Container shipping to Puerto Rico

A 20-ft container typically costs between $2,000 and $3,000 and a 40-ft between $2,500 and $3,500. The final price depends on the origin port, the type of cargo and whether you ship a full or a shared container; when you request a quote we confirm it within one business day with the full breakdown. Puerto Rico is inside the US customs territory, so mainland-origin cargo pays no CBP duty, but IVU of 11.5% (10.5% Commonwealth plus 1% municipal) applies to goods brought into the island.

From Miami: 3-5 days. From New York: 5-7 days. From Europe: 10-30 days. From Asia: 25-40 days. These are estimated ocean transit times; when you request a quote we confirm the next weekly sailing and the estimated arrival date. Air freight from the US mainland takes 1 to 2 days, which is the fastest option for urgent or high-value cargo.

US-origin cargo needs no CBP entry or import duty, because Puerto Rico is inside the US customs territory. The importer files the Declaration of Imports (Modelo SC 2970) in Hacienda's SURI system for all imported goods, pays 11.5% IVU, and receives release authorization Modelo SC 2015. Foreign-origin cargo, such as from China, is entered with CBP at HTS rates. We prepare them for you and handle customs clearance at destination, so no missing paper holds your cargo.

Choose LCL for loads under 15 CBM and a 20ft FCL above that, where you get one seal and one set of terminal charges. LCL goods from several US suppliers are consolidated at one Miami CFS and sail to the Port of San Juan (PRSJU). Because of the Jones Act, only US-flag vessels serve the lane, and the SURI declaration applies either way. Not sure? Tell us what you are shipping and we recommend the format with the best total cost.

Yes. From the mainland it is domestic freight with no CBP entry or duty for US-origin goods, but the 11.5% IVU (10.5% Commonwealth plus 1% municipal) applies to goods brought into Puerto Rico. The importer still files Modelo SC 2970 in SURI, exempt or not. For used household goods, confirm with Hacienda whether IVU applies before shipping. We move personal items, household goods and full relocations, with customs and documentation handled door to door.

We serve San Juan, Port of the Americas (Ponce), with customs clearance handled at each one and inland delivery coordinated to the final destination if you need it. San Juan (PRSJU) handles most of the island's containerized cargo through its Puerto Nuevo terminals, and Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU) is the main air cargo airport. Every importer also files a Hacienda import declaration (Modelo SC 2970) in SURI.

Yes, as a domestic shipment: no CBP entry and no import duty for US-origin goods. A 20-ft container (about 33 m³, up to 28 t) suits most apartment moves, and a 40-ft (about 67 m³, up to 26 t) fits a larger home or a vehicle plus furniture. With less, LCL lets you pay only for the space your cargo uses. Interworld Freight picks up in any US state, stores your cargo at our Miami warehouse until the sailing, and loads them for San Juan, about 3 days for LCL.

Hacienda collects 11.5% IVU on goods brought into the island, and every importer, including a private individual moving for personal use, files a Declaration of Imports (Modelo SC 2970) in SURI even when the goods are exempt. Keep your bill of sale or invoice, a packing list and the bill of lading, plus the title and registration if a vehicle travels with you. For packing, crating and door-to-door service, see our international moving services.