Break Bulk Shipments

Kingston Wharves stands at the forefront of Caribbean logistics, driving trade, connectivity, and regional growth. 

Get in touch with us here

Efficient Clearance for Break Bulk Shipments & Project Cargo

Kingston Wharves handles a wide range of break‑bulk and project cargo including lumber, steel, auto parts, and construction materials.

This guide outlines the steps required to clear your break‑bulk shipment efficiently.

Starting the Shipping Process from Overseas

The process begins with selecting an overseas shipping agent, who will:

  • Prepare Documentation and arrange shipment to Jamaica.
  • Provide you with the details of their local agent so you can prepare for clearance when the cargo arrives in Jamaica.

Cargo valued at over $5,000USD, or requiring permit approvals, will need the services of a licensed Customs Broker to do the process on your behalf.

The overseas agent coordinates with the Jamaica-based agent and Customs Broker once the shipment arrives at Kingston Wharves.

The overseas or Jamaica-based agent is required to email kwlplanning@kwljm.com  to notify Kingston Wharves of the shipment’s arrival time. Kingston Wharves will arrange labour and equipment accordingly.

The major steps include:
  1. Broker collect the Bill of Lading from the shipping agent.
  2. Broker conducts a Bill of Sight if required.
  3. Broker prepares the Jamaica Customs Import Entry/Declaration.
  4. Pay Kingston Wharves Fees.
  5. Pay Customs Duties at Jamaica Customs.
  6. Book a clearance appointment on the Kingston Wharves website.
  7. Arrange for haulage with the appropriate vehicle to accommodate cargo 

Fees may include:

  • Shipping Agent Fees
  • Kingston Wharves Fees
  • Port Authority Fees
    • Port Development Cess (based on vehicle weight and measurement)
    • Wharfage
    • Storage Fees (incurred daily 7 days after arrival at the port)
  • Customs Broker Fees
  • Jamaica Customs Agency Fees
  • Permit Fees (if required)

Kingston Wharves offers several payment methods:

Required documents:
  • Bill of Lading (for full shipment) or Order (for partial shipment)
    • Proof of payment for Kingston Wharves charges
  • Customs Entry from your Customs Broker
  • Customs Release
  • Valid Broker ID/Government-issued Identification
  • Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) must be sent to planning and customer service along with the manifest.
  • Upload manifest in the PCS.
  • KWL arrange labour and equipment based on cargo type
  • Operations Team will commence off loading from the vessel.
  • Lodge Bill or Order with Customs Release (Order must be used when clearing partial shipments).Pay KWL Charges
  • Make arrangements with Planning department for delivery
Two types of delivery are available:
  • Throughput Delivery – cargo is delivered directly to a truck while the vessel is working.
  • Regular Delivery – cargo is off‑loaded and stored for later clearance.
All charges must be paid before delivery.
Clearance may be done during normal hours or extended hours. Overtime or Extended hours may be requested 24‑hours in advance for arrangements to be made with Customs (VACIS), Security, and Customer Service.  Overtime is done at an additional cost per hour, minimal call out is 4 hours
There may be instances when additional equipment or special equipment may be needed to facility the delivery of the cargo.  Equipment used may include:
  • Forklift – minimum 4‑hour call‑out
  • Stacker – minimum 4‑hour call‑out
Customers must ensure the truck/chassis hired can accommodate the cargo type.

Heavy equipment imported into Jamaica must be sanitized per Trade Board regulations to prevent the entry of pathogens.

Process:

  • Customer requests sanitization via email to kwlplanning@kwljm.com 
  • Pay sanitization fees
  • Kingston Wharves performs sanitization and issues a certificate
All export containers must be weighed. Full export containers are weighed upon gate entry
  • PCS appointment scheduled
  • Bill of Lading or Order
  • Proof of payment for Kingston Wharves charges
  • Cargo scanned before gate‑out
  • Customs Release 
  • Normal gate‑out hours: 8 AM – 4 PM
Once the Jamaica Customs issues a Release, and all Kingston Charges are settled, Kingston Wharves will proceed to issue a gatepass to complete clearance.