Shipping Car from Hawaii to Mainland is Way too Easy. Learn How!

Harish Makam

27 Oct 2022 1 year ago


One of the most popular ways to get from one destination to another is by car. But what if you want to go somewhere on the Mainland, but your vehicle is in Hawaii? You can ship your car there and then take a plane or bus to your final destination. The average cost of shipping a car from Hawaii to the Mainland is $1,200 (lowest). This includes the cost of fuel, paperwork, driver’s salary, and other expenses related to shipping services. The car shipping process can sometimes be costly, time-consuming, and complicated. However, you can do it successfully with careful planning and consideration of tips. This blog post will explore the time, cost, and tips for shipping a car from Hawaii to the Mainland.

Reasons to ship your car from Hawaii to the Mainland

Here are a few reasons why you may need to ship your vehicle:

  • You may be moving to the Mainland permanently and want to take your car with you.
  • You may be working on the Mainland for an extended period and want to have your transportation while you’re there.
  • Take a road trip across the country; Hawaii is a great starting point.
  • You may live in Hawaii but frequently travel to the Mainland for business or pleasure and want to have your car with you when you’re there.
  • You may live on the Mainland but have a second home in Hawaii and want to be able to take your car back and forth with you.
Open car shipping

Tips for hiring an auto transport company to ship your car to Hawaii

You may be planning to move to Hawaii or be interested in sending your vehicle there. Either way, you’ll need to find a reliable and reputable auto transport company to help you with this process. Here are a few tips you should consider before finalizing anything:

  • Do your research. It’s essential to take the time to read online reviews and compare different companies. This will help you narrow your options and find a company you can trust.
  • Get quotes. Once you’ve identified a few potential companies, get quotes from each. This will help you compare prices and services.
  • Ask questions. When speaking with a company representative, ask any questions you may have. This will help you better understand their services and what to expect.
  • Read online reviews: One way to get a feel for a company is to read online reviews from past customers. This can give you a good idea of what to expect regarding service and pricing.
  • Ask about their shipping process: Learn about the car shipping process to Hawaii. You need to ensure they have a suitable method for safer car delivery.
  • Make your decision. Once you’ve gathered all of the information you need, you’ll be ready to choose the right auto transport company for your needs. Shipping your car to Hawaii should be a smooth and stress-free process; by following these tips, you can ensure that it is.

Look at the size of the fleet. A prominent shipping company may be able to handle more cars than a small company, but they still need to be better. It’s essential to look at their fleet size and make sure they can transport your vehicle without any problems.

Steps to ship your vehicle from Hawaii to the Mainland (With examples)

Shipping a car has always been more challenging than it’s now. The reason is that you need to follow a few quick and easy steps:

  1. Choose your shipping method: Driving to a port on the island’s western coast to use a roll-on/roll-off shipping service is the most cost-effective option for transporting a vehicle. After that, take your car to your destination port and drive it back home.
  2. Find a reputable shipper: The best way to find a reputable shipper is to ask friends or family who have recently shipped a car from Hawaii. You can also check online reviews. Once you have found a few potential shippers, get quotes from each.
  3. Get your vehicle ready for shipping: Before you ship it, you will need to do a few things to get it ready. Remove all personal items from the car. This includes anything in the trunk, glove compartment, or under the seats. Also, disable any alarm systems that are installed in the vehicle. Make sure there is at least a half gas tank in the car.
  4. Schedule your shipping: Once you have found a shipper and prepared your vehicle, you will need to schedule a date for shipping. Allow enough time for your car to arrive at its destination before critical events, such as a road trip or vacation.
  5. Drop off your vehicle: On the day of shipping, you will need to drop off your car at the shipper’s terminal if you still need to opt for door-to-door service. Be sure to arrive on time and have all the necessary paperwork.
  6. Track your vehicle: After your car has been shipped, you can track it online or by phone. This is a great way to stay up-to-date on its whereabouts and estimated arrival time.
  7. Prepare for your vehicle’s arrival: Once you know when your car will arrive, you can start preparing for its arrival. This may include making arrangements for transportation from the terminal and finding a place to store it if necessary.
  8. Stay in touch with your shipper: If there are any changes or delays with your shipment, stay in touch with your shipper to make the necessary changes.
  9. Be patient: Although it may be tempting to fetch your vehicle as soon as it arrives, you should wait until all the paperwork has been processed and everything is in order. Once everything is taken care of, you can then go pick up your vehicle and start enjoying your new ride!
  10. Done: Enjoy your ride!
Enclosed car shipping

Benefits of shipping a car from Hawaii to the Mainland through an auto transport company

When shipping a car from Hawaii to the Mainland, many benefits exist. Not only is transportation cheaper and faster than sending a car by air, but shipping a car through an auto transport company also provides peace of mind. With experienced drivers and careful handling, your vehicle will arrive safely and in good condition. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to move your car, look no further than an auto transport company. Here are a few more reasons to do so.

  • You’ll save money on airfare: If you’re planning to fly your car to the Mainland, you’ll have to pay for airfare for both you and your vehicle. Shipping your car with an auto transport company is much more cost-effective.
  • You’ll have peace of mind: When you ship your car, the auto transport company will fully insure it against any damages that may occur during transit. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered financially even if something happens to your vehicle.
  • Your car will arrive safely and on time:  One of the biggest concerns people have when shipping their vehicles is whether or not it will arrive safely and on time. Fortunately, most auto transport companies have an excellent track record for delivering vehicles safely and on schedule. Thanks to the careful handling your car will receive throughout the transport process.
  •  Reliable and experienced professionals: You’ll have access to reliable and experienced transportation professionals who know their way around both islands and the Mainland. Plus, you’ll get your car delivered to your doorstep without dealing with the stress of parking, loading, and unloading it yourself.
  • More choices: When shipping a car from Hawaii, you have more options for where you want to transport it. Many auto transport companies offer transportation to different parts of the United States, making it easier to find a location close to where you live or work.
  • All under one roof: Auto transport companies typically provide several services, such as pick-up and delivery, insurance, and 24/7 customer service. By using an auto transport company, you can be sure that the professional auto transport service provider will take care of your needs during the shipping process.

Steps to prepare your car for shipping from Hawaii to the Mainland

The key to a successful car shipping experience is preparation. Here are some simple steps to help ensure your vehicle arrives in good condition:

  • Ensure all fluids and lights are working correctly by checking the oil, air pressure, and tire inflation levels.
  • Clear all debris from the vehicle, including the engine bay and undercarriage.
  • Unplug all electrical items, including the AC unit and headlamps.
  • Remove loose objects within the vehicle, including seats, floor mats, and center console storage bins.
  • Protect any delicate or expensive items inside the car by wrapping them in packing materials or placing them in protective boxes.
  • Before shipping the car, make copies of important documents, such as driver’s license and proof of insurance.
  • Verify that all of your paperwork is in order. Your car will need proper documentation to be able to leave the island.
  • Please take photographs of your vehicle’s exterior and interior parts so you have a record of what it looked like when it was in perfect condition.

Required Documentation

The most important document you will need is a title certificate. This document proves that the vehicle is owned by the person shipping it and is not being sent for illegal purposes. You also need proof of insurance card and registration certificate if the vehicle has a Title. Other documents you may require include proof of ownership (such as a driver’s license or state ID), proof of motor vehicle liability insurance, and proof of inspection (if you have your vehicle registered in Hawaii).  It is important to note that only some of these documents are required for some shipments. You should contact your state Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what documents you need for your particular situation. Don’t worry; your shipper can take care of it as well.

Documentation

The best way to move your vehicle from Hawaii to Mainland USA

The best option for both price and convenience is to use a RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) ship. Ro-Ro is short for “roll on, roll off” and is a type of shipping that allows vehicles to be driven on and off the ship. This is the most convenient way to ship a car since you don’t have to worry about loading it onto a trailer or containers. The ships are designed specifically for carrying vehicles to load and unload quickly. So your car will reach its destination promptly without any delays. The ships are equipped with special ramps and other safety features to ensure that your vehicle stays securely in place during the voyage. This type of shipping generally costs less than other methods, such as airfreight or container shipping. This makes it an ideal option to save money on transportation costs.

Frequently asked questions 

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about auto transport services, along with their answers.

 What does the auto transport price include? 

The price for auto transport will typically include both the cost of the vehicle and any additional fees that may apply. These fees can include fuel surcharges, weight surcharges, and customs charges. The cost of auto transport also consists of any required registration or licensing paperwork.

Can I cancel or change my transport order once it’s placed? 

Yes, you can cancel or change your auto transport order if you place it before the transport date. Beyond that, you may need help to cancel or change your booking.

How do I know when the company will pick my car up? 

The first step is to contact the shipping company and make arrangements for pick-up. You will need to give them your vehicle’s Identification Number (VIN) and the make, model, and year of your car.   Next, you will need to contact the shipping company again and let them know when you would like them to come and collect your car. Giving them enough time to prepare for the pick-up properly is vital. Make sure to provide them with enough information so that they can find your vehicle in their database. Finally, please wait until you receive a call from the shipping company telling you they have picked up your car.

What are your rates for long-distance transport? 

Rates for long-distance transport can vary depending on what service you choose. You can either opt for a flat rate or a mileage-based system. Flat rates are usually cheaper, but they may be less efficient because they depend on the car’s speed. Mileage-based systems are more accurate, but they may cost more.

How can I pay for the services?

Some standard methods include using a credit card, debit card, or checking account. You may also be able to pay with cash if you’re paying in person. Other payment options are also available, such as using a wire transfer or PayPal. It’s essential to find out what’s available and use the best choice for your situation.

What kind of insurance does an auto transport company offer? 

Most auto transport companies offer some insurance, although the coverage varies. It’s essential to read the fine print of any insurance policy before you sign up for it so that you know precisely what is and isn’t covered.


Harish Makam