There is no road to Hawaii or Puerto Rico, and most Alaska shipments also go by sea from Washington. Every one of these moves has at least two legs, and it helps to know who handles each.
What Rivalane handles
The road legs. We collect the car at your address and deliver it to the shipping line's mainland terminal before the sailing, and on the other side we collect it from the arrival terminal and deliver it to your door where a road leg exists. For Alaska we can also arrange the crossing for you, or you can book it directly with the line.
What the shipping line handles
The ocean crossing, under its own bill of lading, schedule and rules. Shipping lines require a quarter tank of fuel or less, no personal items at all, and in some cases decline electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, cars with damaged glass or vehicles that do not run. Those rules change, so confirm your vehicle with the line before the road leg is booked. Ocean carriers offer limited liability coverage; ask about additional insurance.
Timing and paperwork
Sailings run to fixed schedules with cargo cut-offs, so missing one means waiting for the next departure. Have the title, registration and any lienholder authorization ready, and check the destination's registration and tax requirements, which Rivalane does not handle.
Our state pages for Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico answer the questions specific to each destination.
Related questions
- How much fuel should be in the tank when I ship my car?
- What is the Carmack Amendment and why does it matter for my claim?
- Where is Rivalane located?
Go deeper: International Auto Shipping - Everything You Need to Know.
