Shipping company recommendations?
Discussion
Getting close to having a classic TVR to put on a Ro-Ro from Southampton UK to Charleston SC. I've filled out a ton of web requests, but the response rate is a bit weak. The best price so far is more than I estimated at 1300 pounds. Last time I did this, it was closer to 1000 pounds with insurance.
Does anyone have a recommendation?
Thanks,
David
Does anyone have a recommendation?
Thanks,
David
Thanks guys. I was able to get a price of 742GBP inc VAT from Allison for all aspects up to arrival at Charleston. I am a bit worried about light damage in transit on the boat, and while waiting for departure, but I guess it is a risk I have to take. The car is in very nice shape so any ding or scratch would be a real pity. I think I will need a customs broker in Charleston, if you have any recommendations. IIRC, it wasn't worth the hassle doing it myself because I wanted to go down and back in one day, and the customs process seemed unpredictable. I believe I had to visit the shipping line's office (Wallenius) to pay them for the unloading of the car too. Does that sound about right?
Do you know how the customs value is determined? I am hoping it is based on the 'value' in their database. A guy down the street has a BMW M1 that is 'worth' $2000 or so for tax purposes! Or will they use the purchase price? That would be odd though, because I may have paid way over the odds for the car.
Do you know how the customs value is determined? I am hoping it is based on the 'value' in their database. A guy down the street has a BMW M1 that is 'worth' $2000 or so for tax purposes! Or will they use the purchase price? That would be odd though, because I may have paid way over the odds for the car.
I will definitely get marine insurance, but will still be sad if the car gets any small scuffs and scratches because that isn't covered. It is as nice as they come, and I intend to keep it that way. The engine is fine, it's no V8 TVR, but it has plenty of go so I won't be swapping it with anything! Here's the ad for he car: http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classic-car-pa...
I'm clarifying with Allison what is needed paperwork wise for the export. I think they will need the V5, with a signature releasing it by the previous owner, and my name and overseas address. I will need the V5 here for customs clearance, so it needs to be sent quicker than the car(!) The last time I did this, the driver put the V5 in the glove box and the customs broker had to go and get it.
BTW, the value for import tax purposes is going to be based on the selling price. Can't see that being abused, can you?
I'm starting to get excited!
I'm clarifying with Allison what is needed paperwork wise for the export. I think they will need the V5, with a signature releasing it by the previous owner, and my name and overseas address. I will need the V5 here for customs clearance, so it needs to be sent quicker than the car(!) The last time I did this, the driver put the V5 in the glove box and the customs broker had to go and get it.
BTW, the value for import tax purposes is going to be based on the selling price. Can't see that being abused, can you?
I'm starting to get excited!
I will have to join the TVRCCNA. I wonder how many other S Series cars there are in the States? I gather some were sold in Canada, one of which is at wirewheel.com although I don't know how a 1988 model is allowed yet?
I read somewhere on the web (must be true) that the 25 years is calculated by subtracting the year of manufacture from the current year, regardless of month. Luckily, if some jobsworth customs guy wants to be stricter than necessary, the car was registered in early September '87, so it has just turned 25.
I like the idea of a get together in Charleston and I appreciate the offer to help with arrangements down here. I've never seen a Daimler in the flesh, and had no idea that it was plastic!
I read somewhere on the web (must be true) that the 25 years is calculated by subtracting the year of manufacture from the current year, regardless of month. Luckily, if some jobsworth customs guy wants to be stricter than necessary, the car was registered in early September '87, so it has just turned 25.
I like the idea of a get together in Charleston and I appreciate the offer to help with arrangements down here. I've never seen a Daimler in the flesh, and had no idea that it was plastic!
Quick update and some Info if anyone stumbles upon this while considering doing the same....
The car is on the way finally, steaming along below Ireland. In 16 days it should be in Charleston. Almost everything has gone smoothly, only the bank's exchange rate was awful! They helped themselves to over $300 on top of the wire transfer fee. No way around it and they know it.
My biggest concern is over a newish requirement to file an import declaration called ISF10-2. This is required to be filed at least 24 hrs before the ship sets sail, or face a possible fine of $5000. The problem is that the shipper also has to file info on the shipment at least 24 hrs before sailing, including the Bill Of Lading number which connects the two entries. It seems like the shippers aren't taking this very seriously because they still haven't added the Bill of Lading number to their tracking database. The freight forwarding company said they could only provide the info after the ship had sailed, which tells me that they don't understand the new filing process either, or don't care because it is me that has to pay the fines. Apparently it is very unlikely to get stuck with a fine, but I don't want to be the guy that they make an example out of.
It's stuff like this that takes away from the excitement of getting the car, but it is still an interesting experience.....
The car is on the way finally, steaming along below Ireland. In 16 days it should be in Charleston. Almost everything has gone smoothly, only the bank's exchange rate was awful! They helped themselves to over $300 on top of the wire transfer fee. No way around it and they know it.
My biggest concern is over a newish requirement to file an import declaration called ISF10-2. This is required to be filed at least 24 hrs before the ship sets sail, or face a possible fine of $5000. The problem is that the shipper also has to file info on the shipment at least 24 hrs before sailing, including the Bill Of Lading number which connects the two entries. It seems like the shippers aren't taking this very seriously because they still haven't added the Bill of Lading number to their tracking database. The freight forwarding company said they could only provide the info after the ship had sailed, which tells me that they don't understand the new filing process either, or don't care because it is me that has to pay the fines. Apparently it is very unlikely to get stuck with a fine, but I don't want to be the guy that they make an example out of.
It's stuff like this that takes away from the excitement of getting the car, but it is still an interesting experience.....
The wait is finally over, I picked the car up yesterday from the port and trailered it home. It was out of gas and had a dead battery, but the guys at the terminal were very helpful and we got it running. The car is fantastic, everything that I had hoped for. Shortly I will go and visit the DMV to get the VIN verified, then off to register it. So far, so good!
I'll give it a good wash and take some pics later.
I'll give it a good wash and take some pics later.
Well, that was easy! The DMV inspector checked the VIN and handed me a report, which I took to the license agency and got it registered. They were all very nice and helpful despite not having done this before. I ordered the tag 'TVR S' because I could(!)
People point and stare all the time, one girl took a picture at a light. I think I'm going to have to get used to the attention!
All in all, buying and importing has been a really good experience. Thanks to Gordon for the referrals for the shipper and broker!
People point and stare all the time, one girl took a picture at a light. I think I'm going to have to get used to the attention!
All in all, buying and importing has been a really good experience. Thanks to Gordon for the referrals for the shipper and broker!
I might have to add a catalytic converter and third brake light, but I won't know until this time next year when I take it for the first safety/emissions inspection. In NC they have a strange rule where out of state cars can be registered without a current inspection, but if it is already registered in NC, it must have a current inspect. When you register, the inspection date is automatically set 12 months from the registration date. Very strange! I might just transfer ownership to my wife in 11.5 months to reset the clock!
I'm having some issues right now with bucking when going at a steady speed. I think it is fuel related, but not 100% sure. Possibly due to running dry at some point of the voyage. I missed Spartanburg because it wouldn't start, which in the end was a dud battery. This weekend I have stuff going on already with the family so I won't be able to run down to Charleston. The next event looks like something in Raleigh on the 10th? which is mainly for domestic cars, but on day two there is a show open to all classics. I hope to make it there and see if it is my scene or not....
I'm having some issues right now with bucking when going at a steady speed. I think it is fuel related, but not 100% sure. Possibly due to running dry at some point of the voyage. I missed Spartanburg because it wouldn't start, which in the end was a dud battery. This weekend I have stuff going on already with the family so I won't be able to run down to Charleston. The next event looks like something in Raleigh on the 10th? which is mainly for domestic cars, but on day two there is a show open to all classics. I hope to make it there and see if it is my scene or not....
I might have to add a catalytic converter and third brake light, but I won't know until this time next year when I take it for the first safety/emissions inspection. In NC they have a strange rule where out of state cars can be registered without a current inspection, but if it is already registered in NC, it must have a current inspect. When you register, the inspection date is automatically set 12 months from the registration date. Very strange! I might just transfer ownership to my wife in 11.5 months to reset the clock!
I'm having some issues right now with bucking when going at a steady speed. I think it is fuel related, but not 100% sure. Possibly due to running dry at some point of the voyage. I missed Spartanburg because it wouldn't start, which in the end was a dud battery. This weekend I have stuff going on already with the family so I won't be able to run down to Charleston. The next event looks like something in Raleigh on the 10th? which is mainly for domestic cars, but on day two there is a show open to all classics. I hope to make it there and see if it is my scene or not....
I'm having some issues right now with bucking when going at a steady speed. I think it is fuel related, but not 100% sure. Possibly due to running dry at some point of the voyage. I missed Spartanburg because it wouldn't start, which in the end was a dud battery. This weekend I have stuff going on already with the family so I won't be able to run down to Charleston. The next event looks like something in Raleigh on the 10th? which is mainly for domestic cars, but on day two there is a show open to all classics. I hope to make it there and see if it is my scene or not....
Gassing Station | TVR in USA | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff