AK Car Shipping, Full Alaska Auto Transport Guide [2026 Update]
Considering a move to Alaska? Whether this is your first ...
13 July 2021
While it is technically a domestic shipment, it involves a completely different set of rules, mandatory maritime logistics, and strict tax clearances from the local government.
Whether you are relocating to San Juan or buying a vehicle from the mainland, this 2026 guide breaks down the exact costs, the reality of local excise taxes, and the best Puerto Rico auto transport companies to handle the heavy lifting.
Shipping A Car To And From Puerto Rico
At A Glance
The first thing to know and consider is where the car is going from. You and by extension the shipping company also need to know if you’ll be dropping it off at a port terminal by yourself or if you’ll use additional transportation.
Shipping things to Puerto Rico from the U.S is considered a domestic service and may not need to go through customs but shipping cars to Puerto Rico will.
However, some shipping agents may need you to list Puerto Rico or the United States in the slot for the country while others will have you put Puerto Rico as a state and USA/Puerto Rico as a country.
It all depends on the shipping agent you use, but shipments from the island territory differ from domestic shipping because of the extra tax for some items and limited shipping methods.
You can complete an express shipment to Puerto Rico within three days but know that these are some discrete shipments completed by air.
If you use ocean freight in a shipping car to Puerto Rico, it should take up to eight days for your vehicle to arrive.
It usually takes approximately two weeks to ship your car to Puerto Rico from Florida and that is the closest mainland state.
Nevertheless, despite being relatively more expensive and time-consuming than most domestic shipping, shipping to Puerto Rico is straightforward if you use a good carrier.
How Does Puerto Rico Auto Transport Work?
Moving a vehicle to Puerto Rico requires coordinating land transport to a mainland port, ocean freight to San Juan, and navigating local tax laws. Here is the reality of the process:
One thing to note is that every imported car is subject to an excise tax and the number of import duties and taxes payable depends on the car’s age and type.
Keep in mind that you will also have to pay 5% of the actual cash value of your vehicle. If you’re confused about duties, you can calculate them via Hacienda, the Puerto Rican tax collector’s office.
While there is no strict regulation on the age of imported cars, registering much older cars will be more expensive.
How Much Puerto Rico Vehicle Shipping Cost
Shipping to the island of Puerto Rico is just like shipping to anywhere but there’s a catch: it is a bit more expensive.
A reason for this is because freight has to reach the island and carriers will load it onto a container ship and send them to the Port of San Juan. So companies need to first ship their goods to a port before transferring them to Puerto Rico.
If you are looking for how to ship a car to Puerto Rico, know that on average, Puerto Rico auto transport costs will stand at about $1,200 to $1,500.
This figure however varies from an auto transport company and some factors like vehicle size, type, and the distance to the port of departure like the Jacksonville Port.
Here are some Sample Rates to give you an idea of Puerto Rico’s auto transport costs:
Distance | Cost |
Denver, Colorado – Puerto Rico | $1,900 |
Miami, Florida – Puerto Rico | $1,275 |
Newark, New Jersey – Puerto Rico | $1,650 |
Queens, New York – Puerto Rico | $1,650 |
Raleigh, North Carolina – Puerto Rico | $1,600 |
Top 6 Puerto Rico Auto Transport Companies
There are several auto transport companies in the US but if you’re looking for how to ship a car to Puerto Rico, you need to consider only the qualified and best vehicle shipping companies.
So for private owners, rental agencies, collectors, or auto dealers, these are the top 6 Puerto Rico auto transport companies:
#1. Get Carrier
GetCarrier is one of the top Puerto Rico car transport shipping brokers you can consider. The Delaware-based company has been in operation for around three years.
Despite this short time in existence, the company has gathered lots of positive customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
While some car shipping brokers offer many options to get a wide range of customers, GetCarrier relies on a streamlined approach that offers a user-friendly and easy experience.
They have a website that is easy to use and visitors can get car shipping quotes online in a simple process.
#2. MoverJet Logistics
MoverJet is another five-star Puerto Rico car transport shipping company you need to have on your list of carriers to Puerto Rico.
You can book your shipment even without prepayment and you get access to top-tier support and some stress-free service.
MoverJet makes use of some unique, and high-tech software to get capable drivers at the most reasonable prices.
#3. Flat Price
With Flat Price Auto Transport, you get access to both pickup and delivery car transport services in Puerto Rico at rapid speed and with less capital outlay.
Door-to-door services will have your car picked up from your door and delivered to the address you choose.
Flat Price is a great choice whether you’re looking for how to ship a car to Puerto Rico from the U.S or from the U.S to Puerto Rico
#4. Ship Overseas
Founded in 1983, Ship Overseas has dedicated its years of existence to making sure shipping cars to Puerto Rico is a simple and pleasurable experience for thousands of customers.
Ship Overseas places focus on the safety of your car and are widely considered one of the most reliable shipping companies out there.
#5. Odyssey
Odyssey is known for being a fast but affordable choice for customers looking for an affordable car shipping service.
They employ proprietary capabilities, assets, and technologies that make sure your auto-shipments run smoothly even in unpredictable market circumstances.
Odyssey is flexible and has excellent customer service. They have a network of certified professionals that’ll handle the relevant processes from beginning to end.
#6. RoadRunner
RoadRunner provides customers looking for how to ship a car to Puerto Rico with terminal-to-terminal, and door-to-door car shipping services.
There is also the opportunity to use expedited shipping services at additional cost and cars transported on land are moved with enclosed or open carriers.
RoadRunner is insured, bonded, and licensed and they ship to some of the most remote areas that other services might avoid.
What Documents Do You Need
When Shipping to Puerto Rico?
Port authorities (like those in Jacksonville or Miami) are notoriously strict. If your paperwork is incomplete, your vehicle will not be allowed onto the RoRo vessel.
To ensure a smooth drop-off and compliance with both maritime law and Puerto Rican tax authorities, you must have the following documents ready:
Use Compare The Carrier to Save $100s on Your Transportation
To make your search for Puerto Rico auto transport quotes and companies easier, you need a tool like Compare The Carrier.
We compare more than 50+ top companies and will select four to seven of them that match your needs the most.
Our services are free and will not charge you for requesting quotes.
These are some of the main factors we compare companies for:
Most people consider their cars or trucks as one of the biggest investments they will make and have emotional connections to them.
So when they want to ship them to a location like Puerto Rico, they need to rely on the best hands in the shortest possible time.
Generally, shipping to Puerto Rico in 2026 might take a lot more time than you expected. You will have to wait for a container ship to arrive, and get processed before you can ship.
Ready To Get Your Quotes From The Best Car Shipping Partners?
FAQ
Does shipping to Puerto Rico require customs forms?
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so vehicle transport is considered domestic. You do not need international customs forms. However, you must submit an Electronic Export Information (EEI) form if the vehicle’s value exceeds $2,500, and you are required to file documentation with the local Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda) to pay mandatory excise taxes.
How long does it take to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
Shipping a car to Puerto Rico typically takes 7 to 14 days of ocean transit from major East Coast departure ports like Jacksonville, Florida. If you are shipping from inland states, you must add 3 to 7 days for the initial truck transport to reach the mainland departure port.
What documents are required to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
To ship a vehicle to Puerto Rico, you must provide the original clear title or a notarized authorization letter from your lienholder if the car is financed. You also need a valid government-issued photo ID, the carrier booking confirmation number, and a Bill of Sale to determine the vehicle’s value for local excise taxes.
Can I drive my car in Puerto Rico with US mainland license plates?
Yes, you can temporarily drive your vehicle in Puerto Rico using your mainland U.S. license plates. However, local law allows this only for a strict 3-day grace period after you have paid the mandatory Hacienda excise tax. Following this period, you must register the vehicle locally and obtain Puerto Rican plates.
Is shipping a car to Puerto Rico considered a domestic service?
Yes, shipping a car between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico is a domestic service regulated by the Jones Act. This means only U.S.-flagged vessels can transport the vehicles. While no international customs clearance is required, shipments are subject to strict local Puerto Rican tax laws and USDA agricultural inspections.
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