Shipping your cargo internationally via ocean transportation from the United States to the Caribbean; to destinations such as Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, and shipping to trinidad; can be an intimidating and confusing process for many but this can be avoided by following some easy steps.
1.) Always ship to the Caribbean with an ocean freight company that is licensed to do shipping.
There are different types of companies that provide international ocean transportation services. These include freight forwarders, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCC) and vessel operating common carriers (VOCC). Sometimes they are referred to an ocean logistics company.
2.) Ship with an ocean transportation company that is experienced in the type of items you wish to ship. There are many types of items you can ship; such as personal effects, barrels, less than container loads (LCL), full containerloads (FCL), boats, machinery and vehicles. Shipping companies experienced in shipping specific types of shipments will better understand the documentation requirements and procedures in order to maintain compliance, for example. They will also be in a better position to provide you with a competitive rate quotation.
3.) Ship with an ocean company that specializes in shipping to the Caribbean and has a good company representative at the country where the cargo is destined.
4.) Ask for references of customers that previously used their shipping services so you may contact them and get a first-hand experience and opinion on how this shipping company performed.
5.) Ask for your quotation in writing and review closely any terms and conditions.
Following the above pointers are some of the ways you can improve your shipping experience to the Caribbean and any destination for that matter.