Tropical Shipping Raises Belize Landing Charges Starting October 4

Importers using Tropical Shipping will pay higher landing charges in Belize beginning October 4.  The agency is one of the main companies moving cargo between the United States and Belize. It carries everything from barrels and household goods to vehicles, commercial merchandise and refrigerated products. Its shipping and handling fees therefore make up an important part of the total cost of importing goods into the country.  The company says the increase follows the introduction of a new container unloading fee at the Port of Belize Limited. In simple terms, the port is now charging more to remove and separate goods from shipping containers, and Tropical Shipping is adjusting what it charges customers.  The new rates will affect goods shipped inside containers shared by several customers, along with barrels, pallets, vehicles and other large items.  The landing charge for a barrel will increase from ten US dollars to twelve dollars and eighty-one cents. The charge for a pallet will move from twenty to thirty-five US dollars.  Vehicle importers will see the largest increase. The landing fee for a vehicle will rise by one hundred and seventy-five US dollars, moving from five hundred and fifty to seven hundred and twenty-five US dollars.  Charges based on the weight or size of other cargo will also increase. The rate per one hundred pounds will move from one dollar and sixty-six cents to two dollars and four cents, while the charge per cubic foot will increase from eighty-three cents to one dollar and two cents.  These are landing charges only. They do not include shipping costs, customs duties, GST or other expenses associated with clearing imported goods. Businesses and individuals could therefore face higher final bills, and some of those additional costs may eventually be passed on to consumers,