The cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico requires understanding various cost factors that can influence your total shipping expense. When planning to transport your car to this Caribbean island, it’s important to have a clear picture of the pricing structure and what services are included in your quote.
What Determines Puerto Rico Car Shipping Costs
Before requesting a quote for your Puerto Rico auto transport, it’s helpful to understand the various elements that make up your final price. Several key factors influence how much you’ll pay to ship your vehicle to San Juan or other destinations on the island:
Base Rates and Starting Prices
The base rate for international shipping to Puerto Rico covers the basic transportation service from a mainland port to San Juan. These rates vary based on current fuel costs, vessel availability, and market demand. For standard passenger vehicles not exceeding 900 cubic feet, the base rates are straightforward and can be calculated using an online car shipping calculator for an instant quote. Larger vehicles or specialty equipment may require custom pricing beyond the standard rates.
Trust our certified carriers to ship cars from Puerto Rico safely and deliver your vehicle directly to your door anywhere on the mainland.
Port-to-Port vs. Door-to-Port Service Options
When shipping cars to Puerto Rico, you have two primary service options that significantly impact your total cost:
- Port-to-Port Service: The most economical option where you deliver your vehicle to the departure port (typically Jacksonville, FL or Pennsauken, NJ) and pick it up at the San Juan port. This service generally costs less than door-to-port options since you handle the transportation to and from the ports.
- Door-to-Port Service: This premium option includes pickup from your mainland location by a certified transport truck and delivery to the departure port. This option adds convenience but increases the overall cost of shipping your vehicle to Puerto Rico.
Additional Transport Fees
Beyond the base transport cost, several additional fees may apply when shipping to Puerto Rico:
- Port Processing Fees: Standard fees are applied at ports for handling and processing
- Documentation Fees: Costs associated with processing the required paperwork
- Customs Clearance: While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, vehicles still undergo customs processing
Payment options include credit card, wire transfer, or electronic funds transfer, with payment required before the shipping date.
Get your instant car shipping quote now and receive guaranteed lowest rates for your Puerto Rico vehicle transport.
Factors That Impact Your Puerto Rico Shipping Price
The final cost of shipping your vehicle depends on several variables unique to your specific circumstances. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate potential cost increases or identify savings opportunities:
Vehicle Size and Type Considerations
The dimensions and weight of your vehicle significantly impact shipping costs:
- Standard Cars: Sedans and compact cars typically fall within the standard rate category
- SUVs and Trucks: May incur a premium over standard rates due to their larger size
- Specialty Vehicles: Oversized vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or modified cars may require special handling and incur additional fees
Seasonal Price Fluctuations and Timing
Puerto Rico car shipping prices fluctuate throughout the year based on demand patterns:
- Peak Season (May-September): Prices may increase during summer when demand is highest
- Off-Peak Season (October-April): Better rates are often available during slower periods
Booking your service with car shipping companies in advance generally secures better rates than last-minute arrangements. Additionally, weekly sailing schedules influence availability and potentially pricing, with regular departures from Jacksonville on Thursdays and Philadelphia on Thursdays.
Port Location and Transit Distance
Your chosen departure port and distance from it affect your total shipping cost:
- East Coast Ports: Jacksonville, FL, offers the shortest transit times (approximately 6 days) and typically the most economical rates for shipping to San Juan
- Northeast Ports: Shipping from Pennsauken, NJ, generally costs slightly more but may be more convenient for those in the Northeast
- West Coast Origins: Vehicles coming from western states incur higher transport costs to reach the departure port if door-to-port service is selected
Transit times vary by route, with Jacksonville to San Juan taking approximately 6 days and Philadelphia to San Juan around 5 days.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Puerto Rico Transport
Proper preparation not only ensures a smooth shipping process but can also help avoid unexpected costs or delays that might affect your bottom line:
Required Documentation and Customs Procedures
While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, specific documentation is still required for vehicle shipping:
- Vehicle title or lien holder authorization
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Vehicle registration
- Booking number provided by your shipping company
- Notarized authorization letter if someone else is shipping on your behalf
Having these documents organized before shipping helps prevent delays that could result in additional storage fees.
Vehicle Inspection and Preparation Guidelines
Before shipping your car to Puerto Rico, it must meet certain requirements:
- Pre-Shipping Inspection: Document your vehicle’s condition with photos and a detailed inspection report
- Fuel Requirements: Maintain less than 1/4 tank of gas (a Coast Guard regulation, #176.905)
- Mechanical Condition: Ensure your vehicle is in running condition with functioning brakes
- Alarm Systems: Disable car alarms to prevent battery drain during transit
- Spare Keys: Provide an extra set of keys for loading/unloading operations
Non-running vehicles may require special arrangements and generally incur additional fees.
Cleaning and Personal Item Restrictions
Your vehicle must be properly prepared before shipment:
- Interior and Exterior Cleaning: All vehicles must be clean upon drop-off or pickup
- Personal Belongings: Remove all personal items from the vehicle as they are not permitted during shipping
- Permitted Items: Only jumper cables and, in some cases, automobile parts related to the vehicle are allowed to remain
- Prohibited Items: No personal belongings can be shipped inside the vehicle,e including spare tire, jack, or loose accessories
Following these guidelines helps avoid additional charges and ensures compliance with shipping regulations.
Why Choose Puerto Rico Car Transport
With over 30 years of specialized experience in Puerto Rico auto shipping, we provide reliable and affordable vehicle transportation services between the mainland and San Juan. Our team handles everything from stateside trucking to all necessary documentation, ensuring a hassle-free experience from booking to delivery. As trusted partners, we offer both port-to-port and door-to-port options, with service from any location nationwide and weekly sailings to accommodate any schedule.
For an instant shipping quote for the cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico, use our online calculator or call (904) 322-7644 to speak with a shipping coordinator today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best company to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
The best car shipping companies to transport a vehicle to Puerto Rico are those with specialized experience in maritime vehicle transport and a proven track record of successful deliveries. Look for a 5-star rated shipping provider that offers comprehensive insurance coverage, transparent pricing, regular sailing schedules, and real-time tracking capabilities.
How long does it take to ship a car to PR?
The time required to ship a car to Puerto Rico varies depending on your departure port and chosen service option. Typical transit times range from 6 days when shipping from Jacksonville, FL, to 5 days from Philadelphia, PA, with additional time needed for stateside trucking if using door-to-port service.
Can I take my car from the US to Puerto Rico?
Yes, you can absolutely take your car from the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico through professional vehicle shipping services. The process requires proper documentation including your vehicle title, valid ID or drivers license, and completion of necessary customs procedures, but is straightforward with the right shipping partner to guide you through the requirements.
