Barrel Shipping
Barrel Shipping to Jamaica
Barrel shipping is the most affordable and familiar way to send personal goods, groceries, and household supplies to Jamaica. Shore to Shore Shipping consolidates barrels from our Union, NJ office into ocean containers headed for Kingston and Montego Bay. This page covers how barrel shipping works, what fits, packing, and clearance. We ship barrels — we do not sell them; bring your own barrel or source one locally, and we will get it to Jamaica.
We ship barrels — we do not sell them
Shore to Shore Shipping provides the shipping service, not the barrel itself. Bring your own sealed, intact barrel (typically a 30, 55, or 57-gallon plastic or steel drum) to our Union, NJ office, or source one locally before drop-off. We will consolidate it and ship it to Jamaica.
How Barrel Shipping Works
- Pack and seal your barrel (see our packing guide for layering, sealing, and labeling).
- Drop it off at our Union, NJ office with the required shipping documents.
- We consolidate your barrel into an ocean container headed for Kingston or Montego Bay.
- The consignee clears the barrel through Jamaica Customs (TRN and documents required).
- The consignee collects the barrel at our Jamaica office, or we deliver it door-to-door.
What Fits in a Barrel
A 55-gallon barrel holds a large volume of non-perishable groceries, household goods, cleaning supplies, clothing, and school items — the staples of a care package. Perishable food, alcohol in quantity, and anything on the prohibited or restricted list do not belong in a barrel. See our full packing list by category for what to include and what to avoid.
Packing Your Barrel
How you pack decides whether your barrel arrives intact. Build it in layers — heavy items on the bottom, fragile items cushioned on top — fill every gap so nothing shifts, seal the lid tight, and label the consignee clearly. Our step-by-step packing guide walks through the whole process.
Customs and Clearance
The consignee clears the barrel through Jamaica Customs on arrival. They need a Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN), the shipping documents, and an honest declaration of contents and value. Duties and taxes are paid by the consignee — they are separate from the shipping cost. Our Jamaica customs duties guide explains how duty, GCT, and levies are assessed.
Declare contents honestly
Under-declaring to reduce duty is customs fraud and can get the barrel seized. One prohibited item can hold up the entire barrel. Declare accurately and screen every item against the prohibited and restricted list before packing.
Barrel Sizes
The most common barrel for Jamaica shipping is the 55-gallon plastic drum; smaller 30-gallon barrels work for lighter shipments. Whatever barrel you use, inspect it before packing — no cracks, a tight-fitting lid, and a secure locking ring. Confirm the accepted size and type when you request your quote.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell barrels at the New Jersey office?
How much does it cost to ship a barrel to Jamaica?
What can I put in a barrel to Jamaica?
How long does a barrel take to get to Jamaica?
Where do I drop off my barrel?
Barrel Shipping
Ready to Ship a Barrel to Jamaica?
Tell us the barrel size, contents, and destination and we will give you a personalized quote — and confirm the accepted size and next sailing.