Home Shipping from China to the Cayman Islands LCL sea freight from China to Grand Cayman (George Town) — 2026 reference rates

LCL sea freight from China to Grand Cayman (George Town) — 2026 reference rates

LCL consolidation from China to the Cayman Islands

Rate rangeUSD 280–310 per CBM

Transit time59–63 days

Transhipments2 (Colón, Miami)

Minimum1 CBM

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands and home to the capital, George Town. There is no direct China service: every box tranships twice, first at the Colón Free Zone in Panama and then at Miami, before the final feeder run south to George Town.

That double transhipment, plus the high cost of island handling, is why the two lanes we hold sit at USD 280 and USD 310 per CBM — among the more expensive Caribbean destinations. Tianjin is the faster origin at 59 days; Guangzhou is cheaper but slower at 63 days.

How to read these rates: figures are indicative reference levels for port-to-port LCL ocean freight, updated for October 2026. They exclude origin haulage, warehouse and customs charges, destination port charges and any surcharges. Space, cut-off times and rates must be re-confirmed at booking.

LCL rates from China to Grand Cayman — George Town

Port of departure	Port of destination	Volume range (CBM)	Rate (USD/CBM)	MIN (CBM)	Transit port	Cut-off / ETD	Carrier	Transit time (days)
Guangzhou	George Town	0~15	280	1	Colón Free Zone → Miami	Closed Wed / ETD Tue	CMA	63
Tianjin	George Town	0~15	310	1	Colón Free Zone → Miami	Closed Wed / ETD Wed	CMA	59

Guangzhou to George Town — USD 280 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Colón Free Zone → Miami; carrier CMA; cut-off/ETD Closed Wed / ETD Tue; transit time about 63 days.
Tianjin to George Town — USD 310 per CBM, volume range 0~15 CBM; minimum 1 CBM; transhipment via Colón Free Zone → Miami; carrier CMA; cut-off/ETD Closed Wed / ETD Wed; transit time about 59 days.

Two transhipments. Cargo is discharged at the Colón Free Zone, consolidated onto a northbound vessel to Miami, then fed to George Town. Each handover adds handling cost and risk, so pack to withstand repeated container moves.

Rates are reference only. Because volumes to Grand Cayman are thin, our source quotes were built by reference to neighbouring Caribbean destinations. Reconfirm before booking.

Why Grand Cayman is expensive

Three factors: thin volume, so no carrier offers a direct service; double transhipment through Panama and Florida; and very high destination handling costs on an island that imports almost everything. The result is a rate roughly ten times a comparable mainland Caribbean port.

Consolidation is the main lever

With a two-stage transhipment the fixed per-bill costs dominate. Combining several purchase orders into a single bill of lading, and shipping from one Chinese origin rather than splitting across Guangzhou and Tianjin, is the most effective way to reduce the landed cost per cubic metre.

FAQ — LCL shipping from China to the Cayman Islands

Is there a direct LCL service from China to Grand Cayman?

No. All cargo tranships at the Colón Free Zone and again at Miami before reaching George Town. That is why transit time runs to about two months.

Which origin is better, Guangzhou or Tianjin?

Guangzhou is USD 30 per CBM cheaper but four days slower. Tianjin costs more but reaches George Town in about 59 days. Choose on whether the extra month matters more than USD 30 per CBM.

How is chargeable volume calculated?

On the standard 1 CBM = 1,000 kg conversion, with a 1 CBM minimum. Cargo below 1 CBM is billed as 1 CBM.

Are Cayman Islands import duties included?

No. The Cayman Islands levy import duty on most goods, assessed locally on the CIF value. The consignee settles that on arrival.

Can you ship personal effects or household goods?

Yes, subject to an itemised packing list and a clean customs declaration. Ask us for the restricted-goods list before you pack.