How to import a Japanese Kei Truck!

[@rome2.04]

I just returned from a month in Japan visiting my wife's family and was reacquainted with my absolute love of kei trucks. I was stationed in Japan for 2 years and I drove Hijets around base all the time. Funny that the latest year model of trucks available for import may just be the same trucks I used then since I was there from '97 to 99'! I'm definitely a fan of the Sambar and will be ordering one shortly. I used to work in a customs compliance role at the company I work so most of the process you covered is familiar. Also meaning you are accurate and correct. Well done.

[@forthewindell]

That’s good to hear! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Doc1855]

The Sambar is the only Kei truck that has a frame. The others are unibodies. I like how easy it is to work on the engines in the Sambar and the fact that they’re so far in the rear. This design gives the truck more traction on or off road. We have to have a 4WD as we live in a very mountainous area of north central Washington state and get 5-7 feet of snow every winter. I’d prefer a dump bed as the truck will just be used for grunt work around our property. I won’t abuse it, but I will work it.

[@JBONEESCOBAR]

thanks for this video i was just invoiced right now and have been watching this over and over most informative high quality video on KZbin

[@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 😊

[@kazumi·Inoue5043]

For the 2022 model of the Suzuki Carry, automatic vehicles will go from 3 to 4 speeds.

[@CosyCottageCamper]

@kazumiinoue5043 oh is that right? Ok.

[@kazumi·Inoue5043]

@@CosyCottageCamper Thank you for your comment 😊 I am Japanese, so of course I can get information quickly.

[@Heisenberg-Rules]

enjoyable and informative. Just a note, the 25% import duty/tax is due to a very old law called the Chicken Tax, when the USA and Germany argued about chickens and truck imports. The feud gave us the Subaru Brat with two seats in the back to try and skirt the truck duty, but they lost in the end. Important points. 1. The import duty/tax is based upon the US$ price, not the yen so have that translated, and refer to the US$ rate on that day. 2. translate the front and rear of your export certificate, different states/dmv's and personnel are the variables. 3. get a TWIC card to enter the port on your own, wear a florescent safety vest and helmet, bring some jumper cables, and a spare battery to jump the vehicle on a little dolly. maybe a few tools. Get all those documents stamped at customs, multiple sets as you will need them. Remember, everyone is lazy, and they don't care how their mistakes will waste your time!

[@rustnation2651]

can i bring a family member with their twic card and they can get me in? or do they need an add on port certification + twic card to get me in with them?

[@LPhooligan]

Very helpful, just waiting on B/L and using Eezimport to handle customs, also got my TWIC card to pick it up in-person should be arriving late April🤞

[@sbrends47]

I’ve been watching this on repeat, great video

[@forthewindell]

Much appreciated! Stick around, something interesting coming in the next few weeks

[@sbrends47]

@@forthewindell I will! My wife said I can order mine after our wedding in December. Now I’m researching either from BeForward or CarsFromJapan

[@MickyBellRoberts]

I have a 1998 Subaru Sambar truck arriving in about two weeks time from Japan. We live in Huntsville, Texas.

[@kaiserr04]

i live in texas as well and was considering importing im interested in your experiences with the process.

[@rustnation2651]

I live in the same city which site did you use and how much did everything total out to? thanks brotha

[@ZacharyPriegel]

Definitely gonna use this when I order mine. Thanks for the helpful video!

[@ralphbuschman3364]

I'm very interested in the mini van type of vehicle. I like look and useful abilities of the small vans , and useful functionality.

[@randuarts]

this is the best video out rn

[@danielburhans378]

Hey there, first off, great video!! Quick question for you. I used Eezyimport for my ISF, I’m just curious what you did for Manufacturer info and Stuffing Location. Any help is appreciated!

[@forthewindell]

Hey! Thanks for watching. I just pulled up my ISF filing and I basically put the manufacturer address in manufacturer address, like, literally just the Japanese address for the Subaru Corporation as a whole. As far as stuffing location I ended up putting the same address as the “Seller” section which for me was the address for carfromjapan.com. It worked out for me without any issues regardless of if it’s the 100% most accurate way to do it. Best of luck!

[@forthewindell]

As far as the specific addresses, some googling will probably yield the best results depending on what company made your vehicle and whatnot.

[@maxy2461]

Very very helpful video, just purchased a car from beforward.

[@forthewindell]

Congratulations!

[@sbrends47]

I’m looking at beforward as well as cars from Japan. What made you choose beforeward?

[@Heisenberg-Rules]

In order to make the Kei Truck/Van/Cars a little faster, better to increase the wheel/tire size to 15". You will lose a little power on the take off, but end up with a higher speed. And maybe easier to by 15" tires than 12" or 13" tires.

[@calebhyatt5090]

Hey! I’m also in the Greenville area. Gaffney to be exact, but in Greenville almost weekly doing video shoots.

[@forthewindell]

That’s awesome! Glad you came across the video

[@tye595]

in Australia, it's just not worth it. In the end, you're buying a 2-4k vehicle but pay 12-13k after shipping, taxes and compliance. the truck is over 20 years old and normally always has rust with an engine that only produces 30-something kw of power. For most Westerners, its a tight fit, and in my opinion is not worth it effort unless you pay a bit more money like 20k+, and get a new model. but then you might as well just buy a Hiace or something like that with space and power and not be overtaken by an old lady on her mobility scooter while you are giving your kei truck all the beans up a hill.

[@forthewindell]

Yeah that’s too bad. I was more than fine with spending $3k total for mine but I definitely agree that too much more than that and it is just hard to justify for the old ones

[@FloridaManConstruction]

All about the smiles per mile…

[@Blake-cc8ow]

But I want it

[@conversationovertea7457]

Don't mislead people. No scooter will overtake you on the kei truck. This trucks can do 100km/h very comfortably.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241]

@@conversationovertea7457yes but not comfortable 😊

[@davidkaiser5059]

I also live in South Carolina and had a question on the SC DMV Translation document. Where did you find the translator? The JapanCarDirect sent me a translation that had a Certified Translation stamp on it. Do you know if that will suffice? Thx

[@forthewindell]

I would think that translation document should work just fine. I ended up using rushtraslate.com since carfromjapan did not include a translation

[@alexandersmith8037]

What was the timeframe like, between paying for the truck and receiving the papers from cars from Japan? Also are those papers required to begin the ISF?

[@forthewindell]

I paid for my truck on February 5th, they dispatched the paperwork via DHL on March 5th, I think I got them the next week or so. So basically a month in my case. If I remember correctly, I had enough information from the digital copies of things to submit the ISF without needing the physical paperwork yet.

[@alexandersmith8037]

@@forthewindell ok cool, I am just at the stage where they first confirm the invoice. Hopefully that means shipping info come soon. Also was the import tax on the cost of the truck in Japan, or was shipping taxed as well?

[@forthewindell]

The import tax should just be on the cost of the truck alone. @@alexandersmith8037

[@rokko_fable]

@@forthewindell when I bought my van, they didn't seperate the vehicle cost and shipping cost, so I ended up paying import tax on both. Luckily vans have the lower tax rate, and by that point I was mentally done with it all, so I just paid the higher tax than I should have.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241]

All Kei vans has same 25% duty

[@jpait]

So, that's how you did it! (Love your studio, BTW.) 😉

[@rock-canyon-foodscaping]

thank you for the video. you had mentioned that there is some luck involved with getting a good quality vehicle with this process. is there any sort of guarantee from the seller that the vehicle runs? along that line, is there any option for a third party inspection?

[@forthewindell]

I think there are definitely options available depending on who you buy it from. I heard that Mitsui does a good job with their vehicles of making sure their customers are happy

[@rock-canyon-foodscaping]

@@forthewindell Thank you for the response! I now have a Honda Acty. I got it on FB so didn't have to import it. It's in good condition.

[@joshholmes8477]

Currently dealing with japan car direct. Bringing one to Canada. Great people to deal with. Only issue is I paid for the truck 3 months ago and it's still sitting in port racking up storage fees. Apparently spots on a boat to Canada are hard to find

[@4runnerlife989]

Great video. I got mine imported and got it delivered last night. Imported to Tacoma port. 13:37 But my USCBP 7501 was not stamped. Need some advice on this. Can I take all my docs to my nearest ISCBP to get stamped? Any advice is appreciated

[@forthewindell]

While I’m not sure officially if that’s an option, I would think that it certainly couldn’t hurt to go ask. I feel like they would be able to help you out.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle4241]

No you should bring your car and all documents at the same place in Tacoma !!! Or they will give you a trouble 😮

[@Anjin_San_]

im on the same boat gonna try to head back too long beach office and ask for original copys of the 7501

[@klatubaradanikto]

Thank you for making this video, it was very informative.

[@TMANM]

I love you all

[@NikoKourouklis]

I'd love to see someone import a Ford Pronto from Taiwan. It's essentially a LHD kei truck with a larger engine.

[@vladpoofin1759]

Fell in love with a van lately but it's a taunting task to import. I'd love anyone's opinion on importing and registering in Texas

[@Doc1855]

My cousin lives in Japan and he can go look at a Sambar pickup and can help me getting it here in the USA

[@charlierojas6425]

How long did it take from when you applied for the TWIC card and actually got it?

[@forthewindell]

It was only a few weeks from when I applied and when I received my card. Not too long at all

[@TheJoels14]

Appreciate all the useful information! Subscribed. 👍

[@JFVadi]

This helps a lot! But I need like a raw estimate on how much! Even on the paper work or extra!

[@forthewindell]

It varies so much depending on the type of vehicle and other circumstances. It would only be helpful if you’re importing the exact vehicle

[@chrissterling1697]

Is there enough information on the first invoice received after payment to file an iSF? Or do you need information off of the BOL and export certificate

[@forthewindell]

That is one part I did miss in the video, the importer should give you an ISF Info Sheet which has basically all the information that is pertinent to the ISF filing. So between that and the invoice, it should have everything. According to TurboISF.com, they just need the info sheet, invoice, and proof of ID. If I remember correctly, that’s all I sent them.

[@chrissterling1697]

@@forthewindell okay perfect. So I need to reach out to the shipper for that information once they secure a cargo spot?

[@forthewindell]

@@chrissterling1697 possibly, I personally never had to reach out to any party. I was given the info sheet through carfromjapan once they got it. But it could definitely vary per situation

[@catoluck7004]

To anyone planning to import to newark, dont, it was literal hell but i got the car after 6 hours of waiting in the sun

[@Steteorype]

on eezyimport in the shipment details section, it asks for the quantity and unit of measurement. what unit of measurement did u use?

[@cochitosbbq6325]

I called them today they said pieces

[@chrissterling1697]

How did you load it into the 6x12 once you picked it up from the port? Did you need a ramp?

[@forthewindell]

I ended up using some auto ramps that I brought down in the trailer. Worked well! Just had to make sure they were rated for the weight

[@robertschris79]

Anyone here know about Kentucky law for these trucks being able to register and drive them on the road ?. Looked in the link but no mentions of it .

[@HeroOfTime303]

I am also in Kentucky in Walton. I have seen people with them here. To my understanding, you are allowed to drive them on all roads except highways. You are only allowed to drive them on the highway for business purposes like construction or landscape (but I would expect getting pulled over on the highways).

[@bhstone1]

Why does this video have 4.6k downvotes and only 1.2k upvotes?

[@forthewindell]

Luckily on my end it’s saying about a 98% upvote percentage. Might be a glitch.

[@toocrunkcoleman]

Thank you for this video! My Acty is scheduled to hit Jacksonville port at the end of the month!!! I am doing it myself, so to hear your tips was super helpful!

[@flxsuki]

How is it working with Jacksonville port?

[@chewnk]

I’m 15, and think a kei truck would be a super cool first car, any input on if that’s a bad idea or not?

[@forthewindell]

It’s certainly not a terrible idea. I would say that if you live in a place that does not require a lot of highway driving, it could be good. City driving is where they excel.

[@chewnk]

@@forthewindell I decided to import a 1995 Honda Acty, I think I will clean it up and sell it stateside for profit, and then buy another Kei vehicle. Wish me luck, haha

[@jamesamber6009]

Thank you, you are doing a great thing.

[@markrusk2870]

Good info or buy on here that you can expect

[@benzupan8491]

how did you get your twic?

[@forthewindell]

I used the online portal, I think it’s on the same website as the TSA PreCheck application.

[@jdmcarandmotorcycle]

Subscribed 😊

[@forthewindell]

Thanks for the subscription! Welcome :)

[@Rich-Reacts-2024]

Great video!!! Thanks

[@hershfam]

Why did you pick jax port?

[@forthewindell]

It ended up being the closest port that carfromjapan would ship to in relation to where I live.

[@yindao2830]

Why would they crush the vehicle? Isn’t the 25 year rule a state requirement? Farm trucks dont need to have a certain year.

[@forthewindell]

From what I understand, it’s still very much a federal law as far as the “25 year rule” when it comes to vehicle safety. And while saying the vehicle will be “crushed” is a bit dramatic. There are definitely specific paperwork that you need to complete for imported vehicles newer than 25 years. My point in the video was more so that you definitely can expect some complicated red tape if you try to blindly import a vehicle that is newer than 25 years old without doing your research and completing the correct paperwork and understanding the risks and specificity of the situation.

[@maxnovo625]

How much was just the shipping?

[@forthewindell]

I paid car from Japan a total price which included shipping but from what remember it would have been around $1500-$1900 for shipping

[@ericjohnson9080]

What was you approximate total price for this? Thanks

[@forthewindell]

I was probably just shy of $4,000 total once I got it to my driveway. Including gas and miscellaneous fees.

[@ericjohnson9080]

@@forthewindell wow. So the local guy who sells these is making like $4000 per for his work.

[@forthewindell]

Yeah the markup is pretty wild for comparable trucks here in the US.

[@josesanchez9894]

Oh yeah definitely a lot of people are selling them for about 7k or 8k and that’s with out maintenance just with paper work. I’m thinking of ordering one as well my self I do also have my twic card for about 4 years due to work so I have access to the port. I don’t mind waiting so I might do it my self 👍

[@ThyPam]

Are those transitions from BEEF???

[@josegamboa4613]

Can anyone recommend safe or non-fraudulent sites to buy these trucks?

[@jayknight850]

Did you watch the video ?

[@p1youngchef]

I thought the coffee street and plant fitness look familiar. I am in Greer/Taylors.

[@dklscsc290]

Did you need to hire a port escort at Jacksonville?

[@forthewindell]

You are required to if you don’t have your own Twic card. I got a TWIC for myself but I was not able to bring anyone else in with me.

[@allgoo196]

" Kei Truck" == 軽トラ

[@JavedKhan-c5n6l]

❤

[@dohminkonoha3200]

It’s unbelievable so many Americans try to buy those 25 years older vehicles in junkyard. And shipping cost is extraordinarily, you can buy brand new one with fancy electronic safety equipments.

[@forthewindell]

Americans are not allowed to import or drive foreign vehicles that are newer than 25 years old on the roads. So there is a very good reason that we buy the “junk” that is older.

[@DWaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar]

Does the exchange rate between dollars and yen factor into the $2500 limit for informal import? Is it based on what you paid in dollars on the day you paid, or is it based on the price paid in yen, converted at the exchange rate at the time of arrival?

[@forthewindell]

In my experience customs based that rate from the invoice I received from carfromjapan. That invoice had the price in USD that I paid for the truck both before and after shipping. I would assume it would be a bigger issue if the prices listed on the site were in Yen. However, most of the sites that I’ve seen tend to receive payment and print invoices in USD. So yes for me it was the price in dollars that I paid on the day of purchase/invoice date

[@ThyPam]

For The Jonathan

[@myrongarcia3295]

Philipines has the cheapest kie truck

[@Fåreøen]

Well this seems complex.

[@forthewindell]

Definitely not your average dealership experience that’s for sure. But as far as getting a vehicle never meant for the US, it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.

[@jishaku38]

北朝鮮の木造船をチャーターして密輸するか中国の気球で密輸するしかないと思います。

[@gigz218]

Appreciate all your help but you speak way to fast. Lol. Slow down so we don't have to keep rewinding......

[@flxsuki]

Just slow it down in the settings on the video lol

[@dkcchock4451]

stop talking so fast especially when your saying the name of agencies.....you kind of mumble