Anyone ever imported a kei truck to the US?
Very sorry of this is in the wrong group (or if it doesn't fit on Tildes), feel free to move or remove it if needed!
Anyway, I'm planning to import a kei truck to the US. I think I've got an idea of most of what I need to do. I found Mitsui Co. Ltd. and they seem to have decent review and people say they're helpful, and I've read a bit about finding a customs broker to handle that part of things for me, but the thing I'm specifically wondering about is... what's the process of actually picking up the vehicle? I'd likely import to the Port of Galveston, and it looks like I either need a TWIC card or a TWIC escort. I wouldn't mind getting a TWIC card, but would my girlfriend need one too if she was going to drive me? Would she be able to just drop me off and I like... walk in? If she doesn't get one but I do? Otherwise, if we just go with an escort, does anyone know how much that sort of thing costs? Do I have to pre-plan it or can I just show up on the Port with all the paperwork and stuff I need and they'll have escorts ready that I can pay for?
Hi, I have not, but a while back ARS did a write-up on how to do it. Each port might have different requirements, so you should check to be sure. I have also heard it is easier/cheaper to go collect the vehicle on the west coast if you can.
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2018/04/a-beginners-guide-to-the-world-of-weird-and-wonderful-japanese-import-cars/
Good luck!
Probably but I'm in Texas so Galveston is a ~3 hour drive versus a flight and/or many many hours of driving to the West coast. Thanks :)