Thinking about moving your car to Puerto Rico but worried about the cost? You’re not alone—shipping a vehicle overseas can feel overwhelming and expensive. Whether you’re relocating, sending a car to family, or planning an extended stay, finding the most affordable way to get your car to the island matters.
In this article, we’ll break down the cheapest shipping options, share practical steps, and offer smart tips to help you save money while making the process simple and stress-free.
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What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?
Shipping a car to Puerto Rico doesn’t have to drain your wallet. The cheapest way often hinges on careful planning, comparing transport methods, and understanding the shipping process. Here’s a clear explanation of how to keep costs to a minimum, the key choices to make, and practical tips to help your car arrive safely—and affordably—in Puerto Rico.
Affordable Car Shipping Explained
Shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico typically involves two phases:
1. Inland transport: Getting your car from your home to the U.S. port of departure (often Jacksonville, FL or Port Everglades, FL).
2. Ocean transport: Shipping from the U.S. port to Puerto Rico by sea.
The most cost-effective method is usually a combination of overland open-carrier transport (if you’re far from the port) plus Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo) ocean shipping. RoRo allows you to drive your car onto the ship’s deck (like a parking garage at sea), then drive off upon arrival. It’s less expensive than container shipping and more widely used.
How to Ship Your Car to Puerto Rico: Step-by-Step
1. Gather Essential Documents
- Vehicle title (in your name, no liens)
- Government-issued ID or driver’s license
- Bill of sale or purchase documents (if applicable)
- Insurance papers
- Emissions and safety certificates (state-dependent)
Having paperwork in order not only avoids delays but prevents extra charges at customs.
2. Get Shipping Quotes
Contact several car shipping companies. Request itemized quotes for:
– Pick-up at your location (if needed)
– Open transport to the port (cheaper than enclosed)
– RoRo shipping from port to Puerto Rico
Compare offerings and ask about port fees or hidden costs.
3. Decide on Transport Type
RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off):
– Cheapest and most popular
– Car must be in running/drivable condition
– Typically excludes personal items inside the car
Container Shipping:
– More expensive
– Secures your car in a shared or exclusive container
– Allows transport of some personal belongings
4. Prepare Your Car
- Clean and empty your vehicle—remove all personal items (most companies require this)
- Leave only 1/4 gas tank (for shipping safety)
- Conduct maintenance: fix leaks, check tires, battery, and brakes
- Document existing scratches/damage with photos
5. Coordinate Inland Transport
- If you’re local to the selected departure port, drive your car there yourself to save money.
- If you’re far, book an open-air carrier pickup for the lowest price.
6. Deliver to Port and Complete Inspection
- Arrive during scheduled hours
- Complete a vehicle condition report with port staff
- Submit all documentation
7. Ship and Track
- Your car is loaded onto the vessel, shipped to Puerto Rico, and you’re notified of its arrival
- Track the shipment online, if possible
8. Pick Up and Finalize
- Upon arrival, pay any remaining fees (such as the local excise tax, called “arancel”)
- Retrieve your car after customs and inspection
Key Benefits and Challenges of Cheap Car Shipping
Benefits
- Affordability: RoRo is the least expensive ocean transport method
- Simplicity: No hassle of packaging a container
- Widespread Availability: Multiple sailings per week from major ports
Challenges
- No Personal Belongings Allowed: You can’t ship items inside your car with RoRo
- Vehicle Must Be Operational: Non-running cars are more expensive (require special handling)
- Timing: There may be a waiting period if you miss the scheduled sailing
Ways to Save Even More on Shipping
- Consolidate Transport: If multiple cars are shipped together (for businesses or families), group discounts may apply.
- Port-to-Port Only: Handle the delivery and pickup yourself at both the mainland and Puerto Rico ports to avoid extra pick-up/drop-off fees.
- Compare Multiple Companies: Prices vary greatly—don’t settle for the first quote.
- Flexible Dates: Shipping companies sometimes offer lower fares for non-peak sailing times.
- Book Early: Early reservations can mean access to promotional rates.
Cost Expectations and What Factors Affect Pricing
Typical Cost Ranges
- Most car shipments from the U.S. mainland (e.g., Florida) to Puerto Rico cost between $1,100 and $2,500 if using RoRo plus open carrier transport.
- Luxury or oversized vehicles, or those shipped in exclusive containers, can cost more.
- Inland distance to port is a major factor in total price.
What Drives the Cost?
- Car size and weight: Larger vehicles cost more.
- Distance: Greater distance to the departure port increases total costs.
- Shipping method: Open carrier and RoRo are cheapest; container and enclosed carrier are pricier.
- Time of year: High-demand months (late spring, late fall) can be more expensive.
- Customs and taxes: Puerto Rico charges a local excise tax, sometimes several hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on your vehicle.
Expert Tips and Best Practices
- Check all fees upfront: Make sure you understand excise taxes, port fees, and any other surcharges.
- Read reviews: Choose a company with positive customer feedback for transparency and reliability.
- Understand delivery timing: Standard RoRo shipments take about 7–14 days once your car is at the port.
- Verify insurance coverage: Confirm if your car is insured during both overland and ocean transport.
- Beware of too-good-to-be-true offers: Ultra-low quotes may hide poor service or hidden fees.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Neglecting paperwork: Missing documentation can delay shipment or even prevent your car from boarding.
- Shipping a car with a lien: Puerto Rico requires proof of ownership (no loan or unpaid balance).
- Leaving items inside: Any personal belongings may be removed or even confiscated before shipping.
- Overfilling the fuel tank: Ships have strict rules for safety—keep it to a quarter tank or less.
Is Shipping Your Car Worth It?
Consider the age, value, and condition of your car. If your car is older or requires a lot of repairs, weigh the combined cost of shipping, taxes, and potential needed upgrades against selling it and buying a vehicle in Puerto Rico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
Shipping times vary, but most cars take 7–14 days in transit once at the port. Delays can occur due to scheduling, weather, or paperwork. Factor in the time needed for inland transport to the port if you’re not delivering your car yourself.
Can I pack my car with household items during shipping?
Generally, no. Most RoRo services require vehicles to be empty of personal belongings. If you need to send items, container shipping may allow some goods, but at additional cost.
What is the arancel (excise tax) when shipping a car to Puerto Rico?
The arancel is a local import tax based on your car’s age, make, model, and value. It’s assessed after your car arrives and must be paid before pickup. This fee can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the vehicle.
Does my car have to be running to use the cheapest shipping option?
Yes, for RoRo shipping (the most affordable method), your car must be operable. Non-running vehicles require extra handling and often incur significant surcharges or may not be accepted by standard RoRo lines.
Which U.S. ports are used for shipping cars to Puerto Rico?
The main ports for RoRo shipping to Puerto Rico are Jacksonville, FL, and Port Everglades, FL. Some companies may also operate from other East Coast or Gulf ports, but these two offer the most frequent, affordable sailings.
In Summary
The cheapest way to ship a car to Puerto Rico is typically a combination of open carrier transport (for inland delivery, if needed) followed by Roll-On/Roll-Off ocean shipping from a major Florida port. Choose a reputable shipping company, plan ahead, manage paperwork carefully, and only pay for the services you need. Always factor in local taxes and fees to avoid surprises. With a little research and preparation, you can move your car to Puerto Rico affordably and with peace of mind.
