So, you’ve packed your barrel. It’s full of all the things that matter—maybe food, clothes, a few surprises for family—and now you’ve handed it off to the shipping company. You breathe a little easier.
But then, the question hits:
“Okay… what happens now?”
If this is your first time shipping a barrel, that question is completely normal. You’re not alone—tons of people wonder the same thing. That’s why we’re breaking it all down for you, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect once your barrel is out of your hands.
Step 1: It Gets Checked In
As soon as you drop off your barrel (or someone comes to pick it up), the shipping company gets to work. They’ll check the barrel—make sure it’s sealed properly and labeled right. Then, they add it to their system.
You’ll usually get a receipt or tracking number. That number is important—hang onto it. It’s how you’ll follow your barrel’s journey later.
Step 2: It Waits at the Warehouse
This part surprises a lot of people. Your barrel doesn’t go straight onto a boat. It goes to a warehouse first, where it sits with other barrels heading to the same country.
Why? Because shipping companies don’t send barrels one by one. They fill up big containers with many shipments to save space and cost. Once they’ve got enough, your barrel gets packed in—and that’s when things start moving.
Depending on the time of year, this can take a few days or a week. Don’t panic. That’s normal.
Step 3: On the Ship and On Its Way
When the container is full and scheduled, your barrel is loaded onto a cargo ship (or a plane, if you paid for faster delivery).
This is the part where people start checking their phones and asking, “Is it moving yet?”
If the company gives shipping updates, you might get a notice like:
- Left warehouse
- Departed port
- In transit
If not, you can always call and ask for an update with your tracking number.
Step 4: Arrival and Customs
Once your barrel reaches the destination port—whether that’s Grenada, Trinidad, Jamaica, or anywhere else—it doesn’t go straight to your family. First, it has to go through customs.
Here’s what that looks like:
- The container is unloaded
- Customs officers might inspect your barrel
- If everything’s okay, it’s cleared for release
Sometimes, there’s a small tax or duty to pay depending on what’s inside. The shipping company or their local partner will let your recipient know.
Step 5: Time for Pickup or Delivery
Now comes the last part. Once the barrel clears customs, it’s ready for pickup or home delivery, depending on what you arranged.
If it’s a pickup, the receiver will get a call or message with the location and time. If it’s door-to-door, the company will bring it right to their home. Just make sure the person receiving it has ID and their name matches the shipping label.
A Simple Example
Let’s say you dropped off a barrel in Brampton on March 1st. It might go like this:
- March 1 – Drop off at the warehouse
- March 5 – Packed into a container
- March 8 – Leaves port
- March 22 – Arrives at destination port
- March 24 – Clears customs
- March 25 – Delivered to your cousin’s house
That’s just over three weeks, which is a pretty normal timeline for shipping a barrel by sea.
A Few Things That Can Slow It Down
Sometimes things take a bit longer. Here’s what could cause delays:
- Bad weather (especially during hurricane season)
- Busy times like November and December
- Customs backlog at the port
- Missing paperwork or unclear labels
Don’t stress. These things happen. That’s why it’s always a good idea to ship early, especially around holidays.
What You Can Do While You Wait
While your barrel’s on its way, here are a few helpful tips:
- Keep your tracking number handy
- Stay in touch with the person receiving it
- Ask the shipping company if they provide updates
- Don’t hesitate to call if you’re unsure—they’re used to questions
Final Thoughts: No Guesswork, No Worries
So, what happens after shipping a barrel?
Your barrel goes on a journey, just like you planned. It gets checked in, waits for the next shipment, travels overseas, clears customs, and ends up right where you want it to be.
It might take a few weeks. It might feel slow at times. But now that you know the process, you don’t have to guess.
Just trust the system, stay in touch with your shipping company, and keep your recipient updated. You’ve already done the hard work. Now let the process do its thing.
Need Help Shipping Your First Barrel?
If you want to make sure things go smoothly from pickup to delivery, reach out to PJPExporting.ca. We’ll answer your questions, help with packing tips, and make sure your barrel arrives safely—no confusion, no stress.
