To ship a car from Florida to Puerto Rico, you have to go through a lengthy documentation process. The waiting time to take appointments from government agencies is also atrocious and can take more than two weeks. However, you won’t have to face these complications with AES, as shipping to Latin America is our forte. Our bilingual agents in Puerto Rico will help get everything done in a minimal time, so you won’t have to wait for customs clearance or take care of the paperwork involved with it.
An Overview of shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico
Famous for its waterfalls, mountainous landscape, tropical rainforest, and Spanish colonial architecture, Puerto Rico is a Caribbean Island and an unincorporated US territory.
San Juan is its capital and the largest city known for its beaches and hotel strips. All in all, the state has a thriving economy mainly driven by pharmaceuticals, textiles, real estate, finance, insurance, and tourism.
However, Puerto’s economy is heavily dependent on the USA, and it receives federal economic assistance from the country. Also, the US has a majority foreign trade relationship with Puerto Rico, accounting for 43% of imports, including vehicles to the island. Anyone importing goods to the island will have to go through almost identical formalities, such as in the US. However, you must have all the required documents before your car can cross the border to Puerto Rico.
It is costly to buy cars on the island, $2000-$5000 more than in the US, so people who are Act 60 decree (a tax incentive for new residents) holders prefer to import or buy vehicles from other countries, such as from the US. Moreover, the currency used in Puerto Rico is the US dollar, so you won’t have to worry about the currency exchange rate being applied to the shipping cost.
Popular Puerto Rico shipping destinations
San Juan Port
Located in the metropolitan area of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, the Port of San Juan is the busiest port in the whole of Latin America. It includes multiple public, private passenger, and cargo facilities scattered across San Juan Bay.
Furthermore, the port of San Juan has access to major local routes and the Puerto Rico expressway, allowing for quick transportation of goods to the rest of the island.
Two cargo vessels can dock simultaneously at the seaport, whose general cargo facilities have the capacity to handle container shipping, RoRo, and oversized cargo easily.
Shipping methods for shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico
While shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico, it will be sent either from the Miami port or Jacksonville port, which shipping companies often use. It is always essential to look for a shipping company that is qualified and experienced in shipping to Latin America. When it comes to shipping methods, you have primarily two options.
RoRo shipping
This is the easiest and quickest method of transport for shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico. In addition, RoRo shipping is also cost-effective and is commonly adopted by shipping companies worldwide. The process will involve your vehicle being rolled on the ship’s deck, tied, and then rolled off at the destination port.
You can also ship several cars of every size and weight, together with oversized cargo. However, you cannot send a non-operation vehicle with this shipping method. In addition, you cannot place any item inside your car if you are shipping to Puerto Rico.
Container shipping
If you are shipping an exotic or vintage car to Puerto Rico, then container shipping can also be a good choice as it can provide an extra security layer for your vehicle. Your vehicle will be packed in a container, which the shipping company offers in two sizes of 20ft or 40ft. The container will be placed via crane on the vessel bound to Puerto Rico. After reaching its destination, it will be offloaded from the deck.
You can easily ship non-operational vehicles with this shipping method alongside any personal belongings or heavy machinery or equipment. However, if you wish to ship several cars, only 3-4 medium-sized vehicles can fit within a container. There are two more options as well in container shipping.
FCL or private container shipping
FCL (Full container load) or private container shipping involves paying for a full container to ship your car or goods overseas. With this shipping method, you’ll have security as well as a private space for your belongings. However, this method is quite expensive, so if you are shipping a regular car, we would suggest using the RoRo method.
LCL or shared container shipping
LCL (Less than container load) or shared container shipping process involves splitting the container rent with other people. You would share the space with other people’s belongings and would only be required to pay for yours while others would pay for theirs. This method is less costly; however, it requires more wait as the container needs to be filled before shipping to Puerto Rico. So if you are in a hurry, this method might not work for you.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Florida to Puerto Rico?
The cost of shipping a car overseas may depend upon multiple factors such as the route length, timeframe, shipping method, or size and weight of the vehicle. However, the average cost of importing a car would be from $1,100 to $3,300. Besides the transport charges, customs & duty would also be added to the overall shipping costs.
Customs & Duty, Puerto Rico
Many countries don’t require foreigners to pay import taxes while shipping their vehicles or goods to that country. But Puerto Rican Customs claims a 5% excise tax on cars and a 6.6% import tax on all goods except food and medical supplies.
A 12.5% sales tax is also applicable. In addition, miscellaneous import fees may also be required for your vehicle as the tax rate is calculated based on the car’s CIF value, weight, and age. You can also get specific import details on your car through Hacienda Centro de Servicios.
Preparing a car to ship from Florida to Puerto Rico
Before shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico, you must prepare your vehicle by checking on its brakes, fuel tank, and tires. The island’s customs laws don’t allow any item to be placed inside the car while shipping, except for a spare tire or jack. Your vehicle can be non-operational, but you cannot send a damaged one to Puerto Rico. Also, drain the gas tank, with only less than 1/4th of gas left behind.
If your car has a US driver’s license, you won’t need to get registered in Puerto Rico. However, if you are shipping a new vehicle, it must be registered within three days of its arrival. In addition, non-US residents who are tourists cannot keep their imported cars for more than one year in Puerto Rico.
Prohibitions and restrictions on shipping from Florida to Puerto Rico
As Puerto Rico comes under US territory, you can only ship your car or other belongings via US-based facilities. Furthermore, all vehicles must conform to US safety and emission standards. In addition, goods are checked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and their laws will apply to all imported goods in Puerto Rico. Other than that, there are other prohibitions and restrictions on importing items to Puerto Rico.
Prohibitions to imports in Puerto Rico include dried or canned meat, THC products, items manufactured in Iran, Cuba, Myanmar, Sudan, or any other US-sanctioned country. The Puerto Rican Customs also prohibit the import of dog and cat fur.
Restrictions to import into the country include tobacco products, alcohol, prescription drugs, electronics, and agricultural products, which may be exempted after permission from the relevant authorities.
You can also contact the Puerto Rican Embassy in the USA for the current customs information.
Required documents for shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rican customs laws take the documentation process very seriously. Failure to produce the necessary documents can incur a fine or leave your vehicle or goods stuck at the customs. Here are some documents you need to import a car to Puerto Rico.
- Original Bill of Lading,
- Title of ownership,
- Original Bill of Sale,
- Department of Transportation Form HS-7,
- Driver’s License,
- Registration,
- Vehicle Appraisal,
- Environmental Protection Agency Forms 3520-1, 3520-21,
- EPA Permission letter for non-US residents.
What are the factors that can influence the shipping costs?
Multiple factors can cause a delay in the shipping process or raise the overall cost. We have mentioned some of them here.
Distance
The distance between ports of origin and destination countries also affects the shipping charges.
Fuel prices
Fluctuations in the price of petroleum in the international market can also increase the shipping cost.
Peak season
There is too much demand for imports in a peak season and not enough carriers or shipping methods available. Hence, it results in fewer shipping options to choose from and also causes an increase in the overall shipping costs.
How can AES make the shipping process to Puerto Rico hassle-free?
If you choose a company to ship your car from Florida to Puerto Rico, which just handles the shipping process, you will face many problems at the port. Moreover, you would have to bear the responsibility for everything. There is lengthy paperwork involved and Puerto Rican bureaucracy to manage if you handle the customs clearance process alone. Sometimes it could take even more than two weeks just to clear the paperwork.
But Shipping a car from Florida to Puerto Rico need not become an inconvenience with the right shipping company. AES won’t leave you to your own devices. Our company has already accomplished the milestone of shipping vehicles & oversized cargo to Latin America weekly. You wouldn’t have to run from office to office or stand in a long line, waiting to clear your paperwork. Our bilingual agents are ever ready to clear your vehicle or oversized cargo at customs in minimal time.
You could also face transport problems outside San Juan, where the island’s public infrastructure is not solid, and not many trucks go by. With AES, you wouldn’t have to hire a means of local transport to deliver your vehicle or oversized cargo from the port to your home. With the help of our logistics partners in Puerto Rico, our company will provide your car and goods soundly and securely from the port to your doorstep.
We can also collect your vehicle from your prescribed location in Florida to deliver it to the port. All in all, AES aspires to provide a secure and comfortable shipping experience for its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be present to pick up my car in Puerto Rico?
You don’t have to be present to pick up the car from the port in Puerto Rico. However, whoever comes to collect the vehicle must be above 18 and have an ID, a copy of your Title of Ownership, and a notarized letter from you for permission.
On the other hand, you can also take the help of AES to deliver your vehicle or any other goods from the port to your door.
How much time will it take for a car to ship from Florida to Puerto Rico?
Keeping in mind the shipment delays that could happen and the distance between Florida and Puerto Rico, the average shipping time could be two weeks. However, an experienced shipping company would not let any unnecessary delay happen.
FAQs
How long does it take to ship a car from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›
Shipping locations
The car doesn't arrive in San Juan immediately. The ship takes a few days and then the port needs to process your vehicle. Expect to wait anywhere from 10-14 days from the time you leave your car at the port, longer if it has to be transported to the port still.
In most cases, the cost to ship a car from Florida to Puerto Rico is $1,425.00.
Can I buy a car in Florida and ship to Puerto Rico? ›When you need to ship a car from Florida to Puerto Rico, you need auto shipping experts you can rely on. Through our advanced network of over 14,000 open and enclosed auto transporters nationwide, we can provide you with a safe and reliable way to ship a car from Florida to Puerto Rico.
How long does it take to ship a car to Puerto Rico? ›In general, expect your car shipment to Puerto Rico to take between one and three weeks. The additional time that it will take to ship your vehicle is, mostly, because of the additional coordination between ground transport and ocean transport.
How fast can you ship to Puerto Rico? ›Getting a package from the USA to Puerto Rico takes between 3-10 business days with fast delivery methods, about 10-20 business days with slower delivery methods, and about 20-30 business days with the slowest and cheapest delivery methods.
How can I ship my car from Miami to Puerto Rico? ›Transport by sea is the most commonly used method to ship a car to Puerto Rico from Miami, especially due to the close proximity to one of the major shipping ports in the U.S – The Port of Miami. Shipment via boat allows for several vehicles to be moved at a time, resulting in a much more affordable experience.
How do I transfer a car from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›Vehicle Drop-Off and Pick-Up Options
Most vehicle moving companies offer door-to-port and port-to-port services for receiving and delivering your car. With door-to-port, the company comes to pick up your car anywhere in the continental U.S. and you pick it up yourself at the Puerto Rican port.
All imported vehicles are subjected to an excise tax. There is a wide range of tax and import duties depending on the type and age of the vehicle, but you should expect to pay no less than 5% of the car's worth. Through Hacienda, the Puerto Rico tax collector's office, you can calculate all the duties due.
Can you take a ship from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›You can take your own boat to Puerto Rico from any state of the US. All you need to do is plan your trip, take your essentials, and set out on your journey to reach one of the ports around the island. And in no time, you'll find yourself at San Juan, Puerto Rico's largest port.
What documents do I need to ship a car to Puerto Rico? ›- Registration and Ownership Title. ...
- Copy of the driver's license. ...
- Notarized Letter of Authorization by a licensed lawyer from P.R. ...
- Certificate of No Debt from ACAA. ...
- Internal Revenue $11 and $2 vouchers. ...
- Certificate of pre-inspection by the P.R. Police Division of Stolen Vehicles.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Miami to Puerto Rico? ›
How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico? It typically costs $1,200 to $3,300 to ship a vehicle from the U.S. to Puerto Rico.
Do shipments to Puerto Rico go through customs? ›Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. Customs territory and therefore no customs duties are assessed on products coming from the mainland United States. There is, however, a 11.5 percent excise tax (sales tax) applied on products imported into the island, as well as on those produced locally.
How are cars shipped to Puerto Rico? ›For Puerto Rico auto shipping, the most common method for transport is roll-on/roll-off. Your car will more than likely be shipped to the Port of San Juan, though you can opt for either port-to-port or door-to-port shipping.
How long does a car take to be shipped? ›Generally, it takes 12-15 days to ship a car cross-country door-to-door in the United States. A car shipping company will usually pick up your vehicle within 5 days, while transportation will usually take between 7 and 10 days.
Is shipping to Puerto Rico like shipping to a state? ›Currently, Puerto Rico is considered an unincorporated territory of the US. This means that the USPS considers Puerto Rico to be domestic shipping, but some private carriers (like FedEx or UPS) consider Puerto Rico to be international.
What is the best way to ship to Puerto Rico? ›The United States Postal Service (USPS) is often the best, most streamlined choice when shipping to Puerto Rico, both in terms of rates and delivery times. Why? Because USPS classifies a shipment to this US territory in the same way that it does for shipments to one of the 50 states.
Which shipping is quickest? ›UPS offers many different delivery options, but UPS Next Day Air is the fastest. UPS boasts that they offer “more overnight, on-time, guaranteed deliveries in the US than anyone.” Their overnight delivery options include (listed from most expensive to least expensive):
Whats the fastest expedited shipping? ›What is the fastest overnight shipping option? The fastest overnight delivery option is FedEx First Overnight. You can expect your package or envelope to be delivered by 8 a.m. the next business day in most areas.
Is there a ferry from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›1. Re: Ferry from Florida to Puerto Rico? No ferry from anywhere in Florida to Puerto Rico. The practical way to get there via the sea is by cruise ship and if you did that you'd have to get special permission from the cruise to disembark in Puerto Rico and not continue with the cruise.
Can you take your car to Puerto Rico? ›All imported vehicles are subjected to an excise tax. The amount of tax and import duties largely depends on the vehicle's type and age, but you'll have to pay no less than 5% of the actual cash value of the car. You can calculate the total amount of duties through Hacienda, the tax collector's office in Puerto Rico.
How much does it cost to register a car in Puerto Rico? ›
Puerto Rico has registration costs that are typically around $300.
Do cars rust in Puerto Rico? ›However, in combination with the ever-present salt air in Puerto Rico due to the proximity to the ocean, there could be more severe consequences for your car's finish. When the air has salt in it from the ocean, it can get stuck to your car and bake in the sun causing corrosion and rust.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico? ›All container ships selling vehicles to Puerto Rico from Florida, depart from Jacksonville. So if you are shipping from South Florida or Central Florida, the total cost is $1400 to $1500 depending on the time of year and the size of the vehicle. This is door to port.
How do I import a car from USA to Puerto Rico? ›...
DTOP - The Puerto Rico DMV
- The Title for the Car.
- Valid US Drivers license.
- Import paperwork. ...
- ORIGINAL Social Security Card.
- Proof of residency.
If you move to the island, you can legally pay none. There's also no capital gains tax. You just have to give 4 percent of your income to Puerto Rico. The tax break was started by a Puerto Rican politician who'd watched years of high taxes fail to improve life on the island.
Is Puerto Rico a tax haven? ›Still, Puerto Rico hopes to lure American mainlanders with an income tax of only 4%. Legally avoiding the 37% federal rate and the 13.3% California (or other state) rate is a jaw-dropping benefit. What's more, there is no tax on dividends, and no capital gain tax in Puerto Rico.
What items Cannot be shipped to Puerto Rico? ›- All pipes related to the use of illicit drugs such as smoking pipes used as drug paraphernalia.
- Articles containing dog or cat fur.
- Certain foodstuffs and carpets of Iranian origin (this applies to personal and commercial use)
USPS Priority Domestic: This is the cheapest option. Packages are delivered within one to seven business days. FedEx International Economy: With this service, you will have your packages delivered within two days. FedEx International Priority: You/ill have packages delivered within 24 hours when using this service.
How long does it take to get from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›Flying time from Florida to Puerto Rico
The total flight duration from Florida to Puerto Rico is 2 hours, 50 minutes.
Travel duration from Florida to Puerto Rico is around 40.18 Hours if your travel speed is 50 KM per Hour. Puerto Rico travelers are welcome to visit our travel driving direction page for detail information with road map.
Do you need an invoice to ship to Puerto Rico? ›
What documentation and information is required for shipments to Puerto Rico? You'll need a standard bill of lading, a commercial invoice, and an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing (if the declared value of the shipment exceeds $2,500).
Do I need an export license to ship to Puerto Rico? ›The export.gov website says, “As a U.S. territory, shipments to Puerto Rico are not considered exports so duties are not applied.” The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that declare whether dual-use items require an export license do not consider shipments to Puerto Rico to be exports.
What is the import tax in Puerto Rico? ›Domestic Shipments Arriving to Puerto Rico:
Because Puerto Rico is a territory, no customs duties are assessed on goods arriving from the U.S. However, these goods are subject to an excise tax. For many goods, the tax is 11.5%, although it differs depending on your goods.
While driving your car is almost always cheaper than shipping it, especially for shorter moves, auto transport is a lot more convenient and worth the price if you're moving over 500 miles.
Can I drive in Puerto Rico with a US license? ›Visitors from the United States can use their driver's license to drive in Puerto Rico since the island is a territory of the United States.
What is the most popular car in Puerto Rico? ›| 2020 | PR % | USA |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai | 15.65% | 622,269 |
| Kia | 9.61% | 586,105 |
| Toyota | 27.04% | 1,837,900 |
| Mini | 0.33% | 28,138 |
As a general rule, if your company exports goods valued at more than $2,500 per Schedule B number to anywhere other than Canada or goods that require an export license, the FTR require that you file through AES.
Do you have to clear customs from U.S. to Puerto Rico? ›Puerto Rico is a United States territory. If you're visiting from any part of the U.S., you don't have to exchange your currency, update your cell phone plan for international service, or go through customs or immigration. An unforgettable Caribbean getaway is within easy reach — no passport required.
Can you overnight to Puerto Rico? ›You should UPS if you need to ship something heavier to Puerto Rico, since UPS allows for packages up to 150 pounds (and it's cheaper than FedEx). On a similar token, FedEx is your best bet when you need something delivered to Puerto Rico on the emergency next-flight out or overnight.
Why are cars so expensive in Puerto Rico? ›Overall, car rental locations in Puerto Rico are more expensive than in other Latin American countries, due to the taxes and the high demand for vehicles.
Can you ferry a car to Puerto Rico? ›
There are two options available when shipping a vehicle to PR, port-to-port service and door-to-port service. With port to port service, your vehicle will be transported from your port of choice in the states to the port in San Juan, PR.
Why are there so many old cars in Puerto Rico? ›The island's love of the car stems from urban sprawl that began in the 1940s — and an equally long history of a public transportation system that was almost impossible to use, said Edwin Melendez, director of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College at the City University of New York.
How long does it take for a car to get from port to dealership 2022? ›Generally, it can take four to six weeks for dealers to get new cars in the shops from factories. Sometimes, the shipments might be held longer to fill the shipping container.
How long does it take to ship a car 500 miles? ›As you might expect, the destination you're sending your vehicle to is a significant factor in how long the delivery takes. Generally, you can expect a short-haul shipment of fewer than 500 miles to take a day or two, while shipments traveling between 500 and 2,000 miles can take anywhere from two to seven days.
How long does it take to ship a car 200 miles? ›| Distance to travel | Length of shipment |
|---|---|
| 1-200 miles | 1-2 days |
| 201-600 miles | 2-4 days |
| 601-1,000 miles | 3-5 days |
| 1,001-1,500 miles | 4-6 days |
Despite EEI requirements, the Census Bureau and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) classify U.S.-Puerto Rico shipments as domestic.
When should I ship to Puerto Rico? ›A shipment to Puerto Rico doesn't need to go through customs because it is a domestic package. However, you will need a commercial invoice, and if the value of the shipment exceeds $2,500 US you will also need Electronic Export Information.
What shipping zone is Puerto Rico? ›Zone 9: US territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, etc.)
How much does it cost to ship a car from USA to Puerto Rico? ›It typically costs $1,200 to $3,300 to ship a vehicle from the U.S. to Puerto Rico. However, The cost is estimated. The price can vary depending on multiple factors, including the total distance, size, and type of vehicle being transported, type of transport, and finally the time of the year.
Can you drive a car from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›Unfortunately it's not possible to drive to Puerto Rico as it is an island off of the east coast of Florida. There are no road connections to the US mainland, so the only way to get to the island is by ferry or by plane.
How long does it take to ship a car from Florida? ›
On average, you can expect car shipping to/from Florida to take 1-2 days for distances less than 200 miles. For distances of more than 2,000 miles, it could take up to 9 days.
How far is Puerto Rico from Florida by car? ›The miles based distance from Florida to Puerto Rico is 1248.3 miles.
Can I pack my car when shipping it to Puerto Rico? ›Some people like to pack their cars with personal items before starting the vehicle shipping process, but most Puerto Rico auto transport companies prefer or even require you to have your car clean and empty before shipment.
How long is a boat ride from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›This destination is around 1,139 nautical miles, which would take about five days straight nonstop to travel. This is assuming you have a perfect 10 knots. You can likely achieve this in less than 10 days, so it is important that you do not rush.
Is there a car ferry from Miami to Puerto Rico? ›No ferry from anywhere in Florida to Puerto Rico. The practical way to get there via the sea is by cruise ship and if you did that you'd have to get special permission from the cruise to disembark in Puerto Rico and not continue with the cruise.
Can you take a ferry from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›You can take your own boat to Puerto Rico from any state of the US. All you need to do is plan your trip, take your essentials, and set out on your journey to reach one of the ports around the island. And in no time, you'll find yourself at San Juan, Puerto Rico's largest port.
How long does it take for a car to arrive once shipped? ›Transport. The actual transportation of your vehicle takes anywhere from around 2–11 days. Add in pick-up, and most car shipments arrive within two weeks (Hawaii transport takes longer).
How long does it take for a vehicle in transit to arrive? ›If your vehicle is in transit, it means a designation for vehicles that have come off the assembly line but have not yet arrived at the dealership. Depending where the model line is produced the vehicle can arrive at the dealership within 3-30 days.
How long does it take from Florida to Puerto Rico? ›Flying time from Florida to Puerto Rico
The total flight duration from Florida to Puerto Rico is 2 hours, 50 minutes.
Flying time from Puerto Rico to Florida
The total flight duration from Puerto Rico to Florida is 2 hours, 50 minutes. This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing.