Car Shipping FAQ: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Shipping A car to and from Hawaii may seem like a difficult task. Lucky for you you are in the right auto transport company. We are the #1 shipping company when it comes to auto shipping between Hawaii & the mainland U.S. 

Our team of experts will walk you through the entire process. We have over 15 years of experience in shipping cars. Let us explain to you step by step exactly how we could make this seem effortless. We have shipped thousands of vehicles to Hawaii and back with an overwhelmingly positive response from our satisfied customers. Call today and find out exactly how easy it is to ship vehicles to and from Hawaii.

The short answer is yes! You will be able to track your vehicle while in ocean transit. We do offer our clients an online car shipment tracking tool provides transparency and offers peace of mind so you know where your vehicle is in real-time, port to port as it ships between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland. For land transport, you will need to contact dispatch or the diver directly for updates.

We are glad you asked! When it comes to shipping overseas to & from Hawaii, we are sorry to inform you that Federal & Maritime laws do not allow personal items to be placed anywhere inside the car.

The cars will go under a close inspection to ensure the car is free of all personal items. You are allowed only to have the spare tire, the jack & one first aid kit and that is all. Any personal items in the car will delay your shipment and make it very difficult to recover later. So beware and make sure your car is completely empty and free of all contents.

Transit time when shipping to and from Hawaii depends on many factors. It is important you speak to one of our Hawaii vehicle transport specialists to ensure you get quoted the correct transit times. If you are in the mainland it will depend on when your car becomes ready for pick up and how long it will take to get to the nearest port. Again please call and speak to one of our experienced Hawaii car transport customer services to get an estimated ship and arrival date.

Car Shipping  service to Hawaii is unique because frequent our ships sail.

The most sailings To and From the U.S. Mainland

• Car Shipping Hawaii offers seven arrivals from the West Coast to Hawaii every 14 days, more than any other shipper.
• Our schedule includes twice weekly service from Northern California.
• From Southern California, Matson offers twice-weekly service, with direct sailings from Long Beach to Honolulu every Saturday and Wednesday.
• In addition, Car SShipping Hawaii provides weekly Saturday departures from the Pacific Northwest.

Shipping your car from anywhere in the world is anything but cheap. Since cars are one of the most important moveable properties a person can possess, it needs great care and protection for relocation. 

However, if you’re still looking for the cheapest way to ship a car, you need to get booked for an open transport. Open transport - also known as open carrier - costs way less than enclosed carrier. You can literally save hundreds of dollars by opting for open transport. 

If you are looking for cheap car transport options, getting a quote from car shipping Hawaii can be of great help. 

Shipping a car by train or truck are two entirely different methods of affordable car transportation methods. The answer is a resounding YES! 

Generally, transporting a motor vehicle via truck is an affordable option as compared to  shipping it by rail. There are a few reasons and we’ve mentioned the below.

Shipment of a non-running car isn’t any different than transporting a fully functional and running vehicle. As a matter of fact, non-running cars are easier to ship on the open plan that is made for regular running vehicles.

Since the method of transporting a non-running vehicle is the same, the amount of money a reliable, credible, and trustworthy shipping company such as 'Car shipping Hawaii’ will charge as per their average quotes. The average rate for car transportation from one location to another is $1000 to $1500.

If you are looking for answers on what is the cheapest way to ship a car to another state, then you have landed on the right section of this blog.

When it comes to affordable car shipment methods, there are several factors in play. As such, shipment destination, shipment type, model of the vehicle, and everything in-between. Meanwhile, once these factors are decided and determined ― car shipment and relocation process gets convenient and seamless.

Now it clearly means if you want to get your car shipped from one location to another, take consideration of all the above-mentioned factors.

Ans: There is lot to consider when it comes to choosing a car to drive around in Hawaii, I will pick out only two:

Ford Explorer:

Ford Explorer comes first on the list because of its features, with 400 HP and a top speed of 143 mph it makes it one of the perfect cars for you to drive in Hawaii, while “exploring”.

Ford Mustang:

If you are a car lover you must have heard about the Ford’s Mustang, which makes it the classy sporty car. Mustang BULLITT can be the perfect if you want to go fast and furious.

Ans: Hawaii’s climate can affect the life expectancy of your car in a bad way. The salt in air can ruin your car’s beautiful look. 

In summer times your engine puts in more work than it needs to and you might face engine heat up. Though you can reduce these factors by putting up extra care for your car. 

The weather can rust your car’s body, but you can always prevent it by washing it with clean water and waxing it on a daily basis.

Ans: There are multiple factors why cars are more expensive in Hawaii than other places. First one is that the gas price in Hawaii is higher than other places and shipping to Hawaii costs extra gas. Then comes the registration fee which is slightly higher than other states.

Ans: In Hawaii cars and SUV’s are cheaper but if you will go for trucks, they are a bit expensive. If you want a truck, the best you can do is purchase from California and ship it over.

The best place to visit in Hawaii is its beaches. Not only are these beaches genuinely magnificent, but they are also enjoyable as well because of the perfect tropical weather on the islands. You can snorkel, dive, or go surfing any time you want. 

On top of that, there are plenty of Hawaii beaches for you to choose from. Each one is beautiful in its own right, and your visits will surely be a memorable experience. 

There are two main things that you should avoid when visiting Hawaii. First is that you should not turn your back to the ocean, and second, avoid chain restaurants. 

You should avoid the first thing because the waves in Hawaii beach can be quite strong and unpredictable. If you turn your back, you might slip and fall, resulting in a nasty accident. 

Meanwhile, if you are visiting Hawaii, you might enjoy the local cuisine, which is something you cannot do if you continue eating at Mcdonald's. 

The best place to visit in Hawaii for the first time is Oahu. There are plenty of things to see and do on this island. 

It has tons of beautiful Hawaii beaches such as Lanikai Beach, Waikiki Beach, Waimea Bay, and Pokai Beach. There are also plenty of scenic trails on Oahu, such as the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse trail and the Diamond Head Summit Trail. 

On top of that, this place is more affordable compared to the other Hawaii islands. There are plenty of good spots with delicious food too. 

Kauai is the best island to visit if you want a laid-back Hawaiin atmosphere. It has pristine beaches, brilliant sunsets, and aquamarine skies. Although it does not have as many luxury resorts as Oahu, its beauty is in its simplicity and serenity. 

If you want to see the more urban side of Hawaii, then the best island to go to is Oahu. Not only are there plenty of beautiful beaches and historical sites, but it also has a magnificent skyline of high-rises and luxury resorts. 

Yes, shipping a financed car to Hawaii is possible as long as you have an authorization letter from the financier.

You may be tempted to ship a car with stuff in it. We strongly suggest that you do not do this. We suggest that you empty your car before you give it to us for shipping. We also suggest that you remove any valuable electronics like custom sound systems and DVD players before shipping the car. 

You will have to register your vehicle within a month of moving to Hawaii. You would need to show your vehicle shipping receipt. You will also have to buy car insurance in Hawaii.

Within a month of moving to Hawaii, you can either register your vehicle in Hawaii or get an out-of-state driving permit that is valid for a year. You will also need to buy auto insurance in Hawaii. 

The islands of Hawaii are surrounded by the great Pacific Ocean, making it more challenging to ship household goods from the mainland. However, you still have a few shipping options to move your belongings-- through shipping or mailing services.

The most common mode of moving items to Hawaii is by transporting them via ship. It’s the best solution, especially if you aren’t in a hurry. It’s also more cost-efficient when you are moving the entire household. 

Mailing your household goods is also a reasonable option when you want to receive your possessions immediately. Delivery time spans three to six days, depending on your location. You can also easily insure and track the parcel.

Get the best deals possible to minimize moving to Hawaii cost. Nonetheless, even with a tight budget, it’s always best to leave a wiggle room, in case you have to pay extra charges for your upcoming move. 

As mentioned earlier, the cheapest way to ship to Hawaii is to avoid over-packing. Besides, living in this part of the world gives you the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors, so decluttering before relocating to this island state may help you get rid of unnecessary hoards.

You can also save money by entrusting your items to a freight forwarder. But, if you are following a strict schedule, consider working with a shipping company since they are more time-efficient than the former.

The cost of shipping a car to Hawaii, as well as other items, can be pricey, but it’s a necessary expense that you cannot avoid. What you can do, however, is to optimize the cost of shipping container to Hawaii. Every dollar counts so you don’t necessarily have to pay for premium boxes to pack your belongings. You can simply visit a local grocery store and ask if they have spare boxes that you can use. 

Furthermore, sharing a shipping container with a trusted friend can help minimize costs. You need to be careful, however, when doing so to avoid any problem.

Matson container shipping rates vary, depending on many factors. Another way to drive the shipping cost down is to split cost by sharing a shipping container when the carrier charges for its size. It’s one of the best tricks to get your belongings in Hawaii, without spending too much money. 

If you happen to know somebody who is also moving to Hawaii about the same time, you may directly ask them to split the cost, especially if you are not bringing too much stuff. 

Some homeowners, on the other hand, opt to post ads on different websites, such as Craigslist. Of course, it always pays to be careful when it comes to this kind of endeavor to avoid problems. 

When you have finally found a person willing to split the container cost, it’s time to pack your belongings. Be hands-on and don’t let the other party pack everything for you. Indeed, you always want to make sure that your things won’t get damaged during the moving process.

If you are planning to move all your possessions from your three-bedroom home, you probably have to shell out at least $5,000 to $10,000. This average cost is based on the weight and dimensions of your shipment. 

To save money, do not bring large and bulky items that may take up a lot of space on the barge

You’re also probably wondering how long does it take to ship a car to Hawaii. The answer varies, depending on the place of origin. As a rule of thumb, however, it will usually take at least five to seven days shipping vehicle to Hawaii, from the mainland’s west coast.

One of the most important questions to ask is, how much does it cost to ship a car to Hawaii? 

The cost of shipping a car to Hawaii ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. The price, however, may fluctuate, based on the size of the vehicle, origin, destination, and shipping mode. 

Note that most shipping companies may require you to empty your car, although some would allow child car seats and jumper cables in the car. Just follow the guidelines and restrictions to avoid further delays.

The picture-perfect island state of Hawaii is known for its lovely weather. Nonetheless, it’s best to relocate to this region between January and May (spring) and September and November (fall) for there are fewer tourists. Thus, it’s easier to discover cheaper flights, accommodations, and car rentals during this season. 

Similar to other states, there are things that you cannot legally ship to Hawaii, such as invasive species of plants and animals, as well as other hazardous materials.

Due to the untouched beauty of Hawaii, the state government pays close attention to the proper implementation of laws, especially when it comes to matters concerning its flora and fauna. Hawaii has a wide range of endemic animals and plants that can be affected by the proliferation of foreign species.

When deciding to move to Hawaii, you can choose between moving by yourself alongside your things or hiring a reputable moving company.

As you move, it's highly recommended to move with the little you can. If you undertake planning by yourself, you can choose between using a shipping carrier, shipping cube, freight forwarder. Here is a reputable shipping company you can use.

Living in Hawaii is fun, but the living cost is high because most things are imported. The housing costs and energy costs are up the roof.

There are strict restrictions on having pets due to the high conservation measures to protect species on the planet. There is no free shipping, so you need to get ready to pay for shipping. Moving around is easy because of the available public transport.

It would be best if you knew that the cost of living in Hawaii is high and the living expenses in Hawaii. In Hawaii, you will be surrounded by wildlife and nature. Like other cities, expect the traffic to be brutal.

The sunsets in Hawaii are mind-blowing, and surfing will be more complicated than you expect. When living in Hawaii, expect the dress code to be casual.

A sad fact is that you may have a run-in with cockroaches even if your house is sparkling clean, and moving with pets can be challenging.

You will need to have enough money to move to Hawaii. There will be moving and settling expenses to cover as you settle in your new Hawaiian home.

If possible, have a job lined up to help you meet the high living costs. You also need to find a moving or shipping company for your belonging. Ensure your passport and travel documents are up to date.