Are you planning a move to the stunning islands of Hawaii? If your transition includes taking your precious automobile, prepare for a tropical twist on Hawaii car transport. Shipping a car to Hawaii isn’t just about logistics—it’s an adventure across the Pacific. Buckle up as you’re guided through a visually compelling timeline, delivering your ride from the mainland to the Aloha shores with confidence and clarity.
The Pre-Shipping Prologue and Preparation Phase of Hawaii Car Transport
Before the waves crash against the hull carrying your car from Hawaii, the groundwork for the relocation must be laid. Let’s look at some of the steps for shipping car to Hawaii logistics. This will allow us to cost Hawaii car transport for car shipping, based on vehicle size and senior or military discounts, if applicable.
Hawaii car shipping services, whether shipping to or shipping from Hawaii are typically all-inclusive, so it’s important to review the resources of the various car shipping companies.
Researching and Shipping Companies that Ship a Car to Hawaii or a Car From Hawaii
You’ll find several shippers that offer popular Hawaii auto transport to Honolulu and other Hawaii auto transport ports. They provide shipping from Hawaii as well.
Some of the companies that provide Hawaii transport include Montway Auto Transport, Pasha Hawaii, and Hawaiian Moving.
When choosing a top notch Hawaii auto transport company, you should place the company’s processes and customer service before Hawaii car shipping costs first.
Gather the information of reputable auto shippers to get a clear history and review on the web regarding logistics and transport of vehicles to Hawaii providers including Hawaii car shipping FAQs.
Car Shipping Quotes and Cost for Delivering a Vehicle to or a Car From Hawaii
To calculate a car shipping price to or from Hawaii, it helps to take advantage of interactive quote calculators online. These online mathematical tools allow you to insert the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as your desired shipping dates. No shipping quote is set in stone, so it helps to see what to anticipate, especially when you have to ship a car to Hawaii.
Selecting Your Shipping Option for Hawaii Car Transport
People involved in Hawaii car shipping work can offer you several options although port-to-port is the easiest method, especially when you’re shipping from Los Angeles. All you need to do is drive your vehicle to the port. It is then driven onto the cargo vessel or transported and locked securely into a trailer that is loaded onto the ship.
Some people who relocate elect door-to-door shipping and delivery. This allows you to receive your auto as near as possible to your preferred location. Typically, if you choose this shipping method, you’ll work with the shipper in selecting a container.
The container is delivered to your door. You’ll have seven days to load it for pick-up. When the container is shipped to your new address, you’re allowed the same amount of time for unloading your cargo.
Booking Your Vehicle Shipment from the Mainland to Hawaii
It’s always good to stay prepared. When booking a shipment. schedule from the mainland two weeks ahead of your desired pick-up date. Make sure you lock in your best option. Calendar pages flip quickly and shipping slots fill even faster for mainland shipments.
Pre-Inspection Before Shipment
Take high-definition pictures of your vehicle before it sets sail. You’ll need to make a check-list of activities to complete before you arrange shipping.
Getting Your Car Ready to Ship
To get your car ready for shipping, wash and detail your car so you and others can clearly see its condition. When your shipper inspects the car, they will use a checklist that becomes part of your inventory report.
When shipping port-to-port, you’ll need to check in your vehicle as well. Besides your car, you’ll need to arm yourself with the proper documents and, of course, your keys.
7 Tips to Remember When Shipping Your Car
Consider the following information when you’re shipping a car from LA to Hawaii.
- The Method of Shipping. Shippers use two main methods for shipping cars to the “Aloha State” when transporting a vehicle onboard a ship. For example, they may use Matson for car shipping. This popular method of container delivery is more costly than the second method, RORO (roll-on and roll-off). RORO is often preferred for operable cars.
- The Size of the Auto. A larger vehicle, such as a truck or SUV, costs more to move than smaller autos.
- PIckup and Delivery Choices. While door-to-port service or door-to-door delivery is more convenient, it also is more costly. That extra cost covers the door to port shipping ease, for instance, of having the shipper take care delivering the car to the dock for ocean shipment..
Port-to-port services require that the owner drop off and pick up their car from a specific port and at a certain time during the day (usually between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm).
It’s better to set a schedule for early morning transport and pick-up, as workers take lunch hours at certain times and the traffic can be immense when people are returning home from work.
- The Time of Year You’re Moving. The shipping cost is higher during the summer and early fall, when the demand is greater.
- The Vehicle’s Condition. A car that runs is less expensive to ship than one that doesn’t run at all. Shippers need special equipment for loading and unloading non-operable autos, which also adds to the cost.
- The Cost of Insurance and Extra Services. If you insure your car to cover it during relocation, you’ll pay extra. You may also have to pay more if you opt for expedited shipping services. Limited liability coverage protects the car when it is on the vessel. The insurance covers damages that occur during transport, up to the vehicle’s market value.
- Prepping the Car for Shipment. Your operable vehicle should have one-fourth tank of gas in it when you ship it. A smaller quantity of fuel will reduce the shipping weight.
- Total Transit Time. It takes about 7 to 10 days for delivery.
The Transit Phase of Your Car to Hawaii Delivery
During transit, you might take advantage of the following services:
Vessel Tracking of Your Car to Hawaii Shipment
You may be able to follow the ship’s progress through GPS mapping, witnessing in real time how the ship is proceeding over the ocean’s expanse.
Customer Service Connect
You can also follow your car’s journey through regular email communication or texts from the shipper, alerting you of your auto’s care and safety.
Island Arrival and the Pick-Up Phase for Port-to-Port Hawaii Car to Hawaii Shipments
After disembarkation, your car will go through inspection. You can take a look at the car yourself to ensure that it is damage-free. Hopefully, it will mirror the initial checklist.
Remember, the timeline that you follow is more than a set of dates. It represents a storyboard of progress for shipping your vehicle . When you choose the right shipper, vehicle shipment becomes less of a logistical task and more of a journey.
Reviewing the Timeline for Vehicle Delivery to Hawaii:
1. Choose a Shipper for Your Vehicle Transport to Hawaii (Day 1)
Review car shipping websites in LA to narrow down your shipping choices. Consider convenience and service first before you look at the price.
- Obtain Quotes for the Vehicle Transport to Hawaii (Day 2)
Make sure the quotes you receive are clearly laid out (no surprises). Ask about the specific vehicle delivery services to Hawaii and make sure you itemize the costs. Compare your options, side by side, for instance, between Montway Auto Transport and Hawaiian Moving.
- Arrange Shipment from Your Mainland Location to Hawaii (Day 3)
When you arrange shipment, you’ll need to give the shipper the make and model of your vehicle, the date for shipping, and the drop-off/pick-up locations.
- Prep the Car for Shipping – From the Mainland to Hawaii (Days 4 to 7)
Make sure all the personal items are removed from the car (they are not covered by a shipper’s insurance).
Clean the car’s exterior to make sure there is no pre-shipment damage. The gas tank should be one-quarter (1/4) of a tank full to reduce the shipping weight and comply with fire safety requirements.
- Drop Off the Car at the Port or Arrange Pick-up by for Car Shipping to Hawaii (Day 8)
Make sure you or someone authorized can provide the keys and sign the bill of lading for your vehicle delivery to Hawaii.
For port-to-port shipping, drive your vehicle to the port at the scheduled time with all the required documentation. These documents include your driver’s license and proof of ownership (registration).
6. Waiting for the Car to Arrive in Hawaii from the Mainland (Day 9 to 23)
Again, you’ll usually have to wait one to two weeks for the delivery of your vehicle from the mainland to Hawaii. This wait time also applies if you ship a car from Hawaii.
7. Arrival from the Mainland of Your Car to Hawaii (Day 24 to 26)
After your car arrives, you’ll need to inspect it for damage. Don’t sign the bill of lading until you examine the car.
What You Need to Ask
When you schedule a vehicle shipment from the mainland to one of Hawaii’s ports, you need to ask several questions before you begin.
- To what ports in Hawaii does the shipper deliver?
- What logistic services are offered by the shipper?
- Does the shipping company have a good online reputation?
- Does the shipping company provide insurance for transport damages?
- Do they offer rail, truck, and vessel transport services?
- Are their rates competitive?
- Do they specialize in Hawaii vehicle transport?
One Final Note
Before you make a decision and obtain a quote, ask the above questions. Doing so will help you find the best shipper and keep you on track if you require Hawaii transport services.
