Used Japanese KEI Trucks – Better Understanding Of The KEI Mini Trucks

If you have been thinking of getting a mini truck then you must at some point come across KEI mini truck as a considerable option. But how much do you know about KEI trucks? Are they the phenomenon mini trucks that many people are raving about? The best way to do this is by exploring the mini truck inside out.

Below is a detailed guide on some of the basic things that you need to know about a KEI truck even before you even decide to buy it.

Overview

KEI or “Keitora” as it is known in Japan is a lightweight truck that helps in hauling different loads from one place to the other. These Kei trucks come in both 4 WD and 2 WD and have engine capacity of 550cc or 600cc. The light mini trucks are meant to ease maneuverability while at the same time ensuring there is a cost efficient margin.

There are a variety of Kei Trucks in the market today all depending on the manufacturer. some of the most common Kei truck makers in the industry includes; Honda Acty, Mazda Scrum, Daihatsu Hi-Jet , Subaru Sambar, Mitsubishi Minicab and Suzuki Carry. These trucks are almost similar only that the designs vary with the manufacturer and the year they were made.

How Reliable Are KEI Trucks?

Kei trucks have stood the test of tome and ranks as one of the most reliable vehicles that can be used for multiple tasks.

Engineered for all terrains – Kei trucks have been engineered with all terrain roads and conditions in mind. It doesn’t matter if you are hauling produce from a farm that is downhill or whether you carry construction materials in a bad road. The hard body design coupled up with touch axles which power up these Kei trucks makes them strong enough to tackle every kind of load.

Accessibility – Sometimes a mini truck just does what the huge trucks cannot do. For instance a farmer who has a farm down a valley and they have to carry their produce to a point that is higher. This requires a truck that is light and capable of hauling the produce fast.

Mini trucks also make it easy to maneuver through small paths and bad roads without getting stuck or making a big deal out of it. If you find your errands revolving around activities such as this, you need a Kei truck.

Affordability – If you are a small entrepreneur or a middle sized trader who isn’t up for a budget to get a huge truck, then it would be ideal to go for a Kei mini truck. With the fact that it consumes less fuel and needs less maintenance, it’s something worth considering.

Durability – Are you wondering of the durability of these mini trucks? Fret not, they are hard-bodied and designed to last even when subjected to hard condition and bad weather roads.

Even though these are used mini trucks, expect it to last you decades to come and maintain the same performance. The performance will also however depend on your commitment to maintain it. So, don’t look at it as an old mini truck, but a classic machine that will serve you for long.

Why Buy A Used Japanese KEI Truck?

Kei mini trucks have been used not only in Japan but also across the globe. The United States market has an increasing demand for Kei trucks and minivans from Japan. This is because they are affordable and well maintained to meet the safety and environmental needs.

The carrying capacity and the horsepower that these mini trucks have is ideal for running daily errands in the United States. Compared to open cab utility vehicles which is yet another option that many people consider, the mini trucks have a larger bed size and a bigger carrying capacity. When it comes to mileage, Kei mini trucks are also awesome.

With the current global low emission laws in place, these Kei trucks have undergone changes over the years which have made them better performing and reliable.

How About Kei Mini Truck Spare Parts?

Most people don’t give much thought about how they are going to maintain their mini trucks once they are in operation. This should be among the first concerns that need to be put across even before you acquire the vehicle.

The good thing with Kei spare parts is that they are readily available and can be imported at any time. Here are some important things to keep in mind when looking for your mini truck spare parts.

Get an understanding about some mechanical basics – Sometimes letting the mechanic do all the work could become very costly. Some things are just so simple and not complicated enough to hire a mechanic to make changes. If you let them take care of spare parts, there could also be some extra charges.

Know your spare supplier –The other thing is you need to have a trustworthy supplier for your mini truck spare parts. You can always get in touch with us as we carry around mini truck and mini can spare parts. We make the whole process hassle free and easy.

Conclusion:

With all the reliability, affordability and performance of the KEI truck, it sure is an ideal mini truck for running your daily errands with ease.

If you need to import a mini truck to the United States or any other place, then a good place to start is right here at Substar. We have a huge inventory that is quickly becoming a hot sales spot that many importers are flocking to.

Among some of the things that make many people love the mini trucks and mini vans in our inventory is that we do thorough inspection on the vehicle’s mechanical condition. This is an assurance that you are getting a vehicle that is of the best quality.

Support on queries is also a snap away. Head over to our listings page and check out some of the mini trucks that you would like and then get in touch with us.

Buying Used Scissor Lift & Dump Bed Mini Trucks – Is It Worth It?

Have you come into a dead end trying to figure out what kind of mini truck you need to run some errands? If you have always had the idea of getting a mini truck but never really concluded on which truck you have always wanted simply because you haul a variety of loads, then you should consider a combo of scissor lift and dump bed mini truck.

If a used Scissor lift or Dump Bed Mini Truck came to your mind then we are going to help you conclude on whether it is perfect for you. In this post, we will also cover the reasons why you should import your mini truck by yourself.

Should You Buy A Scissor Lift & Dump Bed Mini Truck?
The ingenious design that combines both the capabilities of a lift mini truck and that of a dump bed brought together gives a high performing multipurpose mini truck. Below are some of the reasons why you would need this mini truck;

It’s A Multipurpose Mini Truck

The fact that this mini truck is fitted with both the scissor lift system and dump bed hydraulic functionality gives is sure to help one do multiple tasks. If you are unsure of the precise tasks that you will be using the truck for or when you know you will be handling a wide range of tasks this mini truck is your best option.

This will give you an open option to use the mini truck for anything or haul different loads painlessly.

Reliable Performance

Something else worth keeping in mind before you even think of buying your mini truck is whether it will be able to offer the perfect service that you seek. It would be worthless to buy a mini truck only to realize that it doesn’t pay off in the long run. Scissor Lift & Dump Bed Mini Trucks are known to be strong and reliable in hauling loads though they usually come from different models. You can compare the different models and their horse powers to ascertain which one will work best for you.

Luckily in our inventory listing, there are a variety of mini trucks of all kinds including the scissor lift and dump bed mini trucks which you can choose from. We have inspected each and every vehicle in our listing, so you can always buy with confidence.

High Cost Efficiency

Some people might argue; why not just buy the whole truck which hauls way more? The cost efficiency equation comes in well here. There is no problem in acquiring a big dump truck but if you were to invest on such, you would spend more. The next thing you should ask yourself is whether you have enough budget to acquire the mini truck as well as maintaining it. The only time a big truck will make financial sense is when you have a budget ready for it and when you are looking for a good option to help you haul bigger loads.

Big trucks seep in more fuel and demands more maintenance as compared to mini trucks. If you are not ready to take care of such then you should stick with the mini truck which is very cost efficient.

Affordable Option

Instead of buying a mini truck then fitting the scissor lift system, why not go with one that has already been perfectly fitted and tested to work perfectly? If you buy a dump min truck that isn’t fitted with the scissor lift and plan to adjust it later, it could turn out to be a nightmare. Adjusting the bed might need the help of an expert which could end up piling up your bills becoming expensive in the long run.

Furthermore acquiring one that is already fitted with the system from a local dealer could be costly as they are targeting to make profit from the modification that the truck underwent. If you are serious about acquiring a mini truck that helps you run a variety of day to day errands without breaking the bank then getting a used Scissor lift and dump bed mini truck is your best bet.

Buying Your Used Scissor lift & Dump Bed Mini Trucks From Substar

blankHere at Substar we list a large number of mini trucks and mini vans, all of which have been inspected by our high skilled mechanical professionals. In-spite serving customers across the globe, we have had no issues shipping the vehicles and we are not worried about compromising our services.

This is because we would love to maintain good relations with our customers and we must make sure that what they get from us is of the best quality.

A wide range of options – Here a Substar, we have gathered a wide variety of mini trucks and they are fast moving, so be sure to keep an eye on our inventory listing and you could find yourself your dream Used Scissor lift or a dump bed mini truck.

Easy to Ship – Importing your used mini truck is not as hard as your dealer wants you to believe. There are quite a number of paperwork to be filled and some fee clearance to take care of but it still will be way cheaper.

As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll be happy to learn that here at Substar, we help you by giving your proper guidelines till you pick your mini truck from your local port.

Final Word:

The idea of acquiring a scissor lift and dump bed mini truck is an ideal one especially if you are planning to haul different loads from one place to place. You however should be cautious with how you buy it and you need to do your due diligence before planning on the importation.

Having been in the industry for years, Substar is one of the best places where you can get your mini truck. You can go through our listing, check every detail in any vehicle that captures your attention. You can always ask for more information about the vehicle and we will always be there to help out.

Maintenance Tips For Your Mini Truck

So you’ve got your mini truck and got your business rolling, but you don’t have a clue on any maintenance beyond changing oil? Like any other vehicle out there, your mini truck deserves some servicing to keep it in good shape and guarantee good performance. You also don’t want to be getting on the other side of the law for an un-roadworthy mini truck, so it is better to keep everything in check.

Below are some of the most important routine maintenance tips to ensure that your mini truck performance is good and you are also maintaining a roadworthy vehicle.

Protect Your Mini Truck Against Rust

Besides the outside appearance, there are many reasons why you’d want to keep your mini truck free from rust. First up, rust increases the chances of wear and tear of your car body parts and sooner you’ll be looking for a new body to replace.

Depending on the environmental condition and the season, your mini truck could be exposed to more risks of getting rust. If for instance you live in a cold and wet area that is wet, you are likely to experience rust on your truck if you don’t take the necessary measures.

The best way to get rid of rust is to do regular cleaning and ensure that your vehicle is well painted. You should also ensure to keep an eye under the body where most parts are exposed to water and mud.

Ensure The Tires Maintain Good Traction

How good are the tires of your mini truck and how should they be? Most of us forget that tires have a role to play and could directly impact the efficiency of your mini truck.

Slippery conditions especially when hauling heavy loads could be disastrous and sometimes even life threatening. With time your mini truck’s tire treads starts to wear out reducing the grip of the vehicle. Many experts will advise you to change you truck tires after every year or so. Apparently, this is something that doesn’t apply in all situations.

The wearing of car tires depends on a number of factors including the usability, the tire maker among other factors. You will need to keep an eye on the treads and ensure that they are fairly used and can still take a grip. If the tread depth goes below 3/16, then you should consider changing the tires since the grip is declining. You should also watch out for cracks on each tire and some other issues such as sidewall bulges.

Maintain Good Wiring System Of Your Mini Truck

A truck without proper wiring is as good as dead and you will need to commit yourself to maintain it if you expect it to serve you for a longer period. Wiring and electrical maintenance could however be a complicated process if you have no clue about it. It is thus important to seek the help of an expert in the field to help do regular fixing and wiring. Some of the things that needs close attention when it comes to wiring include the mini truck’s air conditioning, lighting system as well as the ignition system.

If you are not planning on pushing your mini truck downhill because you can’t get it to start, then you should make sure that you do regular wiring maintenance.

Check On Your Battery Regularly

How often do you change your mini truck’s battery? This is a common question among many vehicle owners and something that is important.

If you have had a car before, then you already know that checking the battery condition and changing the battery acid is something that needs to be done regularly.

The battery terminals ends also need to be cleaned and if need be one should add distilled water. This should ensure that the battery holds proper charge and lasts longer. A battery should also be replaced after about 5 years to increase its efficiency.

Engine and Transmission Maintenance

blankYet another maintenance that many people ignore is to check out the engine and the transmission. Does your mini truck transmission feel different like it used to be? It is normal to experience such as time goes and the clutch may start getting harder to shift. Slipping is yet another problem that you might experience due to a worn out clutch and this is something that needs to be addresses to maintain high performance of your mini truck.

Seeking the help of an expert mechanic is crucial in getting things done here. Misalignment and pressure plate issues should also be taken care of. You need to pinpoint the problem or make any fixes in the transmission system. Your mini truck performance depends on the engine and the gear box.

Maintaining Screen Visibility

The windshield and the blades in your vehicle are important not only for the mini truck’s safety but also to meet the road safety requirements. The windshield wipers should be replaced in case there are scratches or cracks and the blade’s rubber pads should also be checked regularly. It is advisable to buy the whole blade pack to save. You should also remember to use windshield washer fluid.

Final Word:

Just like any other vehicle, trucks need to be services and parts changed so that they can maintain a high performance and stay roadworthy. While maintenance will depend on the different type of mini truck that one has, all of them need to be well maintained. Hopefully this maintenance guide has been helpful in giving you an overview of what you should expect doing maintenance.

If you are shopping and looking for a good and affordable mini truck to import, then why not check out some that are in our listing? We inspect every truck in our listing and even go an extra mile to help you with the shipping process which most people find to be a hassle. So, whether you are in U.S or any other country, we’ve got your back. We have used trucks ranging from Mazda Scrum, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Mitsubishi Minicab, Subaru Sambar, and Honda Acty.

Guide On Importing Used Skylift Mini Trucks

Are you looking to start a construction business or just need something that helps you with heavy lifting? Worry not. Skylift mini trucks could be the ultimate solution that you have been looking for. We however know that acquiring a new Skylift could sometimes be so expensive and not worthy depending on your budgeting. The option to acquire a second-hand Skylift could be ideal, but only when you know what to look for.

In this guide, we will cover some of the most crucial things that you need to keep in mind before you even think of buying a used Skylift mini truck. Below are the things to keep in mind:

Inspecting Your Skylift Mini Trucks

A used truck isn’t a standardized item that you can just shop for blindly without minding the details and features. With that in mind, here are some of the things that you should inspect or inquire about when you are shopping for a good Skylift mini truck.

1. Fuel efficiency

Knowing the fuel efficiency of the truck that you are about to buy is something that you wouldn’t want to ignore, unless you are ready to spit lots of cash or a guzzler. While performance is of most importance when considering the truck to buy, it should also be equally economical. This is something that you need to keep in your checklist when asking questions to the dealer. You can also opt to contact an expert to help you analyze the truck to ensure that it is economical.

2. Body & Chassis Condition

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is the body and chassis of the truck that you would like to buy.
Although it doesn’t usually reflect the ultimate performance of the Skylift truck, you don’t want to buy a truck that has dents and welding spots all over the body. Chassis is also an important part to check before buying. Some trucks may have had broken chassis earlier on which means that it is not strong and could easily break if subjected to heavy work. Asking for the footage of the body and chassis should clear doubts when it comes to this.

3. The Skylift Mini Truck Horse Power

Not every Skylift will have the same amount of power as the other. This means there are some Skylift mini trucks that are stronger and meant to perform heavier work than others. Depending on the amount of work that you will need to be using or truck for, you should consider the horsepower factor. It is also important to keep in mind that some trucks with higher horse-power could be a bit pricier than those with less horse-power. Again seeking the help of an expert to determine the right truck that is capable of handling your tasks is important.

4. Engine & Gear box Performance

What is a vehicle without good engine performance? Or one that its gear box breaks down every time? It would be a wasted investment to invest in such a truck which will only cost you more in buying spare parts and maintaining it. The engine performance determines how efficient your tuck will be running daily errands. Having a mechanical expert by your side is something worth considering as well. Although we always test all the vehicles ourselves, it would also be good to get it first-hand.
This will help you find out whether you are investing in something that is up to standard.

5. Hydraulic Functionality

skylift mini truckYou don’t need any technical mechanical experience to know that hydraulics is an integral part of anything that lifts loads. Since Skylift trucks depend on the hydraulic systems to do most of the work, it should be top notch to guarantee performance. Ask about the common lift problems such as the hydraulic freezing or failing to lift. With this move, you will be able to avoid anything that could get faulty while lifting.

Ask for a Recent Inspection Report

But how do you do all these when you can’t avail yourself physically? Apart from asking for footages of the vehicle that you are interesting in, you should also ask for a recent scan of inspection report. Japanese used trucks are inspected regularly which makes them more ideal. Even with the inspection report, you could as well get another mechanical report if the vehicle was recently inspected by an external mechanical inspector.

This should clear most mechanical issues as well as helping you determine if the truck is roadworthy and high performing.

Buying A Skylift Mini Truck From Substar

If you are looking for a smart importation option where you can buy affordable Skylift mini trucks, look nowhere else. Our listing inventory is growing fast attracting imports from buyers across the globe.

You will also love the fact that we do thorough inspection on all our vehicles to ensure that they meet quality road and usability standards. This way, you can be sure that you are getting a high performance truck that does everything that you want it to do.
We understand the need to have an economical truck, and one that is also eco-friendly. We ensure that these trucks meet the US safety and eco-friendly standards. So you can buy from us with confidence.
You can always make an inquiry about new trucks just in case you do not find your preferred one in our listing. Some could be under the inspection stage and could be exactly what you are looking for.

Final Word:

Buying or importing used skylift mini trucks is an ideal option for anyone looking for the perfect equipment to move and lift heavy loads without breaking the bank. Hopefully, our guide has been a reliable resource by shining light to anyone looking for a Skylift mini truck.

You can check out some of the trucks in our listings page and see if there is one that perfectly suits your needs. And to make it hassle free, we will guide you on how to make your importation fast and painless. Feel free to get in touch with us anytime concerning importation and any details pertaining used Skylift trucks from Japan.

How To Buy Used Dump Bed Mini Trucks

When you need something that will help you haul anything ranging from construction materials to farm produce, the right transport vehicle to help in that situation is a dump truck. But in some situations, huge dump trucks are too much and all you need is something to transport less materials and this is where the dump bed mini trucks come in.

Japanese used vehicles are known across the world to be the best option since they are both affordable and reliable when it comes to performance. If you are in the United States for example, you will find dump trucks but in many cases, they come with a hefty price tag. So why not try buying your truck from Japan today? But before buying, you will need to ensure that the dump truck you are buying is road-worthy and guarantees you good performance. Below are some of the things that you will need to check out for when looking for a good dump bed mini truck.

What To Check When Buying a Used Dump Bed Mini Truck

Below are some of the things that you should look for or inquire about before you buy a dump bed mini truck;

Inquire About The Dump Truck Body And Tires

Perhaps the first thing that you will need to do before ordering or importing your dump truck is to ensure that the body, chassis and the tires are in great shape.

Dump box and the liner could sometimes be faulty or worn out which could degrade your dump truck. It is also important to know what it is made up of. They could be made of aluminum or steel. Theoretically an aluminum box is lighter which makes it fuel efficiency in the long run, so this is something that you should keep in mind.

To avoid spending more on new tires, you should check the status of the current ones. If you are getting a bargain on the truck and find the tires to be the only thing that need replacement, then you should already know the cost of new tires and make sure it fits inside your budget.

Frames, Rails and Axle

For performance and longevity’s sake, the frames, rails and axles in any truck are some of the things that one must keep in mind when they are choosing a good dump truck to run their transportation errands. They need to be strong enough and have no previous breakages. Some of the faulty dump trucks that have bowing on the rails and frames should be avoided at all costs. You may also come across one that has undergone some welding works and reinforcements and these are the dump bed mini trucks that you also need to avoid.

Horse Power

When you decided that you needed a dump truck, it is obvious that you already had an idea of how you expect to use the truck.
If you are looking for a truck to use for heavy tasks such as carrying weighty loads regularly, you need a high horse-powered mini truck. The higher the horse power, the better the truck can handle heavier duties. This is however something that you can easily inquire about if not listed in the truck details.

Hydraulic Lift Cylinder

Something else that you shouldn’t ignore is the hydraulic system functionality. It is the hydraulic system that makes a dump truck what it is since this is the most crucial part that does the offloading work. If the hydraulic system has problems then it could be difficult to handle heavy loads.

Some of the most common issues that the hydraulic system is having the dump truck steady when off-loading. Sometimes one could also experience the hydraulic not hark back after a lift.
Although most of them in the dealer listings are usually inspected, it is also good to inquire to know if the dump truck will perform and do the tasks that you expect it to do.

Engine and Gear Box

blankWhat if you bought your truck only to find that its engine has problems and its performance is questionable? You will have yourself to blame for not doing a thorough inspection and inquiring before making your order.

The performance of the truck you get will always be dependent on the condition of the engine and the vehicle’s organs. Luckily, in Japan annual inspection of mini trucks is done to ensure that the vehicles are roadworthy. This is yet another reason to love Japanese used dump trucks. We however take a closer look with the help of our mechanical experts to ensure that every dump truck in our listing is roadworthy and ready to take on technical work.

Buy Used Japanese Dump Trucks From Substar

Substar is one of the leading Japanese export dealership which lists hundreds of mini trucks and mini vans. We go beyond what many other dealers do and inspect the vehicles and trucks before listing them. This ensures that the importer enjoys high performance and high-end services from the trucks that they import from us.

You can check out our listings page where you will find lots of trucks ranging from Kei mini trucks, Mini truck, and K-Trucks. You will also find a wide range of models in our listings page. This includes the Mazda Scrum, Suzuki Carry, Daihatsu Hijet, Mitsubishi Minicab, Subaru Sambar and Honda Acty. Our inventory is also updated regularly, so keep checking and you will surely come across one that meets your preferences.

We will also help you and give you advices to assist you to ship your truck affordably and painlessly to the United States or any other place in the world.

Final Word:

Importing a dump bed mini truck, whether you are in United States or anywhere in the world could be the best deal if you have regular tasks that needs to be carried. With the affordability and reliability option under control, you can hardly find a better deal anywhere else. Please take some time to go through the dump bed mini trucks in our listing to see if you will land yourself a good deal.

Importing Used Japanese Mini (kei) Trucks Directly From Japan

If you are thinking of acquiring a mini truck to run your daily errands or for whatever reasons you have, then Japanese used mini trucks could be a good option. You can always find Japanese used vehicles in your local used car dealer, but have you ever weighed in and thought of importing the vehicle directly from Japan? Many people haven’t been taking advantage of directly importing their vehicles, leaving all the work for the dealers who quote crazy figures compared to the dirty cheap cost of the vehicle.

In this post, we hope to shed much light on the import process and help importers understand what is required for them when they would like to import from Japan.

Why Buy Mini (Kei) Truck From Japan?

Most people would ask, why not just buy the Kei mini truck from the local car dealer and get rolling? As that could be a good idea, you may also want to explore other available options such as importing from Japan. Below are some of the things that you could benefit from if you opt to buy your mini truck from Japan.

Affordability – we all love to be frugal when it comes to spending and choosing to import your own truck could be one way of saving on your next vehicle.

First off, you are cutting down the dealer who is looking to make profits by importing and shipping it to your local car dealer. But why not import it yourself? After all, it’s just paperwork and understanding some importing basics which you can master easily.

Easy to follow process – Forget the many myths and the runts that you will hear from folks all over saying that importing yourself is a big hassle. People are doing it every single day and they love the experience, so why don’t you also take the leap?

Good mechanical condition – One thing that you need to know is that all Japanese vehicles undergo periodical inspection. KEI mini trucks for example undergo annual inspection, making them a good option for anyone looking for a used mini truck to buy.

Steps Of Importing Used Mini Trucks From Japan

When you have made up your mind and decided to import your mini truck, here are the steps that you need to follow:

Get in touch with the vehicle exporter – If for instance, you check out our listings page and see a mini truck that you would love to import, you can examine the details and reach out to find out more.

Buying a vehicle isn’t a pick-and-go kind of deal, but one that you need to make precise inquiries to determine if it is the perfect one that you are shopping for. In such a case, getting in touch inquiring for more details is the best way forward.

You also need to understand the price quotation to make an informed decision. Prices are usually quoted as CIF or FOB. CIF which is the most common means refers to the pricing where the exporter takes care of every other cost incurred. On the other end, FOB includes only the transportation costs, exclusive of other duty and custom charges. CIF is the most convenient method of importing especially if you are inexperienced with the import business.

Placing Your Order – The next step is to make your order which in many cases is done through bank wire transfer. Again, you need to be cautious when sending money as there are scams all over and without keenness the transaction could get messy. When your order is placed, the exporter usually sends you a mail with all the order details including insurance certificate and duty costs receipts if you opted for the CIF option. Some of these details will also be required when collecting your vehicle and it is advisable that one submit them earlier before the vehicle is delivered. This will ease the processing and get your vehicle released on time.

blankReceiving Your Vehicle – After the shipping is done by the exporter, it is the role of Consignee (you) to pick it up from the port. The port will act as a clearance point, unless you have a private terminal. To avoid your vehicle being moved to customs, where it will attract accruing charges, you should pick it up within 15 days of delivery. You will be presented with forms to fill manually at the port and you will pay for the clearance fee as well. Your forms will then be stamped and your vehicle cleared. Be sure to have your driver’s license when you go to pick up your mini truck.

From there, the other procedure of registering the vehicle and getting it plated is an easy walk in the park which you can do easily.
Some Important Forms That You Will Fill In The Import Process
Here are some of the important forms that you will need to download and fill while in the process of importing your vehicle.

Most of the details are about the vehicle model and the shipping details. Should you get stuck filling them, the staff of the respective departments could help.

Entry form – this is the first form that you will have to fill which notifies the government that you are importing something from another country. The significant questions asked on this form are about what you are importing, where it is headed to and when it is being imported.

EPA form – The shipping needs to be EPA (Environmental Protection agency) and DOT (department Of Transport) compliant and this is what this form is all about.

CBP form – This is the Customs and border Protection which is necessary when shipping anything across countries.

Conclusion:

Importing used mini trucks from Japan isn’t as crazy as many dealers want you to believe. Hopefully, the steps above have shed enough light to help you understand more about how to import a mini truck from Japan. You can check out our list of vehicles which comes in different models.

You may also consult with the CBP officers should you have doubt about anything regarding shipping your vehicle.

How to Buy Mini Trucks From Japan

An increasing number of people across the United States are realizing the boundless reasons to buy mini trucks from Japan. You can always get your mini truck from the dealer shop around you but that is only if you are going there with a sack of cash to spend. Many people are realizing that they could save a lot by importing the trucks by themselves, which in reality isn’t as lengthy process as many would think. It could however get hectic if one fails to follow the right procedure.

In this write-up, we will cover some of the things that you need to keep in mind when you are looking to buy mini trucks from Japan.

What You Need To Know Before Importing Your Mini Truck From Japan

You may have read or heard about stories of vehicles being seized and not ending up in the hands of the owners because of one reason or the other. You also don’t want a surprise charges that breaks that ends up blowing your initial budget. There are processes and expectations that a vehicle or an importer is expected to meet. Below is all you need to know before you even think about shopping for a mini truck from Japan:

The Process Of Importing To The U.S

For anything to be imported to the United States, one will have to file for a special requirement called an “Entry”. The entry is meant to notify the state that you are importing cargo from another county to the united states.

Under the Entry, one will also have to specify what the import item is, when it will be shipped in, where it is from and the particular place where it is headed to. After filling the Entry, it is then submitted to the CBP for analysis and approval is usually an easy process.

Usually, there are two kinds of Entries that one should fill depending on the cost of the vehicle being imported. If the cost of the vehicle excluding insurance is $2499.99 or less, then one will fill a normal entry. Otherwise, for any vehicle that is above this figure, there another special kind of Entry which demands more details.

Understanding The United States Import Laws

The U.S congress has passed laws that restrict the import of vehicles from other countries unless they meet the environmental safety standards. The standards are set under EPA (Environmental Protection Agency and DOT (Department Of Transport). This is the most common reason for vehicles been seized when they enter the United States. Thee is however an exception to this restriction where a vehicle that is 25 years old from the date of manufacture (classic vehicle) can be imported without any issues.

The imported vehicle also goes through customs where it is inspected for other things such as vehicle’s authenticity of the parts.

Understand the Terminologies

buy mini truck from JapanAnother thing that you don’t want to be caught up with and one that could end up blowing your budget if you are not keen with are the terminologies that are used in the vehicle import arena. Here are the terminologies that you should be conversant with:

Importer – This is the party that is responsible for shipping the vehicle, paying for customs and filling the Entry.

Consignee – This is you, the owner of the vehicle being imported.

Duties – This is the custom charges such as tax and is applicable to every vehicle that enters the United States.

Port of Entry– This is the port at which the imported vehicle is received into the United States.

Date of import – This refers to the time when the shipment arrives at the United States port.

Date of Entry – This is simply the date when you filed to get an entry for the vehicle being imported.

Date of export – This is when the vehicle left the country where it is imported from.

HTS Code – This stands for Harmonized Tariff Code and it is classification in which particular imports are put into since each import cluster attracts a certain duty charge. In order to know what duty charges your imported truck will attract, you should check the HTS code from hts.usitc.gov where you will also find the rates.
Importer Security Filings – ISF is a protocol that requires the importers of cargo that is filed under formal entries to submit all cargo and freight information to the CBP before the cargo arrives.

Custom bonds – These are formal entry bonds which are meant to act as insurance for the customs and that they will be paid for. This could be ISF (Importer Security Filing) bonds, DOT and Entry bonds.

Harbor Maintenance Fee – HMF as it is commonly known is a fee that is charged for the maintenance of the port. This is however dependent on the Port and not applicable to all ports. The fee is normally 0.125% of the import value.

Custom Ruling – Sometimes classifying a vehicle depending on its condition, or the condition of its parts doesn’t fit well in its rightful class. If one intends to use the vehicle for off-road purposes they still can since custom ruling will classify the vehicle under a dump class.

Merchandise Processing Fee – This is the processing fee that is charged on all imports whether under formal or informal entries. Formal entries attract higher charges where one is required to pay 0.3464% of the total cost of the imports. It is however capped at $485. Informal entries on the other end attracts a flat rate $2 for automated entries, $6 for manual entries and $9 when the entry is handled under the CBP.

Conclusion:

If you want to buy mini trucks from Japan, it could turn out to be a hectic process if you don’t know most of the import procedures. Hopefully this guide has shed some light on how to go about buying your mini truck from Japan.

You can always have a look at our listings and you could surely find an affordable mini truck that suits your needs. Should you have any questions or need help knowing how your mini truck will be imported, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.