container shipping to haiti: practical steps for reliable delivery

Decide what you're really sending

Start with scope. Weight, volume, and fragility determine 20' vs 40', dry vs reefer, and whether consolidation helps. Careful selection here shapes everything downstream.

Build the route, then the clock

Most lanes feed Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien via U.S. Gulf and East Coast hubs. Transit is reasonable - until weather or congestion intrudes (yes, schedules drift). Choose a sailing with buffers, not wishful thinking.

Paperwork that actually clears

1. Bill of Lading aligned with invoices and packing list.
2. HS codes accurate; classify before booking.
3. Import permits for food, meds, and batteries.
4. Insurance at least ICC(A); earthquakes and cyclones aren't theory.

Pack for road reality

Use bracing, corner posts, and moisture control. Aim for even loading; result: fewer claims and faster strip at the yard.

Costs you can predict

• Ocean freight plus surcharges.
• THC and port fees.
• Customs, brokerage, and last-mile trucking.

A clinic shipment to Cap-Haïtien - one 20' of generators and medical fridges - arrived intact because the team chose reefer, desiccants, and a Friday cut-off to dodge a storm. Selection shaped the result.

Final checks

Verify consignee details, pickup window, and return of empties. One quiet reconfirmation with the depot often prevents loud delay.