Moving to Puerto Rico? Here’s How to Bring Your Car
If you're planning to move to Puerto Rico, one big question you might have is whether to take your car with you or buy a new one after you arrive. Since public transportation is limited outside major cities, most people find it easier to have their own vehicle on the island. But should you ship your car or just get a new one in Puerto Rico?
In this blog, we’ll look at the best way to ship your car to Puerto Rico, how much it might cost, and whether it makes sense to ship your current car or buy another one once you’re there. By car shipping Miami services can make your journey more memorable and more unique.
Should You Ship Your Car or Buy One in Puerto Rico?
Before you start looking at car shipping companies, it's worth thinking about whether it makes more sense to sell your car and buy a new or used one in Puerto Rico. Some people prefer this option, especially if their current car is old or not in great condition.
However, buying a car in Puerto Rico is usually more expensive than in the mainland United States. This is because the island has high import taxes and excise duties on cars. These extra charges apply to both new and used vehicles, which means you may end up paying thousands of dollars more for the same car you could get for less in the U.S.
If you sell your car on the mainland, you can use that money to help with the purchase of a new one on the island. But remember that the price difference can still be significant. So in many cases, shipping your car could actually save you money.
Can You Rely on Public Transport in Puerto Rico?
Some people moving to Puerto Rico consider using public transportation instead of owning a car. This can work if you live in a city like San Juan, Bayamón, or Ponce. These areas have bus systems that can take you around the city and to some nearby areas.
But if you plan to live outside the city or want to explore the island, public transportation might not be enough. Buses don’t cover every area, and schedules can be unreliable. Taxis and rental cars are available, but using them regularly is costly and inconvenient. Unless you plan to stay close to home and not travel much, having your own car is usually the better choice.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?
Shipping your car from the mainland United States to Puerto Rico usually costs between $1,500 and $5,000. On average, most people pay around $3,000 for the process. The final price depends on many different factors, including where you’re starting from, what kind of car you have, and the type of shipping service you choose.
If you’re moving from a city close to the east coast, like Miami or Jacksonville, the cost will be lower than if you're starting from a state like California or Washington. This is because the distance to the shipping port is shorter and easier to manage.
What Affects the Cost of Shipping a Car?
Several things can increase or reduce how much you pay to ship your vehicle. One of the biggest factors is the distance your car has to travel before it even gets to the ship. If you live far from a port, a truck will have to pick up your car and drive it to the nearest shipping location. This extra step adds to the cost.
Your choice of ports also matters. Most car shipments to Puerto Rico leave from Jacksonville, Florida, or Eddystone, Pennsylvania. In Puerto Rico, the main port is San Juan, but cars can also arrive in Ponce or Mayagüez depending on the company you use.
Another major factor is the type and size of your vehicle. Larger vehicles like SUVs cost more to ship than smaller compact cars. Luxury or performance cars may also cost extra due to the need for added insurance and special handling.
Types of Car Shipping Services
You also need to decide how much of the process you want the shipping company to handle. The most complete option is door-to-door service. In this case, the company picks up your car at your current home and delivers it straight to your new home in Puerto Rico. This is very convenient, but also the most expensive choice.
A slightly cheaper option is door-to-port. This means the company collects your car at your home but only takes it as far as the port in Puerto Rico. You would then need to go to the port to pick it up.
The most affordable method is port-to-port. You drive your car to the U.S. port yourself and then pick it up from the port in Puerto Rico. This requires more effort on your part, and possibly an overnight trip if the port is far away. But it saves money and gives you more control over the process.
How Your Car Travels by Sea
Once your car reaches the port, it will be shipped to Puerto Rico by one of two main methods: roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping.
With roll-on, roll-off, your car is driven onto a large ship, parked inside, and then driven off when it reaches Puerto Rico. This method is less expensive and works well for most vehicles. However, because your car is stored alongside many others, there’s a small risk of scratches or minor damage during loading and unloading.
The other option is container shipping. In this method, your car is placed inside a shipping container. You can share a container with other vehicles to save money, or pay extra for a container that only holds your car. This is more secure and offers the best protection, especially if you’re shipping a valuable or rare car.
Other Things to Consider
Before your car is shipped, make sure it’s clean and free of personal items. Most shipping companies will not allow you to leave belongings inside the vehicle. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of your car before it’s shipped. This way, if there’s any damage during the process, you’ll have proof and can file a claim.
You’ll also need to provide documents like your car’s title, proof of ownership, and a valid ID. Once your car arrives in Puerto Rico, you’ll have to register it locally and pay a one-time import tax based on the car’s value and fuel efficiency. This is separate from the shipping cost, so make sure to budget for it.
Conclusion:
Moving to Puerto Rico is exciting, but it also comes with a lot of planning, especially when it comes to auto transportation. Whether you choose to ship your current car or buy a new one once you arrive depends on your situation and budget, but I think shipping your car will be the best option. There are many Miami car shipping company, providing car shipping services nationwide.
Shipping your car can be costly upfront, but when you compare it to the high price of buying a vehicle on the island, it may turn out to be the better deal. Take your time, compare options, and choose the solution that works best for your needs. Once your car is there, you'll be ready to explore everything Puerto Rico has to offer at your own pace.
