Car/Vehicle Shipping Cost from Santo Domingo to Yokohama

Shipping a Car from the Dominican Republic to the USA starts at a cost of $1,850 USD with an estimated turnaround time of 20 days, depending on make and model of the vehicle, the nearest departure port in the Dominican Republic and whether the destination in the USA is on the east or west coast.

Driving is usually cheaper for shorter distances (under 500 miles), but for long cross-country moves (over 1,000 miles), shipping can become comparable or even cheaper when factoring in your time, food, lodging, and significant vehicle wear-and-tear, making driving less cost-effective despite lower upfront gas costs. The decision balances direct fuel savings against the hidden costs and time commitment of a long drive, with shipping offering convenience and preserving your car's mileage and condition.

Japan's "3-year car rule" refers to the mandatory, costly vehicle inspection called Shaken, where new cars get a 3-year certificate, then renew every 2 years, making older cars expensive to keep, leading many owners to trade in for new ones, boosting sales and the used car export market for well-maintained vehicles. This encourages frequent upgrades, but proper maintenance can extend a car's life significantly.