Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 16 2025
Movers Puerto Rico To Mainland USA
When Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Puerto Rico, some people were surprised to learn that this tropical archipelago is indeed part of the United States. The truth is the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has been a territory of the United States since the end of the Spanish-American War in 1917. Natural born citizens of Puerto Rico are American citizens, which means that shifting to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico is more logistics than paperwork.
While moving to the mainland from Puerto Rico is not an international move, it is an overseas move. Overseas movers have the expertise to handle the necessary logistics. This guide will cover the basics of hauling from Puerto Rico to the mainland.
How much does It cost?
When you ship to the U.S. Mainland from Puerto Rico, you can choose from many ports on the East Coast, from Texas to Maine. The cost of shipping to the mainland will vary depending on where you are going in the country. For East Coast destinations, shipping will be fairly simple. If you are moving to the West Coast, you will have a more complex and expensive process, with coordination required between overseas and overland shippers.
To provide a baseline, shipping from Puerto Rico to ports in Florida will cost less than $4,000 for a half container, and up to $4200 for a full one. Vehicles can be shipped to Florida for less than $4,500. Most people can ship a vehicle by container to the mainland for less than $4,500. The truth is it can get complicated.
Working with overseas moving companies like, we will ensure a safe, easy transition, no matter which port you are sailing to.
Relocating household goods to the U.S. mainland
Moving to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico is the same as if you were relocating from one town to the other. You don’t need a passport or visa, and you will not be asked to pay customs duty or taxes, however some good might be subjected to excise tax if you are moving to Puerto Rico from mainland.
However, because this is an overseas move, you will need to provide a comprehensive inventory, standard bill of lading, and a commercial invoice.
Can I shift my vehicle to Florida?
You are welcome to bring your vehicle from Puerto Rico to Florida, but you will need to collect some paperwork. Here are some of the documents you will be asked to provide:
- Proof of ownership or lease – if your vehicle is subject to a lease agreement, you will need to have explicit permission from the leaseholder to transport your vehicle to the U.S. mainland.
- U.S. driver’s license
- Documentation to show your vehicle’s value
- Bill of lading
- Bill of sale or purchase invoice
- EPA Standard Form 3520-1
- Vehicle registration
Why Choose Us?
If you need help with your overseas move, Three Movers has the expertise and connections to give you a simple, seamless transition. Working with our network, we can help you identify the right ports, routes, schedules, and approaches to save you time and money.
As a professional relocating company, we can help with all the moving services you require including packing and unpacking services, and paperwork. We'd provide exceptional service every step of the way. Contact us today for your free moving quote, no-obligation shipping quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moves from Puerto Rico to the mainland USA are regulated as interstate moves, not international. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so shipments fall under FMCSA oversight and U.S. DOT rules. Your move typically involves ocean freight followed by mainland trucking. Pricing is based on shipment size (studio–5BR), container type, port schedules, final delivery distance, and required services like packing or storage. Learn more about interstate moving service.
Most Puerto Rico to mainland USA moves cost $2,500–$7,000 for a typical household. Final pricing depends on shipment volume, container sharing versus exclusive use, packing needs, port fees, mainland delivery mileage, stairs or elevators, and specialty items like vehicles or pianos. Smaller moves using shared containers cost less, while full-container household moves cost more. Costs align with standard long distance moving service.
Transit usually takes 7–21 days door-to-door. Ocean transport from San Juan to ports like Jacksonville or Miami typically takes 5–10 days, followed by mainland trucking and delivery scheduling. Timing varies based on port congestion, customs-style inspections, weather, container availability, and whether your shipment is consolidated or exclusive-use. Delivery windows are wider than local moves due to maritime scheduling.
Prohibited items include flammables, propane tanks, perishable food, plants, soil, and certain aerosols. Vehicles must meet shipping rules and be nearly empty. Household goods are inspected before sailing, similar to interstate compliance checks. Movers also limit batteries, chemicals, and pressurized items. Professional packing reduces delays and inspection issues; many customers choose a packing and unpacking service for compliance.
Movers can provide full-service packing, loading, and containerization in Puerto Rico. Crews handle wrapping, inventorying, and securing items for ocean transport. Packing timelines depend on home size, typically 1–2 days for apartments and 2–3 days for houses. Self-packed shipments are allowed but must meet carrier and port safety standards to avoid delays or repacking fees.
Yes, vehicles can be shipped separately or coordinated alongside household goods. Cars are usually transported via roll-on/roll-off or container shipping, with pricing based on vehicle size and destination port. Fuel levels, documentation, and condition reports are required. Auto transport is often scheduled independently from household delivery to match port availability and reduce storage charges.
