Shipping a car from the United States to Honduras involves multiple cost components that extend beyond basic ocean freight rates. Understanding the complete financial picture—including shipping costs, import duties, taxes, and additional fees—is essential for accurate budgeting and successful vehicle import planning. Honduras's complex multi-layered tax system, combined with varying duty rates and CAFTA-DR trade benefits, requires careful cost analysis to avoid unexpected expenses.
At West Coast Shipping, we've facilitated thousands of vehicle imports to Honduras, providing transparent pricing and comprehensive guidance through the entire import process. This complete guide breaks down all costs associated with shipping your car to Honduras's Puerto Cortés port in 2025, helping you make informed decisions about your international vehicle shipping investment.
Your Honduras car shipping foundation depends on departure port selection, with significant variations in both pricing and transit times across our three main US export locations.
Shipping Cost: $3,150
Ocean Transit Time: 7-10 days
Total Processing Time: 24 days including documentation, customs, and delivery
New York provides the fastest complete processing for Honduras-bound vehicles, with shorter Atlantic routes enabling quicker ocean transit. The total processing time includes export documentation, container loading, ocean voyage, and Honduras customs clearance.
Shipping Cost: $2,775
Ocean Transit Time: 10-14 days
Total Processing Time: 31 days including documentation, customs, and delivery
Florida shipping offers the most cost-effective option for Honduras vehicle imports, providing significant savings through efficient Gulf Coast routing. The total processing timeline includes comprehensive documentation preparation and customs clearance procedures.
Shipping Cost: $3,200
Ocean Transit Time: 12-16 days
Total Processing Time: 31 days including documentation, customs, and delivery
California departure provides West Coast accessibility with competitive pricing via Pacific routing. The complete processing timeline encompasses export preparation, ocean transit, and Honduras import procedures.
Note: Ocean transit times represent shipping duration only. Total processing times include export documentation, port handling, ocean voyage, and Honduras customs clearance.
Honduras applies a comprehensive multi-layered tax system to imported vehicles that significantly impacts your total investment, with rates varying based on vehicle specifications and origin. Professional assessment is essential as actual taxes may differ based on customs documentation and valuation procedures.
Standard Duty Rates: Typically range from 5-20% of CIF value
Vehicle Type Variables: Passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs may face different rates
Engine Size Impact: Larger displacement engines often incur higher duty rates
CAFTA-DR Benefits: US-manufactured vehicles may qualify for preferential treatment
Professional Assessment Required: Actual rates depend on customs valuation and documentation
Honduras import duties vary significantly based on vehicle characteristics and customs assessment procedures, with potential reductions available for qualifying US-manufactured vehicles under CAFTA-DR trade agreements.
VAT Rate: 15% applied to CIF value plus import duties
Calculation Base: Creates compounding effect on duty-inclusive value
Universal Application: VAT applies to all vehicle imports regardless of origin
Cumulative Impact: Adds substantial cost layer beyond import duties
Customs Valuation: Final VAT may vary based on customs value assessment
Honduras's 15% VAT applies to the combined value of your vehicle's CIF plus any applicable import duties, creating a compounding tax effect that significantly increases total costs based on final customs valuation.
Tax Rate: 1% of cumulative value
Calculation Base: Applied to CIF plus duties plus VAT
Final Tax Layer: Additional revenue component for government
Universal Application: Applies to all vehicle imports
Customs Assessment: Final calculation subject to customs procedures
The 1% selective consumption tax represents the final tax component in Honduras's graduated system, applied to the cumulative value including all previous taxes as determined by customs officials.
Luxury Vehicle Surcharges: May apply to high-value vehicles, though thresholds and rates are not uniformly published or consistently enforced
Engine Size Premiums: Possible additional charges for large displacement engines, but criteria vary and are not standardized
Commercial Vehicle Taxes: Environmental or specialized taxes may apply to commercial or diesel vehicles, but are not consistently applied to private passenger vehicles
Customs Discretion: Additional assessments may be applied at customs discretion based on vehicle characteristics
Additional surcharges beyond standard duties and taxes may apply in certain circumstances, though these are not standard practice and depend heavily on specific vehicle characteristics and customs assessment procedures.
Understanding complete cost scenarios helps establish realistic budgets for Honduras vehicle imports across different departure ports and vehicle values. Note that actual taxes may vary based on customs documentation and valuation procedures.
Vehicle Value: $20,000
Ocean Freight: $2,775
Protection/Documentation: $400
CIF Value: $23,175
Import Duty (12%): $2,781
VAT Base: $25,956 (CIF + Duty)
VAT (15%): $3,893
Selective Tax (1%): $298 (on cumulative value)
Total Taxes: $6,972
Estimated Total Landed Cost: $30,147
Disclaimer: Duty rates and tax calculations are estimates based on typical assessments. Actual costs may vary based on customs valuation and current enforcement practices.
Vehicle Value: $25,000
Ocean Freight: $3,150
Protection/Documentation: $450
CIF Value: $28,600
Import Duty (12%): $3,432
VAT Base: $32,032 (CIF + Duty)
VAT (15%): $4,805
Selective Tax (1%): $328 (on cumulative value)
Total Taxes: $8,565
Estimated Total Landed Cost: $37,165
Vehicle Value: $30,000
Ocean Freight: $3,200
Protection/Documentation: $500
CIF Value: $33,700
Import Duty (15%): $5,055
VAT Base: $38,755 (CIF + Duty)
VAT (15%): $5,813
Selective Tax (1%): $446 (on cumulative value)
**Total Taxes: $11,314
**Estimated Total Landed Cost: $44,514
Important Note: These calculations represent estimates based on typical duty rates and standard tax applications. Actual costs require professional assessment through licensed customs brokers, as rates and calculations may vary based on vehicle specifications, customs valuation procedures, and current regulatory enforcement.
Beyond ocean freight and import taxes, several additional costs contribute to your complete Honduras vehicle import investment.
Export Documentation: Complete US customs clearance and export paperwork
Import Documentation: Honduras customs forms and required certifications
Translation Services: Certified Spanish translation of required documents
Authentication: Apostille and consular legalization when required
Our comprehensive documentation service ensures compliance with both US export requirements and Honduras import regulations, preventing delays and additional fees during customs processing.
Nationwide Pickup: Professional collection from any US location
Port Delivery: Transportation to departure port facilities
Self-Delivery Option: Direct delivery to port at no additional charge
Door-to-Door Service: Complete handling from pickup through Honduras delivery
While self-delivery to our port facilities incurs no additional charge, we offer professional vehicle collection services for added convenience, with fees varying based on distance and location.
Comprehensive Coverage: Full protection from US pickup through Honduras delivery
Ocean Transit Coverage: Protection during container shipping to Puerto Cortés
Port Handling Protection: Coverage during loading, unloading, and port storage
Custom Coverage Options: Enhanced protection for high-value vehicles
We recommend comprehensive cargo protection for your vehicle during international shipping, providing coverage throughout the entire import process.
Honduras vehicle imports utilize container shipping exclusively, providing maximum protection during ocean transit while accommodating various vehicle types and conditions.
Shared Container Space: Cost-effective option for single vehicles
Regular Departures: Weekly consolidated shipments from major ports
Flexible Loading: Accommodates both running and non-running vehicles
Cost Optimization: Significant savings compared to dedicated containers
Our consolidated container service combines multiple customers' vehicles in shared containers, providing substantial cost savings while maintaining secure transportation to Puerto Cortés.
20-Foot Containers: Ideal for 1-2 standard vehicles
40-Foot Containers: Accommodates 2-4 vehicles or larger vehicles with parts
Exclusive Use: Complete container control for high-value or multiple vehicles
Enhanced Security: Maximum protection for valuable or specialty vehicles
Dedicated containers provide exclusive use and enhanced security, ideal for customers shipping multiple vehicles, high-value cars, or requiring maximum protection.
Expert Container Loading: Specialized loading techniques for vehicle protection
Non-Running Vehicle Service: Forklift and crane loading for inoperable vehicles
Secure Transit Preparation: Professional securing methods prevent damage during transport
Parts and Accessories: Space for related components and spare parts
Our experienced loading teams ensure proper vehicle preparation and securing within containers, preventing damage during the 7-16 day ocean voyage to Honduras.
The Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement provides potential duty reductions for qualifying US-manufactured vehicles imported to Honduras, though professional assessment is essential to determine actual eligibility and benefits.
Duty Reduction Potential: Significant savings for qualifying US-manufactured vehicles
Origin Requirements: Strict requirements for US manufacture and component sourcing
Documentation Critical: Certificate of Origin required to claim benefits
Professional Verification Essential: Qualification assessment requires expert evaluation with licensed customs brokers
CAFTA-DR benefits can substantially reduce import duties for qualifying vehicles, though complex origin rules and documentation requirements make professional assessment essential for accurate benefit determination.
Non-US Manufacturing: Vehicles manufactured outside the United States
Insufficient US Content: Vehicles not meeting US content percentage requirements
Missing Documentation: Incomplete or improper certificate of origin paperwork
Component Sourcing: Third-country components exceeding allowable percentages
Understanding CAFTA-DR limitations helps establish realistic expectations about potential duty savings and emphasizes the importance of professional documentation preparation.
Individual Vehicle Evaluation: Each vehicle requires professional assessment for CAFTA-DR qualification
Documentation Preparation: Expert preparation of certificate of origin and supporting materials
Customs Coordination: Professional submission and verification with Honduras customs
Actual Benefit Verification: Professional confirmation of achieved savings versus theoretical benefits
Professional assessment through licensed customs brokers ensures accurate qualification determination and proper documentation preparation for claiming available CAFTA-DR benefits, as actual benefits may vary from theoretical calculations.
Our established partnerships with licensed Honduras customs brokers ensure professional representation and optimal cost management throughout your vehicle import process, with emphasis on accurate tax assessment and documentation verification.
Puerto Cortés Expertise: Specialized brokers with extensive Honduras import experience
Current Regulation Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of changing import requirements
Tax Assessment Accuracy: Professional evaluation of actual duties and taxes based on current procedures
Local Relationships: Established connections with Honduras customs authorities
Our network of trusted Honduras customs broker partners provides essential local expertise and professional representation, ensuring compliance while providing accurate cost assessments based on current enforcement practices.
Complete Documentation Handling: Professional preparation of all required import documentation
Accurate Tax Calculation: Precise assessment and payment of applicable duties and taxes based on customs valuation
Customs Clearance Coordination: Expert navigation of Honduras customs procedures
Problem Resolution: Professional representation for any issues during import processing
Working with established Honduras customs brokers through our network provides significant advantages in accurate cost management, compliance assurance, and successful import completion.
Actual Cost Verification: Confirmation of final duties and taxes based on customs assessment
Processing Status Updates: Regular communication throughout customs clearance
Documentation Verification: Professional confirmation of document acceptance and compliance
Timeline Coordination: Accurate scheduling based on actual processing requirements
Our customs brokerage partnerships provide professional assessment and communication throughout your Honduras vehicle import process, ensuring accurate cost expectations and successful completion.
Several factors influence your final Honduras car shipping costs, requiring professional evaluation to optimize your total investment while ensuring compliance with current regulations.
Florida Economic Advantage: Most economical shipping option despite longer total processing time
New York Speed Benefit: Fastest complete processing with moderate premium over Florida rates
California West Coast Access: Competitive pricing with West Coast convenience
Professional Cost Consultation: Expert evaluation of total cost versus timing priorities
Departure port selection involves balancing cost savings against timing requirements, with professional consultation helping optimize the decision based on individual priorities and circumstances.
CAFTA-DR Eligibility Evaluation: Professional assessment of US-manufactured vehicle qualification for duty savings
Value Impact Analysis: Expert evaluation of duty rate implications at different vehicle values
Compliance Verification: Professional confirmation of Honduras age limits and condition requirements
Documentation Assessment: Expert review of available title and registration documentation
Strategic vehicle selection requires professional assessment to accurately evaluate total import costs, duty reduction opportunities, and compliance requirements.
Cost Accuracy: Professional assessment prevents underestimation of total costs and unexpected expenses
Compliance Assurance: Expert guidance ensures proper procedures and successful import completion
Benefit Maximization: Professional evaluation optimizes legitimate tax savings through proper qualification
Risk Management: Expert handling prevents costly mistakes, delays, and storage fees
Professional customs and shipping services represent essential investment in accurate cost assessment and successful Honduras vehicle imports, often resulting in lower total costs than independent attempts.
For comprehensive information about Honduras import requirements and professional assessment, visit our detailed Honduras car shipping page.
Working with experienced Honduras shipping specialists provides significant advantages in accurate cost assessment, compliance management, and overall import success compared to independent arrangements.
17+ Years Professional Experience: Extensive Honduras shipping experience with thousands of successful imports
Current Regulation Knowledge: Up-to-date understanding of changing import requirements and enforcement practices
Accurate Cost Assessment: Professional evaluation based on actual customs procedures and current rates
Local Partnership Network: Trusted relationships throughout Honduras import chain
Our extensive Honduras shipping experience enables accurate cost assessment through established relationships, current knowledge, and comprehensive understanding of actual import procedures.
Individual Vehicle Evaluation: Professional assessment of actual costs and requirements for each vehicle
Documentation Excellence: Expert preparation of all required customs and import documentation
Cost Transparency: Clear breakdown of actual charges and fees based on professional assessment
Risk Management: Expert handling prevents costly mistakes and provides accurate expectations
Our professional approach ensures accurate cost assessment and successful import completion through expert evaluation and established procedures.
Thousands of Successful Imports: Proven track record of successful Honduras vehicle imports with accurate cost management
Customer Satisfaction: Comprehensive professional support ensures positive import experience
Cost Effectiveness: Professional handling often results in more accurate cost projections and successful completion
Compliance Success: Expert procedures ensure proper customs clearance and vehicle delivery
Our proven Honduras import success demonstrates the value of professional shipping services for accurate cost assessment and compliant vehicle imports.
Several additional factors can impact your Honduras car shipping experience and total investment, requiring professional consideration during planning and budgeting phases.
Local Registration: Professional guidance for vehicle registration with Honduras transportation authorities
Technical Inspection: Expert coordination of compliance verification at authorized inspection centers
Local Protection: Professional assistance with mandatory Honduras liability coverage requirements
License Requirements: Expert guidance for driver's license validation or acquisition in Honduras
Post-import registration and compliance requirements add additional costs and procedures requiring professional coordination for successful completion.
Complete Processing Assessment: Professional evaluation of 24-31 day total processing requirements
Document Preparation Planning: Expert timeline for 30-45 day advance preparation of complex documentation
Customs Clearance Coordination: Professional management of 2-5 day customs processing at Puerto Cortés
Registration Process Planning: Expert coordination of additional time for local compliance and registration
Professional timeline planning helps coordinate all aspects of your Honduras vehicle import for accurate expectations and smooth completion.
Comprehensive Cost Assessment: Professional evaluation of all cost components and payment requirements
Currency Management: Expert guidance for US dollar shipping costs and local currency tax payments
Exchange Rate Planning: Professional assessment of currency fluctuation impact on total costs
Payment Method Coordination: Expert management of multiple payment methods for different cost components
Professional financial planning accounts for various currencies, payment methods, and cost variables throughout the import process.
With transparent professional evaluation, comprehensive service, and established Honduras expertise, West Coast Shipping provides reliable solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Contact our Honduras shipping specialists today for professional cost analysis based on actual customs procedures, current shipping schedules, and expert guidance through Honduras's complex import requirements. Get started with accurate professional assessment and expert support for your successful Honduras car shipping project.