⚡ Quick Answer: How much does it cost to ship a car to Trinidad and Tobago?
A practical planning range to ship a standard vehicle from the USA to Trinidad and Tobago is about $1,700–$4,300+ before import duties, VAT, motor vehicle tax, terminal fees, storage and local delivery. Port of Spain and Point Lisas can both be relevant depending on the carrier and shipment method. Import licensing and vehicle-age rules are important: current Ministry of Trade rules differ by importer category and vehicle type, so eligibility should be confirmed before purchase or shipment.
USA → TRINIDAD & TOBAGO VEHICLE SHIPPING
All TransportDepot coordinates nationwide U.S. pickup, title processing, export filing and ocean shipping to Trinidad and Tobago. We route vehicles toward Port of Spain or Point Lisas according to carrier service, container/RoRo availability and final destination. Because Trinidad and Tobago uses import licences and vehicle-category age limits, especially for foreign-used vehicles, we recommend confirming the exact eligibility of the VIN, manufacture year and fuel type before the vehicle leaves the United States.
🚢 Vehicle Shipping Calculator
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How Car Shipping to Trinidad and Tobago Works
1. Send Vehicle Details
Provide year, make, model, VIN, condition, pickup ZIP and destination.
2. Confirm Route and Import Readiness
Review the practical terminal, vehicle-age treatment, steering orientation and import-licence requirements.
3. Receive the Quote
Confirm inland pickup, shipping method, export gateway and exclusions.
4. Arrange Pickup
Coordinate home, dealer or auction collection from anywhere in the USA.
5. Complete Documents and Booking
Prepare title, bill of sale, AES/EEI information and carrier paperwork after destination eligibility is confirmed.
6. Ocean Shipment and Release
Ship to the confirmed Trinidad terminal and complete customs, taxes, terminal release and local registration steps.
Pickup States Pricing Table
Planning estimates for a standard running sedan.
| Pickup State | Typical Export Gateway | Estimated Total Shipping Range |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | South Florida / Southeast routing | $1,150–$1,750 |
| Georgia | Southeast routing | $1,250–$1,850 |
| Texas | Gulf Coast routing | $1,350–$2,000 |
| Tennessee | Inland to Southeast gateway | $1,550–$2,200 |
| California | Cross-country positioning to practical gateway | $2,100–$2,900+ |
Planning estimates only, not guaranteed live rates. SUVs, trucks, non-running vehicles and container shipments may cost more. Trinidad and Tobago customs, taxes, terminal fees and inland delivery are normally separate unless included in writing.
Trinidad & Tobago Vehicle Age Limits & Import Licence Rules
The Ministry of Trade, Investment & Tourism regulates foreign-used vehicle imports through the Trade Licence Unit. The allowed age depends on the importer category and vehicle type, so there is no single age rule that safely applies to every shipment.
Private/Individual Import Planning
Current Trade Licence Unit guidance for individuals personally ordering and landing a used vehicle provides category-specific limits. The TLU should be consulted for the exact current age threshold based on gasoline, diesel, CNG, hybrid or electric powertrain and whether the vehicle is imported under an individual, dealer or returning-national category.
- Import licence generally required for foreign-used private vehicles.
- Age verification documents are required.
- Vehicle must be structurally sound and pass roadworthiness inspection.
- Returning nationals may qualify under a separate regime.
Important Right-Hand-Drive Rule
Foreign-used private vehicle policy is closely tied to right-hand-drive vehicle licensing. A U.S.-spec left-hand-drive vehicle should not be shipped on the assumption that it will qualify under the ordinary foreign-used private-car route.
Customs, Taxes & Landed Cost
Destination charges can include customs duty, VAT, motor vehicle tax and other fees depending on the vehicle’s engine size, fuel type, value and classification. These costs are separate from the U.S. pickup and ocean freight unless expressly included in writing.
Trinidad & Tobago Customs & Excise Division — official information ↗
Port of Spain vs Point Lisas
Port of Spain
A major gateway for containerized and general cargo serving Trinidad. The actual terminal depends on the carrier booking.
Point Lisas
Can be relevant for selected vehicle, container and industrial cargo services. Final routing is determined by carrier schedule and terminal acceptance.
RoRo vs Container Shipping
RoRo
Best suited to eligible, operable vehicles where direct service and destination acceptance are available. The car must generally start, steer and brake.
Container
Useful for high-value, non-running or damaged vehicles and for shipments where enclosed handling is preferred. Import eligibility still must be confirmed first.
Required Documents: USA vs Trinidad & Tobago
U.S. Export Side
- Original title/ownership document
- Bill of sale or invoice
- Exporter identification
- AES/EEI information when required
- Carrier booking and terminal documents
Destination Side
- Trade Licence Unit import licence where applicable
- Certificate of Cancellation of Registration / age verification where required
- Bill of Lading
- Purchase invoice
- Customs declaration and consignee identification
Auction & Dealer Vehicles
We can pick up from Copart, IAA, Manheim, dealers and private sellers. For Trinidad and Tobago, do not purchase an older or U.S.-spec vehicle solely because the price is attractive. Confirm age, steering orientation and import-licence eligibility before bidding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for used cars imported to Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes, but the limit depends on the importer category and vehicle type. The current Trade Licence Unit rules should be checked for the exact vehicle before shipment.
Do I need an import licence?
Foreign-used vehicle imports generally require Trade Licence Unit approval unless a specific exemption or different regime applies.
Can I ship a left-hand-drive U.S. car?
Do not assume a U.S.-spec left-hand-drive vehicle qualifies under the ordinary foreign-used private-car regime. Confirm steering and registration eligibility with the Trade Licence Unit first.
Which port will receive my vehicle?
Port of Spain or Point Lisas may be used depending on the carrier, shipping method and confirmed booking.
Request a Trinidad & Tobago Vehicle Quote
Send the VIN, manufacture year, pickup ZIP, fuel type, steering orientation and running condition for a route-specific quote.
Kevin Baker serves as Export Operations Manager with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693). He supports vehicle, heavy equipment, RoRo, container, and ocean freight operations, with a focus on cargo preparation, export documentation, terminal coordination, loading requirements, and shipment readiness. All TransportDepot Inc. provides international shipping and logistics services from the United States to destinations worldwide.