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Ready, Set, Ship
A. Ready (packing your barrel/shipment correctly)
- Sort all goods according to type. This will allow you to get a better idea of
the quantity and how you need to pack them, make sure fragile items are given
special attention.
- Pack all canned goods and hard cardboard boxes, if any, first. Building
a strong base that can withstand goods loaded on top is important. Any Rice, sugar,
and flour should be wrapped securely in plastic bags and packed on top of the
cans.
- Try to buy products packaged in plastic rather than glass, whenever possible.
All bottles should be wrapped with tape and placed in plastic bags before placing in
the barrel.
- Soft items such as tissue paper and any other soft, cushioning items should be
packed around the bottles to give extra support. These items will also help maximize
the capacity you fill in the barrel. Make sure that all the fragile items are given
extra protection.
- Clothing should be placed at the top of the barrel, preferably in plastic
bags to prevent damage from any possible spillage.
- Perfumed items, such as bath soaps, should be placed on top, away from dry
goods and food items, such as, flour, rice and sugar. If you are shipping more than
one barrel, separate these items, putting them in different barrels.
B. Set (labeling your barrel/shipment)
- Labeling of your barrels and boxes is very important. Labeling your barrels
correctly eliminates errors and speeds up the entire shipping process. Not labeling
correctly can delay not only the receiving and shipping of your goods but can also
creates problems with Customs at destination.
- Label barrel/shipment with the correct name and address of your party at
destination, include phone number if possible.
- Make sure to include the correct spelling of the name and address that is on
your party's identification.
- In order to properly identify barrel/shipment please write party's name and
address clearly on the barrel/shipment. This should be done both on the top and on
the sides of barrel/shipment, so that they are clearly identifiable. Also write your
name and address as the shipper of the barrel/shipment. You can do this much like
you would address a letter.
- Fill out a "Shipper Letter of Instructions" sheet. You can print this form here and
have it filled out and ready before you deliver or we pick up your barrel/shipment.
Double check that the information that is on your documents is the same as on the
actual barrel/shipment.
- When shipping barrels you should always secure them with locks or wire twists,
boxes should be properly reinforced and taped and pallets should be shrink wrapped
and preferably strapped. When shipping with Caribtrans don't hesitate to ask one of
our receiving professionals for help, we are always glad to help you better secure
your shipment.
C. Ship (being prepared when shipping)
- Always plan your shipping, don't leave it for last minute. It is important to
ship goods in a timely manner to ensure that they are available to you when you
travel home. Keeping in mind that in peak shipping times, delays can sometimes
happen.
- Have shipment delivered or picked up in time to make the scheduled sailing.
Avoid waiting for the last minute. The earlier goods are received the earlier they
will be processed to be shipped.
- The busy months for shipping are March/April (Easter), June/July/August
(festivals/Carnivals/Independence/back to school) and, the busiest season of all,
Christmas. Plan wisely for these shipping times so that you are never caught in the
last minute rush. Make your Purchases in the weeks and months before you are ready
to ship. It is always a good idea to choose a target arrival date (at destination)
and from there choose the shipping date. Always keep in mind the business of the
wharves - government or private - for the time of the year you are shipping. By
keeping in mind these simple suggestion you will give yourself and your family ample
time to get the items shipped.
Caribtrans is always happy to help in any way we can. Ask us about rates on 20' or 40'
Containers when shipping large shipments or relocating.
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