How Hard is it to Import a Kei Truck from Japan?

A few months ago I decided to dive in and import my own kei truck. The process was a little mysterious and stressful, but I am sharing it all here so it won't be as stressful or mysterious for you. I reply to most comments/questions. Thanks.
Where I bought my kei truck (not sponsored):
carfromjapan.com/
TikTok:
/ mrfender76
Instagram:
/ dentedfendergarage
Melior Erit

[@gregorymorales1]

I am shocked that customs, at the port, of Baltimore could be corrupt. This is truly unexpected

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Is this sarcasm? Haha

[@red-hat-mike]

LOL ...is a corrupt run city... what did u expect ?

[@shartne]

Not shocked LOL

[@i_i8924]

"We used to make shit in this country, build shit. Now we just put our hand in the next guy's pocket." Re-elect *Frank Sobotka* for secretary-treasurer I.B.S. local 1514

[@ApocalypseYesterday]

Hahaha

[@holtzda]

Nice work Justin. I've always found those little vehicles interesting. When I was once visiting Yakushima Island in Japan I rented a little Suzuki Carry van. It was amazing and fun. I still have my Samurai.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Good hearing from you. I might be saving up for a little van.

[@cousinstu]

Thanks! Appreciate the details step by step. I'm buying/selling/trading all the time. If I can't work a trade on one that's already here, I'll DIY like you did. Thanks again.

[@kirksyblis3401]

very interested to get one of these kei truck

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I’ve had mine almost a year and have not been unhappy about my purchase once.

[@unclegeorge7845]

Thanks Justin. I just got on the Cars From Japan site. Looks great. Not many $2500 units left. ;~) I'm looking for a Townace sized rig.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Townace is in a higher price range, but if you check regularly you will see the prices go up and down and you can pick up on trends. Also look at BeForward.jp to compare some prices and shipping.

[@unclegeorge7845]

@@DentedFenderGarage Thanks for the update. I'm quite a bit older than you and the Kei sized units just make my shorts tingle a bit more than I like. I really enjoy many of your projects. Carry on Lad. Keep the adventures happening.

[@josephabramo2324]

2WD are the better fit for anyone who is not off roading or working in dirt or loose driving conditions. The 2WD of course have less parts, and with it being so old I believe it to be the better choice.

[@bolivitascorp9315]

Hey Budy! Thanks for your advices ! Defanatly I will follow you !

[@localnyraccoon]

Kei trucks are awesome. Modern US trucks are way too big and oversized, and so many of them barely see a load over 100lbs. You honestly don't need much more than a kei truck for hauling stuff. They're so much safer too, since they are so much lighter they exert a lot less force if someone were struck by one, and you can actually see what's in front of you. Makes me wonder why modern US trucks are built like they are today, just for luxury?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

People have been convinced they need luxury even in a pickup truck and some just want to be better than their neighbors.

[@kriegjaeger]

So it was $3500 for the Truck all together!? I've been on the fence for a while but if anything happens to my car I may seriously consider it. I'm sick of giant trucks that start at $40,000. If everyone driving a 12 tonne compensator to get coffee in the morning took a Kei truck instead, world would be a happier place.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Yes, here’s a the breakdown: $2579 vehicle/shipping $25 money transfer fee from bank $140 ISF filing $177.65 Hoegh Autoliners $10 bank transfer $310.68 customs

[@claymeyer5046]

Great video! Very helpful. I was wondering - what’s the top speed of a kei truck? Can you take yours on the highway, or is it for just around town?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I have no restrictions by law, only by speed. I don’t know the top speed. I take it on roads with 55mph speed limits but wouldn’t be comfortable on the 70mph highway close to my house.

[@jonathanyeh3835]

What about the left side driver seat in US vs right side driver seat in Japan, this type of issue? Do you modify your car or what?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Nope, I drive it as-is, on the right. Honestly, I’m not a fan of having a right hand drive vehicle in a left hand drive country, but it’s not a big deal. It would be a bigger issue if it was a bigger vehicle. The main issue is drive-thru windows, but again, it’s so small I can reach across.

[@curly437]

Your thoughts? Importing a 50k+ car. I'm on the fence of doing it myself or have an American importer do it for me. Just don't know how much more for someone here to do it

[@DentedFenderGarage]

If it’s over like $5k you have to have an import broker.

[@Cameronb.1026]

“It felt like a racket” My brother in Christ, that’s the US government in general

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Agree. 😂

[@donavan.anderson.7521]

Lol all the steps are scarying me

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Scared me too but I got it done. Since it takes months to get here you have a lot of time to figure it out.

[@donavan.anderson.7521]

Tuff, khei truck can't be imported to were I live : ( Nwt , sadness

[@stephenbrown3929]

Great video! Who did you use for your ISF? I am trying to find a broker now.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I used www.importersecurityfiling.com/ for my ISF, I did my customs clearance myself in person.

[@stephenbrown3929]

@@DentedFenderGarage thanks for the response! I already have my TWIC card so I'm not worried about the pick up part but the ISF application was crazy.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@stephenbrown3929 that ISF company had it filed in about 4 hours. Even if I’d had a TWIC card I would not have known what to do at that port, where to go, who to talk to, etc.

[@alexandersmith8037]

@@DentedFenderGarageI am in the process of getting one to the same port with cars from Japan. I have heard that if you do not submit the ISF before it leaves Japan there is a $5,000 fine, or is that something completely made up? That is my biggest stressor for this process at the moment. Awesome Video by the way!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@alexandersmith8037 the ISF was the biggest stress for me because there is fine involved if they will just not ship your cargo. As soon as you get the notice and bill of laden, file the ISF. I used an online ISF broker and they bonded it so that it was insured to go though. I paid $140 for peace of mind.

[@_Midnight_Star_]

So I assume you live in a state where its legal to register these? I live in PA and there is only a few roundabout ways of registering.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Yes, legal in North Carolina.

[@georgeterbush2976]

Yep, I'm also in PA and it looks like the antique registration is really the only option to put it on the road. The kei vehicle must be at least 25 years old.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

george terbush that’s good since you can’t import one with a title unless it’s over 25 years old.

[@beta-carotenefunk7373]

I'd love to have one in the future. my dad still have a Toyota Tundra V8 but that thing is a gas guzzler and more expensive with emission stuff, though we only use that for utility purpose. If he had a kei truck, I bet he would've save hundreds of dollars and probably still be able to haul the same amount of stuff. I live in GA so I 100% don't know every law but can you take kei trucks and other small japanese vehicles on the highway in NC?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Depends on their top speed.

[@beta-carotenefunk7373]

@@DentedFenderGarage thanks! will even make sure with the law, if there was an opportunity to get a new vehicle.

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

The bed will actually carry more than the tundra. No fender wells intruding into the bed, so every square inch is usable.

[@beta-carotenefunk7373]

@@JimsEquipmentShed Thanks for the info! That's actually pretty helpful, because we really don't use the whole bed on the tundra anyways (usually like 10 bags of soil at most). But more would be nicer if there's ever a need for a bigger bed

[@JimsEquipmentShed]

@@beta-carotenefunk7373 I use ours a lot for bagged horse shavings. The truck is pretty much designed specifically for packages kind that. I had a second gen double cab tundra, (6ft bed) and this can carry a lot more than that truck could. Although, the tundra was handy for towing…… ;-)

[@jdedgeington]

If you do any work on the truck! Make a video! Even just cleaning it! Especially cleaning it! Those detailing channels get great views too 🤣 Love the video! Super informative! Been looking into one myself but have been holding off on paying $7-10k on one already here in the states

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I’m videoing stuff I’m doing but haven’t had edit time as I’m finishing up the school year (I’m a teacher).

[@ravenrock541]

The real question is where do you get parts for the truck?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I’ve cross referenced oil filters and spark plugs, other parts from Amazon or eBay, they aren’t hard to find. Raven Rock? Like the park?

[@ravenrock541]

@@DentedFenderGarage Indeed, I do. Keep the truck videos coming

[@El_Ibanez]

Where exactly do you pay the customs fees for it im getting a Honda Acty shipped to the port of Baltimore aswell and don’t want to pay a broker just like you did also where when arriving to the port is the port transport service there when arriving?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I went to Baltimore Airport (BWI). I had a truck and trailer so I had to park in the free cell phone lot then walk to a parking garage and take a shuttle to the terminal. In the terminal you can find the customs office and pass your paperwork through some bulletproof glass and they fill out everything you need and you pay the customs taxes and fees there. After that I went to the port escort and went on port and picked it up.

[@andrewtremblay6383]

How easy it is to insure these things?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

My insurance company had no issues, but I only got liability, if you wanted full insurance you might need to get Haggerty’s insurance.

[@KingTunaLLC]

#SamuraiLife

[@curly437]

25% import tax. What percent is a car?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

2.5% for cars.

[@kokofan50]

It’s called the chicken tax. Decades ago the EU limited imports of chicken from the US, so the government put a massive tariff on trucks.

[@DaDa-r6h7k]

​@DentedFende❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊rGarage

[@icekorps]

do you need a appointment for the port to pick up your car? the baltimore port

[@DentedFenderGarage]

At Baltimore I used A-1 Escort Service, they are first come first served but have enough escorts that they can work you in, they don’t do appointments. The port itself doesn’t need appointments, they are mon-fri and they shut down 11:30-1 for lunch and you can’t get on port then. You will know by calling the port ahead of time that your vehicle is available to be picked up.

[@MrStratbat]

I left,cant go the music

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I understand. That was a hard 20 seconds to get through.

[@ericgoldthrite4196]

We used to drive those all the time when I was in the Air Force stationed in Japan. If I remember right, some were diesel. Fun to drive. I would love to get one.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I just had a parent at the school I teach at tell me last week that they used to drive them when she was was stationed in Japan. She said they used them to move artillery at the range. The diesel ones are bigger, all these are gasoline.

[@bertbccfu9564]

I've seen deisel kei trucks , they are rare but do exist

[@johnmiller7682]

I drove these, when I was in the Coast Guard, here in the states.

[@biggusriggus7693]

Its awesome to hear that Car from Japan pulled through like that. Been looking into shipping a car into jacksonville with the.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

They really did more than they had to, I’ll definitely use them again.

[@evensenj5670]

Read my message above

[@FJ-gh8yq]

Great video, buddy

[@1988Olds]

I'm interested in bringing one into Jacksonville as well!

[@Runningwritingreading]

thank you so much, manifesting a kei truck as my first purchase once I am free of debt. Ban all usury. Build small trucks america!

[@mr-vet]

Amazing detailed description of you purchase and import process! Very informative! Three small trucks were all over in Okinawa Japan, when I was stationed there 1995-2000.

[@CarrotDugTooDeep]

Same here. I was only there for a year (November 1993-94, Camp Kinser). I had a 1984 Nissan Bluebird (like a Maxima) that came with a 2 year JCI. It had AC, power everything and even spoke Japanese (washer fluid low, you left your lights on, etc.) and I only paid $1000. I used it the entire time I was there and sold it for $1000 when I left. I really wanted to bring a car back with me; any car, but we were all told that it was impossible and/or too expensive. Now I want one of these trucks, so I can at least relive some of my youth.

[@johnlibonati7807]

Thanks for the great video. I’m in the market here in SW Florida. Buying one that is already here costs about $9K.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Yeah, the markup is pretty crazy, but since so many people are afraid to do it themselves, they get to ask whatever they want.

[@jballew2239]

Years back I worked for a company that imported German and Austrian trucks and their parts ( Mostly Swiss military surplus), U.S. customs for the most part is either laughably inept and uneducated, or corrupt to the point that it would make a banana republic dictator embarrassed. I know that at least two customs officials were caught stealing (usually the German made tool kits) from our shipments, and got off with little more than a finger waggle. I've personally had all kinds of stuff stolen by customs when I came back from trips to Japan, and the overall response when I pointed out that the thieves were Customs officials was best described as "annoyed indifference".

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I was amazed at how little oversight there was at the port and how little security. It was a mess. They could charge for anything they made up.

[@WhoamI20233]

How long do you have to pick up once it’s arrived? I live in nc too and will probably go to Virginia. But it’s about 3 1/2 hours so I can’t be there in an hour or something might hold me up for a couple of days. Didn’t want to get stuck with a super high storage fee.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Oh, it’s not super short, you might have the first week. I went over that because of the whole “cleaning fee” fiasco and it was just another $15. There is a thing if it goes a long time it goes into different storage that’s really expensive. But no, it’s not like hours.

[@Wanderlounge]

Thanks man! This answered a bunch of questions I had about this. I was wondering how much markup the domestic "dealers" were putting on them. I'm sure for a lot of people they will spend that extra money vs the hassle and wait time vs buying something ready to go on a lot but knowing the costs of a DIY import can open it up to a lot more people who just can't spend 7k or more.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

The whole process was eye opening to me, but it seems most set the markup at 100% or more. Most importers can buy more in bulk and save even more than an individual.

[@dlmurray55]

Do the dealers normally fix them up or are they just as the ones you ordered over seas where they need work done. Can you buy ones that are fixed already on this site?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Some importers only import and re-sell. Others might do some work to them first, but no work needs to be done to the trucks to make them legal.

[@justwannaname]

California has their own special fees for them 😖

[@DentedFenderGarage]

California is the worst.

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

​@@DentedFenderGaragewhen small cars use less natural resources. and more fuel efficient. and roads are not easily damaged. but American auto companies didn't like it because it caused demand for oil to drop.

[@nico7226]

@justwannaname do you know if it’s even possible to register one of these in California? Seen some around but always have out of state plates

[@justwannaname]

@@nico7226 you can. It’s just really expensive. Ran into a guy with CA plates that was registered. He said the Kei was $4.5k to purchase and an additional $5k roughly to have it registered.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@justwannaname that’s crazy. I don’t even live in CA and want to move out of there.

[@bertbccfu9564]

Funny about the Suzuki Samurai ,thats how i ended up wanting one also , was looking for a tin top originally but now i want a kei truck instead

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I loved my Samurai, the main thing from Samurais that helped this purchase was knowing how solidly build Suzukis are.

[@PowerlineRider]

I just ordered one last night, a 93 Mitsubishi Minicab with only 15k miles! from CarFromJapan, hope everything goes well thanks for the video!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Very cool! Your first deadline will be the ISF filing when the boat leaves port. Keep me updated.

[@PowerlineRider]

@@DentedFenderGarage Just filed my ISF yesterday, it got approved! Used turboisf.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@PowerlineRider keep me updated, the process wasn’t hard but it was stressful.

[@DaDa-r6h7k]

❤😂🎉😢😮😅😊​@@DentedFenderGarage

[@realkevin6242]

how did it go?

[@montysharp6750]

Great description of the process, curious to see what you do with it…

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thank you.

[@PatHaskell]

I imagine he will drive it and use it to haul stuff.

[@vision8579]

You lost me when the bible stuff started showing up in the video.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

It’s okay, if you can’t respect personal beliefs, it’s okay.

[@steverogers8163]

ah interesting. nice to know what the markup is on them. There's a dealer near me who imports them in batches. I think they started around 8k. which isn't to bad since really this would a be a business truck competing against used F-150s or sprinter vans.

[@MickyBellRoberts]

Hello I purchased a 1998 Subaru Sambar Truck from Japan which hopefully will arrive in about two weeks time. I am very excited I must say. I have subscribed to your channel to stay connected.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thank you. Hopefully I can upload again soon, I have a long term review of my truck but just haven’t had time to get it together.

[@mikeandfamily6029]

Nice video . I live in Japan 🇯🇵. I m into K cars export. I export K trucks and K vans to Africa but not the US. I m looking for customers from the US. If anyone is interested I can be of help .

[@mr-vet]

I’d pay someone a grand to procure one of these for me start to finish…and I live a little over an hour from Baltimore-in Virginia.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

There are plenty of people selling them already over here. I was watching a KZbin channel, Way Before The Fame yesterday and he was showing some already imported in NY selling for around $4500.

[@AzeezOverseas]

They put seeds. Come pay to Clean

[@j.7584]

Awesome video, i want one of these trucks so bad and I see them for sale in here NC but they are crazy expensive and always wondered how much it costs to import one myself thank you for breaking that down with honest prices and advice.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

This is exactly why I made this video. I was so worried about hidden costs and such before buying mine and couldn’t find all the info, so I just did it myself to figure it out for others.

[@CosyCottageCamper]

I've just imported a Kei Suzuki Carry into Australia. It was such a smooth easy process. I got a 2020 model that's automatic and only 47 000 kms. I did have to change the tyres, get the air con re-gased to Aus standards and install an FM radio as the Japanese AM didnt work here. but that was it. Seeing as in Japan they use kms not miles and drive right hand wheel like we do, I was super lucky with everything. I'm now excited to start building my micro camper on the back. Next step welding the frame 😊

[@z0ob0y]

Thanks for the info!

[@MechanicalDifficulty]

😮 Nice truck! Cool that you put the whole import story together. Where do I sign up?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thanks. Getting over the mental hurdle of buying a car on the other side of the world is was the hardest part.

[@Heisenberg-Rules]

great content and explaination. sorry about corrupt port extortion. definition: the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

[@CinemaEngineer]

Thats very helpful information about the port of Baltimore. I am having one delivered there. I was surprised to hear you say 3-5 months because from what i've seen everywhere else its about 6-8 weeks.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I guess it depends on the seller. Also depends on if you’ve bought the first vehicle loaded on the boat or the last, which you can’t control. I want to import another but I have a really bad taste in my mouth about Baltimore and might pay more and wait longer to use Newport News.

[@WaterDesignirrigation]

Hey is that mustang for sale ? Ty good video.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Nope, it’s my son’s.

[@Are-cj9mq]

My man didn’t you watch The Wire? They had a whole season about the Port of Baltimore 😂

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I had to google just to know what The Wire is. Haha

[@Are-cj9mq]

@@DentedFenderGarage it was a great show!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@Are-cj9mq maybe I’ll check it out if it streams on something I’ve got one day.

[@kevinwelsh7490]

why didn't you buy a later model i.e. newer?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

You can’t import a vehicle into the US that is newer than 25 years old.

[@harv878]

How can you keep the Japanese Licesne Plate?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

This is a replica Japanese plate from eBay.

[@ayannaswan2010]

Thank you! I been considering getting a truck to turn into a camper van.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

That would be awesome.

[@laurahomminga2869]

I have a suzuki van R turbo. I'd like to know where to source my parts if you could help would be much appreciated.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I will be talking more about this as I find mine. So far I’ve been cross referencing numbers online and looking on eBay.

[@laurahomminga2869]

They are great little vehicles. Priority tire has our tires. Located in Pennsylvania

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I put 14” Miata wheels on mine last week so that I can have more tire size options.

[@laurahomminga2869]

@Dented Fender Garage I may sure enough look into that as well. Great idea for sure

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Your van probably has a 4x114.3 lug pattern, which is not as common here as the 4x100 lug pattern my truck has, but there are still plenty of wheels out there. You also need to consider offset of the wheels, and they do make 4x114 to 4x100 adapters but that will change offset. But, once you figure out wheels you can go to 14” or 15” an have more tire size options.

[@space1commander]

Welcome to the club my friend. I have been with my Subaru Sambar for more than 4 Years and love all the attention on the road, and it is the only one in the city of Durham, NC.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Not too far from me.

[@space1commander]

@@DentedFenderGarage Cool, they are becoming very popular and everybody likes them and be prepared for photos and videos from other drivers on the road.

[@vladpoofin1759]

I really want to try to get one of these later this year but I wasn't sure where to start. Thanks for this video to show the process! I live in Texas though, so I'm still confused on the registration and street rules for once it gets here. If anyone here has one in Texas on the road I'd love the help!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I can’t help you with the TX stuff but I’ve seen forums with more state specific things.

[@logandesmond2910]

I’ve seen several of these with legal Texas registration. If your county gives you trouble go to other ones

[@tiagosaints7333]

I am very happy to see kei trucks being treated well in the United States! I would like to send the kei trucks to the United States, they are sending a lot of kei trucks to be dismantled😢

[@DentedFenderGarage]

That’s sad. I love my truck and everyone I meet loves it and wants their own.

[@lcgoonsquad7650]

Start sending them over and I'll buy them from you.

[@blackindian1980]

How much would you charge to help me get one ?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

If you were local to me I could help you out but I made this video so that people could have the answers to do it themselves like I did.

[@Xuvier]

Truly the best video ive seen on the subject. instant subscribe.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thank you so much. I was very much in the dark doing it on my own and was hoping to offer some light.

[@michaelidarecis]

Have a Toyota Hilux in Portugal and it is a 1994 and it is more fun to drive than a new pickup. Just a utilitarian beast. Am also seriously looking at an Honda ACTY. Good video not sure how NY handles the DMV

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I don’t know either but there is another KZbinr, WayBeforeTheFame that has import vehicles and he is in NY.

[@WhenKittensATK1125]

Tempted to get a Subaru Sambar just for hauling plywood and bulky items, but just don’t do it enough for it to be worth it for me. I wish we updated these import laws because new utility trucks like the Toyota Hilux Champ would be very interesting in the US for people not looking for a passenger truck.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

What’s keeping the new Toyota away from us is not the import laws or safety standards, it’s the majority of US buyers who think a vehicle needs all the bells and whistles and are willing to pay all the money for air conditioned seats and heated steering wheels and 2 extra doors that they never use. Not enough minimalists to adjust the market.

[@Maddog93T]

@DentedFenderGarage when inquiring about the truck were you able to ask questions about it mechanically to show that was mechanically sound , so that when it came to the port they're not going to give you a car that has an assortment of major issues? Since obviously doesn't help that you cant be there physically to over view and test drive the vehicle

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Honestly, I didn’t try to ask. On the descriptions of the cars if something doesn’t work it tells you. It also tells you when the timing belt was serviced. The vehicles have to be able to drive on and off the ship under their own power. You can get pre-inspections and insurance. This is a big company that moves enough volume worldwide that they’re not trying to risk their reputation by selling junk vehicles. I did pay attention to a lot of the trucks that had undercarriages that looked too clean and had fresh spray paint.

[@worldhello1234]

$3,500 for a base model without any refurb or reconditioning done to it is not half bad. Even though it must be a pristine example to be worth the hassle.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

My cost included local DMV, so that would be additional cost no matter where you get it. For me the hassle was worth the cost over and over. A similar truck bought local would have cost me almost double.

[@MeltedArchive]

Can you drive it home from the port?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I saw a video where they drove a car from the port and they said they could with insurance and tags. I wouldn’t know the ins and outs of that.

[@KenSchwanz]

This info is excellent. Thank you

[@toddrocks]

The road limitations are why I wont buy one. I want one but because of the limitations like cant go on roads that are over 40 miles an hour I cant functionally use it.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I don’t have those limitations in this state.

[@SamuelLopez-qp7uw]

You get surplas isuzu carry mini truck here in philippines f0r 1000 usd..and its already converted into left hand drive😂

[@DentedFenderGarage]

It’s okay, I’d rather live in the US. 😂

[@malrofo]

I imported a Celica with CarFromJapan around May. They really are great to deal with. Luckily mine came through Newark and they seem really chill there as long as you have your paperwork in order. Was your truck on the Swallow Ace?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Mine was on the Hoegh Jeddah

[@tropicalflipper]

What port export service did you use? Can’t find anything on them. Also where was customs in the airport?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

The port escort service I used was A-1 Escort Service, they are one of only 3 that Port of Baltimore allows. Customs in the airport was hard to find, I asked a few people. I remember being in the terminal and it was far to the left. The door was not well marked.

[@sarasusanobrien]

Hi Justin, I’m looking to buy a van from Japan but I’m worried about modifications that may have been done to the van. How did you handle that with your truck? Thank You

[@DentedFenderGarage]

My truck was completely stock and I could tell from the photos. Are you seeing something that concerns you or are you just thinking about it?

[@logandesmond2910]

This was the video I needed. Leaving the military in 4 months and wanted to build a trail buggy for my hunting lease. Luckily I live near Galveston TX

[@DentedFenderGarage]

If you have any more questions when it’s time I can help with the little knowledge I have. Thank you for your service.

[@Xitin1987]

Im going to pick up my 2 kei trucks at baltimore in few weeks, luckily I found your video my friend, very informative, thank you, subscribed to your channel :)

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thank you. I hope it goes well and keep me updated. Did you get a broker to clear customs or are you going to customs yourself? Did they hit you with a cleaning fee? I have more content to post but the past few weeks my son and I have been putting an engine in his Mustang.

[@Xitin1987]

I contacted one of the brokers that my shipper recommend they want to charge me $2500 for 2 kei trucks, I'm like "no thanks" I called US custom border today and they said don't come to the port until they clear them (they want to make sure trucks are clean from any contaminations or whatever it might be) I did my ISF form from a 3rd party company call easyISF $25 for each truck, they did very quick within a day and sent me invoices, I also apply for TWIC card just in case for future purchase (cost $125 for 5 years at TSA office), now it's just a waiting game hopefully every will go smoothly, I'll keep you updated, thanks again @@DentedFenderGarage

[@Army_Of_Juan]

How much did you paid ?

[@joeabad5908]

Thanks for uploading this video with tons of info.. I pray for your success in your project

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thank you, I hope it helps people who want to do the same thing.

[@joeabad5908]

@@DentedFenderGarage Im sure it will.. I own one as it is very common and cheap in the Philippines.. Im just amazed that people in the US fancy such a relatively small truck..

[@conorgraafpietermaritzburg3720]

We could use this type of vehicles in South Africa

[@josesanchez9894]

Thinking of buying a car from the website just scared to do all the paper work. Do you need your twic to get inside the port ?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

If you use a port escort you will not need a TWIC. The port of Baltimore uses 3, I think, different port escort services, I’m sure other ports have the same or more. You pay them by the hour to get you on and off the port. Even if I had my TWIC I wouldn’t have known where to go or what to do, so I preferred using the escort service.

[@DaihatsuMiraWalk-Through]

I'm in North Carolina, and a year ago, I imported a 1993 Diahatsu Mira Walk-Through Classic Kei truck. (Mine has round headlights also) I used Japan Car Direct, which they were great. Long story short, mine went to the Port of Baltimore also. Customs held mine up for over 3 weeks, saying it needed an intensive exam....whatever that means. I ended up paying additional port storage fees for nothing as Customs didn't find anything. I will Never import anything through Baltimore again. My son imported through Savannah Ga and within 3 days his was cleared by Customs. I do love my Daihatsu Mira Walk-Through and have won 2 awards out of 3 shows I entered it in. Good luck and hope your Kei truck is all you wanted❗️

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I considered using Savannah and I may do that next time.

[@dougnashz]

Those Miras are really cool looking Make a youtube video

[@bdixon1]

how hard was getting it titled in NC?

[@bdixon1]

I know you have to go through license and theft agent and then bring that report to the DMV to apply for a title, right? is there any chance they deny you? thanks for any info

[@DaihatsuMiraWalk-Through]

@badhamdixon3960 Once you bring the paperwork and the vehicle to License and Theft, they give you the paperwork, and you also bring the original Japanese title to the NC DMV where they fill out the title application and issue you the license plate for it. It's not a hard process once it's released from customs. Make sure when you buy it that it is 25 years old or older. If it's newer than 25 years, you will not be able to register or title it for road use and will be titled for off road use only.

[@samhicks97]

The importing process as many will know is a pain in the ass. Would be nice if japan or the U.S would implement some sort of system where either country will allow bulk wholsale vehicles with less hassle.

[@jamescarroll0615]

Does sound like Baltimore has a bit of padding going on.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Yep, I’ve heard this from others as well.

[@DIYD_Do_It_Yourself_Dad]

I also just bought a k truck from the same company. It’ll arrive in Newport News sometime next month. I’m also in NC.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

You’re lucky you got shipping to Newport News, I wish I would have.

[@JBurney]

I've got a few kei trucks coming in to Baltimore myself, I tried to use Newport News but it would have been more costly and taken much longer 😮

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@johnburney6364 same, I wanted Newport News as well. I’m betting Baltimore customs will charge you cleaning fees.

[@JBurney]

@@DentedFenderGarage I talked to my exporter about that, he said he has heard the same issue with Baltimore, so they went ahead and did an extra cleaning for me before they were loaded on the ship, and swear that if they find any seeds, insects, or other contaminants like that upon arrival, then it will have been added at sea or at the port of Baltimore

[@krazyunicorn9538]

Great vid you answered my main question. What price do they tax at customs.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I’m glad it helped. The seller will provide an itemized invoice that separates the price of the vehicle and shipping/insurance/etc. car tax is much cheaper but like I mentioned in the video, 25% for trucks.

[@mrj-charles6383]

I see you are in NC also. Did the tag office give you the inspection waiver since it was not from there? I am looking to buy one also for my homestead but need the 4x4 since my dirt road floods sometimes. The place I am using in Japan keeps sending there inventory. So always seeing other vehicles I want. I will end up with a fleet of Kei vehicles and one van like a Toyota Hiace. Only the budget and logic prenvents that.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I took all my papers from importing to the local DMV tag office and they registered it like any other vehicle bought out of state.

[@mrj-charles6383]

@@DentedFenderGarage Ok thanks for the reply. I buy lots of cars from out of state since no inspection the first year.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@mrj-charles6383 same, I’m 10 minutes from VA

[@JulesMariani]

Hey, I was wondering if you had any trouble with your export certificate at the dmv? On my export certificate, a previous owner is listed on the top portion instead of "car from Japan" or "Yoshida auto". They want me to show proof the previous owner sold their truck to car from Japan... Thank you!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I didn’t have any issues like this so I wouldn’t know how to resolve that besides reaching back out to your seller.

[@nealgold8442]

Great video and very informative

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Thank you.

[@JulesMariani]

What broker did you use for ISF file?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

www.importersecurityfiling.com

[@JulesMariani]

@@DentedFenderGarage thank you!!

[@bryansantoyo]

This got me hyped up to try on my own instead of a dealership still don't know though

[@DentedFenderGarage]

It’s a lot to think about, but I thought about it long enough to go for it. Probably not for everyone, but I wanted to help give people enough information to see if it was for them.

[@bryansantoyo]

​@DentedFenderGarage this video got me more interested forsure now that I know my nearest port is only 5hrs away

[@duncan2290]

Is cars from Japan reliable? I’ve read online they can scam you

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I don’t know where you’ve read that, but they were very professional and even gave me money back that they didn’t have to. I’ve never heard of any experiences such as scamming.

[@duncan2290]

@@DentedFenderGarage it’s on Reddit and some Facebook groups. Although they could be people just trying to make money out of importing these cars.

[@torachoki]

丸目のキャリイ可愛いね

[@benjaminhenderson1759]

Not surprised of the cleaning racket

[@DentedFenderGarage]

It still bothers me. Haha

[@marcruel9401]

👍

[@Zeezed7]

oh no.. these are next to nothing in Japan.. zero yen or so..

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Yes, but I don’t live in Japan.

[@eddib17]

How long did your truck sit at the port?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Once the ship landed less than 2 weeks. I could’ve gotten it sooner if the Port of Baltimore wasn’t scamming me with a cleaning fee.

[@BenJabituya]

I remember riding in a Maruti Suzuki Omni and it was like a death trap on wheels!

[@DentedFenderGarage]

That is a completely different vehicle from a kei truck.

[@natehill8069]

These are hard to find in Ohio. Ive been toying with the idea of importing a container load, keeping one and reselling the rest.

[@DentedFenderGarage]

I’d love to be in the position to be able to do that, but sadly I’d fall in love with all of them and just end up with a personal fleet.

[@natehill8069]

@@DentedFenderGarage Well, yeah theres that; they're like puppies.

[@ryangibson7439]

I’m in Ohio and looking to buy one. Lol

[@michaeldavid2320]

@@natehill8069 Very good description lol.

[@charti1308]

cool thx planing on buyinhgone

[@AngryLS1]

Thanks so much! I'm looking to import one, but it is intimidating. 😢

[@DentedFenderGarage]

It was for me and as I think about doing it again it’s still stressful. I was hoping though that this video would make it more attainable for everyone.

[@AngryLS1]

​@@DentedFenderGaragethanks for replying! I reached out to car from Japan yesterday regarding a Subaru Sambar, they responded today. Still seems suspect to send money to someone I don't know. I suppose if I paid with my card I have some security? Where did you research and find the paperwork?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

@AngryLS1 it’s a legitimate business, you can look them up online and see real people (like me) who have bought from them. Stories, videos, photos. It was a little weird wiring money to them from my bank but it was all on the level. I’ve seen where some people pay the extra couple hundred to use their credit card so they will have added protection, but I’d seen enough real people do it that I trusted the site.

[@AngryLS1]

@@DentedFenderGarage Update - i stumbled upon a unicorn from a different site, a buddy has a broker. trying to pull the trigger on a supercharged sambar!

[@JBurney]

Great video thank you for all this information. I do have one question though, you mentioned that Hoegh invoiced you for $177.65, what exactly was that for? And were you expecting that? Or did you not know about it till a week before arrival?

[@DentedFenderGarage]

The ship had contacted me before that bill to let me know that it was coming. It was random fees, one I remember was a “wharfage” fee. I talked to the Hoegh people on the phone and they were super helpful and friendly.

[@ww32]

It's like a gator but better in literally every way imaginable, and they are cheaper.

[@Wearephuct-O]

Thank you very much!!!

[@kokofan50]

Cleaning means something more like fumigation than vacuuming. The goal is to make sure anything that could cause a problem is dead

[@DentedFenderGarage]

Actually, the description they sent me said that they had to sweep and vacuum out the entire vehicle, capture the contaminants, and incinerate them.