Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Jan, 03 2026
Moving Companies from Philadelphia To Puerto Rico
If you’re ready to trade your parka for a beach umbrella using one of the Puerto Rico moving companies, moving to Puerto Rico from Philadelphia will prepare you to live your best life. Vastly different from Philadelphia’s climate, with distinct hot and cold seasons, Puerto Rico’s climate is beautiful all year around.
As a U.S. Territory, Puerto Rico is part of the United States and home to many popular mainland retailers, such as Home Depot, Walmart, La Rosa del Monte, and others. Spanish is the predominant language for this tropical archipelago, so spending some time brushing up on your high school Spanish will benefit you.
If you are moving to Puerto Rico from Philadelphia, you will likely need Puerto Rico to Philadelphia movers. This may not technically be an international move, but it is an overseas move across the Caribbean Sea, requiring more logistics and planning from your service moving company. Working with an overseas moving company is a significant investment, but more on later.
Three Movers
Three Movers offers full-service overseas moving services, leveraging our extensive network of shipping partners to easily handle your needs. From paperwork to packing, our team of shipping experts is standing by to help you achieve the perfect move to your new home. Contact us today for your free quote. Philadelphia is a dynamic and exciting city to live in! It's the largest city in Pennsylvania, located in the easternmost part of the Commonwealth. Philadelphia offers something for everyone! You can visit museums, attend sporting events, or enjoy shopping at one of its many malls.
Let’s discuss what you need to know to move from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico.
If you're looking for a top-rated Puerto Rico to Philadelphia moving company in the moving industry, look no further than our full-service moving company at Three Movers. We offer free quotes, estimates, and full-service moving options, making your transition easy and stress-free. Let us take care of every moving supplies and moving process.
How much does it cost?
You must select the correct container size to prepare your belongings for shipping. Full containers are 40 ft long, and half containers are 20 ft long. Shipping a half container from Philadelphia to San Juan, Puerto Rico, will cost less than $4,000. We recommend just going with a full container since the additional moving cost is usually less than $200.
Most people can ship a vehicle from Philadelphia to Puerto Rico for less than $3,500. However, extra special cargo, such as antiques or rare cars, is often transported via air transport, which is significantly more expensive.
Moving household goods to Puerto Rico
As a U.S. citizen moving to Puerto Rico, you will not need to pay customs duty or taxes. Shipping to Puerto Rico from Philadelphia is no different from relocating from Philadelphia to North Dakota. Customs clearance? Not a problem for you.
If your shipment is valued at over $2,500, you will need to complete one additional piece of paperwork. The U.S. Census Bureau requires an Electronic Export Information filing for all such shipments unless the federal government has exempted them. You can complete this process using their Automated Export System (AES).
Clients must also include a bill of lading and a detailed shipment inventory.
What items are prohibited?
Puerto Rico prohibits the import of endangered animals, plants, explosives, narcotics, livestock, and even lottery tickets. Medications, alcohol, and firearms are also restricted and subject to additional review.
Can I ship my vehicle to Puerto Rico?
Here are some of the documents you will need to ship your vehicle to Puerto Rico:
- Proof of ownership or permission from the leaseholder to take the vehicle outside of the continental U.S.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Bill of lading
- Bill of sale or purchase invoice
- EPA Standard Form 3520-1
- Vehicle registration
Puerto Rico includes the following zip codes:
601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 616, 617, 622, 623, 624, 627, 631, 636, 637, 638, 641, 646, 647, 650, 652, 653, 656, 659, 660, 662, 664, 667, 669, 670, 674, 676, 677, 678, 680, 681, 682, 683, 685, 687, 688, 690, 692, 693, 694, 698, 703, 704, 705, 707, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 723, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 740, 741, 742, 744, 745, 751, 754, 757, 765, 766, 767, 769, 771, 772, 773, 775, 777, 778, 780, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 791, 792, 794, 795, 901, 902, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918, 919, 920, 921, 922, 923, 924, 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 939, 940, 949, 950, 951, 952, 953, 954, 955, 956, 957, 958, 959, 960, 961, 962, 963, 965, 966, 968, 969, 970, 971, 975, 976, 977, 978, 979, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986, 987, 988
Philadelphia, PA, Includes The Following Zip Codes:
19019, 19092, 19093, 19099, 19101, 19102, 19103, 19104, 19105, 19106, 19107, 19108, 19109, 19110, 19111, 19112, 19113, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122, 19123, 19124, 19125, 19126, 19127, 19128, 19129, 19130, 19131, 19132, 19133, 19134, 19135, 19136, 19137, 19138, 19139, 19140, 19141, 19142, 19143, 19144, 19145, 19146, 19147, 19148, 19149, 19150, 19151, 19152, 19153, 19154, 19155, 19160, 19161, 19162, 19170, 19171, 19172, 19173, 19175, 19176, 19177, 19178, 19179, 19181, 19182, 19183, 19184, 19185, 19187, 19188, 19190, 19191, 19192, 19193, 19194, 19195, 19196, 19197, 19244, 19255
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving to Puerto Rico from Philadelphia is treated as an interstate and overseas household goods move under FMCSA rules, even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. Your shipment typically moves by truck to an East Coast port, then by ocean freight. Distance, shipment size (studio–5BR), container use, port schedules, and delivery island location all affect timing and cost. Most customers use an interstate moving service experienced with ocean transport coordination.
Costs for moving to Puerto Rico from Philadelphia generally range from $4,000–$9,500 for a one- to two-bedroom home, with larger homes costing more. Pricing is driven by cubic footage, container type, packing needs, port fees, and inland delivery in Puerto Rico. Stairs, long carries, and fragile items raise costs. Ocean transit and customs-style documentation are included when using a long distance moving service.
Requirements include a detailed inventory, government-issued ID, proof of residence change, and appliance cleaning certifications for USDA inspection. Vehicles, alcohol, and commercial goods require additional paperwork. Moves are regulated by the FMCSA and U.S. DOT. Packing standards, labeling, and port cut-off times are strict. Using a mover familiar with Puerto Rico lanes helps avoid port delays and re-handling fees during this interstate shipment.
Typical delivery time is 14–30 days, depending on port congestion, sailing schedules, and final delivery location on the island. Philadelphia-area pickups must align with East Coast port departures. Weather, especially hurricane season, can extend timelines. Larger shipments or full packing services may add days before sailing. Door-to-door timing is longer than mainland interstate moves due to ocean freight transit.
Pros include no passport required, warm climate, and potential tax incentives for qualifying residents. Cons include longer delivery times, higher moving costs, and limited shipping days from ports. Urban Philadelphia moves often face parking and loading challenges, while Puerto Rico deliveries may involve narrow roads or HOA rules. Understanding these logistics early helps set realistic expectations for move day and delivery.
Self-packing is allowed, but professionally packed items reduce inspection delays and damage claims. Ocean moves require export-grade packing, moisture protection, and precise inventories. Improper packing can lead to port holds or denied claims. Many customers choose partial or full packing through a full service movers option in Puerto Rico to streamline inspections and delivery.
