Effective March 7, 2026: CBP ISF/AMS filing is now mandatory for ALL USVI-bound shipments via Caucedo gateway. See SOP-CBP-002 for full procedure. Questions? Contact caucedogateway@kestrel.com
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Most-used tools & resources
Calculator · Live
W/M Calculator
Ocean LCL & Air Freight chargeable weight. Supports cm, inches, kg, lbs, CBM, CFT. Built-in freight charge estimator with per R/T and per CBF rate basis.
SOP · Live
USVI ISF / AMS Filing SOP
CBP-mandated ACE electronic manifest requirements for all USVI-bound shipments via Caucedo gateway. Mandatory from March 7, 2026.
Reference
Unit Conversion, Incoterms & Forms
cm ↔ in, kg ↔ lbs, CBM ↔ CFT. Full Incoterms® 2020 two-group reference. Downloadable Booking Request Form PDF.
SOP · Live
Agent Documentation & Manifesting SOP
Booking request (MIAJ), Gateway & Direct MBL/HBL requirements, manifest submission timelines, ISF-5 filing in Descartes, SOC declaration policy, and full documentation checklist. Rev 08/2025.
Reference
USVI Cheat Sheet
FROB vs Regular B/L entry types, vessel rotation rules, key UNLOCODE port codes, ISF/AMS quick reference and USVI routing reminders.
Contacts
Important Links & Contacts
Gateway emails, customer service, rate requests, tracking portal, and all Kestrel office contacts.
Recent Updates
What's changed
🆕
Team Portal Launched
NEW
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Agent Documentation & Manifesting SOP (SOP-DOC-003)
LIVE→
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CBP ISF/AMS SOP — USVI Routing (SOP-CBP-002)
MANDATORY→
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W/M Calculator — v1.2
UPDATED→
Calculators
Freight calculation tools for operations
Ocean & Air — Live
W/M Chargeable Weight Calculator
Calculate Revenue Tons and DIM weight for Ocean LCL and Air Freight. Supports cm, in, kg, lbs, CBM, CFT. Freight charge estimator with per R/T and per CBF rate basis. Includes instructions and guide tab.
Cargo Insurance · Live
Insurance Premium Calculator
Calculate cargo insurance premiums. Insured value = (Invoice + Freight) × 110%. Minimum premium $45.00 per B/L. Rate: 1.1% per $100 insured value.
🛡️ Cargo Insurance Premium Calculator
Insured Value = (Invoice Value + Freight Charges) × 110% · Rate: 1.1% per $100 insured · Minimum premium: $45.00 per B/L
Invoice Value (USD)
USD
Freight Charges (USD)
USD
LCL — No invoice? Enter CBM to estimate invoice value (rate: $2,500/CBM):
CBM
— enter CBM above to estimate
Insured Value
—
(Invoice + Freight) × 1.10
Rate Applied
1.10%
per $100 insured value
Premium Due
—
⚠ Minimum premium $45.00 per bill of lading · Please print and keep with your bill of lading file · Rate: 1.1 per $100 of insured value
Requesting a New Calculator
To request a new calculation tool, contact mrohra@kestrel.com with the formula, required inputs, and the use case. Tools are typically built and deployed within 2–3 business days.
Standard Operating Procedures
Active SOPs — review before processing any shipment
All SOPs are reviewed regularly. If a procedure does not match current carrier or CBP requirements, flag immediately to mrohra@kestrel.com before proceeding.
W/M Calculation — Ocean LCL & Air Freight
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CBP ISF / AMS Filing — USVI-Bound Shipments via Caucedo Gateway
ACE electronic manifest mandatory for STT, STX, STJ. Ports such as Antigua, St. Maarten, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent can be FROB ports — but FROB classification depends on the vessel rotation. Always verify the entry type against the current vessel schedule before filing. All others: Regular B/L with in-bond. Filed in Descartes. AMS cut-off: Monday EOD for Wednesday vessel.
MANDATORY
▼
📄
Agent's Documentation & Manifesting SOP
Covers: Initial booking request (MIAJ/Multifreight) · Gateway MBL/HBL requirements (USA, Caucedo DR, Trinidad, Halifax) · Direct & Crosstrade documentation · Venezuela special instructions · Manifest submission within 5 working days · Amendment rules ($50 fee, 48hr deadline) · ISF-5 filing in AMS (Descartes) · Mandatory elements checklist · Shipper-Owned Container (SOC) declaration policy.
MIAJ = HBL No.
MBL Notify: Kestrel Miami
Docs within 5 days of sailing
Amend 48hrs before arrival
SOC declared in MBL & HBL
ISF-5 → confirm 3Z status
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USVI ISF/AMS Key Contacts
Caucedo Gateway: caucedogateway@kestrel.com · +1 786 220 1650 |
Manish Rohra (Operations): mrohra@kestrel.com · Ext 1695 · Mobile 786-770-4856 |
ACE/Descartes Support: servicedesk@descartes.com |
Tropical — Julissa Moreta: Jmoreta@tropical.com
SOP-DOC-003 — Key Rules at a Glance
Agent's Documentation & Manifesting SOP · Rev 08/2025
Initial Booking — Mandatory Fields (MIAJ)
Multifreight system · MIAJ number = House Bill of Lading number
| Field | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Destination | Mandatory |
| Shipper | Mandatory |
| Commodity | Mandatory |
| Container Size / Type | Mandatory (if applicable) |
| Vessel + ETS + ETA | Mandatory |
| Gateway / POD | Mandatory |
| Booking Number | Mandatory |
| One MIAJ per B/L | No A, B, C suffixes — system does not allow |
Gateway MBL Requirements
USA (Miami/Port Everglades/Tampa) · Caucedo DR · Trinidad Point Lisas · Halifax
| MBL Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Shipper | Origin Agent |
| Consignee | Gateway Agent |
| Notify Party | Kestrel Liner Agencies — Miami address + relevant gateway contact |
| Shipper's Ref | Kestrel-issued HBL (MIAJ) number |
| Special Clause | "Cargo in transit for shipment outside [Gateway Country] by Kestrel Liner Agencies LLC" |
| Bills of Lading | Seaway bills (no originals required for gateway release) |
| Freight Terms | Determined by HBL terms (HBL CIF = agent pays master freight to gateway / HBL Ex Works = freight collect with special clause) |
| SOC Cargo | Must declare "Shipper-Owned Container" in Description of Goods on both MBL and HBL |
Gateway HBL Requirements
TGL/Kestrel bills — express waybills unless instructed otherwise
| HBL Field | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| POD | Designated Gateway Port (for insurance with ITIC Club) |
| Final Destination | Final Port of Discharge |
| Freight Terms | Most Caribbean destinations require freighted bills for customs — show freight charges |
| Bills of Lading | Express waybill unless instructed otherwise by booking party |
| Agent's Box | Must include name, address, contact of final receiving agent |
| Piece Count (LCL) | Total piece count of consignment |
| Piece Count (FCL) | Number of containers + size/type + piece count |
Manifest Submission — Distribution List
Send within 5 working days of vessel sailing · Include MBL + HBL + freighted & unfreighted manifests
| Service | Send To |
|---|---|
| Caucedo Gateway | caucedogateway@kestrel.com |
| Point Lisas Gateway | pointlisasgateway@kestrel.com + tt-docs@kestrel.com |
| USA Gateway FCL | fclmiami@kestrel.com |
| USA Gateway LCL | lclmiami@kestrel.com |
| Trinidad Direct | tt-docs@kestrel.com |
| Crosstrade / All Other Directs | crosstrade-docs@kestrel.com + destination office (per Agents List) |
| Email Subject Line | Must state: Vessel name · MIAJ number · ETS & ETA to gateway or final destination |
Amendment Rules
All amendments in writing · Same format and email addresses as original doc pack
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 48 hours before cargo arrival at final destination or gateway |
| Amendment Fee | USD $50 — payable by freight-paying party |
| Freight Amendments | NOT accepted after cargo arrival at final destination |
| Late Docs Costs | Any costs due to late submission are for the account of the Origin Agent |
Mandatory Elements Checklist (Notes)
8 mandatory rules — must be followed on every shipment
| # | Rule | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Consignee Info | Must include phone number AND email address |
| 2 | Place of Delivery | At least one of Consignee or Notify Party must be in the Place of Delivery |
| 3 | MBL Notify Party | Must be Kestrel Liner Agencies Miami with full contact details |
| 4 | MBL Consignment | Consign to Kestrel agents where Kestrel has agents. Exceptions: Haiti, Venezuela, Bahamas — consign to receiver, agent as notify |
| 5 | Freight Terms | Direct/Crosstrade: HBL prepaid = Origin Agent pays master freight. HBL collect = Receiving Agent pays |
| 6 | Doc Accuracy | All docs including HBL and manifests must show accurate freight terms and charges before shipment |
| 7 | SOC Declaration | Shipper-Owned Containers must be declared in Description of Goods on both MBL and HBL |
| 8 | Tropical Direct | MBL must be prepaid including destination charges. Consigned to actual consignee with agents as notify |
Reference Tables
Quick lookup — units, terms, surcharges
Unit Conversion — Dimensions & Weight
Quick reference for freight calculations
| Convert From | Multiply By | To Get | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| cm³ | ÷ 1,000,000 | CBM (m³) | 80×60×50 cm = 0.240 CBM |
| inches (L/W/H) | × 2.54 → cm | centimetres | 20 in = 50.8 cm |
| CBM | × 35.3147 | CFT (ft³) | 1.000 CBM = 35.315 CFT |
| CFT | × 0.02832 | CBM (m³) | 38.2 CFT = 1.082 CBM |
| lbs | × 0.4536 | kg | 100 lbs = 45.36 kg |
| kg | × 2.2046 | lbs | 100 kg = 220.46 lbs |
| kg | ÷ 1,000 | Metric Ton (MT) | 1,050 kg = 1.050 MT |
Air Freight DIM Factors
Always verify against current carrier rate sheet
| Carrier / Mode | DIM Factor | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| IATA International (standard) | 6,000 | cm³ / kg | Default for most international air |
| FedEx / UPS International | 5,000 | cm³ / kg | Express carriers |
| Charter / cargo airlines | 7,000 | cm³ / kg | Varies — confirm with carrier |
| US domestic parcel | 139 | in³ / lb | UPS / FedEx domestic US |
Common Ocean Freight Surcharges
Added on top of base ocean freight rate
| Code | Full Name | Applies To | Typical Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAF | Bunker Adjustment Factor | All ocean freight | Per TEU or R/T |
| CAF | Currency Adjustment Factor | Non-USD billing | % of base rate |
| THC | Terminal Handling Charge | Port origin / dest | Per container or R/T |
| AMS | Automated Manifest System | US-bound shipments | Per B/L |
| ISF | Importer Security Filing (10+2) | US-bound — CBP | Per B/L |
| PSS | Peak Season Surcharge | Seasonal — carrier discretion | Per TEU or R/T |
| ROE | Rate of Exchange | Caribbean lanes | % adjustment |
Incoterms® 2020 — Full Reference
Source: ICC Incoterms® 2020 · Blue = Seller responsibility · Gold = Buyer responsibility
Rules for Any Mode or Modes of Transport
| Term | Full Name | Risk Transfers At | Export Formalities | Main Freight | Insurance | Import Formalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXW | Ex Works | Seller's premises | Buyer | Buyer — all costs | Buyer | Buyer |
| FCA | Free Carrier | Named place / first carrier | Seller | Buyer from named point | Buyer | Buyer |
| CPT | Carriage Paid To | First carrier (at origin) | Seller | Seller to named destination | Buyer | Buyer |
| CIP | Carriage & Insurance Paid To | First carrier (at origin) | Seller | Seller to named destination | ★ Seller (All Risks min.) | Buyer |
| DAP | Delivered at Place | Ready for unloading at destination | Seller | Seller to destination | Buyer | Buyer |
| DPU | Delivered at Place Unloaded | Unloaded at named destination | Seller | Seller incl. unloading | Buyer | Buyer |
| DDP | Delivered Duty Paid | Ready at destination (duties paid) | Seller | Seller — everything | Buyer | Seller |
Rules for Sea and Inland Waterway Transport Only
| Term | Full Name | Risk Transfers At | Export Formalities | Main Freight | Insurance | Import Formalities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAS | Free Alongside Ship | Alongside vessel at named port | Seller | Buyer from alongside | Buyer | Buyer |
| FOB | Free on Board | On board vessel at loading port | Seller | Buyer from on board | Buyer | Buyer |
| CFR | Cost and Freight | On board vessel at loading port | Seller | Seller to dest. port | Buyer | Buyer |
| CIF | Cost, Insurance & Freight | On board vessel at loading port | Seller | Seller to dest. port | ★ Seller (min. cover) | Buyer |
★ CIF insurance = minimum cover (ICC C) · CIP insurance = All Risks minimum (ICC A) ·
This chart should always be used in conjunction with the Incoterms® 2020 rule book.
· © 2019 ICC International Chamber of Commerce
Booking Request Form
International Freight & Logistics · Print or complete digitally
Standard Booking Request Form
Covers: Shipment Terms & Routing · Shipper Information · Consignee Information · Quotation details. Complete and attach with each new booking.
USVI Cheat Sheet
Quick reference — ISF/AMS, FROB, port codes · SOP-CBP-002
USVI Entry Types — FROB vs Regular B/L
Effective March 7, 2026 · Source: SOP-CBP-002 · Entry type depends on vessel rotation — confirm per sailing
| Destination | UNLOCODE | Typical Entry Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antigua | AGSJO | FROB (rotation-dependent) | Cargo stays on vessel through USVI — confirm per vessel schedule |
| St. Maarten | SXPHI | FROB (rotation-dependent) | Cargo stays on vessel through USVI — confirm per vessel schedule |
| Grenada | GDSTG | FROB (rotation-dependent) | Cargo stays on vessel through USVI — confirm per vessel schedule |
| St. Lucia | LCCAS / LCVIF | FROB (rotation-dependent) | Castries / Vieux Fort — confirm per vessel schedule |
| St. Vincent | VCKTN / VCCRP | FROB (rotation-dependent) | Kingstown / Campden Park — confirm per vessel schedule |
| Nassau, Bahamas | BSNAS | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
| Grand Cayman | KYGCM | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
| Providenciales | TCPLS | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
| W. Palm Beach | USPAB | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
| Dominica | DMRSU | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
| Tortola | VGRAD | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
| St. Kitts / Nevis | KNBAS / KNNEV | Regular B/L | IE or TE in-bond required |
⚠️ Important — FROB Classification is Vessel-Rotation Dependent
The ports listed above as "FROB (rotation-dependent)" can be FROB ports, but are not always. FROB entry applies only when the vessel's rotation takes the cargo through USVI without discharge. If the vessel rotation changes, these same ports may require a Regular B/L with in-bond instead. Always confirm the correct entry type against the current vessel schedule before filing. When in doubt, contact caucedogateway@kestrel.com.
Key Caribbean Ports — UNLOCODE
Main ports served by Kestrel Liner Agencies LLP
| Port / City | UNLOCODE | Country | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Amalie | VI STT | US Virgin Islands | Main USVI entry — ISF/AMS required |
| Christiansted | VI STX | US Virgin Islands | St. Croix — ISF/AMS required |
| San Juan | PR SJU | Puerto Rico | Major transshipment hub |
| Santo Domingo / Caucedo | DO CAU | Dominican Republic | Kestrel Caucedo Gateway |
| Port of Spain | TT POS | Trinidad & Tobago | Southern Caribbean hub — tt-docs |
| Point Lisas | TT PTL | Trinidad & Tobago | pointlisasgateway@kestrel.com |
| Bridgetown | BB BGI | Barbados | Eastern Caribbean gateway |
| Castries | LC SLU | St. Lucia | Windward Islands |
| St. George's | GD GND | Grenada | Southern Windwards |
| Kingstown | VC KIN | St. Vincent | Small vessel feeder |
| St. John's | AG ANU | Antigua | Northern Leewards hub |
| Kingston | JM KIN | Jamaica | Regional hub |
USVI Routing Reminder (SOP-CBP-002)
ISF filing (10+2) must be submitted at least 24 hours before vessel departure. AMS cut-off is Monday End of Day for the Wednesday vessel. Non-automated submissions no longer accepted after March 7, 2026. All LCL and FCL — no exceptions. Filed in Descartes.
Important Links & Contacts
Source: Kestrel Important Links & Resources
Key Contacts
MR
Manish Rohra
Operations Manager
📞 +1 786 220 1650 ext 1695
📱 786-770-4856
Operations · Miami
CS
Customer Care — Miami
Customs Services & Documentation
📞 +1 786 220 1650
📍 9505 NW 108th Ave, Medley FL 33178
Customer Service · Miami
CA
California Support Team
West Coast Customer Support
📞 +1 213 328 6800
Customer Service · California
UK
UK Headquarters
New Kestrel House, Stansted, Essex
📞 +44 1279 818888
Unit 23/24 M11 Business Link, Parsonage Lane, Stansted, Essex CM24 8GF
UK Headquarters
Gateway & Operational Emails
🚢 Shipment & Tracking
Track a Shipmenttracking.kestrel.com
Request a Callbackkestrel.com/about/contact
Rate Requestsraterequests@kestrel.com
📦 Gateway Emails
Caucedo Gatewaycaucedogateway@kestrel.com
Point Lisas Gatewaypointlisasgateway@kestrel.com
USA Gateway (FCL)fclmiami@kestrel.com
USA Gateway (LCL)lclmiami@kestrel.com
📄 Documentation Emails
Trinidad Docstt-docs@kestrel.com
Crosstrade Docscrosstrade-docs@kestrel.com
Customer Servicecustservice@kestrel.com
🔗 Useful External Links
CBP — US Customscbp.gov
ACE / Descartes Supportservicedesk@descartes.com
IATAiata.org
HTS Codes Lookuphts.usitc.gov