How do I Prepare for Overseas Transport?
Overseas Transport
Shipping your vehicle to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Alaska? Then there’s extra steps that need to be taken to avoid issues down the line. Each of our trained representatives will go over all the details. We also send you instructional emails with even more information. But if you are just starting to plan your overseas transport, then here’s some info to start your off:
No More Than a Quarter Tank of Gas
This is to keep the weight down and for insurance purposes. Each gallon of gasoline is about 6.3 pounds. That adds up really fast if you have over 100 vehicles on a ship. If a port inspector flags your vehicle, there will be a fuel siphoning fee, usually about $65.00.
Vehicle Should be Clean
It doesn’t need to be sparkling, but the interior should be vacuumed and and a regular car wash will be fine. This will speed up the any inspections by the Department of Agriculture or similar agencies. If leaving Puerto Rico, a full detail is needed.
Nothing Can Be in the Vehicle
With overseas shipping (except Alaska), your vehicle needs to be empty of all items. Only items that are part of the vehicle should be inside. Like tools or your spare. If you have a sound system with loose box speakers, they would have to be removed. Radar detectors, your Celine Dion greatest hits CD, or air freshener, must also stay behind. Anything not permanently bolted in is out. If you have a truck with a tool box, it needs to be empty and accessible for inspections.
Door to Port or Port to Door for Overseas
Our service is normally door to door. However, with overseas shipping it’s either going to be door to port if heading from the U.S. or port to door of going to the U.S. This has with one or more reasons. For example, in PR you need to pay your excise tax to get your vehicle out of the port and they also need to verify your identity. In Hawaii, distances to the port are short so there isn’t much demand for a carrier.