The cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii and from Hawaii

Knowing what to expect if you ever need to ship a car to Hawaii or from Hawaii means the process will be less stressful. Knowing how to do it in the cheapest way possible is the icing on the cake. In this article, we’re going to offer you all the advice you need, fill you in on your options and give you the lowdown on the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii?

The cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii is to drive it to a port on the West Coast and transport it by a RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ship. Alternatively, hire an auto transport company to organize the entire shipment from your home to a port in Hawaii.

What are the options?

If you’re planning to move to Hawaii permanently or even for a short period of time, book Hawaii car shipping and you’ll be able to take your vehicle with you. Having your own vehicle is far more convenient than renting a car or relying on other people to drive you around. It’s also more affordable than buying a new car when you arrive. The same applies if you’re moving from Hawaii to the mainland.

Let’s give you the options if you’re looking for the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii or the cheapest way to ship a car from Hawaii.   

Large commercial carrier

There’s really only one way to ship a car from the mainland to Hawaii or back again. The most popular option is to book a Hawaii car shipping service on a large cargo ship. Your car will be shipped along with several others.

This type of service works well as long as you’re certain the Hawaii car shipping company is reliable and trustworthy.

If price is a primary concern, booking with a large carrier is the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii.  

Roll on and roll off shipping

When you ship using a large carrier make sure the service you book is roll on and roll off shipping. To take advantage of this type of service your vehicle has to be drivable because it will be driven onto the ship and then rolled back off again at the destination port. It could also be winched onboard, but it still needs to be in a drivable condition. 

Should I ship my car in a container? 

There is one other option worth mentioning, especially if your car doesn’t drive. Maybe it’s a restoration project you want to take with you when you move, for example. Non-running vehicles require special handling and can be shipped in a container for maximum protection. 

How will you get your vehicle to the port?

In this instance, you also have a couple of options.

The first is to drive it to the port and pick it up yourself. This may seem like the cheapest way to ship a car from Hawaii or the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii, but you have to factor in several other costs. 

If you don’t live near to the port yourself, you can hire a company like SGT Auto Transport to transport your car to the port for you. Driving yourself might seem cheaper until you factor in the additional costs such as gas, hotels, return flights and the cost of your time. 

We provide a Hawaii car shipping service of this kind. We’ll pick your car up from your home on the mainland, as long as it’s safe and legally possible and make sure it’s delivered to the port. You just have to make sure you’re available to collect your car in Hawaii.

If, on the other hand, you’re shipping a car from Hawaii to the mainland, we can pick it up from the port and deliver it to your home. 

Use our instant online quote calculator to find out the cost or call (864) 546-5038 and speak with our shipping advisors to learn more about the entire process of what is the cheapest way to ship a car to Hawaii and from Hawaii with us. We also have a Live Chat option. 

Rules for shipping a car from Hawaii

Before shipping your car from Hawaii it should be thoroughly cleaned, inside and outside. Your vehicle also needs to be in good running condition if you’ve chosen a roll on and roll off Hawaii car shipping service. 

It’s also a good idea to perform standard maintenance checks before your car is shipped. Check the car battery, fluid levels, and make sure there are no leaks. 

The rules for shipping a car from Hawaii include providing certain documentation and clearances. These include:

• Valid license and current registration.
• Proof of ownership, title, or bill of sale.
• If your vehicle is leased, you need to produce authorization from the lien holder.
• Information relating to the person who is responsible for picking up the vehicle.
• Bill of lading.
• Certificate of safety inspection. 

Don’t worry if you’re not available to drive your car to the port in Hawaii. It’s possible to appoint a representative to act on your behalf. They do, however, have to be aged 18 years or over. A power of attorney will also be required, confirming the car can be shipped. 

When your car arrives on the mainland, you can either pick it up yourself or let an auto transport provider collect it for you and deliver it to your home. If you choose the first option you’ll need to provide certain documentation before the vehicle can be released into your care. This documentation includes:

• A copy of the title document and current registration, the name on which have to match the shipping order.
• A copy of the letter from the lien holder if the vehicle is leased.
• Both owners have to be present if the car is owned jointly, or the absent owner has to provide notarized consent. 
• Valid photo ID and proof of ownership.  

Rules for shipping a car to Hawaii 

The rules for shipping a car to Hawaii are much simpler. No extra paperwork is needed. However, If you’re not staying for a long period of time, you’ll need to apply for an out-of-state permit. 

If you’re planning to become a resident in Hawaii, make sure the vehicle is registered within 30 days. 

How much does it cost to ship a car from the mainland to Hawaii, or from Hawaii to the mainland?

Several factors have to be taken into account when calculating the cost of shipping a car from the mainland to Hawaii or from Hawaii. They include:

• The distance between the pick-up and delivery locations.
• Whether you’re shipping from a rural or metropolitan area.
• The type of car being transported and how old it is.
• Whether the vehicle is operable or not running.
• The time of year.
• Supply and demand for your chosen route. 

Whether you’re making plans to move to Hawaii or back to the mainland, don’t forget to arrange your auto shipping with SGT Auto Transport. Our services include open car transport and enclosed auto transport. Use our online shipping quote calculator to find out the cost or speak with our shipping advisors. Call (864) 546-5038 or use Live Chat.