Walking into Building 2801B, the first thing you notice is a mini fire truck – not your usual commodity at the Port of Vancouver USA. Boeki USA LLC specializes in importing Japanese mini trucks, as well as other vehicles into the United States.

Owner Atif Awan and one of Boeki USA’s popular mini trucks

Their headquarters is in Paterson, NJ where a two-person operation has grown into a successful business that has expanded to the west coast.  Owner Atif Awan began leasing space from the Port of Vancouver this year, and operates a warehouse lined with different models of mini trucks and vans, as well as the fascinating mini fire truck.

“We wanted to test out the market on this side of the country and found that it was great! We continue to see a growth in popularity for these types of vehicles,” said Awan.

All the vehicles are imported from Japan with the purpose of everyday use. They can get up to 60 mph and are only 4 feet wide. Compared to your “regular-sized” flatbed truck, mini trucks are very fuel efficient and an affordable mode of transportation for all different lifestyles. As for the fire truck, they are legitimately used to fit through small areas that larger water trucks cannot access.

Awan explained that the popularity for mini trucks on the west coast has increased significantly in the past few years in part due to the Pacific Northwest’s pull for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Additionally, the all-wheel drive truck and vans are not only a cool throw-back vehicle, they are ideal for those who spend the workday outdoors. The mini truck beds can hold up to 1,000 pounds, and a good alternative to expensive ATVs for farmers and ranchers. Even golf courses and college campuses have been a customer of Boeki’s.

So how do these vehicles get to the Port of Vancouver USA? They are shipped in containers from Japan to the Port of Tacoma. The art of “hanging” these autos inside the 40-foot container is an innovative solution Boeki prides themselves on.

“We can stack six trucks inside the containers by hanging them at an angle and securing them down,” said Awan.

From a logistic point of view, the west coast is ideal when you’re shipping from Japan. On average, it could take 45 to 60 days to sail to New Jersey, whereas Tacoma is approximately 11days.  Those days add up when you’re shipping between 50 to 70 containers a year!

To learn more about Boeki’s vehicles and the purchasing process, you can visit their website at boekiusa.com. Welcome aboard Boeki!