Port truckers see import surge as Bajans look abroad for cheaper goods

A sharp pre-Christmas increase in personal imports through the Bridgetown Port suggests that many Barbadians are bypassing high local prices by ordering more of what they need directly from overseas, according to a truck driver working at the port.

The driver noted that work has picked up sharply in recent weeks, driven largely by personal and household imports rather than commercial shipments.

“For Christmas, it’s picked up tremendously,” he told Barbados TODAY. “A lot more work when it comes to getting stuff to bring to people because people getting a lot of stuff. I think a lot more people import a lot more things for Christmas this year than last year.”

According to the driver, while he caters to both businesses and individuals, the bulk of his work this season has involved clearing and delivering personal items – barrels, boxes and household goods – rather than large corporate consignments.

“Companies get big loads, but the local people bringing in most of the work,” he said. “It’s been good for me.”

He linked the increase directly to the cost of living, suggesting many Barbadians are finding it cheaper or more practical to source goods overseas rather than buy locally.

“I think stuff here so expensive so people prefer to send in what they want from overseas,” he said. “At the end of the day people can’t afford things locally.”

While acknowledging that port operations can be slow at times, the driver said that once paperwork and clearances are in order, deliveries generally move smoothly, even amid the seasonal rush.

“It could be slow sometimes because of the way you have to wait to get things cleared,” he said. “But most of the time once you come and everything is in order, you should be good.”

He noted that while individual imports may appear small, their volume adds up quickly and plays a major role in sustaining work for truckers, freight forwarders and clearing agents.

“A lot of Bajans bringing in a lot of things,” he said. “Two barrels here, one barrel there — as small as it looks, you getting that every day. I think the small people who really make the freight work kick.”

From his vantage point, personal imports have outweighed business deliveries in frequency, even though companies tend to bring in larger single loads.

“On a consistent basis you would say more local people,” he explained. “On a big business basis you would say big companies, but the public is who really outweigh everything.”

He also observed an uptick in vehicle imports, though he stressed that this was based on what he has personally seen at the port.

“Cars just coming in,” he said, adding that while the activity has been positive for transport workers, he believes it reflects broader pressures on households trying to stretch their dollars.

Despite the long hours and heavier workload, the driver said the Christmas season has brought welcome income for those involved in port-related logistics.

(SM)