How much does it cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
Estimated from $845 to $1,795 for a standard car, with the ocean freight included in one flat rate. From Florida: $845–$1,195. From the Northeast: $1,095–$1,545. From Texas and the Midwest: $1,195–$1,595. From the West Coast: $1,395–$1,795. The same ranges apply shipping from Puerto Rico back to the mainland.
How long does it take to ship a car to or from Puerto Rico?
From Florida, plan on about 6–8 days door to port; from the Northeast and Midwest, 12–18 days. Vessels sail to San Juan every Thursday from Jacksonville (about 6 days) and Philadelphia (about 5 days), and from San Juan every Monday. See the
sailing schedule and transit times by state.
Which ports do you use?
On the mainland we ship through Jacksonville, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On the island, vehicles arrive at and depart from the Port of San Juan. We can pick up your car anywhere in the 50 states and truck it to the port for you.
What information do I need to book?
The vehicle's year, make, model, color and VIN, the license plate number if it has one, your pickup and delivery locations, and a phone number and email where we can reach you. Book online 24/7 or call (800) 320-1050.
What documents do I need to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
The original title and a valid photo ID. If the car is financed or leased, a letter from your lender authorizing the shipment; if someone else will drop it off, a notarized absent owner authorization. You'll also need an EIN and your Social Security number for the export filings. Download the
mainland to Puerto Rico checklist.
What documents do I need to ship a car from Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico requires several certificates before export: registration, title or lender letter, a notarized export affidavit, ACAA certificate of no debt, Police pre-inspection, DTOP certificate of no fines, Hacienda vouchers and a pressure-wash receipt. Some expire within days, so call us before you start. Download the
Puerto Rico to mainland checklist.
How is my car shipped?
By Ro/Ro (roll-on/roll-off) vessel: your vehicle is driven aboard at the port, secured for the voyage and driven off at the destination port. On the mainland, we pick it up from (or deliver it to) your door by truck.
Can I leave personal items in the car?
No. The vehicle must be clean and empty. Only tools and accessories that are normally attached to or permanently installed in the vehicle may stay.
How much gas can be in the tank?
A quarter tank or less. This is a maritime safety rule with no exceptions, and the port cannot drain fuel for you.
How do I pay?
A deposit is charged when you book to secure your space on the sailing. The balance is paid before delivery.
What is the Puerto Rico import tax (arbitrios)?
When a vehicle is shipped to Puerto Rico, the owner pays an excise tax (arbitrios) to the Departamento de Hacienda before it is released. You can estimate it with your VIN on
Hacienda's Arbitrios de Vehículos calculator, or call Hacienda at 787-721-2020 or 787-622-0123.
My car is financed. Can I still ship it?
Yes, with written permission from your lender. Ask the bank to put our
sample lienholder letter on its letterhead, including the title number and title state.
Can someone else drop off or pick up my car?
Yes. The registered owner signs a notarized
absent owner authorization, and the person you authorize brings it with their own photo ID. Exports from Puerto Rico also require an apostilled power of attorney.
Are there size limits?
Our posted rates are for standard cars, SUVs and pickups. Lifted trucks, oversized vans, RVs and other large vehicles are quoted individually, so call us with the dimensions.
Do you ship cars that don't run?
Non-running vehicles, and vehicles with cracked windshields or safety problems, need special arrangements with the vessel operator. Tell your agent before you book so we can confirm.
How will I know where my car is?
You get an email when your car is picked up, when it's in transit and when it's delivered, plus an arrival notice when it's ready at the Port of San Juan. Your agent is a call or text away at (800) 320-1050.
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Need the forms? Visit Puerto Rico shipping resources.
