## A domestic shipping framework — with a few key distinctions

Even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, freight moving to the island has specific documentation requirements and regulatory oversight that differs from typical domestic shipments. Shippers who make the mistake of treating PR the same as other U.S. states can experience delays, extra costs or misrouted freight.

Learn what matters most when shipping to Puerto Rico and how the right preparation — and help from an experienced logistics partner — can help your freight move seamlessly.

## Lining up the most important details 

Most shipping disruptions happen before freight ever leaves the dock. Common causes of delays include incorrect consignee information, incomplete or inaccurate documentation, improper packaging and under-declared shipment value.

  
Help reduce these risks with the following steps:

### Get the right paperwork for shipping to PR

Proper paperwork is the single biggest factor in keeping Puerto Rico shipments on schedule. Most shipments require the following, at a minimum:

Bill of Lading (BOL)

Commercial Invoice, which should include:

- Shipper and consignee contact information
- Accurate product descriptions
- Declared cargo value
- Tax bond number or tax-exempt ID (if applicable)

Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing for shipments valued over $2,500

  
EEI filings, if required, must also include Schedule B numbers, shipment weight, value and classification details. An established transportation partner like ArcBest has a proven process in place for customers shipping to PR and can handle filings on your behalf.

#### *EEI tax ID clarification*

In accordance with the U.S. Census Bureau’s EEI requires and the Privacy Act of 1974 (Title 5, U.S. Code, Section 552a), social security numbers are *not* accepted as Tax IDs for EEI filing purposes and *will not* be collected. Instead, EEI filings must use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or other approved business identifier.

Consult this [article](https://www.census.gov/newsroom/blogs/global-reach/2010/03/eliminating-the-use-of-your-social-security-number-ssn-in-the-automated-export-system-aes.html) from the U.S. Census Bureau for additional details, guidance and regulatory background.

### Make sure packaging is fit for the journey

Because Puerto Rico shipments typically involve multiple touchpoints, freight should be properly packaged to handle loading and unloading, intermodal transfers and ocean transit conditions. Best practices include durable packaging materials, clear labeling with destination and contact details, and secure palletization.

## The logistics behind moving freight from mainland to island

Setting realistic timelines and service expectations begins with understanding how freight travels to PR. Most mainland shipments move through intermodal ocean containers, which are then:

1. Loaded in the U.S.
2. Shipped by vessel to San Juan
3. Unloaded and transferred to a local cartage carrier for final delivery

Depending on the size and urgency of the shipment, available options include:

- LTL and volume LTL
- Full truckload (FTL)
- Expedited and time-critical services
- Air freight for high-priority moves

Your provider will help match transit time, cost and freight characteristics to the appropriate service level.

## Tap into the knowledge and experience of ArcBest

Shipping to Puerto Rico can be just as predictable as any domestic move. It’s all about preparation — and that begins with the help of an experienced and knowledgeable provider.

The right transportation partner will:

- Review documentation before freight moves
- Recommend the right transportation mode
- Coordinate inland and island-side delivery
- Provide visibility from pickup to final delivery

ArcBest has a 40-year history of moving freight to Puerto Rico, offering LTL, truckload and expedited services designed to simplify the process from start to finish.

Explore our [Puerto Rico solutions](https://arcb.com/shippers/coverage-area/us-coverage/puerto-rico-coverage) and discover how we can help.