How to Order Ship Provisions in Caucedo: A Step-by-Step Guide

Provisioning a vessel at Port of Caucedo — the Caribbean's largest container terminal — requires precise coordination between the master, port agent, and ship chandler. Unlike other port services, provisions have a relatively short delivery window: most vessels remain in Caucedo between 18 and 48 hours, making advance planning critical.

The process begins with a quote request, which should be sent at least 24 hours before the vessel's arrival. Ideally, submit it as soon as the vessel's ETA is confirmed, via email or WhatsApp. The request should include: vessel name, IMO number, estimated date and time of arrival, number of crew members, and the list of required items. If the vessel has its own format or an Excel template, the chandler can work directly with that document.

Ship provisions are divided into five main categories. Fresh stores include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats that require cold chain management until delivery on board. Frozen items cover proteins such as chicken, beef, pork, and seafood stored at -18 °C. Dry stores include grains, canned goods, oils, pasta, flour, and all long-shelf-life products. Beverages cover both alcoholic and non-alcoholic items — the latter freely consumable on board, while the former are subject to the bonded stores scheme (customs-controlled dispatch without import duties). Finally, potable water is delivered by certified tanker truck or 1,000-liter IBC containers.

Bonded stores is perhaps the concept that generates the most confusion for agents making their first call in the Dominican Republic. These are goods — typically alcohol, tobacco, electronics, and certain luxury foods — supplied to the vessel without paying Dominican import taxes, on the condition that consumption takes place outside national waters or that the product leaves with the vessel. The chandler processes the temporary dispatch form with the Directorate General of Customs and coordinates delivery under the supervision of a customs broker. The additional time to process bonded stores is 4 to 8 hours, so they must be requested well in advance.

Standard delivery time at Caucedo is 4 to 6 hours from order confirmation to on-board delivery. Urgent or overnight orders may incur an additional night service charge. Delivery is made alongside the vessel, and the crew must have the cargo crane or derrick available to receive pallets. The chandler can issue invoices in USD or DOP according to the shipowner's preference.

Once the quotation is received, the agent or master reviews it, adjusts quantities if necessary, and confirms. With confirmation in hand, the chandler begins purchasing and preparing the order. The final invoice is issued at the time of delivery, with a physical copy for the officer of the watch and a digital copy for the agent. The entire process — from request to delivery — can be completed in under 12 hours for standard orders at Caucedo.