Ship Container to Puerto Rico: Fast, Reliable Freight Shipping (2024)

Ship Container to Puerto Rico

For over 20 years, Ameritrans Freight International has specialized in logistics and freight forwarding services to Puerto Rico. Our expertise has helped countless importers and exporters strengthen their customer connections. Discover how to efficiently ship container to Puerto Rico, with insights into costs, duration, and best practices for ocean freight.

Service overview

Our comprehensive freight shipping services to and from Puerto Rico leverage our vast network of carriers and deep understanding of the local business culture. We offer a variety of ocean freight options tailored to meet your specific needs.

Take advantage of our ocean forwarding services to ship container to Puerto Rico, or any other cargo. With experience in handling shipments from the US, Canada, China, Europe, and more, we are your reliable partner for all your freight needs.

Planning to ship container to Puerto Rico?

Ameritrans Freight International provides cost effective services to ship container to Puerto rico from USA, including door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port.

We offer a wide range of services including:

Full Container Load (FCL) shipping
Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping
Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vehicle transportation
Breakbulk and oversized cargo handling
Door-to-door, door-to-port, and port-to-port options
Customs clearance assistance

Major ports and shipping duration

Major Shipping Ports in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico boasts several key ports that serve as gateways for international trade. The two most significant are:

Port of San Juan: One of the largest container terminals in the Caribbean, handling the majority of Puerto Rico’s maritime traffic.
Port of the Americas (Ponce): A newer facility expected to become a major transshipment hub in the region.

Other notable ports include:

Port of Mayagüez
Port of Guayanilla
Port of Fajardo

Typical Shipping Durations to Puerto Rico

The duration to ship container to Puerto Rico varies depending on the origin port. Here’s a quick overview:

Origin	Destination	Average Transit Time
Miami, FL	San Juan	3-4 days
Jacksonville, FL	San Juan	6-7 days
New York/New Jersey	San Juan	3-7 days
Los Angeles, CA	San Juan	20-25 days
Barcelona, Spain	San Juan	18-21 days
Shanghai, China	San Juan	30-50 days

Note: These are estimated transit times for ocean freight. Actual durations may vary based on factors such as weather conditions, port congestion, and customs clearance processes.

Planning Your Shipment

When shipping to Puerto Rico, it’s crucial to factor in these transit times for your supply chain planning. For businesses maintaining inventory in Puerto Rico:

Allow for an 8-10 day buffer when restocking from U.S. mainland ports.
Plan for longer lead times when importing from international locations.
Consider air freight options for time-sensitive shipments, though at a higher cost.

By understanding port options and typical shipping durations, you can better manage your logistics and ensure timely delivery of your goods to Puerto Rico.

Shipping Routes to Puerto Rico

Understanding the various shipping routes to ship container to Puerto Rico can help you plan your shipments more effectively. Here’s an overview of the most common routes, including both longer-distance and quicker options:

Major Shipping Routes to Puerto Rico

Origin	Destination	Average Transit Time
Barcelona, Spain	San Juan	21 days
Bilbao, Spain	San Juan	21 days
Zaragoza, Spain	San Juan	21 days
Madrid, Spain	San Juan	20 days
Valencia, Spain	San Juan	20 days
Algeciras, Spain	San Juan	23 days
Miami, FL, USA	San Juan	3-4 days
Jacksonville, FL, USA	San Juan	4-5 days
Philadelphia, PA, USA	San Juan	5-6 days

Quickest Routes

Madrid to San Juan: Averaging 20 days, this is typically the fastest route from Europe.
Valencia to San Juan: Also averaging 20 days, this is another quick option from Spain.
Miami to San Juan: For shipments from the U.S. mainland, this route is the fastest, usually taking only 3-4 days.

Longest Routes

Barcelona to San Juan: With an average transit time of 21 days, this is one of the longer European routes.
Bilbao to San Juan: Also averaging 21 days, this route ties with Barcelona for the longest transit time from Spain.

Factors Affecting Transit Times

Several factors can influence the actual transit time of your shipment:

Weather conditions
Port congestion
Customs clearance processes
Transhipment requirements
Vessel schedules and potential delays

When planning your shipments, it’s advisable to allow for some flexibility in your timeline, especially for longer routes. For time-sensitive cargo, consider faster shipping options or routes with shorter transit times.

5 best ports for delivering containers to Puerto Rico

Ameritrans Freight international works at many different ports across the world, allowing you to send your container internationally. You may quickly request an estimate, check prices, and reserve your shipment using our online platform. You can get a fast price for the shipping of your goods, whether it is FCL or LCL. Don’t forget to get limitless quotes and browse the primary locations along global commerce routes.

origin	Destination.
Miami	San Juan
Jacksonville	San Juan
Barcelona	San Juan
Valencia	San Juan
Philadelphia	San Juan

The cost to ship a container to Puerto Rico

We provide competitive rates for shipping a 20-foot FCL from the US to Puerto Rico. Contact us for an immediate quote. Our clients prefer shipping containers to Puerto Rico for its cost-effectiveness and reliability.

Suppose you’re considering sending a 40-foot FCL and 40 HC container from the US to Puerto Rico. In that case, Ameritrans Freight provides you with the lowest rates for container shipping for your ocean freight shipment with more than 4 routes.

Estimated shipping rates For Container Shipping to Puerto Rico

Jacksonville fl – San Juan From $4,351

Miami – San Juan From $5,224

Algeciras – San Juan From $5,708.

Barcelona – San Juan From $7,910.

Bilbao – San Juan From $10,639.

Car shipping to Puerto Rico using containers

Container shipping is a popular and secure method for transporting cars to Puerto Rico. Your vehicle remains enclosed and protected throughout the journey, making it ideal for valuable or luxury cars. However, the cost is a little bit higher than RORO shipping costs.

Shipping household goods to Puerto Rico

Ameritrans Freight International understands the importance of a smooth transition when relocating to Puerto Rico. We offer a variety of options to ensure your household goods arrive safely and efficiently.

Consolidated Shipping (LCL):

This cost-effective option is ideal for those who don’t require a full container. You only pay for the space your belongings occupy within a shared container. This is perfect for smaller shipments, like those from a one-bedroom apartment.

Dedicated Container (FCL):

For larger shipments or those requiring a faster turnaround, a dedicated 20- or 40-foot container is the best choice. This option provides complete control and security for your belongings.

Delivery from the US mainland to the island typically takes one week, but before the things are transported to your Puerto Rican house, you must clear them with the tax office by submitting the required paperwork.

Documentation for Household goods

Our experienced team will guide you through the customs clearance process, ensuring a smooth transition for your belongings. We can help you gather the necessary paperwork, including:

EEI form
English inventory list
Bill of lading
Original power of attorney

Important Note: Household goods are subject to a 6.6% excise tax in Puerto Rico. Be sure to accurately list the value of your items to avoid delays.

Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you make your move to Puerto Rico a stress-free experience!

Documentation and Customs Requirements for Puerto Rico Shipping

Proper documentation and understanding of customs procedures are crucial for smooth shipments to Puerto Rico. While Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, there are some specific requirements to be aware of.

Required Documents

Bill of Lading: A detailed list of the shipped goods.
Commercial Invoice: Describes the goods and declares their value.
Electronic Export Information (EEI): Required for shipments valued over $2,500.
English Inventory List: For household goods shipments.
Original Power of Attorney: Authorizes a third party to handle customs clearance.

Customs Procedures

All shipments must clear customs through the Puerto Rico Tax Department.
An excise tax (currently 6.6%) applies to most goods, including household items.
New items must be accurately valued to avoid penalties.

Household Goods Shipping

Household goods are subject to the 6.6% excise tax.
Taxable items include furniture, clothing, books, electronics, sporting goods, and more.
Proper valuation is crucial, especially for new items.

Electronic Export Information (EEI) Filing

Required for single items valued over $2,500.
Filed through the U.S. Census Bureau’s Automated Export System (AES).
Exemptions may apply under certain federal regulations.

Tax Exemptions

Some items may be eligible for tax exemptions.
Use the appropriate tax exemption number when applicable.
Consult with a customs broker or our team for specific exemption details.

Tips for Smooth Customs Clearance

Double-check all document details before submission.
Ensure accurate valuation of goods, especially new items.
Consider using a customs broker for complex shipments.
Allow extra time for potential customs inspections or queries.
Keep copies of all shipping documents for your records.

Potential Costs

Budget approximately $5,000 or more for customs clearance services, depending on shipment size and origin.
Factor in the 6.6% excise tax when calculating total shipping costs.

Understanding and preparing for these documentation and customs requirements will help ensure a smooth shipping process to Puerto Rico. Our team at Ameritrans Freight International can assist you with navigating these procedures and preparing the necessary paperwork.

Main imports in Puerto Rico

Trucking equipment
Telecommunications equipment.
Motor vehicles and parts.
Medications

Main exports in Puerto Rico

Petroleum,
Motor vehicles,
Tractor parts and accessories,
Electronics,
Telecommunications equipment,
Medical equipment.

FAQs

How should cargo be shipped to Puerto Rico?

Regarding costs and delivery times, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is frequently the best and most convenient option for mailing to Puerto Rico. Why? That is because USPS treats shipments to this US territory in the same manner as it treats shipments to one of the U.S. states.

To Puerto Rico, can you ship by USPS Ground?

US Postal Service Ground reaches Puerto Rico, while UPS and FedEx Ground don’t. Only one of the three major U.S. shipping companies—USPS—offers ground delivery to Puerto Rico. The others are UPS and FedEx. As a US Territory, USPS considers Puerto Rico a domestic destination.

How much will it cost you to transport your possessions to Puerto Rico?

Expect to pay up to $5,000 for this service, depending on the region and the volume you are transporting. It might be expensive to have your belongings moved by a moving company; a better substitute is to pack your moving trailer or container. You might potentially save hundreds of dollars by doing this.

How can I get my bulky goods to Puerto Rico?

If you need to send something heavier to Puerto Rico, UPS is the way to go because it allows goods up to 150 pounds and is less expensive than FedEx. Similarly, if you require something to be transported to Puerto Rico overnight or on the emergency next flight out, FedEx is your best option.

What is the most affordable location to transport an automobile to Puerto Rico?

Given its proximity to you, Jacksonville is the most affordable port to transport your car from. After dropping off your car, you can take a direct trip to San Juan from Jacksonville International Airport. To send your car from Jacksonville to San Juan requires you to pay about $1,200.

How do I calculate the cost of shipping?

To determine the delivery cost, all you need to do is weigh the shipment. Get a shipping quote based on dimensional volume if the cargo is small yet heavy. It might be less expensive. Always use the product’s overall weight rather than the product’s weight when figuring out postage by weight.

For more queries and information, please get in touch with us through;

Telephone no.; +1(800)-413-2452

Email; anthony@ameritransfreight.com

Website; https://ameritransfreight.com/

Ship Container to Puerto Rico effortlessly & efficiently