TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums British Virgin Islands Shipping Tarps to Tortola

We contacted the Methodist Church on Tortola, and asked how we could help them shortly after Irma. They responded to us a few days ago that they could use some tarps. We're pricing out tarps, and now we're wondering the best way ship the tarps. Has anyone had experience shipping to Tortola? We think DHL might work? Thanks, Andy

Best bet is ship to Tropical in Florida for forwarding. Cheaper freight than any other method.

Right now, if it is a dozen or more large tarps, I think Tropical's LCL (less than container load) service would be most economical, though not the fastest. They have a special discounted rate to the BVI for the next month.

BTW, those 12x16 tarps DDM has been giving out are better than nothing but close to useless for covering a roof. 20x30 would be the minimum.

I shipped a bunch of pool covers. 35x55. Customs probably scratching their head seeing "winter pool cover" on labels. Heavier material than standard tarps.

Good thinking, there, Hillside!!

And happy birthday!!!

Thanks Carol!!

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I remember seeing Myett's post on facebook that it's very difficult to get supplies to specific people. Even if using Tropical.

I may be wrong. But I think the problem Val is having is that Tropical has to go through Puerto Rico. That may be a bit of a challenge right now.

I would think that although the pool covers are amazing, the cost of same is a lot more. Any idea how long it will be before power is connect to Cane Garden?

I was able get the pool covers wholesale so much cheaper (and bigger) than the standard tarps.

The biggest hold up is getting the containers/packages cleared at the dock.

No problem for individuals to get items addressed to them.

If you check Tropicals website the sailing schedule is posted. Usually about a 4 day transit time from FL.

When I shipped the car and furniture for CRC with Tropical they went twice a week from Fla straight to Tortola..not PR..

Agreed, one pool cover might well cover the roof of a small building, as compared to 6 to 8 tarps (like the ones that are currently on our roof at home)... But unlike these folks, we got electric back after a week, thank goodness!!

Crowley transships out of PR but Tropical comes direct to Port Purcell. Tropical runs Wednesday and Friday out of Rivera Beach (West Palm) that takes 4-5 days. The hold up is usually getting the LCL containers broken down and cleared at Port Purcell.

No duty on tarps through mid December. Port charges are waived for general relief supplies but can be onerous if addressed to an individual.

If all goes well, Canadian Tire is organizing shipment of tarps, inflatable beds, generators and a few other necessities hopefully this week direct to Port Purcel via Crown Bay. Should have a few FCL good to go. First of many. We also have loads of lumber, household goods, etc. ready to go when time is right. First things first.

Anyone know of other immediate needs? A's you know,comm's on island are limited.

It took more than a month from start to finish, but 12 tarps got the the Methodist Church in Road town. We ordered them from Amazon, and had them shipped to Tropical in Miami. They were loaded into a container and shipped to Road town. The cleared customs and were picked up at the dock from a representative from the church. Some might say that a dozen tarps won't do much, but if your family got one of these tarps, it makes a big difference!

My wife bought Taro from CTL on Tortola when we were building the house in March and I asked her why she bought so many and so big sizes 30'x40', after Irma we were very thankful and so were a few of our friends.


12 Tarps will go a long way to help families most in need. Even little things as were dropped off at the school on Anegada for the children of fidget spinners, pencils, pens in lil backpacks made the children's day, random acts of kindness from strangers makes the world a better place.