1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

[SOLVED] Importing a Kei Truck

Discussion in 'General Truck Info' started by Zeon, Dec 28, 2020.

  1. Zeon

    Zeon New Member

    Has anyone here personally imported a Kei trunk into the USA using a website like japanesecartrade.com? How did it go? Could you explain to me the import process?
     
  2. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    Zeon, I did not use that particular company to import my truck but I used one similar to that. It was an easy process. After contacting the company i sent them a deposit. The deposit is just to ensure you are not just window shopping since they will being doing the leg work for you in Japan. After they received the deposit, my account was opened and I began shopping the trucks going to auction on their website. The trucks will be rated 1-4 on condition, 4 being the best. Once I found the truck I wanted i let the broker know, they went on site, took lots of pics and made sure it was mechanically sound and took note of anything broken. They then send you the report, and translate the auction description of the truck. When you find one you like, you let them know and how much your max bid is. They will then bid on the truck for you and if you win, you send them the money and they will take care of loading it on the ship and sending you all the needed paperwork. Pick the port of your choosing and let them know. Once the truck arrives, it has to go through customs. You can do the paperwork yourself or hire a custom broker, which is what I did. If you do it yourself it will save you $300-500. I had them put new tires on my truck before they loaded it on the ship.

    Do your homework on these trucks, this site is a great resource. Decide what kind of truck and make and models you want so you can narrow down your search. Take your time searching, don't jump at the 1st one you like if it doesn't have everything you want, there are thousands of them going up for auction.

    There is a post on this site, what to look for when buying a minitruck, it has great info.

    Good luck!
     
    Limestone likes this.
  3. Zeon

    Zeon New Member

    Shawn, thanks for your reply. Can I ask the name of the broker you used?
     
  4. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    I used Japancardirect.com, dealt with Mathew. I would recommend them
     
  5. Inane2

    Inane2 Member

    I couldn’t agree more with ShawnC’s advice on Japan Car Direct. I’ve been trading with them since 2011 and their service and honesty have been nothing but great.
     
  6. Zeon

    Zeon New Member

    Shawn, sorry, I meant customs broker. What I need to know is the details on the USA side. Port fees? Custom fees? Inspection fees? Taxes? How quickly you need to remove the vehicle from the port? Do I need to go to the port in person? Stuff like this.
     
  7. ShawnC

    ShawnC Member

    Gotcha, I used customs broker company JF Moran. I live in Jacksonville Fl where we have a large port so finding a broker was easy. As I mentioned, you can do the custom paperwork yourself if you can figure it out and save money, however, it was worth the money I paid the broker not to have to worry about it. They took care of everything, once the truck arrived in port it took a couple days to clear customs then I paid the broker, he gave me all the paper work I needed to get the truck.

    I'm a Cop so getting clearance to go onto the port to get the truck wasn't bad for me but here in Jax, if you don't have a contact, the port will charge you to be "escorted" on and off the property to get your belongings, I think its around $50. Could be different in other states. I showed the necessary paperwork, drove the truck onto a trailer and left, no issues.

    You don't have to pick it up yourself, there are companies that you can pay that will go get the truck and store it on their property for a price. I think you have around 2 weeks to get the vehicle off port property here in Jax. A custom broker can provide names of companies that can pick up the truck for you.

    In Fla I had to take the truck to dhmv for VIN inspection, there was no charge for that. Then I had to go to a different office to get it titled. I had to pay tax on the amount i paid for the truck but honestly i think they were just guessing about that, and then I paid the title fee. Once I got insurance, I went back and got the tag.

    Insurance was interesting, I called several companies, Geico and Liberty Mutual were the only ones willing to insure it in Fl.

    Sounds like Insane2 has done this several times so he may have better info for you than me.
     
  8. Zeon

    Zeon New Member

    Shawn, this is what I need. Thanks. Now I just need to find an import broker for Baltimore.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 19, 2021
  9. John Thompson

    John Thompson New Member

    I ordered from "Be Forward" Pictures, prices and full description of selected vehicles on website. Enter your port of entry and they will include shipping cost to posted price. Easy. I used a Broker to clear customs and figure taxes due. Must stress ISF. Seller makes the International Security Filing. If they don't file it before the ship sails it will cost you an extra $400. Stay on top of that ISF.
     
  10. Ohkei Dohkei

    Ohkei Dohkei Active Member

    I went to the port myself, and while it was a bit cumbersome, I feel much better educated on how that part of the world works (customs, port authority). If you have a day off, it could save you a couple hundred bucks. It was a wash for me, but I enjoyed the education on how it all works.
     

Share This Page