Crowley, the leading vehicle transportation company operating between Puerto Rico and the United States, is here to help you ship a vehicle easily. Our vehicle shipping experts have teamed up to provide an easy step-by-step guide on how to prepare your vehicle for shipment and keep you organized during the process.

For more detailed information, read: How to Ship a Vehicle from Puerto Rico to the U.S. Mainland.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I did not receive the ownership title of my car?

If you did not receive the ownership title of your car, you must contact the bank or lending institution and request them. If the vehicle has a conditional sale or an active loan, the bank or lending institution must provide a letter, original and notarized, authorizing the vehicle's shipment.


2. What if my vehicle has replacement parts?

If the vehicle has had any type of repair or accident that required replacement of any part, the owner must include documents for each replaced item. For example, if your car has had its bumper replaced, the owner must request DTOP to reassign the new bumper to the vehicle. This must be done prior to inspection from the Puerto Rico Police Department, Stolen Vehicles Division.


3. Can I include personal belongings inside my vehicle?

No. No personal items will be accepted inside the vehicle, including umbrellas, visor shades, CDs, boxes, suitcases, etc. All vehicles will be inspected by a Crowley professional before accepting the unit.


4. Can I pressure wash the vehicle myself?

No. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires owners to provide an original receipt from a car wash. It is recommended that you confirm with the business that you will be shipping your vehicle overseas, and that the receipt must specify that the unit's exterior, engine, chassis and wheel well area have been pressure washed.


5. How do I calculate my vehicle's cubic feet?

To calculate your car's cubic feet, multiply the unit's length, width, and height - in inches. Then divide the total by 1,728, and this will give you its dimensions in cubic feet.


6. Is it Necessary to Make a Booking?

It is not required to create a booking before shipping your vehicle with Crowley. But, given the high demand of vehicle shipping services from Puerto Rico to the U.S., we recommend doing so prior to delivering the car at the terminal. Due to the high volume of vehicles being shipped, customers are encouraged to arrive early to ensure same day processing. Customers will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To make a reservation, customers can visit Crowley's vehicle shipping page and click on the Request a Booking tab, and complete the form with contact information, and provide the vehicle's make, model, year, its current market value, as well as its weight, and measurements in cubic feet.

Make sure the port of origin is set to San Juan, PR, and the port of destination is Jacksonville, Florida or Eddystone, Pennsylvania. You'll need to click on "Get Rates" to refresh the feed.

Federal law requires vehicle shippers to provide Social Security number (SSN). If no SSN is offered, customers must provide an Employer Identification Number (EIN). The EIN number replaces the Social Security number, and it is also recommended when a person starts a new business, purchases a going business, hires or will hire employees, etc. To apply for an EIN, visit the IRS EIN Assistant.


7. Do I Need Cargo Insurance?

Although cargo insurance is not required by Law, optional car insurance is available for as low as $313 for a coverage worth of up to $25,000; and $625 for up to $50,000; both with ZERO deductible. If the customer declines this coverage, a Cargo Insurance Opt-Out Form must be signed. Crowley’s liability for cargo loss or damage will be limited to a maximum of $500 per vehicle, in accordance with Section 4-(5) of the U.S. Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1936 COGSA, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading.


Like the quote says: "It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!".


8. Does My Vehicle Needs a U.S. Customs Inspection?

No. Vehicles to be shipped to the mainland do not need a U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) inspection. Only vehicles destined to a foreign port, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, must be inspected by CBP and its Bill of Lading (BOL) document stamped and signed by the federal agency. A BoL is a legally binding contract between a freight carrier and shipper. It is issued by the carrier to acknowledge receipt of cargo for shipment.

CBP's offices are located at the International Trade Center, San Juan Foreign Trade Zone, Bldg. #2, Local #3, Road #165, Km. 2.4 Pueblo Viejo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. For additional information, customers can call (787) 774-4101. CBP's inspection days are Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 


9. How long does it take to drop off my car at the terminal?

Please be advised due to the requirements of both Federal and Local laws, the processing of paperwork will take a minimum of 45 minutes per customer, and may take longer depending on the number of customers already waiting in line. Unfortunately, we cannot expedite the delivery process. Please consider the potential wait at the terminal if scheduling a flight for the same day, as you may risk missing your flight if you do not plan for sufficient time.

**Due to the high volume of vehicles being shipped, customers are encouraged to arrive early to ensure same day processing. Customers will be handled on a first come, first serve basis or until the assigned turns run out.

10. Can I track my shipment?

Yes. To find the status of your shipment, visit Crowley's Liner Shipment Tracking page and provide the booking number or Customer ID number.

Request a Booking


Call 787-331-1421 if you have additional questions about shipping your vehicle from Puerto Rico to the U.S.