Sending a barrel home for Christmas from New York

Christmas barrels are how a lot of us take care of family back home. Here's how to get yours there on time, without it being held up at the wharf.

Updated November 5, 2026.

1. Ship early: November, not December

• Shippers set cut-off dates for Christmas delivery, and they're earlier than you think. One Haiti forwarder's holiday cut-off this year was October 30. Call your shipper this week and ask for their 2026 date for your island.
• Last year Brooklyn and Bronx shippers ran short of empty barrels in November after Hurricane Melissa (Gleaner, Nov 2025). If barrels are scarce, ask about boxes instead.
• Ports were still congested in January with goods nobody picked up. Tell your family to collect quickly, because storage fees add up.

2. Use a licensed shipper

Use an ocean shipper licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission, and check the license at fmc.gov before you pay. Keep every receipt. FMC complaints line: 866-448-9586.

Shippers listed on CaribNY include Dennis Shipping (Bronx), Dennis Shipping (Utica Ave, Brooklyn) and Quality One International Shipping (Bronx). A listing isn't an endorsement, so compare prices and cut-offs.

3. Pack it right

• Make an itemized packing list and give a copy to your shipper. Accurate lists are the #1 way to avoid delays at customs.
• Label clearly: your relative's full name, address, phone number and email.
• Tape the caps of liquids and bag anything that can leak.
• Leave out: aerosols, lighter fluid, matches, loose batteries, fireworks, alcohol, and anything flammable. Rules differ by shipper, so ask for their list.
• Don't send cash or anything you can't afford to lose.
• Remove price tags from new clothes. New, tagged goods can look commercial and cost more.

4. Jamaica: what your family needs to clear it

• Flat rate: Jamaica Customs charges a flat JMD $6,500 for a barrel of personal, non-commercial items (subject to change), plus handling and storage fees paid to the shipping agent and warehouse (Jamaica Customs Agency).
• Bring: valid ID (passport, National ID or driver's licence), TRN, and the bill of lading from the agent.
• Someone else collecting? They need an authorization letter signed and stamped by a Justice of the Peace, plus the consignee's TRN and ID (copies also JP-stamped).
• At the warehouse: the officer will ask you to unpack and repack the barrel yourself, then you pay at the Customs cashier and get a release and gate pass.
• Needs a permit, so best left out: all meat (even cooked ham and sausages), milk and dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants, pet food, and medicines. Honey is prohibited. Toy guns, pepper spray and camouflage clothing are restricted too (JCA prohibited and restricted items).
• Safety tip from police: once the barrel is empty, black out the names and addresses on it. Criminals have used those details to target families.

5. Guyana

Barrels go through the shipping agency's brokerage section, then a Customs exam, then payment at the Customs cashier. Bring the arrival notice and valid ID. The Guyana Revenue Authority lists flat rates by box size for personal effects; commercial quantities pay full duty (GRA personal effects).

6. Trinidad & Tobago

Personal goods and gifts are covered by an allowance of up to TT $3,000 once a year, and unaccompanied baggage must be declared. Food items (meat, fruit, vegetables) must be declared. Confirm current rules with T&T Customs and Excise before shipping.

7. Haiti

Cargo is still moving, but expect delays of 15 days or more to clear, and have your relative's NIF (tax ID), full address and phone ready. Use a shipper with recent, specific Haiti experience, and ask about insurance.

Quick checklist

• Called shipper for 2026 cut-off date
• Shipper's FMC license checked
• Itemized packing list made (copy kept)
• Barrel labeled with name, address, phone
• No meat, dairy, fruit, plants, honey, aerosols or batteries
• Family has ID, TRN/NIF and the bill of lading ready

CaribNY isn't affiliated with any government or shipper. Rules and fees change, so always confirm with your shipper and the customs authority before you ship.