Simple Steps to Guide You Through the Process

Puerto Ricans have been relocating to the mainland United States for over a century—for job opportunities, to be closer to family, or in response to events like hurricanes. When relocating, many people also choose to bring their vehicles with them.

Shipping a car, truck, van, or SUV may seem confusing if you haven’t done it before. But Crowley, a leader in vehicle transportation between Puerto Rico and the U.S., is here to make the process easier. Our experts have created this step-by-step guide to help you get your vehicle ready for shipment.

We’ve also prepared a handy checklist to help you organize all required export documents.

1. Choose Your Destination

The two main U.S. ports for shipping vehicles from Puerto Rico are Jacksonville, Florida, and Eddystone, Pennsylvania.

• Jacksonville is ideal for destinations like Orlando, Tampa, Miami, or nearby areas such as Savannah or Atlanta.
• Eddystone is best for vehicles heading to New York, New Jersey, and other northeastern cities.

2. Gather Your Vehicle Documents

Make sure to have the following:

• A copy of your driver’s license
• The original vehicle registration (from DTOP)
• The original vehicle title (must be free of loans or liens)
• Documentation for any replaced parts due to accidents or repairs

3. Get a Notarized Authorization Letter

Required from a licensed Puerto Rican attorney, this affidavit must include:

• Year and model of the vehicle
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• A liability release

4. Additional Documentation Scenarios

If your vehicle has a loan:
Include a notarized letter from your lender authorizing export.

If your vehicle is paid off:
Provide your title and a payoff confirmation letter (no notarization required).

If company-owned:
Include a corporate resolution or notarized letter authorizing shipment.

If someone else is handling the process:
The affidavit must include copies of both your ID and the third party’s ID.

5. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Ensure the VIN is visible and matches documentation. Check your owner’s manual for location details.

6. Purchase Internal Revenue Stamps

For each vehicle, obtain:

• $11 stamp (Code 5120)
• $2 stamp (Code 842)

Buy from any Colecturía or approved financial institution. Digital copies are not accepted.

7. Time-Sensitive Certificates (Act Fast!)

These documents expire quickly:

• ACAA Certificate of No Debt (valid for 30 days)
Verifies the vehicle has no accident-related debt. Available at ACAA offices or online.

• DTOP No-Fines Certificate (valid for 3 days)
Requires Form DTOP-DIS-224 and DTOP-DIS-234.
You’ll need $11 and $2 stamps. The issue date counts toward the 3-day window.

• Puerto Rico Police Pre-Inspection Certificate (valid for 5 days)
Required for export. Visit the appropriate precinct with your vehicle and bring all required documents.

8. Safety Requirements

Vehicles will be rejected if they:

• Have cracked windows or windshields
• Are non-functional or unsafe
• Contain mud, dirt, or personal items

9. Make Extra Copies

Keep at least 2–3 copies of all documents for your records and any requests during processing.

10. Thoroughly Clean Your Vehicle

The USDA requires a pressure wash with a dated receipt from a car wash. The cleaning must include:

• Exterior
• Engine
• Chassis
• Wheel wells

Failure to meet standards may result in a $110 fine and delays.

11. Reserve a Spot for Your Vehicle

Due to high demand, book in advance via Crowley’s vehicle shipping page. You’ll need to submit:

• Contact info
• Make, model, year, value
• Weight (lbs) and size (cubic feet)

Be sure the origin port is San Juan, PR and destination is either Jacksonville, FL or Eddystone, PA. Click “Get Rates” to confirm pricing.

You must also apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) via the IRS EIN Assistant. SSNs are no longer accepted for this process.

12. Drop Off at Isla Grande Terminal

Crowley Terminal – Car Division
Calle Lindbergh, San Juan, PR 00907
Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM & 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

• Arrive early (first-come, first-served)
• Vehicle must have ≤ 1/4 tank of fuel
• No personal items inside
• No mud or debris

13. Payment & Optional Insurance

Accepted payment:
✅ Debit/Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
✅ Money order or bank check
❌ No cash or personal checks

Optional cargo insurance:

• $313 for up to $25,000 coverage
• $625 for up to $50,000 coverage
• Higher limits available upon request
• If declined, sign an opt-out form

Without insurance, Crowley’s liability is capped at $500 per unit under U.S. COGSA (1936).

Expect a minimum 45-minute processing time, longer during peak periods.

14. Final Inspections Before Shipping

Before loading, your vehicle will undergo a final USDA and Puerto Rico Police inspection at the terminal.

15. Vehicle Pickup – Jacksonville, Florida

Location:
Crowley Terminal, 1163 Talleyrand Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32206
📅 Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Bring:

• Paid-in-full Bill of Lading
• Valid photo ID

You have 5 business days to pick up the vehicle after notification, or daily storage fees will apply.

16. Vehicle Pickup – Eddystone, Pennsylvania

Location:
PENN Terminals, 1 Saville Ave, Eddystone, PA 19022
📅 Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM

If selected for U.S. Customs inspection, pay a $118.84 handling fee (card only).

To schedule pickup, email: Vehicles@PennTerminals.com by 3:00 PM the day before. Include:

• Subject: Request for Vehicle Appointment
• Booking number (e.g. CAT123456)
• Year, Make, Model, VIN, Color
• Desired appointment date

You’ll receive a PIN and confirmation email. Arrive early on your scheduled day.

Have Questions?

• For shipping from Puerto Rico: Call 787-729-1000
• For shipping from the U.S. to Puerto Rico: 1-800-CROWLEY
• For general help: Call 787-331-1421 (Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM–3:45 PM)