How to Import Mini Trucks to the USA
This page compiles some of the key information needed to import a single mini truck, or full container, to the USA such as:
The Import Process
Street Legal Mini Trucks
Off-Road Mini Trucks
Mini Trucks For Sale to the USA
We’ve imported hundreds of mini trucks to the USA in recent years, to registered importers and individuals. We hope this guide makes the process a bit easier. If you have any questions, you can always contact us to learn more.
USA Import Process
1
Purchase and Shipment
2
Customs and Port Clearance
3
Domestic Transport (From port)
4
Registration
(If for street use)
Purchase and Shipment
Minitrucks.net supports you 100% of the way with this step. Our team of experienced buyers inspect all mini trucks before purchase, and our logistics team can organize shipments worldwide. We also translate and prepare all necessary documents for customs clearance. Dereg documents are sent to all parties once the vehicles are paid for and en route to the arrival port.
Customs and Port Clearance
There are two options to handle customs and port clearance:
Customs Broker: Hire a firm to receive and process all paperwork to get the mini truck through customs. This is the safest and easiest way to get your mini truck imported.
Self Submission: Handle all paperwork on your own. This option is possible for anyone and could save you money in customs fees. Services such as Eezy Import can assist with the process.
We will support you and/or your customs broker with all necessary paperwork and information needed to get your mini truck through customs.
Domestic Transport
If you have a trailer and live close to a major port, then you are free to get your truck directly from the port. Customs brokers can aid in getting clearance to retrieve your vehicle from the port.
If traveling to the port is too far, or you don’t have a trailer, then you would need to arrange domestic transport to the final location. Many transport companies offer port-pickup for individual vehicles.
Local Registration
The final step is registering your mini truck for street use at your local DMV office. This process varies from state to state, and sometimes from person to person. Some differences between Japanese cars and American cars can cause confusion to local staff. For example, mini trucks manufactured in Japan do not have a VIN number. Instead they have a chassis number. As long as you come prepared with all of the required information, with a healthy dose of patience and explanation, you should be able to get your plate and drive down the road in your shiny little truck!
Please note, only 25+ year old mini trucks can be registered for street use in the USA. Please continue reading to see more information about street legal mini trucks in America.
Street Legal Mini Trucks in the USA
25 Year Old Mini Trucks
You can register and drive Japanese mini trucks in most states if they are over 25 years old.
Since most Japanese mini trucks were never sold in the US market, they have not been certified by the government for street use. Despite this, the Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act of 1988 exempts cars that are 25 years or older, based on the manufacture date. This means that 25 year old mini trucks are street legal and can be registered and plated.
See Over 25 Year Old Stock
Mini Truck Laws in the USA by State
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Imported Japanese mini trucks and vans are eligible for street use in most states if they are over 25 years old. We provide all required paperwork required form the Japan side to get them registered in various states. We do recommend to check with your DMV prior to purchase to confirm that your vehicle can be registered if you plan to use on the street.
Off Road Mini Trucks in the USA
Did you know you can import brand new mini trucks to the USA directly from Japan?
A little known process allows for trucks that are brand new and up to 20 years old to be imported as off-road vehicles.
Minitrucks.net is one of the only companies that can certify and import mini trucks under 25 years old to the USA. As seen above, some states allow them to be driven on public roads under specific conditions as well.
Models Available For Import as Off Road Mini Trucks
| Make | Model Years | Specifications |
| Suzuki Every | 1999 to Present | Non-turbo models only |
| Suzuki Carry | 1999 to Present | Non-turbo models only |
| Mazda Scrum | 1999 to Present | Non-turbo models only |
| Daihatsu Hijet | 2008to Present | Truck, Van and Deck-Van |
| Mitsubishi Minicab | 1999 to Present | Truck, and Van Models |
| Nissan Clipper | 1999 to Present | NT100 Truck and NV100 Van |
Mini Trucks For Sale to the USA
Take a look through our inventory to see what we have available for the USA. Or you can let us know if you’re looking for something specific.
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