Shipping A Car To Or From Hawaii

Hawaii Auto Transport

Shipping a car to another state comes with a standard set of issues but shipping a car to or from Hawaii presents its own set of complications. You need to hire a shipper that specializes in oceanic transport. Caravan Auto Transport helps you find reliable, licensed carriers who focus on moving cars to and from Hawaii – carriers who are experienced and can ensure the safe transport of your vehicle. With Caravan Auto Transport, just one click provides you with free quotes from a host of licensed, insured car transporters in just minutes!

How to Ship a Car To or From Hawaii

Preparing to ship a car to or from Hawaii takes a bit more planning than typical state-to-state transporting. You’ll need to take several steps that will make the entire process run smoothly and ensure that your car arrives safely and quickly.

Gather Necessary Paperwork

Before you even start to shop around for transporters, you’ll want to make sure you have all the required documentation to ship your car from port to port. These include:

• Vehicle title or lien holder authorization letter. If you’re shipping your car from Hawaii to the mainland and you still owe money on your vehicle, you’ll need a letter from the car’s financier. When you drop off your vehicle for shipping at the port in Hawaii, you’ll give this letter to port authorities.
• Current vehicle registration.
• Picture ID that matches the name on the title and registration.

Shop for Quotes

Many factors go into the cost of shipping a car from the mainland to Hawaii. These include the vehicle’s size, the departure port, and whether you ship to Honolulu, Hilo, or another Hawaiian port. And just as with shipping on the mainland, you’ll want to decide whether you want to ship in an open carrier or enclosed. Enclosed carriers provide added protection from inclement weather and sea air, and as usual, cost more. Another option is to ship via a Ro-Ro Vessel (roll-on, roll-off) which is like a giant, open air parking garage. Your car will be exposed to elements but shipping costs are much less. All of these considerations will affect the cost, so be sure to get a variety of quotes from Caravan Auto Transport so you can make an informed decision.

Check Licensing and Insurance Info

Once you’ve decided which method of transport you prefer and have received quotes from shipping companies, you’ll want to check each company’s licensing and insurance information. Shipping across the ocean intrinsically has risks and potential complications that differ from transporting across land. You’ll want to make sure that the company you select has the proper licenses for oceanic transport, and adequate coverage for any eventualities. Ask for a copy of their insurance coverage.

Read Reviews

As with shipping anywhere, you’ll want to make sure to read reviews of the company you’re planning to work with. Are they reputable? Have they been in business a long time? You’ll want to ensure that any auto transport company you choose not only has the experience necessary for shipping a car to or from Hawaii, but has stellar reviews to boot.

Schedule Your Shipment

Once you’ve decided on a company to work with, you’ll need to schedule your shipment. A good rule of thumb is it takes roughly 1.5 weeks from the time at which you drop off your vehicle at one of the west coast port locations to arrive in Honolulu. If you’re shipping to one of the other Hawaiian ports, like Kawaihae or Kahului, add an additional week. And for those moving from the east coast, you’ll need to add an additional 10-14 days for your vehicle to reach the west coast. So, work backward to determine when your car will have to leave in order for you to receive it when you need it in Hawaii.

Prepare Your Car for Shipping

There are some very strict rules about properly preparing your car for transit from the mainland to Hawaii.

• Empty your tank to ¼ full. Any more fuel than that is a safety hazard. You’ll want to leave just enough to get the car on and off the transport vehicle.
• Make sure there are no personal items left in your car, or on its exterior, like antennas, roof racks, special mirrors, etc. Every item adds weight and its safety can’t be guaranteed. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can save on other shipping costs by putting belongings in the car. It’s against the rules and your car might not make it onto the ship if you’ve decided not to comply.
• Clean your car and conduct a thorough, documented inspection before the car leaves – take photos and date them! You’ll want to have proof of condition should there be any damage along the way.
• Check all fluids, battery charge, and tire pressure beforehand. You’ll want your car to be in perfect driving condition when it arrives.
• Disable your car’s alarm if you don’t have a remote.

Release to Shipping Company

Once all the legwork has been done, it’s time to release your car to the shipping company. Since you have chosen a quality transporter with the help of Caravan Auto Transport, you’ll have peace of mind of knowing that your shipment will be handled from end to end and you don’t have to worry about coordinating all the ground and sea transport.

Track Car Shipment

Most shippers have the technology to allow you to follow your car’s progress as it makes its journey across the sea. If not, you can usually call the shipping company to track your car’s progress.

Car Goes Through Inspections and Customs

Once your vehicle arrives in Hawaii or on the mainland, it will have to clear both inspection and customs. Then, you’ll be required to pick up your vehicle from the port.

Arrange for Pick-up

Your auto transporter will let you know when your car will arrive and will provide pick-up details at the port. If you can’t pick up your vehicle from the port, you’ll have to designate and arrange for someone else to get your vehicle for you, unless you’ve arranged to have it delivered directly to your home. Make sure you have the appropriate paperwork for whomever will pick up your car.

Inspect for Damage and File a Claim if Necessary

And finally, once your baby is back in your hands, you’ll want to undertake a complete inspection of the vehicle, inside and out, to ensure there’s no damage. Should something have happened in transit, and you find vehicle damage, you’ll need to file a claim with the shipper immediately to ensure prompt restitution.

The Best Auto Transport Companies of 2024

Cost of Shipping a Car to Hawaii

The cost to ship a car to or from Hawaii will vary depending on where the car is coming from. If you’re shipping from Los Angeles, California, the cost averages around $1,000 – $1500. Small cars are cheaper than larger vehicles such as minivans and SUVs. If the vehicle measures seven feet or higher, an oversize rate can add about $250 to the overall cost.

An additional expense will be getting your car to a port where you can ship from, such as Long Beach/Los Angeles, Oakland, or Seattle. If you’re shipping from east of the Rockies, it’s usually cheapest to put your car in the container that’s transporting the rest of your belongings to Hawaii. If you’re west of the Rockies, you can drive your car to the port or hire a transporter to do so.

If you’re shipping from west of the Rockies and don’t want to drive your car to the port, you can arrange carrier shipping to the port as part of a complete package. A regular carrier will arrive curbside at your home to take your vehicle for you. Auto transporters who specialize in complete packages typically offer three types of transport: 1) Door-to-door shipping where your car leaves your home and is delivered to your new home. 2) Station-to-station where you drive to a drop off station and pick up at a station in Hawaii. or 3) Door-to-dock where they pick up at your home and then you pick up at the dock in Hawaii. Shipping from the Midwest or East Coast to western ports adds an additional $1500 to $2000.

* * *

Finding the best auto hauler to ship your car to or from Hawaii can seem overwhelming. Trust Caravan Auto Transport to find top-notch experienced Hawaii car shippers and take the stress out of your search. Click ‘Get Quote’ now!