Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Shipping Your Car to Puerto Rico
Shipping a car to Puerto Rico is a big step — whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or just planning an extended stay on the island. While the process can seem overwhelming at first, working with experienced experts like Transport Masters USA ensures your journey is smooth and stress-free.
But errors that occur during shipping can result in surprise delays, additional expenses, and hassles. Transport Masters USA has expertise in transporting cars to Puerto Rico and saves customers from common errors on a daily basis.
On our blog here today, we’re going to break down the best 5 no-nos regarding shipping a car to Puerto Rico, particularly when shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico from Miami, the island’s busiest port-of-call for shipping vehicles off of the continent.
1. Selecting the Incorrect Shipping Carrier
Not all car transport companies are equal — particularly when shipping to Puerto Rico. One of the most frequent errors people make is selecting a company that does not specialize in overseas or island shipping.
Why it matters:
Shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico is not like moving it on the mainland. It entails U.S. customs clearance, port schedules, maritime regulations, and documentation requirements. An inexperienced carrier may overlook key steps, resulting in expensive delays.
How to avoid it:
Always hire a shipping company with experience shipping cars from Miami and other ports to Puerto Rico. Transport Masters USA provides full logistics services, from port reservation to customs documentation, making it easy and safe for you.
2. Underestimating the Car Shipping Cost to Puerto Rico
Another frequent error is overestimating or not understanding the car shipping price to Puerto Rico. Some consumers anticipate mainland shipping charges and are then caught off guard by maritime shipping charges, port fees, and documentation fees.
Why it matters:
Unless you budget for the entire expense, you may incur unexpected charges or even port delays if necessary fees are not paid promptly.
How to avoid it:
When getting a quote, ask for a detailed breakdown. Good businesses, such as Transport Masters USA, will expound on prices, including:
- Door-to-port shipping (if applicable)
- Ocean freight fees
- Import taxes and charges in Puerto Rico
- Special services such as insurance
By knowing the complete picture, you can comfortably budget for your relocation without shocking expenses.
3. Not Preparing Your Vehicle Appropriately for Shipping
Many people assume that shipping a car is as simple as dropping it off at the port — but failing to prepare your vehicle properly is a major error that can delay your shipment.
Why it matters:
Port authorities and shipping companies have strict rules about the condition and contents of vehicles being shipped. Failure to comply can lead to denial of shipment or extra fees.
How to avoid it:
Prior to shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico from Miami, be sure to:
- Empty the vehicle of all personal items.
- Thoroughly clean the car to allow for an open inspection report to be filled out.
- Have fluid levels checked and battery state.
- Stop with only a quarter tank of fuel (not more).
- Take pictures documenting the car as it is presently.
Transport Masters USA includes in every customer a preparation checklist so your vehicle can be ready to go for its safe transit.
4. Forgetfulness of Critical Documents
Paperwork mistakes rank among the most common reasons for delays in transporting cars in Puerto Rico. It is unfortunate that forgetting or losing documents can halt the shipping of your car or prevent it from being released after arrival.
Why it matters:
Shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico counts as international transportation, although it is a U.S. territory. That entitles you to special documents needed to meet requirements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Puerto Rican authorities.
How to avoid it:
- Before you ship, be sure you possess:
- Original car title (free of liens, unless adequately documented)
- Government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- Bill of Lading (issued by the shipping firm)
- Shipping contract
- Proof of insurance (depending on your carrier’s requirements)
Our staff at Transport Masters USA will guide you through every paper required, so you’ll never be stuck at customs or the port.
5. Not Insuring Your Vehicle Adequately
Most people think that their regular car insurance extends to international shipping — but more often than not, it does not. Forgetting extra coverage can leave you vulnerable in case of damage in transit.
Why it matters
Though reliable companies do their best to make your car safe, accidents do occur, particularly on ocean travel.
How to prevent it:
Prior to shipping a car from Miami to Puerto Rico, make sure to verify what is included in the basic carrier policy. You may also want to invest in additional maritime insurance for added peace of mind.
Transport Masters USA provides full insurance coverage for Puerto Rico shipments, providing you with full protection during transit.
Why Use Transport Masters USA for Puerto Rico Car Shipping?
At Transport Masters USA, we simplify Puerto Rico car shipping, make it affordable, and hassle-free. With years of experience, we ship cars to Puerto Rico from Miami and other major ports. Our professional team does all the logistics, paperwork, and customs clearing, so you can sit back and know that your car is in safe hands.
We also provide:
- Clear, flat-rate pricing with a detailed analysis of the shipping cost of a car to Puerto Rico.
- Attentive individualized customer care from your initial quote through ultimate delivery.
- Varied alternatives such as door-through-port delivery and insurance protection.
Final Thoughts
Shipping your vehicle to Puerto Rico can be a simple and satisfying experience — if you steer clear of these most common errors. By using a reputable firm such as Transport Masters USA, getting your vehicle ready correctly, knowing the real prices, and having all the documents in place, you will have a smooth and hassle-free shipping experience.
In need of assistance with your Puerto Rico car transport?
Call Transport Masters USA today for a free estimate and professional advice on transporting your car to Puerto Rico from Miami or anywhere in the U.S.!