China to Haiti: A Comprehensive Shipping Guide to Cap Haitien, Degrad Des Cannes, and Port-au-Prince

Ocean Freight: The Primary Logistics Route

1. Chinese Ports of Departure

• Major ports: Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, and Guangzhou offer regular container services to the Caribbean, typically routed through Miami (USA) or Kingston (Jamaica) for transshipment.

2. Haitian Ports of Arrival

• Port-au-Prince:
  • Haiti’s largest and busiest port, handling over 80% of the country’s imports. Equipped with container terminals (e.g., Varreux Terminal), it serves as the gateway to the capital and nationwide distribution.
  • Ideal for bulk cargo, machinery, construction materials, and consumer goods.
• Cap Haitien:
  • A secondary port on Haiti’s northern coast, reducing congestion in Port-au-Prince. Suitable for shipments destined for northern regions, such as textiles, food supplies, and industrial equipment.
• Degrad Des Cannes:
  • A minor coastal location near Port-au-Prince, not a formal port. Cargo here is typically transferred via small vessels or road from Port-au-Prince, ideal for lightweight or time-sensitive goods.

3. Transit Times and Cargo Types

• China → Port-au-Prince via Miami/Jamaica:
  • 25–40 days, including transshipment. Delays are common due to port congestion; allow a 1–2-week buffer.
• Container Options:
  • FCL (Full Container Load): Recommended for large shipments (e.g., machinery, vehicles) to minimize handling risks.
  • LCL (Less-than-Container Load): Suitable for smaller cargo but requires reliable consolidation partners to avoid delays or loss.

4. Customs and Documentation

• Required Documents:
  • Bill of Lading (B/L), commercial invoice (in English or French), packing list, and certificate of origin.
  • For restricted items (e.g., electronics, pharmaceuticals), obtain an import license from Haiti’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Ministère du Commerce et de l’Industrie).
• Tariffs:
  • Tariffs range from 5–20% of the CIF value, plus additional taxes (e.g., 10% VAT). Humanitarian goods and medical equipment may qualify for duty exemptions—provide supporting documentation (e.g., NGO credentials).

Air Freight: Expedited Solutions for Urgent Cargo

1. Chinese Airports and Routing

• Depart from Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN), with connections through Miami (USA) or Fort Lauderdale to Port-au-Prince International Airport (PAP).
• Cargo Airlines: Scheduled services available via major carriers; charter flights are available for oversized or urgent loads.

2. Transit Times and Cargo Types

• China → Port-au-Prince:
  • 3–7 days via commercial flights; charter services can reduce transit time to 2–5 days.
• Ideal for:
  • Electronics, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, and perishables (e.g., fresh produce, flowers).
• Restrictions:
  • PAP has limited cargo handling capacity; oversized items may require transfers to larger hubs. Verify weight/size limits with your logistics provider.

3. Documentation and Clearance

• Required: Air Waybill (AWB), detailed commercial invoice, and permits for restricted goods (e.g., cosmetics, chemicals).
• Customs Clearance: Typically 1–3 days, but delays are possible due to manual inspections. Partner with San Logistics Limited (info@sangrupo.com) to expedite processing and ensure compliance.

Inland Transport and Local Logistics

1. Road Transport

• Port-au-Prince to Cap Haitien:
  • 6–8 hours by road via National Highway 1, though mountainous terrain and poor infrastructure may cause delays. San Logistics Limited provides secured trucking with real-time tracking for high-value cargo.
• Port-au-Prince to Degrad Des Cannes:
  • 1–2 hours by road, with local couriers arranged by San Logistics Limited for last-mile delivery.
• Challenges:
  • Unreliable road conditions and security risks in rural areas. San Logistics Limited offers armed escort services and bonded warehousing to mitigate risks.

2. Logistics Partnerships

• Recommended Provider:
  • San Logistics Limited (contact: info@sangrupo.com) specializes in end-to-end solutions for Haiti, including:
    • Customs clearance at Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien.
    • Cargo consolidation for LCL shipments.
    • Intermodal transport (road/sea) for bulk goods to remote locations like Degrad Des Cannes.

Critical Tips for Shipping to Haiti

1. Security and Insurance:
   • Avoid port storage delays by partnering with San Logistics Limited for direct-to-consignee delivery. Insure all shipments against loss, damage, or political disruptions.
2. Peak Seasons and Planning:
   • Schedule shipments outside hurricane season (June–November) and pre-holiday periods to avoid port congestion. San Logistics Limited provides real-time port update alerts.
3. Payment and Compliance:
   • Conduct transactions in USD and use letters of credit for large orders. San Logistics Limited assists with tariff optimization under Haiti’s trade agreements.
4. Humanitarian and Special Cargo:
   • For medical supplies or humanitarian aid, San Logistics Limited handles expedited customs clearance and coordination with local authorities.

• San Logistics Limited at info@sangrupo.com for personalized quotes, route optimization, and 24/7 logistics support. Specify your destination (e.g., “shipping to Cap Haitien”) to receive a tailored solution.