What military discount do you offer?

We offer a $50 military discount for active duty service members, veterans, and military families. This discount applies to all open and enclosed transport services nationwide. Simply provide your military ID or DD Form 214 when booking to receive your discount.

How far in advance should I book for a PCS move?

We recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance for optimal pricing and availability. However, we understand military orders can change quickly, so we also offer last-minute booking for emergency PCS orders, flexible rescheduling if your orders change, priority scheduling for active duty military, and rush transport options.

Can you ship to military bases overseas?

Yes! We offer international POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) shipping to overseas military bases including Europe (Germany, Italy, UK, Spain), Asia (Japan, South Korea, Okinawa), Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain), and Pacific (Hawaii, Guam, Alaska). We handle all customs documentation, port logistics, and coordinate with military transportation offices.

Is my vehicle insured during military transport?

Yes! All our carriers are fully licensed and insured with comprehensive cargo insurance coverage. Open transport includes standard carrier insurance up to $100,000, while enclosed transport provides premium coverage up to $500,000. Protection covers damage during loading, transport, and unloading with full documentation.

How long does military vehicle shipping take?

Domestic shipping timeframes vary: 0-500 miles takes 1-3 days, 500-1,500 miles takes 3-7 days, 1,500-2,500 miles takes 5-10 days, cross-country takes 7-14 days, Alaska takes 7-14 days, Hawaii takes 10-21 days, and overseas bases take 30-60 days for international shipping.

Do I need to pay customs or import duties to ship to Puerto Rico?

No! Puerto Rico is a US territory, so shipping there is considered domestic transport. There are no customs fees, import duties, or EPA compliance requirements.

Can I ship a car FROM Puerto Rico to the mainland?

Absolutely! Shipping from Puerto Rico to the US mainland works the same way. Same ports, similar pricing, same timeframes. Puerto Rico vehicle titles are fully valid for mainland registration.

What's the best port to ship from to Puerto Rico?

Jacksonville, Florida is the best departure port — most frequent sailings, lowest prices, and shortest transit time. Miami/Port Everglades is also excellent.

Do I need to register my car in Puerto Rico after it arrives?

If you're becoming a PR resident, yes. You have 30 days to register at DTOP (Puerto Rico DMV). You'll need your bill of lading, mainland title, proof of PR residency, and must purchase Puerto Rico auto insurance (marbete).

Can I ship personal belongings in my car to Puerto Rico?

RoRo shipping: No personal items allowed in the vehicle. Container shipping: You may be able to include personal belongings (check with carrier), but they typically aren't covered by shipping insurance.

Is it cheaper to ship my car or buy one in Puerto Rico?

Generally, shipping is more economical. Cars in Puerto Rico often cost 10-20% more than mainland prices because dealers must ship their inventory. A $1,400 shipping cost is usually less than the PR price premium.

Puerto Rico Auto Transport

How to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico:
Complete Guide 2026

Everything you need to know about shipping a car to Puerto Rico and back — costs, timeframes, no customs hassles (it's a US territory!), port locations, and expert tips for seamless Puerto Rico auto transport.

Updated: January 25, 2026

18 min read

By Top Auto Logistics Team

Get Puerto Rico Shipping Quote Call 1-888-267-3199

Key Takeaways: Shipping a Car to Puerto Rico

Cost: $1,200 - $2,000+ from East Coast
Timeframe: 5-10 days from Florida/East Coast
No Customs: US territory = no import duties!
Main Port: San Juan (most frequent sailings)

1 Puerto Rico Car Shipping Overview

Shipping a car to Puerto Rico is a popular choice for mainland residents relocating to the island, military personnel stationed at bases like Fort Buchanan, retirees seeking Caribbean living, and Puerto Ricans returning home with vehicles purchased on the mainland. Unlike international auto transport, shipping to Puerto Rico is domestic shipping since Puerto Rico is a US territory.

Whether you're moving to San Juan, Ponce, Mayagüez, or anywhere on the island, understanding the Puerto Rico car shipping process will help you save money, avoid delays, and ensure your vehicle arrives safely. This comprehensive guide covers everything from costs and timeframes to the major advantage of no customs duties.

40,000+

Cars Shipped to PR Annually

1,000

Miles from Jacksonville

5-10

Days Transit Time

$0

Customs Duties (US Territory)

2 The US Territory Advantage

Puerto Rico is a US Territory — No Customs!

Unlike shipping to foreign countries, shipping a car to Puerto Rico requires NO customs clearance, NO import duties, and NO EPA compliance issues. Your vehicle is treated as domestic cargo, making the process simpler and more affordable than international shipping.

No Import Duties

Save thousands compared to shipping to foreign countries. No tariffs or import taxes on vehicles shipped to Puerto Rico.

No Customs Paperwork

Skip the complex customs forms, broker fees, and clearance delays typical of international shipping.

Any US Vehicle Accepted

No EPA compliance or DOT regulations to worry about. All US-spec vehicles are accepted without modification.

Easy Registration

Register your vehicle at DTOP (PR DMV) with your US title. Valid US driver's license accepted for 6 months.

3 How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?

The cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500+ depending on your origin location, vehicle size, and shipping method. East Coast ports offer the best rates due to shorter ocean transit distances.

Puerto Rico Car Shipping Cost Estimates (2026)

Origin Location	Destination	Sedan/Car	SUV/Truck
Jacksonville, FL	San Juan, PR	$1,200 - $1,500	$1,400 - $1,800
Miami, FL	San Juan, PR	$1,250 - $1,550	$1,450 - $1,850
New York/New Jersey	San Juan, PR	$1,400 - $1,700	$1,600 - $2,000
Texas (Houston)	San Juan, PR	$1,600 - $1,900	$1,800 - $2,200
California (West Coast)	San Juan, PR	$1,900 - $2,300	$2,200 - $2,700
Any Origin	Ponce / Mayagüez	+$150 - $300	+$150 - $300

Prices are estimates and may vary based on vehicle size, season, and fuel costs. Get an exact quote for your specific vehicle.

Factors That Affect Puerto Rico Car Shipping Costs

Origin Location

Florida (Jacksonville, Miami) offers the lowest rates. East Coast is cheaper than West Coast due to shorter ocean distance.

Vehicle Size & Weight

Compact cars cost less than SUVs, trucks, or oversized vehicles. Weight affects shipping fees on cargo vessels.

Seasonal Demand

Holiday season (November-January) and summer months see higher demand. Book early for better rates during peak times.

Shipping Method

RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) is most affordable. Container shipping costs more but offers maximum protection.

4 How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico car shipping timeframes are among the fastest for ocean transport. Ships depart regularly from East Coast ports, with transit times ranging from 5-14 days depending on your origin.

Estimated Transit Times to Puerto Rico

Jacksonville, FL → PR

5-7 days

Miami, FL → PR

5-8 days

New York/NJ → PR

7-10 days

Texas → PR

10-14 days

California → PR

14-21 days

Times include land transport to port (if applicable) and ocean transit. Ships typically depart 2-3 times per week from major ports.

5 Puerto Rico Ports & Shipping Routes

Understanding the Puerto Rico shipping ports and mainland departure locations helps you choose the most efficient and cost-effective route for your vehicle.

Puerto Rico Destination Ports

San Juan

Main Port (Most Popular)

Most frequent sailings
Lowest shipping rates
Best for metro area

Ponce

Southern Puerto Rico

South coast access
Less frequent service
Good for Ponce area

Mayagüez

Western Puerto Rico

West coast delivery
Limited sailings
Closest to DR ferries

US Mainland Departure Ports for Puerto Rico

Jacksonville, FL

Most popular departure. Weekly sailings. Best rates to Puerto Rico.

Recommended

Miami/Port Everglades, FL

Frequent service. Great for South Florida customers.

New York/New Jersey

Direct sailings from Port Newark. Popular for Northeast residents.

Houston, TX

Gulf Coast option. Longer transit time but available route.

6 Puerto Rico Car Shipping Methods

When shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico, you have two primary options: Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) and container shipping. Each offers different benefits depending on your needs.

Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)

Container Shipping

Premium Protection

Your vehicle is loaded into a shipping container for maximum protection. Ideal for luxury, classic, or non-running vehicles.

Enclosed, weather-protected

Can ship personal belongings

Non-running vehicles accepted

Best for high-value vehicles

Typical Cost (FL to PR)

$2,200 - $4,000+

7 Required Documents for Puerto Rico Car Shipping

Since Puerto Rico is a US territory, documentation is simpler than international shipping. However, you still need proper paperwork for shipping your car to Puerto Rico.

Required for Shipping

Vehicle Title

Original or copy showing ownership. Lien holders may need to provide authorization letter.
Vehicle Registration

Current valid registration matching the title information.
Government-Issued Photo ID

Driver's license or passport matching title/registration name.
Proof of Insurance

Current auto insurance documentation. Marine insurance provided by shipper.

For PR Registration (After Arrival)

Bill of Lading

Shipping receipt proving vehicle arrived legally. Keep this document!
DTOP Inspection

Vehicle safety inspection at DTOP (Puerto Rico DMV) within 30 days.
Puerto Rico ID or Address Proof

Utility bill, lease, or other proof of PR residency for registration.
Marbete (PR Insurance)

Purchase Puerto Rico auto insurance before registration.

Pro Tip: Keep Your Mainland Registration

If you're only staying in Puerto Rico temporarily, you can keep your mainland registration and driver's license for up to 6 months. After that, you'll need to register the vehicle at DTOP and obtain a Puerto Rico license.

8 How to Prepare Your Car for Puerto Rico Shipping

Proper preparation ensures smooth Puerto Rico auto transport and helps avoid delays or issues at pickup.

Wash Your Vehicle

Clean vehicle allows thorough inspection. Document existing scratches, dents, or damage with photos before shipping.

Reduce Fuel to 1/4 Tank

Safety requirement for ocean transport. Leave enough fuel to drive on/off the vessel but no more than quarter tank.

Remove Personal Items

RoRo shipping prohibits personal belongings. Container shipping may allow limited items but verify with carrier.

Disable Car Alarm

Turn off alarm system and leave spare key instructions if needed for port personnel to move vehicle.

Check Battery & Tires

Battery must be charged for loading/unloading. Tires properly inflated. No fluid leaks allowed.

Document Everything

Take timestamped photos and video from all angles. Note mileage. This protects you if damage claims needed.

9 Shipping a Car FROM Puerto Rico to the Mainland

Moving back to the mainland? Shipping a car from Puerto Rico to the US is just as straightforward as shipping TO the island. The same US territory benefits apply — no customs, no duties.

Shipping FROM Puerto Rico: Key Points

Similar Pricing

Costs are comparable to shipping TO PR. Florida ports offer best rates.

Same Timeframes

5-10 days to East Coast, 14-21 days to West Coast.

PR Title Accepted

Puerto Rico vehicle titles are valid for mainland registration.

Door-to-Door Available

We can pick up from PR addresses and deliver anywhere in the US.

Popular Routes from Puerto Rico

PR → Florida

Most popular. Many Puerto Ricans relocate to Orlando, Miami, Tampa.

$1,200 - $1,600

PR → New York

Large Puerto Rican community. Direct sailings to Port Newark.

$1,400 - $1,800

PR → Texas

Growing destination. Houston port service available.

$1,600 - $2,000

10 Expert Tips for Puerto Rico Car Shipping

Ship from Florida for Best Rates

If you're relocating from the Midwest or West Coast, consider driving to Florida first. Jacksonville offers the most frequent sailings and lowest rates. You could save $400-$800 compared to shipping from California.

Book 2-3 Weeks in Advance

Sailings to Puerto Rico fill up fast, especially during holiday season (November-January) and summer months. Booking early ensures your preferred dates and often better pricing.

Consider Buying in PR vs. Shipping

Cars in Puerto Rico often cost more due to shipping costs dealers pay. However, if you only need a vehicle temporarily, buying a used car locally and selling before you leave might be more economical than round-trip shipping.

Verify Insurance Coverage

We provide marine cargo insurance, but check if your personal auto policy covers ocean transport. For high-value or classic vehicles, consider supplemental coverage during shipping.

Military PCS? Ask About Discounts

Active duty military personnel relocating to Fort Buchanan or other PR bases may qualify for military discounts and priority scheduling. Some shipping costs may be reimbursable under PCS orders.

Get Your Marbete ASAP

Once your car arrives, prioritize getting Puerto Rico insurance (marbete) and DTOP registration. Driving without valid PR documentation after 30 days can result in fines. DTOP offices can be busy — plan ahead!

11 Frequently Asked Questions: Puerto Rico Car Shipping

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How to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico: Complete Guide 2026