How Do They Ship A Car From The Mainland to Hawaii?

Figuring out the logistics of getting your car to your new Hawaiian home can be stressful. In most cases, the easiest way to do so is to entrust your vehicle to car shipping companies. These auto transport companies contact auto shipping carriers both on the road and over the sea and negotiate a price for your car transport. All you do is hand them the keys.

Of course, you can do all of that yourself, but why add unnecessary stress to your move? Plus, you’d be responsible for getting your car to the shipping yard, and you can incur all kinds of costs doing that. Unless you already live very close to the port, it’s probably a better idea to hire a car shipping company. That way, you’re also not putting more miles on your car than necessary.

Below is more helpful information on how to ship a car from the mainland to Hawaii.

Preparing Your Car for Shipping

Before you hand over the keys to the auto shipping company, you must make sure that your car’s ready for the journey. Make sure to do the following well before your car’s shipping date.

1. Remove everything from your car – Most carriers do not assume responsibility for anything inside the car, including the trunk. Some carriers allow certain items, like baby seats, but it would be wise to remove everything you might need.
2. Do the necessary car repairs – Make sure your car gets the repair it needs before it gets shipped to Hawaii. The windshield should be free of cracks, and the parking brake should be in working order. Note that if your car is in inoperable condition, you may be charged extra labor fees by the transport company.
3. Take pictures – Make sure you have a record of the car’s condition before it’s shipped. This is for your and the shipping company’s protection, and these photos also serve as a record of existing damage to your car.
4. Fuel up – Keep only a quarter tank of gas in the car. Gasoline inside the tank is a liability, and some ship carriers will not allow the vehicle with more than a quarter tank of gas. Be sure to run down the tank to at least a quarter full or less.

Depending on your location and other factors, it could take 10 to 30 days for your vehicle to be delivered to Hawaii. Be sure you don’t leave anything you might need in the vehicle and that you can function for up to a month without your car.

You also have the option to ship your car a few days to a week ahead of your moving date. That way you may be able to predict when your car will arrive. Some factors that affect travel time both by sea and land are:

• Weather
• Road conditions
• Traffic

Getting Your Car to Hawaii

Once your car’s ready to make its trip across the ocean, it’s time to get your paperwork in order. Make sure you have all the paperwork you need to hand over your car to the auto transport company. Here are some things you will need on hand for car transport:

• Title or other ownership paperwork, lien, or other permission to ship
• Confirmation number from the shipping company
• Keys
• Registration
• License
• Insurance

You may also need notarized letters of authorization from non-present individuals listed on the title. Once your paperwork is in order, all that’s left to do are to look for a reputable auto shipping company and book your car’s shipping date.

The process is easier said than done, so below are a few tips to make the process easier.

• Get several quotes – Different companies will charge for different things. Make sure you have your information handy, like your dates of travel, starting and ending points, and budget. Ask about any discounts or specials you may qualify for.
• Reserve early – Lock in your price early by reserving your shipping date as soon as possible. The earlier you book, the more options you will have for cheaper accommodations. This can save you a lot of money in the long run.
• Cost – Some of the factors that influence car shipping costs include the distance between the pick-up and drop-off points, fuel costs, open or closed transport options, and the time of year. Consider all these when planning your shipping budget.
• Choose to have your car picked up – Car transport companies can meet you at your house, a nearby parking lot, or another location of your choosing. If your car is operable, there should be no trouble loading it. You will surrender the keys to the driver and call it good.
• Choose your port – Choose where to pick up your car or where to have it delivered. Most companies offer both port-to-port and door-to-door shipping for different prices. Depending on how close you are to the port and the condition of your vehicle, you may choose to pick it up yourself or have it delivered.

Takeaway: It’s Easy to Get Your Car to Hawaii

That’s it! You’re all set to move to Hawaii. Any questions you have can be answered by the transport company through their websites. You can also check review sites that compare transport companies’ services. This way, you can set your expectations about the experience of getting your car shipped to Hawaii.