Hiroto
Hiroto, Director BJUC, Japan
How Long Shipping Takes from Japan to Caribbean (2025 Guide)
Importing a car from Japan to the Caribbean has become extremely popular mainly because Japanese vehicles are fuel-efficient, affordable, and long-lasting. But the biggest question buyers ask is: “How long does shipping take from Japan to the Caribbean?”
In this guide, we break down exact timelines, shipping methods, port differences, and what affects delivery time. We’ll also link you to related BJUC articles so your readers can explore more.
1. Average Shipping Time from Japan to the Caribbean
On average, shipping time from Japan to Caribbean destinations ranges between:
2–3 weeks (fast routes)
3–5 weeks (standard routes)
5–6 weeks (less frequent ports or transshipment routes)
BJUC ships to major Caribbean islands regularly, and based on our data, the arrival windows look like this:
| Caribbean Destination | Est. Shipping Time |
|---|---|
| Jamaica (Kingston) | 21–28 days |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 24–30 days |
| Barbados | 26–32 days |
| Bahamas | 18–25 days |
| Cayman Islands | 20–27 days |
| Antigua / St. Lucia | 28–35 days |
“Compare Shipping Routes: Yokohama vs Kobe Which Is Faster for Your Island?”
2. Factors That Affect Your Shipping Time
Shipping is smooth, but several things can increase or decrease your delivery timeline:
Port of Departure (Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe)
Some ports load ships faster. For example:
Yokohama → Caribbean is often quickest
Kobe → Caribbean may take slightly longer
We explained this deeply in our article:
Shipping Method (RORO vs Container)
RORO is the most common for Caribbean buyers.
RORO: cheaper, faster loading
Container: safer but 3–7 days slower
Buy Japanese Used Cars assists with both depending on your budget and timeline.
Auction Timing & Documentation
If you’re buying through auction, delays occur when:
Export certificate takes time
Buyer inspection is pending
Vehicle sits in yard waiting for vessel schedule
Make sure you avoid common mistakes. You can read:
“Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Cars from Japan”
3. Step-by-Step Timeline (BJUC Process Example)
Day 1–3: Purchase + Initial Inspection
As soon as you purchase your vehicle from BJUC, our team prepares:
Auction sheet
Free inspection report
Export documentation
(You can learn why we offer free reports here:
“Why We Offer Free Inspection Reports — Not Every Exporter Does”)
Day 4–10: Yard Movement + Shipping Booking
The car is transported from the auction house to the nearest port.
Day 10–20: Vessel Loading
Depending on the port schedule, the car is loaded onto the next available vessel.
Day 20–45: On the Sea
This is where your car moves across the Pacific, through the Panama Canal (or via US East Coast transshipments), then into Caribbean waters.
Day 45–50: Arrival + Clearance
Once your vehicle arrives, it goes through:
Customs
Duty calculations
Local registration
If you want to understand duties, check:
“How to Calculate Car Import Duty in Jamaica”
4. How BJUC Helps You Reduce Shipping Time
BJUC has direct access to major Japanese ports, which helps reduce delivery delays because:
We book vessels immediately
We inspect vehicles quickly
We prepare documents in advance
We offer smooth coordination with Caribbean customs brokers
This is why thousands trust BJUC (Buy Japanese Used Cars) for Caribbean imports.
5. Tips to Get Faster Delivery
Here are practical steps to reduce shipping time:
✔ Pick cars located near big ports (Yokohama, Nagoya)
✔ Choose RORO for faster movement
✔ Avoid heavy modifications before shipping
✔ Submit all required documents early
✔ Buy from trusted exporters like BJUC who handle everything timely
6. Final Thoughts
Shipping time from Japan to Caribbean usually takes 3–5 weeks, depending on the island and shipping method. BJUC ensures a smooth, transparent, and timely experience from auction to doorstep.
If you want to learn more about the best car options, check:
“Best Japanese Cars for Jamaica”
“Top 10 Affordable Sedans from Japan”
“Why Jamaica Prefers Cars from Japan”
A Little Bit About Us
Buy Japanese Used Cars is a trusted Japan-based vehicle export company, delivering high-quality, affordable Japanese cars to customers across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Pakistan.
With years of experience in the global automotive export industry, we offer a complete car import solution from vehicle sourcing and quality inspection to documentation and worldwide shipping.
Our mission is to make importing cars from Japan simple, transparent, and reliable, helping individuals and dealerships access top Japanese brands at competitive prices.
Whether you’re in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, or Pakistan, Buy Japanese Used Cars is your dependable partner for safe, fast, and professional vehicle shipping worldwide.
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