FAQ

What is a kei truck?

“Kei” (軽) refers to Japan’s light-vehicle class. Kei trucks are compact, utility-focused vehicles built for tight roads and everyday work in Japan. Most are right-hand drive, typically have small-displacement engines, and are designed to be simple, efficient, and easy to maintain.

Are kei trucks street legal in the U.S.?

Street legality is determined at the state level and can vary by vehicle type, county, and intended use. Many buyers register and title their vehicles for road use, while others use them on private property or farms. If you tell us your state, we’ll help you understand the current path that buyers commonly use there.

How old does a vehicle need to be to import?

For many buyers, the cleanest path is importing vehicles that qualify for the federal “25-year” exemption. In practice that means the vehicle’s month and year of manufacture are important. We focus on vehicles that meet the commonly used age threshold for easier importation.

Why do you focus on older vehicles?

Vehicles in the 25+ year range are popular because they can be imported with fewer federal compliance hurdles than newer vehicles. It also means you’re buying a vehicle that has already proven its long-term durability in daily use.

What paperwork comes with a purchase?

Exact documents vary, but a typical import package includes Japanese ownership/export documentation, a bill of sale, and U.S. entry paperwork from the import process. These documents are what your state will generally want to see when titling.

How does shipping work?

Vehicles move from Japan by ocean freight, then clear U.S. customs at a port. From there, vehicles either move to our local area for pickup or continue onward to another major U.S. port or destination depending on your needs.

Can you help me find a specific truck or van?

Yes. If you have a target model, features, budget, and timeline, we can source options in Japan and present a short list of candidates that meet your criteria.

Do you sell vans too?

Yes. Kei vans share the same compact footprint and practicality. Many buyers love them for local errands, small-business use, and weekend adventures.

What features should I look for?

Most buyers start with drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), transmission, air conditioning, and overall condition (especially rust). From there you can refine by cab style, bed type (standard vs dump), gear ratios, and interior options.

Do you inspect vehicles before purchase?

We source directly in Japan and focus on condition-first purchases. Before export, vehicles are evaluated for overall condition and suitability for import—especially frame condition, drivability, and obvious mechanical issues.

How do I get started?

Browse current and upcoming inventory, or contact us with what you’re looking for. If you want help sourcing a specific vehicle, use our request form and we’ll follow up with next steps.