⚡ Quick Answer: What Are Commercial Container Shipping Costs to Haiti?
Commercial ocean container shipping from the USA to Haiti costs between $1,700 and $3,400 for a 20ft container and $2,400 to $4,900 for a 40ft or 40ft High Cube container. Ocean transit from South Florida ports (Miami, Port Everglades) to major Haitian gateways (Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien) takes approximately 4 to 10 days port-to-port, while services from the U.S. Gulf and East Coast take 10 to 25 days. Note: Destination duties, AGD customs clearance, terminal handling, and local storage/demurrage fees are handled separately by your local customs broker.
USA → HAITI COMMERCIAL OCEAN FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
AllTransportDepot Inc. coordinates full commercial container shipping from any U.S. origin to Haiti. We serve wholesalers, retailers, contractors, equipment dealers, NGOs, and project importers moving freight to Port-au-Prince, Cap-Haïtien, and carrier-supported coastal terminals. We manage Full Container Loads (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) consolidation, nationwide U.S. inland trucking, export warehouse receiving, vehicle blocking & bracing, and AES clearance through U.S. Customs (CBP).
Container Shipping Calculator
Choose the service that best fits your shipment. Tap "More explanation" for details.
On This Page
- Commercial Freight Services (FCL & LCL)
- Main Destination Ports in Haiti
- 20ft, 40ft, and High Cube Equipment
- Commercial & Project Cargo
- U.S. Inland Pickup & Export Loading
- Step-by-Step Shipping Process
- U.S. Departure Gateways
- Estimated Transit Times
- Estimated Shipping Costs & Breakdown
- Export & Import Documentation
- Vehicles & Heavy Equipment Rules
- Personal Effects & Mixed Freight
- Restricted & Prohibited Goods
- Haiti Customs (AGD) Clearance
- Cargo Preparation & Securing
- Why Businesses Choose ATD
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Regional Caribbean Routes
Commercial Container Shipping Services from the USA to Haiti
Shipping commercial freight to Haiti requires expert logistical management, accurate documentation, and strict adherence to maritime and customs standards. Choosing the optimal shipping method depends on your freight volume, loading facility, cargo weight, and destination terminal accessibility.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Dedicated 20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube containers for wholesale stock, heavy machinery, building supplies, commercial fixtures, vehicles, and humanitarian project freight. FCL guarantees exclusive container usage, maximum cargo security, and direct port routing.
Less than Container Load (LCL)
Shared-container consolidation ideal for smaller shipments, palletized merchandise, commercial samples, and spare parts. We combine your goods with other cargo at our export facilities to minimize overall shipping costs.
Industrial & Project Freight
Specialized handling for generators, water pumps, forklifts, construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and institutional cargo. Includes professional blocking, bracing, and out-of-gauge (OOG) transport planning.
Main Destination Ports in Haiti
We coordinate containerized ocean freight to primary commercial port terminals servicing northern and central Haiti:
Port-au-Prince (APN / Terminal Varreux / CPS)
The principal commercial gateway serving the capital city and central departments. Handles high-volume commercial inventory, vehicle shipments, relief supplies, and containerized consumer goods.
Cap-Haïtien Port
Key commercial hub servicing northern Haiti, reducing inland trucking time and logistics bottlenecks for importers in Cap-Haïtien, Fort-Liberté, and surrounding northern regions.
20ft, 40ft, and 40ft High Cube Containers for Haiti
Selecting the proper container equipment depends on usable cube volume, gross cargo weight, and floor distribution limits:
20ft Standard Dry
- Max Payload: ~44,000 lbs
- Volume: ~1,172 cu. ft.
- Best For: Heavy materials, tile, cement, machinery, generators, compact equipment, and dense palletized cargo.
40ft Standard Dry
- Max Payload: ~59,000 lbs
- Volume: ~2,390 cu. ft.
- Best For: Commercial inventory, retail merchandise, building supplies, and multiple vehicle loads where permitted.
40ft High Cube (HC)
- Max Payload: ~58,500 lbs
- Volume: ~2,694 cu. ft.
- Best For: Volumetric freight requiring an extra foot of vertical clearance—tall machinery, furniture, crates, and humanitarian supplies.
Commercial, Industrial & Institutional Cargo We Transport
We manage supply chains for a wide range of commercial sectors, institutions, and relief operations supplying Haitian markets:
- Wholesale consumer goods, food products, and packaged retail merchandise
- Building materials, lumber, roofing, cement, steel, and hardware supplies
- Industrial generators, commercial water pumps, compressors, and electrical transformers
- Agricultural tools, commercial machinery, forklifts, and tractors
- Commercial fleet vehicles, trucks, buses, and automotive spare parts
- Retail, hotel, office, and educational furniture and equipment
- Medical, healthcare, and humanitarian NGO relief supplies (with prior approval)
- Palletized, crated, and oversized project cargo
Nationwide U.S. Pickup & Professional Export Loading
We collect freight directly from suppliers, factories, distribution centers, auctions, or yards across the continental U.S. for transfer to our export facilities.
Warehouse Receiving & Professional Loading
- Inland collection from any U.S. supplier or commercial facility
- Cargo verification, piece count, and exterior condition documentation
- Expert vehicle and machinery blocking, bracing, and weight-balancing
- High-security container seal application and serial reporting prior to port delivery
Supplier Delivery or Live Loading
- Deliver empty 20ft or 40ft container directly to your U.S. factory or warehouse
- Standard 2-hour free loading time for your warehouse team to pack
- Direct drayage transport from your loading dock to the designated port terminal
How Shipping a Container to Haiti Works
1. Request & Cargo Profiling
Provide your origin ZIP code, cargo dimensions, weight, commodity type, commercial value, and preferred Haitian port.
2. Import Verification & Routing
The Haitian consignee confirms customs eligibility, tariffs, permits, and appoints a customs broker (commissionnaire en douane).
3. Cargo Collection & Consolidation
We arrange inland trucking or receive your goods at our export warehouse for loading, blocking, bracing, and sealing.
4. Export Documentation & AES Filing
We issue the Master Bill of Lading (B/L) and file mandatory Electronic Export Information (EEI) via AES with U.S. Customs (CBP).
5. Ocean Transit & Port Arrival
Vessel voyage (4–10 days from South Florida) to Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien with tracking throughout the ocean transit.
6. Customs Clearance & Final Delivery
Your local Haitian customs broker processes entries through Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD), clears duties, and arranges local delivery.
U.S. Departure Ports for Haiti-Bound Freight
Selecting the right departure gateway depends on inland drayage distances, sailing frequency, carrier allocation, and total shipping cost:
- Miami / Port Everglades (Florida): Primary short-sea gateways offering fast transit times to Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien.
- Jacksonville (Florida): Major exit point for southeastern commercial cargo and heavy equipment.
- Savannah / Charleston: Regional gateways connecting East Coast industrial suppliers to Caribbean vessel rotations.
- New York / New Jersey: Key hub for northeastern commercial freight, machinery, and relief cargo.
- Houston (Gulf Coast): Strategic gateway for Texas and central U.S. industrial machinery, oilfield equipment, and vehicles.
Estimated Ocean Transit Times to Haiti
Ocean transit times vary based on departure port, carrier rotation, and vessel service type:
| U.S. Departure Region | Target Haitian Port | Estimated Port-to-Port Transit |
|---|---|---|
| South Florida (Miami / Port Everglades) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | 4 – 10 Days |
| Southeast (Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | 7 – 15 Days |
| Northeast (NY / NJ, Baltimore) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | 12 – 22 Days |
| Gulf Coast (Houston, New Orleans) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | 14 – 25 Days |
Estimated Commercial Container Shipping Costs to Haiti
Container rates combine base ocean freight with fuel surcharges (BAF), terminal handling (THC), and documentation fees:
| Container Equipment Type | U.S. Departure Gateway | Destination Port (Haiti) | Estimated Ocean Freight (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft Standard Dry Container | Florida Ports (Miami, Port Everglades) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | $1,700 – $3,400 |
| 40ft / 40ft High Cube Container | Florida Ports (Miami, Port Everglades) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | $2,400 – $4,900 |
| 20ft / 40ft FCL | U.S. Gulf / East Coast (Houston, NY/NJ) | Port-au-Prince / Cap-Haïtien | $2,800 – $5,800 |
| Cost Component | Key Variables | Quoting Method |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight | Origin gateway, destination port, equipment size, carrier tariff, BAF fuel | Confirmed at booking |
| Supplier Pickup / Drayage | Origin ZIP code, total distance, gross weight, site accessibility | Calculated per route |
| Warehouse & Loading | Piece count, vehicle auto-securing, forklift/crane requirements, blocking/bracing | Itemized in quote |
| Export Compliance | AES/EEI filing, vehicle title validation, documentation preparation | Flat rate fee |
| Destination Charges | Customs duty, VAT/TCA, terminal fees, broker charges, storage, demurrage | Paid locally by consignee |
Commercial Import & Export Documentation for Haiti
U.S. Export Requirements
- Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Detailed line items, unit values, HS codes, and gross weights.
- AES / EEI Filing: Internal Transaction Number (ITN) generated via U.S. Census Bureau for shipments exceeding $2,500.
- Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI): Formal transport authorization.
- Validated Vehicle Titles: Required for motor vehicle export clearance through CBP.
Haiti Entry Clearance Requirements
- Master Bill of Lading (B/L): Official ocean transport document issued by the carrier.
- Customs Declaration Form: Submitted by a licensed customs broker to Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD).
- Import Permits / Licenses: Required for controlled commodities (pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food).
- Tax Registration (NIF): Numéro d’Immatriculation Fiscale required for all commercial importers.
Shipping Vehicles & Heavy Equipment to Haiti
Motor vehicle imports into Haiti are strictly regulated by the Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD):
- Title Validation: Original vehicle titles must be submitted to U.S. Customs (CBP) prior to loading.
- Individual Limits: Individuals are limited to importing one (1) used vehicle per year under Haitian law.
- Customs Valuation: AGD reserves the right to evaluate used vehicle values using standard valuation books rather than declared sales invoices.
- No Loose Cargo in Vehicles: Personal effects, loose boxes, or undeclared goods cannot be placed inside vehicles inside containers.
- Safety Regulations: Batteries must be disconnected and fuel tanks drained to less than 1/4 tank per carrier safety protocols.
Personal Effects & Mixed Household Cargo
Commercial merchandise and household goods must be documented separately to avoid clearance delays:
- Maintain a detailed, itemized inventory showing quantities and estimated values for every box.
- Clearly distinguish commercial merchandise intended for resale from personal relocations.
- Expect full container unloading and physical verification by AGD customs inspectors upon arrival.
- Appoint an experienced local Haitian customs representative well in advance of vessel arrival.
Restricted, Regulated & Prohibited Cargo
Requires Prior Permit / Approval
- Food items, grain, seeds, and agricultural products
- Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health supplements
- Chemicals, fertilizers, paints, and hazardous materials
- Relief, donation, and NGO cargo seeking duty-free exemptions
Strictly Prohibited Goods
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and military gear
- Illegal drugs and controlled hazardous substances
- Counterfeit merchandise and stolen property
- Undeclared hazardous goods or hazardous waste
Haiti Customs (AGD) Clearance & Local Duties
All imported cargo is subject to inspection and valuation by the Administration Générale des Douanes (AGD):
- Tax ID (NIF): Importers must hold a valid Numéro d’Immatriculation Fiscale.
- Customs Valuation: Duties are calculated on CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
- Value Added Tax (TCA): Standard Taxe sur le Chiffre d’Affaires (10%) applies to imported commodities.
- Local Broker Representation: A licensed Haitian customs broker must clear the cargo at Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien.
Preparing Commercial Cargo for Ocean Transit
- Use heavy-duty export packaging, crates, and ISPM-15 heat-treated wooden pallets.
- Ensure weight is distributed evenly across the container floor to prevent axle weight violations.
- Block, brace, and tie down vehicles, generators, and heavy machinery securely.
- Label every pallet and crate clearly to match the official packing list.
- Photograph the container loading process and record high-security bolt seal numbers.
Why Commercial Importers Choose AllTransportDepot
- FMC-Licensed NVOCC: Fully bonded and licensed under FMC License #021693.
- Nationwide U.S. Logistics: Complete inland drayage pickup connecting any supplier to major departure ports.
- Commercial B2B Expertise: Dedicated support for wholesalers, contractors, machinery dealers, and relief agencies.
- Professional Container Loading: Expert auto-securing, heavy equipment blocking, and cargo bracing.
- Short-Sea Ocean Reliability: Established allocations with ocean carriers servicing Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien.
- Multilingual Support: Dedicated assistance via phone, email, and live WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Container Shipping to Haiti
What does it cost to ship a commercial container to Haiti?
Broad planning ranges are $1,700 to $3,400 for a 20ft container and $2,400 to $4,900 for a 40ft or High Cube container. Final costs depend on your U.S. pickup origin, cargo weight, ocean carrier, destination port, and loading requirements.
How long does container shipping from the USA to Haiti take?
Ocean transit from South Florida ports (Miami, Port Everglades) to Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien takes approximately 4 to 10 days port-to-port. Transit from Gulf or East Coast ports takes 10 to 25 days.
Should cargo be shipped to Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien?
Port-au-Prince serves the capital city and central commercial regions, while Cap-Haïtien is ideal for northern destinations. Selection depends on carrier service, consignee location, and local road conditions.
What documents are needed for a commercial import into Haiti?
Key records include the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Master Bill of Lading, Importer NIF Tax ID, and relevant permits. Vehicle exports also require validated original titles.
Can AllTransportDepot pick up cargo from a U.S. supplier?
Yes. Nationwide pickup can be coordinated from factories, warehouses, auctions, equipment yards, and commercial facilities across the continental USA.
Can a vehicle and commercial goods share one container?
Yes, provided all items are declared, legal, carrier-approved, and properly secured. However, personal effects or loose packages cannot be packed inside the vehicle itself.
How many used vehicles can an individual import into Haiti?
Under Haitian law, individuals are restricted to importing one (1) used vehicle per calendar year. Importing additional units under an individual name may incur severe penalties.
Are destination customs duties and Haitian port charges included?
No. Customs duties, VAT (TCA), terminal handling, storage, demurrage, and customs broker fees are paid directly by the importer upon arrival in Haiti.
Will a container of personal effects be inspected?
Yes. Haiti Customs (AGD) mandates that personal effects containers be unsealed and un-boarded for physical inspection at Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien.
Can relief, donation, or nonprofit cargo be shipped?
Yes. Relief and NGO cargo can be shipped, but tax exemption permits must be confirmed with Haitian authorities by the receiving organization prior to vessel loading.
Can food, medicines, batteries, or machinery be shipped?
Yes, but regulated categories require health permits, dangerous goods declarations, or carrier safety approvals prior to booking.
Explore Related Caribbean Container Routes
Compare trade lanes, ocean transit times, and shipping logistics across nearby Caribbean destinations.
Container Shipping to Dominican Republic
Direct ocean freight & container shipping servicing Rio Haina & Caucedo terminals.
Container Shipping to Jamaica
Reliable commercial container services to Kingston Wharves & Montego Bay terminals.
Container Shipping to The Bahamas
Fast short-sea container shipping from Florida to Nassau & Freeport ports.
Container Shipping to Puerto Rico
Fast cabotage & commercial ocean transport servicing San Juan & Ponce ports.
All Caribbean Shipping Services
Explore complete short-sea container schedules and port guides across all island trade routes.
Request Your Commercial Container Quote to Haiti
Get a competitive ocean freight estimate today. Send us your cargo details, U.S. pickup location, and target destination terminal.
Direct Email: ship@alltransportdepot.com
Asif Iqbal serves as IT Manager & Export Services Coordinator with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports the company’s technology systems, digital operations, shipment coordination, and export services across vehicle shipping, heavy machinery, containers, project cargo, and international ocean freight. His role combines operational technology with practical export support, helping streamline shipment information, documentation, routing, and customer service for cargo moving from the United States to destinations worldwide.