how much to send a car to puerto rico

[VanMadison]

Shipping a car to Puerto Rico typically costs between $1,000 and $3,500. The final price depends heavily on your vehicle's size, the departure port on the U.S. mainland, and your chosen shipping method. The most common and cost-effective option is Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO), where your car is driven onto a specialized vessel. For higher-value or classic cars, an enclosed container provides better protection at a higher cost.

The primary cost factors include:

• Vehicle Size: Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs cost more to ship than standard sedans due to the space they occupy.
• Departure Location: Shipping from the U.S. East Coast, especially ports in Florida (Jacksonville, Port Everglades) and Georgia (Brunswick), is significantly cheaper than shipping from the West Coast or the Gulf Coast. The distance to Puerto Rico's main port in San Juan is the main reason.
• Shipping Method: RO-RO is the standard. Container shipping can be shared (less expensive) or exclusive (more expensive and secure).
• Time of Year: Demand and rates can fluctuate seasonally.

Beyond the base freight quote, budget for additional mandatory fees. These often include:

• Origin & Destination Port Fees: Handling charges at both ports.
• Insurance: Crucial for protecting your vehicle against potential damage during transit.
• Customs Clearance: Required for entry into Puerto Rico, though it's generally simpler than international shipping as it's a U.S. territory.

Cost Factor	Low-End Estimate	High-End Estimate	Notes
Sedan (RO-RO, Florida Port)	$1,100	$1,700	Most common and affordable route.
SUV (RO-RO, Florida Port)	$1,400	$2,200	Larger vehicle, higher base cost.
Enclosed Container (Exclusive)	$2,800	$4,500+	For luxury, classic, or non-running vehicles.
West Coast Departure (e.g., CA)	$2,800	$3,800	Significant cost increase due to distance.
Marine Insurance	$150	$400	Varies with vehicle value; highly recommended.
Port Service Fees	$200	$450	Combined estimate for origin and destination.

The best approach is to get quotes from 3-4 reputable auto shipping companies that specialize in Puerto Rico routes. Provide them with your exact vehicle model and zip code for an accurate comparison.

[CooperRose]

Just went through this last month. From Miami, it cost me $1,250 for my Honda Civic. The company handled all the paperwork, which was a relief. The hardest part was being without my car for about two weeks. Definitely get a few quotes—prices can vary by a couple hundred dollars for the same service. Clean your car inside and out before you drop it off and take pictures of everything for your records.

[DelLuna]

Think of it as a major logistics operation. The cost isn't just a single number; it's a sum of parts. You have the ocean freight leg, which is the biggest chunk. Then you have port fees at both ends, customs brokerage (even though it's a U.S. territory), and insurance. The type of vessel matters too: an open carrier is standard, but an enclosed one is like first-class for your car, protecting it from salt spray. Always ask for an all-inclusive quote to avoid surprises.

[LaEvan]

If you're on a tight budget, focus on the basics. Shipping a smaller car from the closest port, like in Florida, will save you the most. The RO-RO method is the way to go for affordability. Skip the extra bells and whistles if you can. Just make sure you understand what's included in the price. Some cheap-looking quotes might hide fees that pop up later. A reliable, mid-range price is better than a risky lowball offer.