Yes — we ship barrels on Caribbean, West African and other diaspora routes. Barrels are subject to a handling surcharge and need a detailed itemised packing list. Here is everything you need to know before you pack.
Barrels are a cultural institution in Caribbean, West African and South Asian diaspora communities. The standard 55-gallon plastic barrel packed with clothes, food, electrical goods and personal items is one of the most common shipments we handle. Here is how it works and what to know before you pack.
We accept barrels on most routes. They are subject to a handling surcharge due to their size, weight and the specialist equipment required to move them safely. When you call to enquire, tell us you are shipping a barrel — we confirm the correct charge before booking so you can budget for them.
“For Jamaican, Trinidadian, Barbadian, Nigerian and Ghanaian diaspora communities in the UK, the barrel is not just a shipping container — it is a connection. Packed with food, clothes, electronics and personal items, it is sent to family members who cannot easily access those goods locally. We have been shipping barrels for 28 years and we understand the significance of getting it right.”
Weight. A standard 55-gallon plastic barrel packed to capacity typically weighs 40–60kg. Our standard item standard is 30kg (surcharge if heavier). For barrels over 30kg, advise at enquiry — we can accommodate but the rate is calculated accordingly.
Packing list. Every item in the barrel must be on the packing list with a declared value. This is especially important for customs at the destination end. “Barrel of assorted goods” will cause a hold. List each category: “10x used clothing items, value £30; 2x cooking pots, value £15; 1x set of bedding, value £40” and so on.
What goes in and what does not. Clothes, shoes, household items, non-perishable food (tinned, sealed, commercially packaged), electrical goods without lithium batteries, books. Not: fresh food, perishables, alcohol for Gulf states, lithium batteries, aerosols or perfumes. Nigerian Customs (NCS) have specific restrictions — we advise on these at booking.
For fire and customs safety these are prohibited in barrels shipped by sea and must never be packed — not even switched off:
Not sure about an item? Ask us before you pack — call free on 0800 096 38 39. A single hidden battery or aerosol can hold up the whole shipment.
Sealing. Seal the barrel securely with its original lid. Label clearly with the destination name and address on the outside. We provide Air Waybill labels at booking.
Jamaica. Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). Returning Residents Facility provides duty exemption for returning Jamaican residents — advise at enquiry. Barrels for non-residents are assessed for duty. Full itemised list essential.
Trinidad and Tobago. Same Caribbean Airlines Cargo route. Full itemised list. Duty relief for returning residents with 12+ months abroad.
Nigeria. NAHCO/SAHCOL terminals at LOS. Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) are thorough — the packing list matters. Destination handling charges payable locally. Allow for NCS inspection time.
Ghana. Aviance Ghana at ACC. Ghana Revenue Authority customs. Returning Resident Exemption available for Ghanaians with 12+ months abroad.
Barbados. Barbados Revenue Authority. Duty exemption available for returning Barbadian residents.
Call us on 0800 096 38 39 before booking a barrel shipment. We confirm the handling surcharge, advise on packing list requirements for your specific destination, and make sure nothing goes in the barrel that will cause a customs hold at the other end.
Tell us your postcode, destination, bags and collection date. Clear quote. No guesswork.