Q. How to calculate the volume of shipment in cubic feet or per 100 weight
1. Multiply the length x width x height in inches.
2. Divide the total by 1,728 (the number of cubic inches in one cubic foot).
Example: 25" (l) x 24" (w) x 23" (h) = 13,800 cubic inches.
13,800 / 1728 = 7.98 cubic feet.
Q. How do I export to Puerto Rico?
A. Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. Customs Territory so there are no duties assessed on products
coming from the mainland. There is, however, a 6.6 percent excise or sales tax applied to products
produced locally or imported to the island. Even though shipments to Puerto Rico aren't considered
exports, a shipper's export declaration is required for cargo valued over $2,500. Products imported
from outside the U.S. into Purerto Rico are subject to standard U.S. import taxes/regulations.
Q. How does my freight get to Puerto Rico?
A. Roadrunner moves all freight through one of two seaports: Port Elizabeth, NJ
and Jacksonville, FL. At these gateways, cargo is loaded into secure ocean containers and
transported via sea to Roadrunner' San Juan service center. Shipments are then
removed and delivered to the consignee's door.
Q. Do I need a Freight Forwarder?
A. No. Roadrunner can make all arrangements for door-to-door transfer of your
materials to your Puerto Rican customers.
Q. What documents do I need to prepare to ship to Puerto Rico?
A. For fast clearance at your final destination, make sure your bill of lading includes
the following:
- Consignee's name, address, IRS employer identification number (EIN) or individual
social security number
- Telephone number to notify consignee of shipment arrival
- Commodity description, weight, dimensions or cube, and invoice value
- Bond or tax exemption identification number (if applicable)
- Specifications as to whether the shipment is prepaid or collect for inland and
ocean freight charges.
Required Documents: The following documents are required for ocean shipment:
- Ocean bill of lading
- Commercial invoice
- SED (shipper's export declaration for cargo value exceeding $2,500)
- Hazardous material documents, as required
- Other documents, as required
Note: All documents, except the ocean bill of lading, should be attached to your
trucking company's bill of lading by the shipper at pick up.
Q. What about rating and billing for Puerto Rico shipments?
A. Puerto Rico shipments are rated based on weight and volumne (the cubic feet the
shipment takes up in a container).
Q. What kind of invoice will I receive?
A. Roadrunner provides a single invoice reflecting the following:
- Inland U.S. freight charges to gateway port-of-exit
- Ocean charges from port-of-exit to Puerto Rico
- Bunker fuel surcharges (assessed by steamship line)
- Delivery charges within Puerto Rico
- Document processing charges