If you’ve ever packed a barrel for someone back home—or even thought about it—you already know it’s more than just shipping stuff. It’s care, love, and a piece of you making its way across the ocean.
But let’s be real: before you tape that lid shut, there’s always that one question that hits first…
“How much is this going to cost me?”
Let’s unpack it together—no jargon, no guessing, just the real talk you need.
The Honest Answer? It Depends.
The cost to ship a barrel from Canada to Grenada usually falls somewhere between $150 and CAD 300. But here’s the thing—no two shipments are the same.
A few things that’ll shift the price:
- Where you’re shipping from – Toronto is cheaper than places like Calgary or Vancouver.
- How big your barrel is – Standard 55-gallon barrels are most common, but you can go smaller or bigger.
- Are you shipping by sea or air? Sea is cheaper, but slower.
- Do you want it delivered to their door, or just to the port? That matters.
- Is the company handling customs and paperwork for you? That usually adds to the price, but saves time and stress.
Bottom line: You won’t get a one-size-fits-all answer. The best thing to do? Call a company, tell them what you’re shipping and where it’s going, and get a proper quote. Or better yet, use their freight cost estimator if they have one online.
What’s Included in That Price?
Here’s where some people get tripped up. You see a quote that says “$180,” and you think—great! But then come pickup fees, port handling, customs… and suddenly it’s $280.
So let’s break it down:
What’s usually included in the shipping price:
- Getting your barrel from Canada to Grenada
- Basic paperwork
- Loading and handling fees on the Canadian side
What might be extra:
- Someone is coming to your home to pick it up
- Delivery to a home address in Grenada
- Customs clearance or duties
- Any “holiday surcharges” (yep, those are a thing)
Always ask: Is this an all-in price, or will I be paying anything else later?
How to Ship a Barrel Without the Stress
It’s not complicated, but if you’ve never done it before, here’s what it looks like:
- Buy your barrel – A lot of shippers sell them. Most people go with a 55-gallon plastic one that locks tight.
- Pack it smart – Heavy stuff at the bottom, fragile stuff in the middle, soft things around the edges. Clothes make great padding.
- Label it clearly – Write both your info and the receiver’s info in permanent marker, right on the barrel.
- Call the shipping company – Get your quote. Ask questions. Book your pickup or drop-off.
- Track your barrel – Many companies let you follow your shipment along the way. Some don’t, but you can ask for updates.
If Is this your first time? Don’t wing it. Call someone. Talk it out. Most of these companies know their stuff and will walk you through it.
Can I Pack Whatever I Want?
Short answer? No.
While barrels are super handy, there are rules. Certain things just can’t go inside—either because they’re dangerous or they’ll get stopped at customs.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Okay to pack:
- Rice, pasta, canned food, dry snacks
- Clothes, shoes, bedsheets
- Toiletries, diapers, basic electronics
Not okay to pack:
- Alcohol (unless you’ve cleared it with customs)
- Batteries or anything flammable
- Aerosol cans, bleach, or other chemicals
- Perishable food (meat, dairy, etc.)
When in doubt? Ask your shipping company. They’ll tell you what’s allowed and what’s not.
Let’s Look at a Real Example
Say you live in Toronto and want to send a full 55-gallon barrel to your family in St. George’s, Grenada.
Here’s how that could break down:
- Barrel itself: $50
- Shipping: $180
- Pickup from your home: $40
- Customs duty on arrival: $30
So, altogether? You’re looking at about CAD 300.
If you deliver the barrel to their warehouse yourself, you might save $30–$40. If you’re sending two at once? You might even get a discount.
Tips to Keep Your Costs Down
Let’s be honest—nobody wants to overspend. Here’s how people like you keep their shipping affordable:
- Pack full – Don’t waste space. The tighter the pack, the more value you get.
- Use sea shipping – It takes longer, but it’s way cheaper than air.
- Ship before the holidays – Prices jump fast in November and December.
- Compare companies – Call two or three before you book. Prices can vary a lot.
- Share space – Team up with a friend or relative and ship together in one container.
Why So Many People Still Ship Barrels
There’s something special about sending a barrel. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about sending a piece of home. A barrel full of food, clothes, and little surprises means more than just boxes on a boat. It means someone’s thinking about you.
And while the cost to ship a barrel might fluctuate, the value behind it? That stays the same.
Real Questions from Real People
How long does shipping take?
By sea, expect about 3 to 4 weeks for shipping barrels. Faster if you’re close to a major port.
Can someone else pick it up in Grenada?
Yes—as long as their name is listed on the shipment and they bring ID.
What if my barrel gets delayed?
It happens. Weather, customs, or busy seasons can cause delays. That’s why tracking is helpful.
Can I send more than one barrel?
Of course. Many people do. Some shipping companies even offer bundle discounts.
Ready to Ship?
If you’re feeling good about it and want to move forward, reach out to a company like PJPExporting.ca. They’ve helped tons of families send barrels safely and smoothly to Grenada. Whether you’ve done this ten times or it’s your first try, they’ll guide you through it without the guesswork.
