Where Does It Go? What Actually Happens When You Ship with Us

August 5, 2025

We get this question all the time:

“So… how does it actually work?”

We want it to feel easy and seamless — and for you, it should.

But the truth is, even sending the smallest package overseas takes coordination, patience, and a lot of moving parts.

And that’s okay.

That’s our job.

We deal with the headaches so our customers don’t have to.

Let’s walk through what actually happens — from your hands to their doorstep.

1. Collection or Drop-off

You can bring your barrel or box to our warehouse, or we’ll collect from your home.

Either way, it’s logged, tagged, and checked on arrival.

Nothing leaves our site without a unique reference and a physical once-over.

2. Consolidation

This is where we group shipments together — barrels, boxes, crates — into a container going to the same place.

We do this weekly from our UK base, combining goods from across the Midlands, North, and South.

It’s one of the ways we keep costs low — and containers full.

3. Loading & Secure Transport to Port

Once a container is full, it’s loaded, sealed, and moved to port (Felixstowe, London Gateway or Southampton, depending on the route).

Every load is cross-checked.

Every box is accounted for.

4. Customs Clearance in the UK

Before anything sails, we submit a full manifest and handle customs clearance here in the UK.

You don’t need to do anything — we take care of it all.

5. Sea Freight: Regular Sailings

Your container joins a scheduled sailing.

For the Caribbean and West Africa, that usually means weekly or fortnightly departures.

We’ll let you know the sailing date and estimated arrival.

6. Arrival & Customs at Destination

Once the container arrives at port (e.g. Kingston, Port of Spain, Tema), we work with our local agents to clear it.

Depending on the destination, the process can take 1–5 working days.

7. Collection or Final Delivery

You or your recipient can collect the item from the local depot — or book onward delivery to your door.

Some people prefer to pick up from port. Others want it brought to their house. Either way, we’ll advise you on what’s best for your location.

8. That Message You’ve Been Waiting For

And finally — the call or text you’ve been hoping for:

“It arrived.”

Job done.

Handled with care, from here to home.

Got something to send? Get a quick quote or ask us how the process works for your island or region.