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Tips for
Returning Residents
Kingston Wharves stands at the forefront of Caribbean logistics, driving trade, connectivity, and regional growth.
Welcome Home!
We know that coming back home is a big decision and we want to help you make a smooth transition. Kingston Wharves handles Less than Container Load and Full Container Load (FCL) shipments for the transportation of your personal effects like furniture, appliances, and other items required for your repatriation. Here are some helpful tips that could make your planning more efficient.
Apply Before Shipping
Apply for your Returning Residents benefits before sending your shipment to Jamaica. This can be done online through the Jamaica Customs Agency’s website.
Delay Shipment Until Arrival
Delay your shipment until close to or if possible after your departure date; have it shipped to you after you have arrived in the island.
Contact Local Shipping Agent
Get the contact for your shipping agent’s Jamaican counterpart so you can seek their assistance to resolve any issues arising. If there is a problem, communicate with the shipping line, your agent and/or the handling company or port.
Manage Delays and Costs
If you anticipate any major delays with clearing your container, call your agent or Kingston Wharves to make the most affordable arrangement.
Avoid Demurrage Fees
To prevent the accumulation of demurrage, one option to consider is renting warehouse space so you can remove the items from the container and return it to the shipping line. Storage charges are significantly less expensive than demurrage fees.
Authorize a Representative
You may ask someone to clear the container on your behalf. You will need to provide a certified letter granting permission and a copy of your valid official ID. Your representative also needs a valid official ID.
Consider Door-to-Door Delivery
You may also consider using a door-to-door delivery service, which is normally offered through your freight forwarder.
Convenient Payment Options
You can pay your handling fees via the KW Mobile App (available in the Google Play Store), by visiting eservice.kingstonwharves.com, or by bank transfer.
Steps to Clear a Container or Barrel
Get the steps to clearing a container or barrel.
Watch Your Costs
Convenient Payment Options
Demurrage is a daily fee applied by the shipping lines if a container is not unpacked and returned to the port within a specified (free) time. This is normally calculated in US dollars, with some lines charging upwards of US$100 per day. If the charges are allowed to accumulate, meaning the container is not unpacked and returned within the prescribed free time allowed by the shipping lines, the cost can be significant. This fee is set directly by shipping lines and therefore, neither handling companies like Kingston Wharves Limited nor your freight forwarder or agent has any control over these costs.
Storage
Storage costs are levied by the Port Authority of Jamaica and collected through Kingston Wharves Limited and other public bonded facilities. Quoted in Jamaican dollars, this payment applies if a shipment is not cleared within seven days of its arrival at the port. Storage cost are based on the container size.
