⚡ Quick Answer: How much does it cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
Shipping a car from the US mainland to Puerto Rico costs between $1,200 and $2,800 for ocean freight depending on vehicle size, mainland port origin, and shipping method (RoRo vs. Container). Ocean transit takes 5 to 14 days, with primary vessel discharge at the Port of San Juan (Puerto Nuevo Terminal). Important: Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, NO US import duties or foreign customs apply. However, the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Departamento de Hacienda) assesses a mandatory local excise tax (arbitrio) via the SURI platform before port release, calculated based on the vehicle’s taxable value.
US MAINLAND → PUERTO RICO AUTO TRANSPORT & VEHICLE LOGISTICS
All TransportDepot coordinates seamless car shipping from any US state to Puerto Rico. Whether you are shipping a personal vehicle, relocating for business, managing dealer inventory, or moving salvage purchases from Copart/IAAI auctions, we handle nationwide inland carrier dispatch, US port terminal receiving, ocean booking, and arrival port authorization.
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On This Page
- Service Overview
- RoRo vs. Container Options
- US Gateway Rates & Transit Times
- Puerto Rico Treasury (Hacienda) Excise Tax & SURI Math
- USDA Inspection & Vehicle Compliance
- Nationwide Towing & Auction Pickup
- Step-by-Step Shipping Process
- San Juan Port Terminals & Discharge Operations
- Required Transport Documentation
- Frequently Asked Questions
Professional Car Shipping to San Juan, Puerto Rico
All TransportDepot simplifies interstate and offshore car shipping by coordinating the entire US supply chain. From residential driveways, dealerships, and salvage auctions (Copart, IAAI, Manheim) to coastal terminals, we provide single-source vehicle logistics directly to Puerto Rico.
Private Owners & Relocations
Door-to-port car shipping for residential moves, military transfers (PCS), and family vehicle relocations with full port authorization assistance.
Auction & Dealer Buyers
Fast dispatch from mainland auctions, gate-pass retrieval, storage prevention, and direct transit to domestic RoRo terminals.
Commercial Fleet Transport
High-volume commercial shipping with consolidated ocean bookings, VIN status reporting, and bulk logistics options for dealerships across the island.
Vehicle Shipping Options to Puerto Rico
Compare RoRo shipping to Puerto Rico and container shipping to Puerto Rico based on vehicle condition, protection preferences, and budget.
MOST POPULAR & ECONOMICAL
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) Auto Shipping
Your vehicle is driven directly onto a specialized vehicle vessel and secured below deck for the sea voyage to San Juan.
- Best For: Fully operational personal cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, and commercial vans.
- Requirements: Vehicle must start, steer, and brake reliably. Gas tank must be under 1/4 full. Cabin must be completely empty.
- Key Benefit: Lowest ocean rates and fast terminal processing upon arrival in San Juan.
ENCLOSED & SECURE LOGISTICS
Containerized Car Shipping (FCL / LCL)
Your vehicle is loaded, blocked, and strapped inside a 20ft or 40ft ocean container for complete enclosure during maritime transport.
- Best For: High-value luxury automobiles, non-running/salvage auction cars, or multi-car commercial orders.
- Requirements: Allows approved spare automotive parts or household items inside container shipments.
- Key Benefit: Superior physical protection and flexibility for inoperable or modified vehicles.
US Departure Hub Rates & Estimated Transit Times
Ocean rates depend on physical vehicle dimensions (Sedan vs. SUV/Truck), operational status, and proximity of the mainland departure port to San Juan:
| US Departure Port | Primary Ocean Carrier Route | Est. Ocean Freight (Standard Car) | Average Ocean Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, FL | Direct Jones Act Express Line | $1,200 – $1,450 | 3 – 5 Days |
| Port Everglades, FL / Miami, FL | South Florida Ocean Express | $1,250 – $1,500 | 4 – 6 Days |
| Pennsauken, NJ / Philadelphia, PA | Mid-Atlantic Direct San Juan Service | $1,350 – $1,650 | 6 – 8 Days |
| Houston, TX / Galveston, TX | US Gulf Ocean Shuttle | $1,450 – $1,800 | 7 – 10 Days |
| Long Beach, CA / Oakland, CA | US West Coast Overland / Feeder Connection | $2,100 – $2,800 | 12 – 18 Days |
Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda) Excise Tax (Arbitrios)
Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, no foreign customs duties or tariffs apply to cars shipped from the mainland. However, the Departamento de Hacienda de Puerto Rico levies a mandatory local excise tax (arbitrio) on all imported vehicles before port discharge.
How the Excise Tax (Arbitrio) Works
The excise tax is assessed directly by Hacienda and is separate from your freight cost:
- Taxable Value Determination: Hacienda calculates tax liability using its official vehicle valuation database based on year, make, model, trim, and equipment options.
- Tax Rate Structure: Tax percentages are progressive based on the vehicle’s appraised value, generally ranging from 5% to over 20% for luxury or high-value models.
- Online SURI Portal: Importers can estimate or settle tax payments online through Hacienda’s SURI (Sistema Unificado de Rentas Internas) system using the 17-digit VIN.
Tax Exemption & Payment Rules
Key guidelines for managing Hacienda tax clearance in San Juan:
- SURI Release Verification: Harbor authorities will not release the vehicle until Hacienda updates the digital clearance status to paid or exempt.
- Military Exemption: Active-duty military members relocating under official PCS orders may qualify for tax exemptions or deferrals under specific regulations.
- 30-Day Registration Rule: Once released from the port, vehicle owners must complete local vehicle registration (*marbete*) with the DTOP (Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas).
USDA Cleaning Rules & Vehicle Transport Eligibility
To comply with territorial agricultural laws and Coast Guard safety standards, vehicles must satisfy strict physical entry requirements before departure and upon arrival:
Mandatory USDA Undercarriage Cleaning
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects vehicles entering Puerto Rico to prevent environmental invasive species transfer:
- Undercarriage Washing: The undercarriage, wheel wells, and engine bay must be pressure washed completely free of dirt, mud, and organic soil prior to port entry.
- Interior Cleanliness: Cabins and trunks must be vacuumed and free of plant material, dirt, or seeds.
Safety & Personal Belongings Rules
- Empty Vehicle Policy (RoRo): No personal items, clothing, or cargo are permitted in RoRo shipments. Only factory jack, spare tire, and floor mats are allowed.
- Fuel Level Restrictions: Gas tanks must contain no more than 1/4 tank of fuel (or 1/8 tank for certain ocean carriers) per Coast Guard hazardous materials rules.
Nationwide US Auto Transport & Auction Towing
You do not need to live near a coastal shipping terminal. We deploy door-to-port car haulers across all 50 states to collect cars from residences, dealerships, auto repair shops, and major salvage auctions.
Supported Auto Auctions
- Copart & IAAI Express Pickup: Rapid dispatch to prevent auction yard storage charges.
- Manheim & Adesa Dealer Auctions: Direct transportation with gate passes and lot releases fully handled.
- Non-Running Towing Service: Winch-equipped car carriers dispatched for inoperable vehicles.
Required Towing Details
- Exact pickup ZIP code and contact telephone number.
- Auction Lot Number and Buyer ID (if applicable).
- Vehicle operational state (Runs & Drives vs. Non-Runner).
- Original Certificate of Title availability.
How Our USA to Puerto Rico Car Shipping Process Works
1. Rate Quote & Booking Confirmation
Submit your vehicle details, pickup ZIP code, and preferred departure terminal to receive an itemized quote.
2. Vehicle Dispatch & Collection
Our licensed car haulers collect your vehicle and transport it directly to the designated US ocean departure port.
3. Port Receiving & Documentation Verification
The departure terminal verifies title documentation, completes a physical receiving inspection, and validates port authorization.
4. Ocean Vessel Loading
Your vehicle is loaded onto the ocean carrier, secured below deck or inside a container, and dispatched to San Juan.
5. Bill of Lading & Tracking Issue
We issue the official Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL) and tracking updates as the vessel sails to the Caribbean.
6. San Juan Discharge & Hacienda Tax Clearance
Upon vessel discharge in San Juan, you settle the local excise tax via the SURI platform, obtain Hacienda release, and retrieve your vehicle.
San Juan Port Terminals & Discharge Operations
Ocean car carriers from US East Coast and Gulf departure ports land at specialized maritime terminals in San Juan, Puerto Rico:
Puerto Nuevo Terminal (San Juan) — Primary Vehicle Port
Puerto Nuevo is the island’s chief deepwater vehicle terminal. Major domestic carriers discharge RoRo auto carriers and containerized vessels at Puerto Nuevo facilities, where Hacienda customs inspectors verify tax releases.
Isla Grande Terminal (San Juan)
Serving specialized barge and container operations, Isla Grande handles domestic cargo flow connecting South Florida and Mid-Atlantic ports to San Juan, providing flexible vehicle pickup options for shippers.
Required Shipping & Transport Documentation
US Origin Transport Documentation
- Original Title or Lienholder Authorization: If financed, a notarized lienholder authorization letter is required.
- Vehicle Registration: Copy of current or recently active state registration card.
- Government-Issued ID: Driver’s license or passport copy of the owner/shipper.
- EEI Filing (if value exceeds $2,500): Electronic Export Information filing for commercial tracking.
Puerto Rico Destination Documentation
- Ocean Bill of Lading (BOL): Issued by All TransportDepot upon ocean departure.
- Hacienda SURI Release Form: Proof of paid or exempt excise tax (arbitrios) from the Department of Treasury.
- Identification for Pickup: Matching government ID for the designated consignee at the San Juan terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping a Car to Puerto Rico
Do I have to pay import duties when shipping a car to Puerto Rico?
No import duties or foreign tariffs apply because Puerto Rico is a US territory. However, the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda) charges a local excise tax (arbitrio) based on the vehicle’s market value, which must be paid before the car is released at the port.
How is the Puerto Rico excise tax (arbitrio) paid?
Excise taxes are paid directly to Hacienda using their online portal, SURI (Sistema Unificado de Rentas Internas), by entering the vehicle’s 17-digit VIN, or at the Hacienda office in San Juan prior to picking up the vehicle at the port.
What is the ocean transit time to San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Ocean transit from Florida ports (Jacksonville, Port Everglades) takes 3 to 6 days. Sailings from Mid-Atlantic ports (NJ/PA) take 6 to 8 days, Gulf ports (Houston) take 7 to 10 days, and West Coast origins take 12 to 18 days.
Can I leave personal belongings inside my vehicle for RoRo shipping?
No. US Coast Guard safety rules and carrier regulations prohibit personal belongings, box cargo, or loose items inside cars shipped via RoRo. Only factory-installed equipment (spare tire, jack, floor mats) is allowed. If you need to ship personal goods, you must choose containerized shipping.
Can All TransportDepot pick up auction cars from Copart or IAAI for delivery to Puerto Rico?
Yes. We regularly tow clean-title and salvage auction cars directly from Copart, IAAI, Manheim, and Adesa facilities across all 50 states directly to the ocean departure terminal.
Request Your Car Shipping Quote to Puerto Rico
Get a competitive ocean freight rate for your car, SUV, truck, or auction purchase today. Send us your vehicle’s VIN, pickup ZIP code, make, model, and running condition.
Jessica Reynolds works with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693) serving international shipping and export needs for more than 20 years. Her role is closely connected to shipment planning, customer coordination, documentation, cargo readiness, and booking support across vehicle transport, container freight, heavy equipment, boats, RoRo, inland moves, and ocean cargo. All TransportDepot Inc. serves individuals, dealers, exporters, and commercial clients shipping from the United States to destinations worldwide.