How to Ship a Car From California to Hawaii eHow

By Desi Crall, eHow Contributor

Shipping a vehicle from California to the Hawaiian Islands can be a challenge if you are looking for a low price shipment and a convenient port of call. Research will need to be done if price is an issue, and receiving multiple quotes is essential to securing a good shipping rate. Start early and allow time for the process to unfold, as well as for the vehicle to be transported from the Mainland to paradise, also known as Hawaii.

• Cash or a credit card
• Photo ID (Driver's License)
• A copy of your vehicle registration
• A copy of vehicle insurance policy
• A notarized letter from creditor or lease holder
• Access to the Internet
• An e-mail address or voicemail service

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     Assess the value of the vehicle, and how important it is to ship it to Hawaii. Purchasing or leasing a vehicle when you get to Hawaii may be a better option if you do not have cash or a credit line to pay for the shipping cost.

   • 2

     Take into consideration which island will be the final destination, and calculate the approximate date that you want the vehicle to arrive in Hawaii. Many shipping companies require at least 20 days to ship a vehicle. Hawaii ports include: Honolulu, Oahu; Hilo, Hawaii, The Big Island, Kahului, Maui; Kawaihae, Hawaii; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kaunakakai, Molokai; and Kaumalapau, Lanai.

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3

Consider how far you are willing to travel to drop off the vehicle at a port. If you have the means or the necessity to do so, you may be able to have your vehicle picked up at your home and taken to a port of call. This of course will cost more than delivering the vehicle yourself. California ports include San Diego, Los Angeles, San Franicsco, and Oakland.

4

Gather all vehicle information that you will need to provide to the shipping company for a quote. This information includes: vehicle make; model; year; color; license plate number; number of doors; VIN number; registration and insurance.

5

Decide whether or not you have personal or household items to ship with your vehicle. If so, you may have the option of combining your cargo with your vehicle in a container, therefore reducing overall shipping costs, or at least combining the cost in to one payment and company to deal with. Shipping policies vary by company, so be very clear about what is allowed inside a vehicle or a container shared with the vehicle.

6

Contact a number of different shipping companies to obtain quotes for pricing. This is generally simple because there are only a handful of companies that actually ship to Hawaii from California. Tell the companies what you are looking for as far as drop off, pick up, and the shipping of personal items. See a list below of the companies that provide online quotes.

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Secure your shipment with a credit card and print all necessary documentation and receipts. Clean out your vehicle and empty the gas tank to ¼ of the full level. Take the copies of your vehicle registration, proof of insurance, reservation, and car keys to the port of call on the scheduled date. You will also need a notarized statement from your creditor or lessor if you do not hold the title to the vehicle.