Import Process

1) Sourcing & selection in Japan

It starts with your criteria—model preferences, budget, drivetrain, transmission, A/C, mileage, and intended use. From there, we identify candidates and prioritize condition. On older vehicles, frame integrity and rust assessment matter as much as the drivetrain and mileage.

2) Purchase & export preparation

Once a vehicle is selected, it’s prepared for export. Export paperwork is organized in Japan, and the vehicle is scheduled for ocean freight. This stage is where accuracy matters most: dates, identifiers, and documentation must match cleanly so customs entry is smooth.

3) Ocean freight to the U.S.

Vehicles are shipped by sea and arrive at a U.S. port (often Charleston for our region). Using ocean routes as much as possible helps reduce the expensive add-on costs that can come from unnecessary inland transport.

4) U.S. customs entry & release

On arrival, the vehicle clears U.S. customs. The entry process typically includes federal forms and documentation used to declare the import and confirm eligibility based on age and category. Once cleared, the vehicle is released for pickup or onward transport.

5) Delivery or pickup

After release, vehicles can be picked up locally or transported onward depending on your needs. If you’re outside the Southeast, we can coordinate shipment to other major U.S. ports or destinations.

6) Titling & registration

Title and registration are handled at the state level. Requirements vary. Most states will want to see your import paperwork and proof of ownership. If you tell us your state, we’ll help you understand what buyers commonly do there.