Ship a Car from USA to Jamaica in 2025 – Cost, Time, Documents & Customs
Planning to ship a car from the USA to Jamaica in 2025? All Transport Depot makes it simple, affordable, and compliant. Below you’ll find the cost to ship a car to Jamaica, typical transit times, 2025 customs and tax basics, a step-by-step import guide, and answers to the questions customers ask most.
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💰 Cost to Ship a Car from USA to Jamaica
Most shipments fall between $1,000 and $3,000 before Jamaican duties and taxes. Final price depends on:
Distance: Longer routes require more fuel and handling.
Vehicle size/weight: Larger vehicles occupy more space on the vessel.
Method:
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Most economical; vehicles are driven on/off the ship.
Container: Extra protection for luxury, classic, or non-running cars; higher cost.
Add-ons: Door-to-door pickup, full insurance, or expedited service increase price but save time.
Check carrier schedules:
– Schedules: https://www.hoeghautoliners.com/sailing-schedule
Grimaldi – Schedules: https://www.gnet.grimaldi-eservice.com/gnet/Pages_ScheduleInfo/WFSchedule
🛃 Jamaican Duties & Taxes (2025)
Jamaica calculates charges from the vehicle’s CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). Typical items include:
Customs Duty (percentage of CIF)
GCT (General Consumption Tax)
Environmental Levy
SCT (Special Consumption Tax) for certain engines/types
CAF (Customs Administrative Fee)
Confirm latest rates with the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA): https://jca.gov.jm/
Motor vehicle import permits and age rules: Trade Board Limited guide: https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/MV_General.php
Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) policy: https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/PreShipmentI.php (PSI criteria PDF: https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/document/Pre-ShipmentInspectionCriteria.pdf)
⏳ How Long Does Shipping Take?
Expect 2–4 weeks port-to-port.
RoRo: ~ 2 weeks (fast and economical).
Container: 3–4 weeks (more handling; greater protection).
Seasonal factors: Summer, holidays, and hurricane season can add time.
Clearance: Correct paperwork speeds customs on arrival.
For planning:
Sallaum schedules: https://sallaumlines.com/schedules/
Grimaldi schedules: https://www.gnet.grimaldi-eservice.com/gnet/Pages_ScheduleInfo/WFSchedule
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Import a Car from the USA to Kingston, Jamaica
Research rules (2025): Review age limits and eligibility via Trade Board Limited: https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/MV_General.php
Secure documents & import permit: Obtain the Import Permit from Trade Board Limited before shipping.
Choose shipping method: Pick RoRo for value or container for protection or non-running vehicles.
Book your shipment: Share VIN, year/make/model, running condition, pickup ZIP, and preferred port.
Prepare the vehicle: Clean interior, remove personal items, photograph condition, disable alarms.
File U.S. export: CBP requires the original title and AES/EEI filing before export. See:
Exporting a Motor Vehicle (CBP): https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle
EEI/AES requirement overview: https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article1411
Sail & track: Monitor the vessel’s progress (see tracking below).
Arrive & clear customs: Pay duties/taxes, present documents, and complete inspection as required.
Register & insure in Jamaica: Obtain local insurance before driving on public roads.
🧾 Documents You’ll Need
Original Vehicle Title
Bill of Sale / Commercial Invoice
Import Permit (Trade Board Limited)
Bill of Lading
Shipping Insurance Certificate
Export Declaration (ITN/AES)
Pre-Shipment Inspection (if applicable for used vehicles)
Customs Entry (C87 / eSad)
Passport or Driver’s License
TRN (Taxpayer Registration Number)
JCA: documents list & PSI note: https://jca.gov.jm/business/motor-vehicle-processing/documents-required-to-import-a-motor-vehicle-or-motor-cycle/
🔧 Shipping from Copart Auto Auction to Jamaica
Yes, we handle Copart purchases—running or damaged.
Container shipping: Best for damaged or high-value auction vehicles.
RoRo: Works for drivable units.
Insurance: Strongly recommended for auction cars.
Declared condition: Share accurate details for proper handling and pricing.
Start your Copart shipment:
Letter of Intent: https://alltransportdepot.com/letter-of-intent/
Export Power of Attorney: https://alltransportdepot.com/export-power-of-attorneys/
♿ Can I Ship a Non-Running Car?
Yes. We use specialized equipment at pickup and port. Costs are higher due to handling, but the process stays simple when you:
Disclose exact condition (roll/steer/brake).
Provide key access and safe loading points.
Choose container if damage is extensive.
📅 Best Time to Ship to Jamaica
Spring (Mar–May): Great balance of price and schedules.
Summer (Jun–Aug): High demand can raise rates.
Fall (Sep–Nov): Watch hurricane season; plan buffers.
Winter (Dec–Feb): U.S. weather can slow inland drayage to port.
❌ Personal Items Inside the Car (RoRo)
No—don’t place personal belongings in a RoRo vehicle.
Customs restrictions, inspection risks, and lack of insurance for personal effects can cause delays, fines, or removal. If you must send items, choose container or ship separately.
⚡ Shipping an Electric Vehicle (EV) to Jamaica (2025)
Preferred method: Container for battery protection and secure handling.
Battery SOC: Keep within carrier limits (often 20–80%).
Confirm EV rules: Verify EV-specific import requirements with the Trade Board Limited: https://www.tradeboard.gov.jm/ttbl/importPermit.php
🗺️ Departure & Arrival Ports
Common U.S. departure ports: Miami, Jacksonville, Brunswick, Savannah, Charleston, Baltimore, Newark (NY/NJ), Houston, Galveston, Los Angeles.
Jamaica arrival ports: Kingston (primary) and Montego Bay.
Port Authority of Jamaica: https://portauthorityofjamaica.azurewebsites.net/
We arrange nationwide pickup to the most efficient U.S. port for your schedule.
🔎 Track Your Shipment
Follow your vehicle from booking to arrival.
All Transport Depot Tracking: https://alltransportdepot.com/track-shipment/
🚘 Top Imported Vehicle Models in Jamaica (Popular Choices)
These models are often chosen for reliability and value:
Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic
Nissan Tiida
Toyota Hiace
Toyota Vitz
Mazda Demio
Suzuki Swift
Mitsubishi Lancer
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
☎️ Jamaica Customs Agency – Official Contact Information
Head Office (Customs House)
Myers Wharf, Newport East, Kingston 15
Phone: (876) 922-5140-8 | Toll-Free: 1-888-CUSTOMS (1-888-287-8667)
Email (General): quick.response@jca.gov.jm
Public Relations & Customer Service: public.relations@jca.gov.jm | (876) 948-7849
Website: https://jca.gov.jm/
Contact page: https://jca.gov.jm/contact-us/
📦 Shipping Methods Compared
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Pros: Lowest cost, frequent sailings, fast port handling.
Cons: No personal items; exposure during loading/unloading.
Container (Shared or Sole-Use)
Pros: Full enclosure, best protection, allows limited parts/accessories.
Cons: Higher cost; more handling time.
Air Freight
Pros: Fastest possible delivery.
Cons: Premium pricing; used only for special cases.
✅ Final Thoughts
Shipping a car from the USA to Jamaica is straightforward when you plan early, choose the right method, and bring complete documents. With All Transport Depot (FMC-Licensed & Bonded NVOCC #021693), you get transparent rates, reliable schedules, and expert support from pickup to delivery.
📧 ship@alltransportdepot.com | 📞 678-528-5794
🌐 Get Your Quote: https://alltransportdepot.com/
📲 WhatsApp: https://wa.me/14707914497
All Transport Depot – Shipping RoRo is Our Thing!
Kevin is a skilled auto mechanic specializing in vehicle inspections at Big Apple Auto Shippers. His thorough inspections guarantee that every car is in optimal condition before embarking on its journey. Kevin’s dedication ensures the reliability of every shipment.