Freight Shipping Miami to the US Virgin Islands: 2026 Guide

Freight shipping from Miami to the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2026 runs on scheduled ocean services to St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie) and St. Croix, with typical port-to-port transit of 3–7 days; St. John is served by barge from St. Thomas. Because the USVI sits outside the U.S. customs territory, shipments still need export documentation, but the islands are exempt from the Jones Act, which keeps routing flexible. Here is how commercial shippers and households plan USVI freight this year.

How cargo moves from Miami to St. Thomas and St. Croix

South Florida is the USVI’s main supply gateway. Regional carriers sail weekly from PortMiami and Port Everglades to Charlotte Amalie and Frederiksted/Christiansted. Freight is received at a Miami warehouse or container freight station, where LCL cargo is consolidated and full containers are staged for the vessel cut-off.

LCL for pallets, barrels, and boxes

LCL groupage bills by cubic foot with weekly cut-offs — ideal for restaurants, villas, and families. Our Miami consolidation guide explains receiving windows and sailing schedules.

FCL, reefer, and vehicles

Distributors book 20’/40’ containers; reefers carry produce and frozen goods for hotels and groceries; cars ship in containers or on RoRo decks. A licensed freight forwarder manages bookings, the bill of lading, and required filings.

Documents: EEI yes, duties different

The USVI is outside the U.S. customs territory, so shipments from the mainland require an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in ACE/AES when a Schedule B line exceeds $2,500 — even though it is a U.S. territory. Instead of federal import duty, the USVI assesses its own excise taxes on many goods, which consignees settle locally. Standard paperwork is a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.

Costs and 2026 planning

Expect LCL per-cubic-foot pricing with minimums and flat container rates plus fuel surcharges. Space tightens before the winter tourism season and around hurricane-season schedule shifts, so tender cargo a week ahead. Compare lanes in our guides to Miami to Puerto Rico freight and shipping household goods to the Caribbean.

Frequently asked questions

How long does freight take from Miami to St. Thomas?

Port-to-port transit is typically 3–7 days depending on the sailing. With Miami cut-offs and island delivery, plan on 1–2 weeks door to door for LCL cargo.

Do I need an EEI filing to ship to the US Virgin Islands?

Yes. Although the USVI is a U.S. territory, it is outside the U.S. customs territory, so an EEI filing in ACE/AES is required when a Schedule B classification exceeds $2,500.

Does the Jones Act apply to the US Virgin Islands?

No. The USVI is exempt from the Jones Act, so foreign-flag vessels may carry cargo between U.S. ports and the islands, which helps keep sailing options and rates competitive.

Get a Miami-to-USVI freight quote

Go Freight is an asset-based 3PL at 3300 NW 110th St., Miami, FL 33167, minutes from PortMiami. Request a fast freight quote or call (786) 445-0150 to book cargo for St. Thomas, St. Croix, or St. John.