Car Shipping

the.honoluluadvertiser.com

If we ever really do decide to move to Hawaii, it might be smarter to bring our car with us then to buy a new one once on the island , especially since our cars are already paid off. Shipping a car to Hawaii is ONLY through 3 shipping carriers:

1. Matson
2. Pasha Hawaii
3. Horizon Lines

From the research I've done so far, cost depends on:

1. Where shipping from - rough estimates for pricing:  about $1000 from west coast, about $2300 from east coast (quoted from NJ terminal in Edison), and $4500 outside the US
2. Size of car - you will pay more if car is over 21ft8in long, 8ft wide, or 7ft high (truck/suv)
3. KBBworth - market value  >  shipping costs
4. note - replacing a car on Hawaii is generally expensive and used cars suffer damage from salt water, intense sunlight, and humidity.  It's actually suggested to pre-wax car prior to shipping to prevent rust from salt water and salt air

Here is the general procedure to follow:

1. Make reservation at drop-off port
2. Remove ALL items from car!!  Exceptions are spare tire/jack, and maybe child car seat.  Must also remove after market roof racks and stereo speakers
3. Disconnect car alarm so battery doesn't die
4. At port, bring these documents: Reservation, drivers licence, car registration, title for proof of ownership (or a lien letter from lender), copy of all keys, contact info of owner picking up vehicle
5. Make reservation at pick-up port
6. Pick up car with drivers licence and paperwork for proof of car arrival
7. Save shipping receipt called "Bill of Landing" which is needed fro registering car in Hawaii
8. Take car to PMVI (Periodic Motor Vehicle Inspection) at gas stations and auto repair shops for state-required inspection (note - need Hawaiian insurance first!!)
9. Register car in the new county you will reside in within 30days from picking car up from port