How to ship a car from a U.S. auto auction to the Caribbean and Central America
Buying from all U.S. auto auctions and exporting to the Dominican Republic, Honduras or Guatemala? Here is the process JetCargo.us arranges for dealers and buyers.
1. Towing to the Florida yard
After payment and gate pass, JetCargo.us arranges pickup with authorized carriers and delivery to the export yard.
2. Ro-Ro shipping
The vehicle is driven onto the vessel (roll-on/roll-off). Tell us upfront if it does not run.
3. Paperwork
- Original title or auction sale document.
- Bill of sale.
- Consignee ID in the destination country.
4. Arrival
The customs broker at destination uses the bill of lading to clear the vehicle. Check current age limits and duties with them before you buy.
Before you bid
Check three things first: whether the destination country accepts the title type (clean, salvage, rebuilt), whether the model year meets current import age limits, and the estimated duties at destination. Your customs broker can confirm all three with the VIN.
Step by step in detail
Payment
Pay the auction within its deadline and keep the receipt.
Gate pass
Send us the release document and the lot address the same day.
Towing
JetCargo.us arranges an authorized carrier. You get WhatsApp updates at pickup and delivery.
Yard
The vehicle is inspected and photographed at the Florida yard, then booked on the next available Ro-Ro sailing.
Export filing
The original title must be on hand before the vehicle can be presented for export.
Bill of lading
Once aboard, the carrier issues the BL, which your broker uses at destination.
Approximate timelines
All timelines are approximate. Towing usually happens within a few business days after release; yard time depends on the next sailing; transit and customs vary by route and paperwork. Missing titles cause most delays.
Destination notes
Dominican Republic
Customs is handled by the DGA. The consignee needs a cédula or RNC.
Honduras
The consignee needs a DNI or RTN. Check age limits.
Guatemala
SAT assesses duties based on vehicle value. The consignee needs a DPI or NIT.
Tips for dealers
- Group purchases by sailing date.
- Track each unit by VIN: lot, payment, title, sailing.
- Declare non-running units upfront.
- Remove all personal items before pickup.
FAQ
Do you buy vehicles for me?
No. JetCargo.us arranges transport and shipping after your purchase.
Can I ship a non-running car?
Often yes, if it rolls and steers. Tell us when you ask for a quote.
Can I put parts inside?
No. Only the vehicle travels on Ro-Ro.
How do I track my car?
We send WhatsApp updates at each stage.
Preparing the vehicle
- Remove all personal items and loose parts.
- Leave a low fuel level.
- Hand over all keys and remotes.
- Disable alarms or explain how to turn them off.
- Photograph all sides, the interior and the odometer.
Key terms by destination
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DGA (Dominican Republic) | customs authority that assesses import duties. |
| SAT (Guatemala) | tax and customs authority. |
| Customs broker | the local agent who clears the car at destination. |
| Gate pass | the auction release document. |
Case study: two SUVs, one sailing
A dealer in San Pedro Sula wins two SUVs in different states the same week. What makes them sail together? He pays both on day one, sends both gate passes that afternoon and chases the titles instead of waiting for them. The units reach the Florida yard close together and load on the same Ro-Ro departure. Illustrative scenario, no real figures.
Choosing what to buy with shipping in mind
Location matters as much as the price. A vehicle near a major route into Florida is usually faster and easier to tow. Units without keys, with locked wheels or with unclear titles add time and handling. Factor those into your bid, not after it.
More FAQ
What if the title is delayed?
The vehicle waits at the yard until the title arrives; it cannot be presented for export without it.
Can I change the consignee?
Usually before the BL is issued. After that it gets harder.
Can different units go to different countries?
Yes, each with its own consignee.
Do you handle customs at destination?
No. A local customs broker handles clearance; we send you the BL.
Working with one coordinator
Instead of calling a towing company, a yard and a shipping line separately, you keep one WhatsApp conversation with updates per unit, from pickup to bill of lading.
Paperwork checklist
- Original title in hand.
- VIN identical on title, bill of sale and vehicle.
- Title properly signed over.
- Any lien released with a letter.
- Consignee details complete and matching their ID.
- Customs broker chosen at destination.
Common delays and how to avoid them
- Late auction payment: pay the same day you win.
- Missing gate pass: send it with the lot address.
- Undeclared non-running unit: describe the real condition.
- Misspelled consignee: copy the name exactly from the ID.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on the pickup location, vehicle type, whether it runs and the sailing date. We do not publish fixed rates: you get a real-time quote on WhatsApp based on your vehicle. JetCargo.us arranges towing to Florida and Ro-Ro shipping with authorized carriers and shipping lines.
