Car shipping to Hawaii differs slightly from continental US car transport services; therefore it is vital that you find a reputable auto transport provider with expertise in international transport.
Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) transport is one of the more cost-effective methods available to Hawaii car shippers; however, this approach might not be appropriate for vehicles in poor condition as its wheels could potentially come into contact with moving cargo containers and cause serious damage.
Port-to-port shipping
If you’re moving to Hawaii, shipping your car could save money in gas and airfare costs, but this option requires patience as the process can take several days.
Car transportation companies transport your car directly from its origin point on the mainland to a container terminal or port where it will be loaded into an approved container by professionals for safe delivery.
Book these services early to save both time and money. Calling directly or submitting a quick form online are both ways you can arrange auto transport service – however, ideally, two weeks should give enough time for comparison quotes and choosing an experienced company.
Make sure your car is working properly by hiring a professional inspector before sending it off; Additionally, if financed vehicles are involved please notify the lienholder prior to transport.
Door to port shipping
Transporting your vehicle to Hawaii doesn’t have to be daunting. While this journey will require patience and planning, getting quotes from multiple companies before making a selection will reduce hassle and expenses significantly.
Also consider washing your vehicle prior to arriving at the shipyard for loading, as this will reduce shipping fees as well as provide carriers with an opportunity to assess any preexisting damage that might have arisen during shipment. When car shipping to Hawaii, there are two main methods you can select from – door-to-port or terminal-to-terminal shipping. It is important to understand the differences between the two.
With the former, a transporter will come directly from your residence and load your vehicle onto a vessel; afterwards, it will arrive in Hawaii at your preferred port for you to collect it when complete. With terminal to terminal on the other hand, your vehicle must first be dropped off at one terminal on the mainland before collecting it later when it reaches Hawaii port.
The cost of these services depends on a number of variables, including season and shipping method. The more weight there is on your vehicle, the higher the price will be; additionally, distance plays an integral part in overall costs; long-distance shipments tend to have lower per-mile rates but are generally more costly overall than short hauls.
Terminal-to-terminal shipping
Terminal-to-terminal shipping involves having a carrier collect your vehicle at a specific location (typically a port or terminal) where you will be expected to present them with your photo ID, vehicle title and registration documents, and a lienholder approval letter notarized letter (if your auto is financed or leased). You can click the link: https://www.bankrate.com/what-is-a-lienholder/ to learn more.
This option is more cost-effective than door-to-door shipping but lacks flexibility. At pickup, a carrier will inspect your vehicle for preexisting damage before loading it onto a transport container.
When selecting an auto shipper to transport your car or motorcycle to Hawaii, be sure to select one with an excellent reputation for customer service and, if possible, avoid placing orders during peak seasons, which typically have higher costs.
Direct shipments
Shipping a vehicle to Hawaii involves several important considerations. First and foremost is making sure your vehicle has valid inspection stickers and license plates; otherwise you could incur fines.
Next step should be selecting a company specializing in this kind of transport. Get quotes from multiple providers before settling on one for the best rate for shipping your vehicle. Likewise, prior to vehicle pick-up day it is a good idea to take pictures of its condition to document any existing damage and avoid liability issues during transport.
On pickup day, an auto shipper will load your vehicle onto a multi-carrier for transport to its port of departure on the West Coast – typically Tacoma, Oakland or Long Beach depending on where your pick-up location is.
Once arriving at the port of choice, your vehicle will be loaded onto a vessel bound for Hawaii where it will unloaded at its port of destination (usually Honolulu but possibly Hilo or Kahului as well) before finally making its final stop in Hawaii where you can either collect it directly from port or hire local transport company that delivers it directly. You can click the link: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/weather-traffic/ for updates on local road conditions.
Once in Hawaii, when your car arrives there are various transport companies or drivers that can deliver it directly to your door!
