A brief guide to car shipping to/from Puerto Rico
Shipping your car to or from Puerto Rico doesn’t have to be a bumpy road. Here’s a quick guide: Research experienced car shipping companies with door-to-door service for ultimate convenience. Gather key documents like car title, registration, and a completed Temporary Importation Declaration form (for entering Puerto Rico). Prepare your car by cleaning it, removing belongings, and keeping the gas tank under a quarter full. The car shipping company will conduct a pre-shipment inspection and document any existing damage.
Are you looking for reliable auto transport services to/from Puerto Rico? We suggest AutoStar Transport Express, Get Carrier LLC, Flat Price Auto Transport, Ship Overseas, and RoadRunner Auto Transport. Auto transport to/from Puerto Rico involves transporting vehicles from one location to another and finding the right company can be overwhelming. But worry not! With our extensive research and over 5 years of experience, we present to you the top five auto transport companies in Puerto Rico. We are doing business with these companies.
Enjoy the ease of your car being transported while you track its progress (if available). Upon arrival in Puerto Rico, be prepared for customs clearance and potential fees. Finally, register your car in Puerto Rico to legally drive it on the beautiful island! With some planning, your car will be cruising alongside you on your Puerto Rican adventure.
5 Best Puerto Rico Car Shipping Companies in 2024
You should only hire qualified auto transport companies when moving a car to or from Puerto Rico. Getting a vehicle to and from Puerto Rico is similar to transporting one within the U.S., however, there are some restrictions and laws that must be followed.
To find the highest-rated vehicle shipping companies in Puerto Rico, we cross-referenced customer reviews, licenses, BBB ratings, insurance, and federal complaint data.
#1 AutoStar Transport Express
AutoStar Transport Express is one of the best car shipping companies in the nation, with over 16 years of experience in providing reliable, secure, and dependable transportation services to all 50 states in the United States and internationally.
In addition to using the most reliable vehicle carriers, they will coordinate all your needs in state to state car shipping or want to ship a car overseas. With 10,225+ reviews on Google, Transportreviews.com, and Accredited Business, they are among our top-ranked Puerto Rico companies.
Pros & Cons
#2 Get Carrier LLC
Delaware-based Get Carrier has been in operation for around three years now and is one of the top Puerto Rico car transport shipping brokers you can consider.
Get Carrier relies on a streamlined approach that offers an easy and user-friendly experience, while some car shipping brokers offer a wide variety of options to attract customers. On their website, visitors can easily get car shipping quotes online using a simple process.
Pros & Cons
#3 Flat Price Auto Transport
In Puerto Rico, Flat Price offers pickup and delivery car transport services. Door-to-door, involves picking up your vehicle and delivering it to an address of your choice.
With their long-distance car shipping company, you can move anywhere in the country. In addition to auto transport services, Flat Price auto transport offers other moving services that help you move your entire household and business.
If you are shipping a car to or from Puerto Rico, Flat Price Auto Transport is your preferred option.
Pros & Cons
#4 Ship Overseas
A leading international car shipping company has earned the trust of thousands of customers over the past 34 years.
Over the years, Ship Overseas has simplified the international shipping process for businesses and people like you. Customers are advised on how to proceed and avoid mistakes regarding not only shipping their valuable car safely overseas but also importing it.
Pros & Cons
#5 RoadRunner Auto Transport
Road Runner Auto Transport has been striving to offer the most seamless vehicle shipping experience for over 30 years.
Puerto Rico drivers can benefit from RoadRunner’s door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal car shipping services.
There is an additional cost for expedited shipping services. Cars are transported using open carriers or enclosed carriers on land.
They have a wide variety of vehicle shippers located throughout the country. They are insured, licensed, and bonded, and can ship to any remote location.
Cost to Transport a Car to Puerto Rico
Cost is one of the first things that comes to mind when shipping to Puerto Rico. However, considering car shipping fees when you plan your budget is a brilliant idea if you are moving a car. It is extremely expensive to transport a vehicle overseas, because of the taxes associated with both the import and excise duties of the car from Puerto Rico.
Shipping a car to or from Puerto Rico can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 depending on several factors. Nevertheless, It is estimated cost. The price can vary depending on a wide range of factors, such as stated below:
| Departure City | Destination | Shipping Cost |
| Denver | Puerto Rico | $1,900 |
| Miami | Puerto Rico | $1,275 |
| Newark | Puerto Rico | $1,650 |
| Queens | Puerto Rico | $1,650 |
| Raleigh | Puerto Rico | $1,600 |
Key Factors Affecting the Cost of Shipping a Car to Puerto Rico
1. Distance and Location
- Pick-Up Location: Costs increase with distance from major ports.
- Destination: Remote areas in Puerto Rico may incur extra fees.
2. Vehicle Size and Weight
- Larger and Heavier Vehicles: Higher costs due to increased space and fuel requirements.
3. Shipping Method
- Container Shipping: More expensive but offers better protection.
- Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo): Cheaper but exposes the vehicle to potential damage.
4. Season and Demand
- Peak Seasons: Higher costs due to increased demand.
- Off-Peak Seasons: Lower costs when demand is lower.
5. Insurance Coverage
- Basic Coverage: Limited protection, usually included.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Higher costs for extensive protection.
6. Additional Services
- Door-to-Door Service: More convenient but more expensive.
- Expedited Shipping: Faster delivery at a premium price.
7. Customs and Import Duties
- Customs Fees and Import Duties: Additional costs for clearing customs and paying taxes based on the vehicle’s value.
Shipping Taxes in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico requires a 5% tax and import duty on vehicles when they arrive. The amount depends on the age and type of vehicle. Most often, if your car passes inspection quickly, you will not have to pay a fee. However, if a detailed inspection is required, you may have to pay more.
Hacienda provides an estimate on its Official Website based on the vehicle’s value, but we cannot provide specific details on import taxes. There will be an additional charge of $100 to $150 for destination charges. Your quote will not include these charges.
Is it worth it to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a great place to move if you like tropical weather and living near a beach. It is a place inaccessible by a car when moving from a distance. Therefore, you will need a car, whether you rent it, buy it when you arrive, or ship it there. You can save money and time by shipping your car to Puerto Rico. The reasons, why you should consider car shipping are:
- Shipping an old or well-used car to Puerto Rico is probably not worth it if the resale value is less than the shipping cost.
- Puerto Rico offers both used and brand-new vehicles, but they will be considerably more expensive once you arrive.
- In San Juan, there are several buses and a light rail line, but elsewhere on the island, there are few public transportation options.
- Despite the availability of taxis and ride-share apps like Uber, the majority of residents drive their own cars. Puerto Rico boasts one of the world’s highest car density rates.
Process of shipping a Car to Puerto Rico
Understanding the process of your car shipment is important. You need to know where your car will be delivered. Providing you the with best processing details is our main priority.
With door-to-port shipping services in the USA, vehicles are normally transported by open carriers from your pickup location to the departure shipping ports in the USA. When you live near shipping ports, you can save ground shipping costs by driving your car there.
The transportation of exotic vehicles, such as Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc., takes place in enclosed vehicles. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure to account for costs such as gas, lodging, round-trip airfare, and food.
Car shipments typically leave from Eddystone, Pennsylvania, or Jacksonville, Florida, depending on the shipping line.
If you wish, your car can be delivered from your house to one of these ports.
All vehicles are picked up in San Juan, PR, which is the only port of entry. Anyone picking up your car shipment will need cash on hand to cover fees and a valid ID.
Shipping Overseas, Inc. is responsible only for transportation to San Juan from the USA. You will be responsible for all fees once the vehicle reaches its destination.
Documents required
To prevent shipment delays and last-minute searches of your glovebox and file cabinet, prepare the following paperwork before shipping your car:
Driver’s License: You have to submit a copy of a valid driver’s license. A notarized power of attorney will be required if the vehicle is delivered by someone else.
Proof of car ownership: You will need a copy of the title, car registration, or sometimes the vehicle identification number (VIN). You have to provide a Notarized letter from the lien holder if the car is being leased.
EPA Form 3520-1: U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires you to fill out EPA Form 3520-1 for every vehicle you move, which can be downloaded from the EPA’s website.
Vehicle Appraisal: Due to Puerto Rico’s import duties, a calculated value of the vehicle needs to be provided as the taxes depend on your vehicle’s price.
Purchase Invoice: A new car invoice must be provided by the dealer. A sales receipt can be used instead of an invoice if the car is used
Proof of Insurance: You may need proof of auto insurance before booking with some companies.
Ensure you discuss any special requirements with your auto transport company prior to shipping.
Preparing Your Car for Shipment
All the shipment regulations that you must follow, provided by the shipment authority of Puerto Rico are:
- Remove Personal Items
In your car, you won’t be covered for damage or theft, and transportation companies can fine you if you move your personal belongings in your car. For safety reasons, keep the spare tire, emergency kit, jack, and license plate with the vehicle.
- Empty your Gas Tank
The car is not being driven during shipment, so it is unnecessary to fill your tank up before shipment. Fuel levels should be 1/4 or less for cars shipped over the ocean. Since the vehicle will not be driven, it is not necessary to fill the tank up.
- Check for any Vehicle Damages
If your car is clean, take a walkabout to note any pre-existing damage. This includes dents, scratches, discolorations, and paint chips. Take photographs of your entire vehicle and document the current damage for your records.
- Remove any Modifications
Make sure you remove or secure any extras on the exterior of your car before shipping it. These items include
- Racks for skis and bikes
- Boxes and racks for roofs
- The antenna is retractable.
- Spoilers
- Lock up the Car
The car must be locked. Once the truck has loaded it, you shouldn’t open the vehicle until the vehicle is delivered. You shouldn’t give your auto transport driver your only set of keys if you don’t have one.
- Bill of Lading
When the driver arrives for a vehicle inspection and to sign the bill of lading, a responsible adult must be present. The bill of lading serves as a receipt as well as a legal document.
The bill of lading covers:
- Your vehicle’s shipping location
- Vehicle condition at pickup
- Mechanical or special issues
Conclusion
Shipping a car to Puerto Rico doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By choosing one of these top five car shipping companies, you can ensure a smooth, reliable, and affordable experience. Whether you prioritize customer service, affordability, or flexibility, there is a company on this list that will meet your needs.
FAQS
If you have a vehicle identification number (VIN) or a booking number, you can track your car by entering it into any tracking website.
Your car can be delivered to Puerto Rico in one to three weeks on average, depending on a number of factors. A car can typically be shipped from Florida to Puerto Rico in under two weeks. Depending on where it came from, shipping a car will take a specific amount of time. But the typical duration is one to three weeks.
Although you can also choose to ship door-to-door, the most popular way to ship a car in Puerto Rico is via roll-on/roll-off, which will deliver it to the Port of San Juan.
All cars, whether on an open or enclosed carrier, are chained and locked in place while on the delivery truck. Additional security and safety from the weather and the elements are offered by enclosed carriers. not exposed to the elements once on board an ocean carrier ship and loaded onto the ship’s belly.
The official answer according to the FMCSA and the D.O.T. is “no.” However, it is a common practice to allow 50-100 lbs in the trunk or out of the line of sight. Your carrier has the choice, though, as if they don’t carry motor vehicles, they face hefty fines and lengthy inspections.
On average, the cost of transporting a standard-sized car ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. The cost of transporting a vehicle to or from Puerto Rico can vary depending on several factors. However, factors such as the type of vehicle, its size, the shipping method (containerized or open-air), the distance traveled, and the current market demand can all influence the final cost.
Several factors can influence the cost of auto transport to or from Puerto Rico. Some of the key factors include the size and weight of the vehicle, the distance of the shipment, the chosen shipping method (containerized or open-air), the current fuel prices, and any additional services requested, such as door-to-door delivery. Seasonal demand and any applicable taxes or customs fees can also impact the overall cost.
Generally, it can take around 7 to 14 days. For containerized shipments, the transit time may extend to 10 to 21 days. The transit time for a vehicle to or from Puerto Rico can vary depending on the shipping method and the distance traveled. Factors such as weather conditions, customs clearance, and potential delays at the port can also affect the overall transit time.
