Importing and Texas Registration Notes
Importing and Texas Registration Notes
These notes were originally Appendix A: Getting the Damn Thing.
Import Process Notes
- Find and buy the truck. Plenty of auction sites/online marketplaces exist. Original example used [Cars From Japan](https://carfromjapan.com/)
- Pay shipping and shipping insurance. Cars From Japan included this in the initial cost/estimate.
- ISF: file 1 week before loading truck on ship. Original example used [easyisf.com](http://easyisf.com)
- Truck ships
- Cars From Japan will ask if you want to surrender BOL (Bill of Lading). This allows the shipping company to release the vehicle electronically. Say yes.
- Cars From Japan will mail physical copies of the Bill of Lading, invoices, bill of sale, shipping insurance documents, export certificate, and an English translation of the export certificate.
- You may or may not have to get your own certified English translation stateside for your local title agency.
- Wait. Good time to stock up on vehicle parts for maintenance.
- Notice of Arrival comes from the shipping company. You have to pay their invoice and port fees.
- Customs: send notice of arrival and paid invoice to your port broker or file with customs directly. Original example used [easyisf.com](http://easyisf.com) again.
- EasyISF sends a final invoice for their fee plus customs fees. Once paid, you get a copy of all customs documents for title registration.
- Most important: get a Delivery Document filled out showing all items paid.
- Contact shipping company to verify fees are paid and the vehicle is released.
- Take delivery document to the port. Some ports might need a TWIC port security card, receipts, or other documents.
- Arrival at port with a 6x12 trailer and Harbor Freight ramps to load up the truck. A gas can and battery jump pack are a good idea too.
Import Cost Example
| Item | Vendor | Reference | Cost |
| Truck Price | Cars from Japan | $1,300 | |
| Shipping Insurance (Included) | Cars from Japan | $40 | |
| Buyer Protection Fee | Cars from Japan | $95 | |
| Freight | Cars from Japan | $1540 | |
| Payment Fee | PayPal | Cars from Japan | $148 |
| ISF Filing | Easy ISF | $25 | |
| Stand Alone ISF Bond | Easy ISF | $75 | |
| Norton Lilly Arrival Fee | Hoegh Autoliners | $180 | |
| Customs Entry Fee | EasyISF (Mendiola Customs Brokerage) | $90 | |
| Customs Duty | EasyISF (Mendiola Customs Brokerage) | US Customs - $488.25; Merchandise Processing Fee $33.58; Harbor Maintenance Fee $1.74 | $523.57 |
| Single Entry Bond | EasyISF (Mendiola Customs Brokerage) | $55 | |
| NHTSA HS-7 | EasyISF (Mendiola Customs Brokerage) | $30 | |
| EPA 3520-1 | EasyISF (Mendiola Customs Brokerage) | $30 | |
| Payment Fee | PayPal | EasyISF (Mendiola Customs Brokerage) | $25.50 |
| U-Haul trailer | U-Haul | $150 | |
| Fuel for towing vehicle | Self | $150 | |
| Total | $4,457.07 |
This does not include maintenance items you may or may not already have had, including fluids, filters, belts, gaskets, drain pans, jack, or jack stands.
Texas Registration
| Item | Vendor | Reference | Cost |
| Police VIN Check | Tarrant County Vehicle Task Force | VTR 68-A | $40 |
| Title Request | TxDMV | $ | |
| Vehicle Registration | TxDMV | $ | |
| Temp Tag - 30-days | TxDMV | $29.75 | |
| Insurance | Hagerty | 1 year paid up front | $546.57 |
| Total |