Urgent update in response to LCL cargo release delays for Trinidad & Tobago thru June 30, 2021.
Due to industrial actions and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers in Trinidad & Tobago are reporting lengthy delays prior to destination port release of Loose Container Cargo (LCL). LCL includes smaller cargo such as barrels, boxes, etc. The reported delays are substantial with some customers being unable to receive destination port authorization to collect LCLs over the course of several weeks. We also remind customers that Caribbean Cargo DC does not control destination port procedures.
Destination Port Highlights
• POS reports substantial delays in cargo release & off-loading,
• TOBAGO cargo release has been extremely delayed by port authorities, and
• There are no delays relating to cargo release in FREEPORT.
What This Means For T&T LCL Customers
To mitigate the delays in POS and Tobago, CCDC strongly encourages ALL Trinidad & Tobago customers to route their shipments to Freeport in order to expedite cargo deliveries. We highly recommend all POS customers offset the delays by opting for Freeport as their final destination to benefit from the expedited processing at Freeport. For customers who must still route their cargo to POS, CCDC notes that the current COVID-19 guidelines have caused cargo distribution and release in POS to be extremely slow.
• TOBAGO LCL CARGO ONLY SHIPS TO FREEPORT OR POS
• TOBAGO LCL ONLY accepted with FREEPORT or POS as final destination
• TOBAGO LCL cargo must be forwarded on-island as needed by a 3rd party
• LCL cargo will only be available for pickup in Freeport or POS