Puerto Rico Shipping FAQ
How do I export to Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. Customs territory and, therefore, no customs duties are assessed on products coming from the mainland United States. There is, however, a 6.6 percent excise tax (sales tax) applied on products imported into the island, as well as on those produced locally. A shipper’s export declaration is required for shipments valued over $2,500 for statistical calculations, even though shipments to Puerto Rico are not considered exports. Products imported from outside the United States into Puerto Rico are subject to regular U.S. import taxes/regulations.
How does my freight get to Puerto Rico?
Con-way moves all freight through one of two seaports: Port Elizabeth, NJ, and Jacksonville, Fla. At these gateways, cargo is loaded into secure ocean containers and transported via sea to the Con-way service center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. There, shipments are removed from the containers and delivered to the consignee’s door.
Do I need a freight forwarder to ship to Puerto Rico?
Con-way Freight can make all the arrangements for door-to-door movement of your materials to your customers in Puerto Rico. The same reliable regional and long-haul service can move your shipments to Puerto Rico directly with Con-way Freight.
What paperwork do I need to prepare my Con-way Freight shipment to go to Puerto Rico?
The primary documents for tendering Puerto Rico shipments to Con-way are a straight bill of lading and a commercial invoice. Depending upon the value of the shipment, an export declaration may also be required. This document is typically required only if the declared value of the goods exceeds $2,500 (see above).
The bill of lading should have the following information:
- Consignee’s name, street address, P.O. box (if applicable) and telephone number in Puerto Rico
- Commodity description, weight and cube
- Declared value
- Consignee’s Puerto Rico excise tax number (where applicable)
- Whether shipment charges are to be prepaid or collect
Are shipments based on weight or cube for Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico shipments are rated based on weight and volume (the cubic feet that the shipment takes up in a container). Calculate cube using our cube calculator.
Can I expect the same kind of invoicing for LTL shipments to Puerto Rico?
To make your shipping experience easier, Con-way provides a single invoice reflecting all of the following transportation elements which will include:
- Inland U.S. freight charges to gateway port of exit
- Ocean charges from port of exit to Puerto Rico
- Bunker fuel surcharges (assessed by steamship line)
- Delivery charges within Puerto Rico
- Document processing charges
