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The Finest in LTL Service.

R+L Carriers is your trusted partner for LTL shipping for over 60 years.

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Global transportation solutions.

R+L now provides many global transportation solutions to better serve you.

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Offshore Shipping FAQ

Navigating offshore shipping can be complex, especially if you are unfamiliar with the processes, languages, or regulations involved. Below are answers to common questions to help you better understand offshore shipping.

PUERTO RICO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC CARIBBEAN ISLANDS GUAM ALASKA HAWAII

Offshore shipping includes the markets of
Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Islands, Guam, Alaska, and Hawaii

Global Reach, Local Expertise

Shipping offshore doesn’t have to be complicated. R+L Carriers simplifies the process with reliable solutions for Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean and beyond.

International Ocean Freight

  • Whether you're new to offshore shipping or experienced in global logistics, challenges are inevitable. R+L Carriers provides the expertise to help you overcome them.

What is domestic offshore shipping?

  • Domestic shipping rules apply to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean Islands, Guam, Alaska and Hawaii.

What transportation methods are used for domestic and offshore shipping?

Common transportation options include:

  • Air freight – Fast, ideal for time-sensitive shipments
  • Ocean steamship – Cost-effective for large shipments
  • Barge – Efficient for certain island destinations
  • Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping – Vehicles and equipment are driven or rolled onto a vessel for transport

What is Less-than-Container Load (LCL) shipping?

  • LCL shipping is for shipments that don’t fill a full container, 20 or 40 feet. Your cargo is combined with shipments from other shippers in a single container.

What is Full-Container Load (FCL) shipping?

  • FCL shipping is for shipments large enough to fill an entire 20- or 40-foot container.

Offshore Shipping Restrictions and Compliance

Restricted Items for Offshore Shipping

Compliance with offshore shipping regulations is critical to avoiding delays. Some items are strictly prohibited, while others require special handling. Review the following guidelines to keep your shipments moving smoothly.

Prohibited Items

  • Hazardous Class 1 (explosives) and Class 7 (radioactive materials)
  • Ammunition
  • Items requiring a license, including diamonds, alcohol and tobacco

Temperature-Controlled Shipments

  • Not available for less-than-container-load (LCL) freight
  • Full-container-load (FCL) shipments may be accommodated

Special Restrictions and Requirements

Complete paperwork and contact details are required before booking shipments. Failure to provide this information may result in delays or pickup cancellation.

  • Over-dimensional or overweight shipments require a quote and booking before transferring to a partner.

Submitting Documentation for Offshore Shipments

To avoid delays or cancellations, all required paperwork and contact information must be submitted before booking.

  • For U.S. shipments destined for offshore locations, shippers must provide all necessary shipping documents to the driver at the time of pickup. Refer to the documentation guide below for details.
  • For offshore shipments destined for the United States, all required paperwork, including the shipper’s phone number must be emailed to R+L Carriers at Offshore@rlcarriers.com

Offshore Outbound - Shipping Documention

All documents must include a valid telephone number and email address for consignee.
No deliveries to P.O. Boxes located in Hawaii or Puerto Rico.

  If Shipment Exceeds $2,500 If HAZMAT Shipment
DOCUMENTS BOL INV* TAX MRN SED** AED** SDS IMO
  Include Product Description and Dimensions Commercial Invoice with USD Value Consignee's
9-digit tax bond, or tax ID Number
Merchants
11-digit Registration Number
Shippers Export Declaration

Filed via AES
Automated Export System Safety Data Sheet Dangerous Goods Declaration
Puerto Rico check mark check mark check mark check mark check mark check mark check mark check mark
Dominican Republic check mark check mark     check mark check mark check mark check mark
Caribbean check mark check mark     check mark check mark check mark check mark
Alaska check mark           check mark check mark
Hawaiian Islands check mark           check mark check mark
Guam check mark check mark          check mark check mark

*Shipper name must match BOL. **Required for Shipments exceeding $2500.00 USD. †SDS sheet and IMO form required for hazardous material shipments.

Shipping for Alaska and Hawaii

For details on shipping to Alaska and Hawaii, visit our United States Shipping page.

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