Rise of the Kei's in America. Why are they so popular!

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Kei trucks also known as mini trucks are gaining popularity in the U.S. due to their affordability, compactness, and versatility, especially for small businesses, farmers, and individuals seeking a practical, affordable vehicle. Their small size makes them easier to maneuver and park, while their fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs are attractive to many. This is the reason why many Americans are looking to own on of these fun sized trucks from Japan, and here at Kei Truck Customs Broker we specialize in customs broker service if you are looking to import your Kei or JDM from Japan. 

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Step by Step Guide to Importing:​

1. Look for a Reputable Dealer / Broker to buy your Car

The first step is to find a car dealer from Japan which has a good reputation or aggregate reviews to ensure the car you are looking to buy meets the first checklist that they have a good history with prior customers who bought from them. While it is not a guarantee that there will be no issues from a reputable dealer, but the chances of a negative experience would be minimized that for say buying from a company that already has a negative history. 

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2. Hire an experienced customs broker after you make the purchase

After you have found the car you want to import and have paid your seller for the cost of the vehicle plus freight shipping. It is important to hire a customs broker before the shipment departs overseas so you have adequate time to set up service with the customs broker. It is important to know all the fees upfront first to avoid any surprises of what you will be paying. Typical fees charged by a broker would be ISF Filing, ISF Bond, Customs Entry Filing, STB Bond, NHTSA, EPA Declaration. Please note each broker may have its own fee rate and description and will differ and vary from one to another. 

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3. Required filings to U.S. Customs: ISF Filing, Customs Entry, NHTSA & EPA...

For most new importers it is hard to understand what the customs broker will do exactly for your car shipment to the United States. To make it simple to understand, there are two filings which will be submitted to U.S. Customs. The first is called the ISF Filing or also known as the Importer Security Filing, this filing is to let U.S. Customs know what is being brought into the U.S. and who. It is for advanced screening for Homeland Security . The second filing due and also the final one is called the Customs Entry Declaration, this filing is done on the week of arrival. The entry declaration contains the financial information of your shipment such as the value of the car, the import duty and fees which will be paid in order to get the customs release at the port so you can pick up the vehicle when arrived. 

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4. Pick up your vehicle from the port 

After you have obtain the customs release notice and documents from your customs broker. The port lets you pick up the car in person at the port terminal, or if you wish to designate an alternate pick up party such as trucking delivery company or tow truck, this is allowed as well by the port as long as their name is indicated on the pick up delivery order document. 

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5. Register your Kei / JDM with the DMV

After you have completed the import process and picked up the car from the port, the final step is to register your vehicle with the DMV. As each state varies in the requirements for 25 year vehicles and especially Kei's, check online with your local DMV website or to give them a call to confirm what they require from you before going in person. 

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