Affordable Cost Of Shipping A Container To Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia is an island nation located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Expats choosing to relocate to the area will enjoy an island paradise, characterized by volcanic beaches, dramatically pointed mountains, hot springs, and iconic landmarks. Although tourism and offshore banking are the main contributors to St. Lucia’s economy, most foreigners are either investors or retirees. The cost of living is relatively affordable, which makes St. Lucia a popular choice for many Americans.

So, if you’re thinking about moving to one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, we don’t blame you. However, you may be wondering how on earth you’re going to get your belongings there and, more importantly, how much it’s going to cost.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Container To Saint Lucia?

Everyone trying to ship cargo to other countries always has a question in mind. How much will it cost me? When that question is answered, another comes up. Why do I have to pay that much? Three Movers is a container shipping service company that can help you answer both of these questions. This guide will inform you of the factors that affect the price of your shifting to the area rate-effectively.

Generally speaking, the cost of shifting a receptacle to Saint Lucia ranges from as low as $650 to more than $3,000. Your final shipping charges are dependent on several factors, including how much stuff you have to move, the size of the receptacle, and whether you opt for FCL or LCL shifting.

That said, let’s take a look at the key things you should understand when determining the expense of shifting a container to the area.

Factors That Affect The Expense Of Transit

Several factors affect the cost of transit. However, some factors play a primary role in this. If not considered, they will no doubt affect your budget in unforeseen ways. We will discuss those that we consider as major influencers.

The Volume/Weight Of The Goods

The size and weight of your cargo determine how easy it will be to move, load, and unload them. The heavier the volume, the more effort it will require to move them. Moving companies charge more for heavy cargo.

Type Of Transportation

Choosing a freight plan affects how much you pay for your shipping. You have to choose between transporting your cargo by using a cargo plane or ocean freight moving services. Ships don't price much and you can save up to 30% of your budget by using the sea. However, you will need to ask yourself, can I get my cargo before I need them? Sea freight is cheap but takes time for cargo to arrive. If you want your cargo delivered quickly, you will need to use the cargo plane.

Cargo planes are fast but cost more for transporting bulky goods. Thus, if your goods are bulky, it is best to check for the sea freight rates and delivery date. Then, It is up to you to decide the best plan for your budget or needs.

The Distance Of The Journey

The transportation system charges more for longer journeys than for close-range transportation. The required traveling distance impacts the price of delivery.

The Destination Port

Every nation has a system for the calculation of its customs duties and tax rates. Saint Lucia currently uses the HS 2012 tariff system and calculates duties based on the volume of cargo.

The Time Of The Year

Moving during peak shipping season can double the price of your budget. This is when moving companies may be too busy to find you a schedule. The months of April to June usually carry lower rates. In Saint Lucia, shifting in June may be faced with the challenge of heavy rains and September is unpredictable due to possible hurricanes.

Instant Rates For Shipping Containers To the area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCcHiRWn4Hk

Average Shifting Rates Estimates

FCL delivery is best for transporting lots of boxes, pallets and anything which will require a full receptacle shifting to Saint Lucia of up to 45,000lbs.

LCL dispatching is a more affordable way to transport less than container load shipments to Saint Lucia.

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

Which Size Of Hauling Units Works Best For Me?

The use of general goods units of 20ft and 40ft is the common shipping choice. You can also choose from a wide range of other receptacle types.

Receptacle Sizes

Since Saint Lucia is an island nation, most of the cargo that goes to and from the country is transported in a shipping receptacle via ocean freight. So, if you’re looking to ship your household goods to Saint Lucia, you have two standard-sized crates to choose from 20-foot and 40-foot. However, there are some other variations that you may run into, including 40 ft. high cube receptacles, 45 ft. high cube crates, refrigerated receptacles, flat rack containers, and more.

20-Foot Dispatching Units

A standard 20-foot shipping container is ideal for transporting the contents of a one- to two-bedroom home or a car and some boxes. These units have an internal volume of 1,169 cubic feet and can carry around 61,000 pounds of goods.

Standard Measurements:

Size (LxWxH): 19’ 10.5” x 8’ 0” x 8’6”

Total internal volume: 1,169 cubic feet

Net shipping load: 61,289 lb.

40-Foot Relocating Vessel

A standard 40-foot transport container, however, can typically fit the contents of a three- to four-bedroom home, or a standard two-bedroom plus a car. These vessels have an internal volume of 2,385 cubic feet and can carry nearly 58,000 pounds of goods, which is less than a 20-foot vessel.

Although 40-foot unit are longer and have twice the volume of 20-foot units, they are unable to hold double the cargo weight due to the excessive weight of the vessel itself.

Standard Measurements:

Size (LxWxH): 40’ 0” x 8’ 0” x 8’6”

Total internal volume: 2,385 cubic feet

Net shipping load: 57,759 lb.

Mover vs. Freight Forwarder

As you are trying to figure out container transport rates for your move to the area, you must understand your specific needs and how they will influence your costs. First, you must be aware of what the difference is between a freight forwarder and an international mover.

Also referred to as a non-vessel operating carrier (NVOCC), freight forwarders offer some of the same services as movers but generally only perform commercial delivery for businesses. Whereas, international movers can help coordinate your entire relocation to Saint Lucia for you, from start to finish. This includes packing your household goods, pick-up, and delivery.

FCL vs. LCL Transport

Some other terms you’ll need to know when it comes to dispatching a receptacle to the area are: full receptacle load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL). Generally speaking, the number of goods that you need to be moved will determine whether you need an LCL or an FCL, and it will also impact the cost of shipping to Saint Lucia.

• Less than receptacle load (LCL) simply describes moves or shipments that do not require an entire transport unit(whether 20-foot or 40-foot). However, most companies enforce a minimum volume for these shipments, which varies from company to company. In addition to sharing the space inside of the vessel with others who are transporting their goods to Saint Lucia, you will also share the cost. For smaller shipments, this is often the most cost-effective shipping option. Though, keep in mind that there are instances where securing the full vessel may make the most sense financially and logistically.
• Full container load (FCL), as the name indicates, refers to shipments that make use of the entire hauling unit. Instead of your stuff being shipped with someone else’s, the vessel is exclusive to you and your belongings. However, you will also be responsible for the full cost of the container. One of the major advantages to this option is quicker transport times, as only your relocation is involved.

Some moving companies prefer when customers opt for FCL shipping, as it is less complicated logistically on both ends.

Additional Dispatching Expenses

The following are other charges that require your consideration while planning:

• Customs duties
• General Rate Increase (GRI)
• Container inspection fees
• Inland delivery charges
• Quarantine fees
• Insurance cover

What’s Next?

Getting a shipping quote. You can easily get one for free after filling out our web form or calling (888) 202-0036.

Find a Cargo vessel For Freight Transport & Relocation

Which Documents Are Necessary When Delivery To The Region?

Cargo hauling is a complex process. It may experience delays if you don’t have the required documents at any stage of the process. This is why you should be aware of the essential documents when moving to the area. Some of them include the bill of lading or airway bill, commercial invoice, packing lists, freight certificates, cargo arrival notices, tax documents, and purchase orders. You may need other documents based on cargo category or special state laws on the goods you’re importing.

What Is A Bill Of Lading?

A Bill of Lading is a vital document issued by a cargo-mover or agent to a cargo-owner or broker to serve as evidence of their transaction. It can serve other functions like negotiation document, inventory list, consignee validation document, etc. There are three types of bill of lading and each has its requirements for guiding dispatching transactions. It is the most important shipping document.

What Happens If I Can Not Provide My Bill Of Lading?

It is important to safeguard your bill of lading especially when it serves as a negotiation document. However, unplanned events may lead to its unavailability or loss. A lost bill of lading usually poses a problem if it is not presented at customs clearance. You can get a bank guarantee to secure the release of your cargo or use a court order. A court order will involve an advert placement for the loss of the bill of lading, a letter of indemnity for the carrier company, and payment of certain attorney fees.

What Types Of Goods Am I NOT Allowed To Ship To the area?

Certain goods pose risks to national security and health so restrictions are placed on them. Arms and ammunition, and combustible items are not allowed as items for cargo or delivery in Saint Lucia. Other items like alcohol, animals, chemicals, drugs, currency, explosives, perishable foods, plants, and tobacco are also not allowed. But you can bring in your personal items and household items.

What Kind Of Taxes, Duties, And/Or Fees Do I Have To Pay When Shifting To Saint Lucia?

You will be required to pay taxes and duties imposed by the port authorities and government. Custom duties are decided by your destination ports while shipping taxes are decided by the government.

Are Shifting Containers Waterproof And Properly Ventilated?

Receptacles are designed to keep out water from rainfall and storms. Hence, most of them are classified as watertight. Most units that have issues with ventilation are usually old ones. This is why we ensure that we ship your goods in a new vessel that is properly ventilated.

What’s The Difference Between A Freight Forwarder, A Broker, And An NVOCC?

A freight forwarder is an inter-state or internationally licensed agent who assists a cargo owner with storing and shipping cargo. However, freight forwarders require vessels for cargo movement so they work with the non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC).

NVOCC refers to carrier organizations that transport cargo with their vessels, while the broker assists the cargo owner with the customs clearing of their cargo.

What Is The Maximum Weight That Can Be Loaded Into A Receptacle?

Container capacity is based on the type of vessel. The basic general use units of 20ft and 40ft can contain about 67,200Ibs and 67,200Ibs respectively. The type and nature of cargo also influence the capacity of the unit.

How Important Is It To Get Insurance For My Cargo?

The payment of premiums for insurance removes the risk of business loss from the cargo owner, thus removing worry and anxiety about the safety of your cargo.

Why Do FCL And LCL Shipments Have Different Transit Times?

A full cargo load (FCL) shipment involves only one consignee. Shipment movement is direct and cargo receptacles will not be reworked at other ports. Meanwhile, a less-than-crate load (LCL) will have multiple consignees who may not be receiving their cargo at the same port. Containers may be opened and unloaded at several ports in different countries before getting to your port. Time will be spent and different routes will be taken before reaching your port. Consequently, this would lead to a longer delivery time for the arrival of your cargo.

How Much Space Is Required For Home Delivery?

Storage capacity calculation is usually based on your receptacle size. A 20ft unit(about 8′ wide) will require a truck of at least 10′ wide to deliver your goods conveniently.

Can I Track My Receptacle While It Is In Transit?

It is possible to track a vessel in transit. You can use the crate tracking system to track your cargo by providing your details of crate number, bill of lading, and the shipping line.

Is My Presence Required When My Container Is Being Delivered?

The use of a broker does not mean that you should not be available during the delivery of cargo. It is advisable to be present for documentation purposes and to ensure that your cargo delivery is satisfactory to you.