trade your business does. For instance, if you send items for personal use, the average rate per day is USD 150. On the other hand, if you’re doing commercial transactions, it will be $500 per day up to $2000, which might be more.

What are types of freights available?

There are two types of freight: the FCL (full container load) and LCL (less than a container load).

FCL

This is when a shipper has to fill up an entire container with their products. This type of shipping allows for higher volume and lower costs due to shared space. Flexibility and reliability make it the perfect choice for larger companies.

LCL

This type of shipping is when a shipper only fills up part of a container with their product. While this saves on costs, it also causes the price to increase with weight and additional charges such as packing. It also makes flexibility difficult, making it perfect for personal shipments or lightweight cargo.

What is air freight?

Airfreight, or air cargo, is the transport of goods by airplane. Unlike sea freight that involves large ships to cross oceans and seas, planes are more commonly used for transporting high-value goods due to their lower cost than sea freight and their speed and ability to transport a high volume of cargo in a single trip.

In Jamaica, air cargo is commonly used for small/high-value goods carried by airplanes. Examples of this would include replacement parts for factory equipment, medical supplies and samples for lab tests, export items such as flowers and produce, and much more.

What is land freight?

The cost of shipping a container to Jamaica is calculated by considering the sea, land, and terminal handling charges. These costs vary from one freight carrier to another, so there could be differences in the rates quoted from different freight forwarders. The following are some terms used in cargo ocean transportation:

Trucking charges are the charge for moving goods from one point to another via road.

Terminal charges are the charges for using the terminals to load and unload cargo at both origin and destination points.

Transportation costs – This is the cost of transporting goods from places of origin to seaports, access roads within port areas, storage facilities, warehouses while in transit and

Freight Rate – This is the price of moving goods by sea from one port to another. Freight rates are influenced by supply and demand, commodity type, trade routes, tariff rates/customs duties, inflation factors, and other economic conditions.

Average Container Shipping Rates Estimates

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates

FCL shipping is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full container shipping to Jamaica of up to 45,000lbs.

Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping Rates

20 ft Container $1553
40 ft Container $1752

Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates

LCL shipping is more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Jamaica.

Less Than Container (LCL) Shipping Rates

LCL $83/CBM
Household Goods $480
Personal Effects $385
International House Moving Costs

International house moving to Jamaica services – quick, easy and cheap.

International House Moving Costs

Partial House (2000Lbs & Less) $530
1 Bedroom (3850 Lbs) $2807
2 Bedroom (4500 Lbs) $3205
3+ Bedroom (8750 Lbs) $3804

Container Car Shipping

International auto transport services to Jamaica via RoRo and container ships. Ship cars, trucks, suvs, atv’s, boats, RV’s, heavy equipment and more.

Container Car Shipping

Sedan (Container) $2156
SUV (Container) $2203
Sedan via RORO $1434
SUV via RORO $1552

What are the major ports for shipping?

The most popular ports in Jamaica are Kingston, Ocho Rios, and Montego Bay.

Kingston Port: Located at Kingston, on the north coast of Jamaica. It operates round the clock and is mainly used for containerized traffic.

Ocho Rios Port: Located at Ocho Rios, about an hour’s drive from Montego Bay, only 10 minutes to get there from Negril. The port operates round the clock and is mainly used for containerized traffic.

Montego Bay Port: Located at Montego Bay, on Jamaica’s north coast. It operates round the clock and is mainly used for containerized traffic.

Delivery & Loading Options

Another essential factor that can affect the cost of your planning to deliver and load shipping containers. If you plan to move by FCL, you might have three choices depending on the NVOCC mover forwarder.

1. Port to Port

It is one of the basics, and upon this, the rates on top are based. Essentially, port-to-port shipping enables you to get your goods to the origin port, then the company delivers them to the destined port, and after that, you are liable to get them to the house.

2. Drop & Fill

The shipping company drops the shipping container here at your home, and then you fill it by yourself. You can also use domestic packers and movers working separately from the company to help out.

Furthermore, this is a choice on your moves, another end where the company leaves a container to your house and then it is up to you to unload it

3. Door to Door Moves

The most well-understood option for overseas people is a comprehensive door-to-door moving service. Depending upon the choice you pick, your mover arranges to deliver the Container to your house, move to port, pack, ship, move to the new location, and lastly, unpacked.

Insurance:

If you plan to move all the things of your house overseas, then it is necessary to insure everything. Therefore confirm if the company you chose has adequate maritime insurance. Thus, it gives you a stress-free mind that if anything gets broken or damaged while moving, you aren’t going to be out of pocket.

Packing Costs:

Most of the companies in charge of moving to require that it is up to them to pack your household items. On the other hand, it may sound like adding on extra costs, yet it has good benefits. Firstly, it helps prevent fraudulent insurance claims that drive up the price for all people. Secondly, it is a requirement for duty and taxes.

Taxes/Customs/Duty Charges:

Before you ship everything overseas, it is preferable to know how the new country’s treatment towards the international moves is preferable. A few impose duty or tax on the value of the goods, which enter the country. It is excellent to know how much it likely is before moving so you won’t face unpleasant surprises.

Storage:

In case you don’t plan to say permanently abroad, it is worthwhile to see the storage cost in your motherland because it is cheaper than to ship your entire house abroad and back again, especially in the case when your homeland also charges duties and taxes on the imported goods

What’s Next?

We know that the details in this article only offer insight into the determination of shipping costs. If you wish to know more, take advantage of our toll-free number (888) 202-0036. Feel free to fill out your details on our website, and you will receive a free quote instantly. Remember that Three Movers is the answer when looking for cheap, experienced, and safe container shipping options to Jamaica.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which Documents Do I Need When Shipping Items to Jamaica?

Documentation can make or break a shipping process. This is why it is taken very seriously. It is important that documents aren’t lost or destroyed as this can delay or hamper the transportation of goods. There are quite a few papers you will need when shipping to Jamaica. The first is the supplier invoice, then the certificate of origin, bill of lading, airway bill, and declaration of value. Certain items will require a special import license like meat, fish, and other agricultural items. Other items might require certification of sanitary.

What Kind of Taxes, Duties, and/or Fees Do I Have to Pay When Shipping to Jamaica?

Jamaica Customs Agency is one of the major revenue-generating entities of the Jamaican government, accounting for approximately 40 percent of taxes.  Still, the government has committed to gradually reducing duties. Some duties used to be as high as 180%. Jamaica is a member of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and has an almost duty-free tariff to fellow CARICOM states. For states outside the association, tariffs have been regulated at 10-20% depending on the item being imported.

How Important Is It to Get Insurance for My Cargo?

Insurance is very important for your container because it will provide protection against financial loss due to loss of cargo, theft, damage, destruction, and abandonment. Insurance is a way of protecting a business against unforeseen expenses that can render it bankrupt. It is important to individuals because it saves them from the possibility of replacing damaged or lost cargo. Insurance is useful when it is less in cost than the item being insured.

How Long Does It Take for Cargo to Clear Customs on Jamaica?

So many factors will affect the time taken for clearing cargo. The type of cargo will affect the clearance time. If agricultural products are being imported, they will have to be really examined and the license required to import the items will be thoroughly inspected. This can add to clearance times. If the documents required for importation weren’t properly processed, clearance times can be extended. Also, if the tariffs haven’t been paid, the cargo won’t be cleared. Considering all these things, it takes from 2-6 days for cargo to be cleared by customs in Jamaica. In certain cases, and during peak periods, the clearance time might extend further.

Why Do FCL and LCL Shipments Have Different Transit Times?

LCL is the Less Than Container Load type of loading into a container. It is an aggregation of items from different clients into one shipping container. This means that a single container will have several documents for different clients and several destinations for the items. This will extend the transit time further than an FCL shipment. FCL shipment is a shipment where all items in a single container belong to a single client. This means that the documents are for a single person and the container is heading to a single destination.

My Container Is Being Delivered to My Home. How Much Space Is Required?

If your container is being delivered to your home, you will need a lot of space. For a convenient estimate that will take into account maneuvering of the container, you will need space that is approximately twice the size of the container. This means that if a 20ft container is being shipped into your home, a 40ft length space is recommended. If you cannot create sufficient space, consider paying extra for the delivery of your container by crane.

Can I Track My Container While It Is in Transit?

Yes, you can track your container while it is in transit. You should request a shipping service that comes with tracking. This is important because it gives you the client peace of mind as you monitor the progress of your cargo to its destination. Shipping services that provide tracking might include it as an additional cost.

Do I Need to Be Present When My Container Is Delivered?

Yes, you need to be present when your container is being delivered. There are many reasons. The first is to determine that you have the permit to have a container on your property. The second reason is the determination of the space required. You will be the one to determine where the container is deposited. The third reason is that you will be needed to inspect the container and see if everything is in order. 

What Types of Goods Am I NOT Allowed to Ship to Jamaica?

Some items are prohibited or restricted from being imported into the country. They are live pigs and pork products from the United States, dogs for racing and dog racing equipment, certain brands of crayon, arms and ammunition, opioids, and dangerous drugs or precursors. 


Shipping Containers Worldwide – Popular Routes

Three Movers can help you ship a container from anywhere in the world to Jamaica:

Afghanistan to Jamaica
Albania to Jamaica
Algeria to Jamaica
Andorra to Jamaica
Angola to Jamaica
Antigua to Jamaica
Argentina to Jamaica
Armenia to Jamaica
Australia to Jamaica
Austria to Jamaica
Azerbaijan to Jamaica
Bahamas to Jamaica
Bahrain to Jamaica
Bangladesh to Jamaica
Barbados to Jamaica
Belarus to Jamaica
Belgium to Jamaica
Belize to Jamaica
Benin to Jamaica
Bhutan to Jamaica
Bolivia to Jamaica
Bosnia Herzegovina to Jamaica
Botswana to Jamaica
Brazil to Jamaica
Brunei to Jamaica
Bulgaria to Jamaica
Burkina to Jamaica
Burundi to Jamaica
Cambodia to Jamaica
Cameroon to Jamaica
Canada to Jamaica
Cape Verde to Jamaica
Central African Rep to Jamaica
Chad to Jamaica
Chile to Jamaica
China to Jamaica
Colombia to Jamaica
Comoros to Jamaica
Congo to Jamaica
Congo {Democratic Rep} to Jamaica
Costa Rica to Jamaica
Croatia to Jamaica
Cuba to Jamaica
Cyprus to Jamaica
Czech Republic to Jamaica
Denmark to Jamaica
Djibouti to Jamaica
Dominica to Jamaica
Dominican Republic to Jamaica
East Timor to Jamaica
Ecuador to Jamaica
Egypt to Jamaica
El Salvador to Jamaica
Equatorial Guinea to Jamaica
Eritrea to Jamaica
Estonia to Jamaica
Ethiopia to Jamaica
Fiji to Jamaica
Finland to Jamaica
France to Jamaica
Gabon to Jamaica
Gambia to Jamaica
Georgia to Jamaica
Germany to Jamaica
Ghana to Jamaica
Greece to Jamaica

Grenada to Jamaica
Guatemala to Jamaica
Guinea to Jamaica
Guinea-Bissau to Jamaica
Guyana to Jamaica
Haiti to Jamaica
Honduras to Jamaica
Hungary to Jamaica
Iceland to Jamaica
India to Jamaica
Indonesia to Jamaica
Iran to Jamaica
Iraq to Jamaica
Ireland to Jamaica
Israel to Jamaica
Italy to Jamaica
Ivory Coast to Jamaica
Japan to Jamaica
Jordan to Jamaica
Kazakhstan to Jamaica
Kenya to Jamaica
Kiribati to Jamaica
Korea North to Jamaica
Korea South to Jamaica
Kosovo to Jamaica
Kuwait to Jamaica
Kyrgyzstan to Jamaica
Laos to Jamaica
Latvia to Jamaica
Lebanon to Jamaica
Lesotho to Jamaica
Liberia to Jamaica
Libya to Jamaica
Liechtenstein to Jamaica
Lithuania to Jamaica
Luxembourg to Jamaica
Macedonia to Jamaica
Madagascar to Jamaica
Malawi to Jamaica
Malaysia to Jamaica
Maldives to Jamaica
Mali to Jamaica
Malta to Jamaica
Marshall Islands to Jamaica
Mauritania to Jamaica
Mauritius to Jamaica
Mexico to Jamaica
Micronesia to Jamaica
Moldova to Jamaica
Monaco to Jamaica
Mongolia to Jamaica
Montenegro to Jamaica
Morocco to Jamaica
Mozambique to Jamaica
Myanmar, {Burma} to Jamaica
Namibia to Jamaica
Nauru to Jamaica
Nepal to Jamaica
Netherlands to Jamaica
New Zealand to Jamaica
Nicaragua to Jamaica
Niger to Jamaica
Nigeria to Jamaica
Norway to Jamaica
Oman to Jamaica
Pakistan to Jamaica

Palau to Jamaica
Palestine to Jamaica
Panama to Jamaica
Papua New Guinea to Jamaica
Paraguay to Jamaica
Peru to Jamaica
Philippines to Jamaica
Poland to Jamaica
Portugal to Jamaica
Qatar to Jamaica
Romania to Jamaica
Russian Federation to Jamaica
Rwanda to Jamaica
Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to Jamaica
Samoa to Jamaica
San Marino to Jamaica
Sao Tome & Principe to Jamaica
Saudi Arabia to Jamaica
Senegal to Jamaica
Serbia to Jamaica
Seychelles to Jamaica
Sierra Leone to Jamaica
Singapore to Jamaica
Slovakia to Jamaica
Slovenia to Jamaica
Solomon Islands to Jamaica
Somalia to Jamaica
South Africa to Jamaica
South Sudan to Jamaica
Spain to Jamaica
Sri Lanka to Jamaica
St Kitts & Nevis to Jamaica
St Lucia to Jamaica
Sudan to Jamaica
Suriname to Jamaica
Swaziland to Jamaica
Sweden to Jamaica
Switzerland, {Eswatini} to Jamaica
Syria to Jamaica
Taiwan to Jamaica
Tajikistan to Jamaica
Tanzania to Jamaica
Thailand to Jamaica
Timor-Leste to Jamaica
Togo to Jamaica
Tonga to Jamaica
Trinidad & Tobago to Jamaica
Tunisia to Jamaica
Turkey to Jamaica
Turkmenistan to Jamaica
Tuvalu to Jamaica
Uganda to Jamaica
Ukraine to Jamaica
United Arab Emirates to Jamaica
United Kingdom to Jamaica
United States to Jamaica
Uruguay to Jamaica
Uzbekistan to Jamaica
Vanuatu to Jamaica
Vatican City to Jamaica
Venezuela to Jamaica
Vietnam to Jamaica
Yemen to Jamaica
Zambia to Jamaica
Zimbabwe to Jamaica

Written by Chris Townsend

Chris Townsend

Chris Townsend is a moving professional and relocation expert that has more than 10 years of experience in the moving industry. With a background that includes working in virtually every aspect of the company, he has distinguished himself as an integral part of our operations with expertise in all things related to moving.

If you have any questions about moving, our services, or anything else you think he may be able to help with, you can contact Chris by emailing him at [email protected]

Customer Reviews

I want to take a moment to say thank you to the extremely hard working crew that handled my move. I admit I was skeptical of hiring a company to move my household stuff but I was so pleased with the services. These guys packed everything up and had it loaded and delivered in no time at all. Everything was taken care of from start to finish and my wife and I were able to take some much needed time to check out the new town without having to worry about getting things unpacked. Three Movers took care of everything and we really appreciate it!

Jeff T.

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