Has anyone ever shipped their car to the USA from the UK?
Discussion
Lots of people have done it the other way, I looked into this when I was planning an extended holiday in the USA several years ago, as I recall it was a shipping firm in Lowestoft that I talked to, they shipped to and from Houston. Sorry but I cant remember the name. Ask on here http://www.corvetteclub.org.uk/ since many of the guys have shipped cars from the USA.
G
G
Similar recent thread on TR Register board, complete with repleis from people in the business:
http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/top...
Of course "ron88" might be you, decampos!
JOhn
http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/top...
Of course "ron88" might be you, decampos!
JOhn
Thanks for the replies guys.
tapkaJohnD said:
Similar recent thread on TR Register board, complete with repleis from people in the business:
http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/top...
Of course "ron88" might be you, decampos!
JOhn
Nope, not me. Interesting numbers in that thread. The quotes I tend to get are prohibitively high. I'd need the car shipped to California which would be more expensive but this is the typical break down of costs I'm given:http://www.tr-register.co.uk/forums/index.php?/top...
Of course "ron88" might be you, decampos!
JOhn
- Insured Delivery to UK Port (Felixstowe) 145.00 I would save money here as I can drive the car to Felixstowe
- Container loading and Customs 250.00
- 20ft Container Shipment to Long Beach 1615.00
- Fully Comprehensive Marine Insurance 488.00
- Terminal Handling and Customs Clearance 450.00
- Unloading and Harbour Maintenance Fee 875.00
- Sub Total £3823.00
We got six cars in a 40ft container cost was around £2800 each there and back.
Perhaps with a regular car shipper they could load with other cars to share cost. Or consider shipping to east coast and then road ship to CA, Wayne Carini seems to do that regularly to sell cars so I guess it can't be to costly?
Perhaps with a regular car shipper they could load with other cars to share cost. Or consider shipping to east coast and then road ship to CA, Wayne Carini seems to do that regularly to sell cars so I guess it can't be to costly?
Years ago, i got into a conversation with a BA freight clerk. Now thsi may be a bit of BS but he said that when he had a car to airfreight across, he told the owner to take of the steering wheel and distributir cap. He then classified it a 'spares' on the basis it couldn't be drive!!. The owner just took the wheel and distributor as hand luggage. apparently it saved pounds
Still after all these years i still smell something bovine
Still after all these years i still smell something bovine
decampos said:
It's possible that I may be moving the US. I'm wondering if it's feasible to have my pride and joy shipped there. Has anyone here ever done this and if so what's involved and who did you use?
Any help whilst I google about for info and advice very much appreciated!
Have a word with Paul Newbold at advanceforwarding.com who is well versed with shipping goods backwards and forwards from the UK. Any help whilst I google about for info and advice very much appreciated!
Have used their services for several years to ship stuff abroad without any problems. They also offer a collection and packing service so your consignment arrives in one piece which is always good!
Google the above for further details and a telephone number.
I emigrated to the US in 2004 and shipped my Triumph Herald over to the east coast (Charleston SC). It was very straightforward. I used a shipping company in Southampton (http://www.britishtransit.com/index.htm) on a recommendation from a colleague who used them for several shipments before. They were great. I drove the car to Southampton and was told to simply leave it at the dock and handed the keys to the office. It was a bit nerve wracking! I shipped RoRo rather than container. It was 10 years ago, but it cost about 600 GBP using this method (cost based on vehicle volume). The car arrived a bit dirty and with a flat battery, but otherwise fine. I got marine insurance too. Take anything out that isn't bolted down, just in case. I had to deliver the car about a week before the ship departed and it took about 10-14 days on the sea. You have to get a broker stateside to clear it through US customs. I think I paid about $200 tops for that, and that was it. I don't know why you are being quoted all these other costs.
I took my V5 to the DVLA (or whatever it is now) and had it recorded as permanently exported, so I lost the original number plate. There are only 2 forms you have to complete to get it through US DoT/FMVSS/NHTSA regs and EPA (http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/faq%20site/pages/page2.html). They are pretty straightforward to complete and submit. When it was cleared through US Customs I got a call from the broker it was ready and off I went to pick it up. It really was that easy. BUT, this is only easy if the car is 25 years or older. Anything less, you might as well forget it for permanent export into the US. I didn't have to pay duty on the value as I was allowed a one free import for moving to the US. Otherwise the duty is about 2.5%.
I know someone who shipped a Triumph to the west coast about the same time in a container but it shifted in the container and had some nasty bodywork damage. You pays your money and takes your chance.
Registering or titling it in the US may vary depending on your state. But that should be relatively easy. Classic car insurance should be OK. I am in SC and there is no MoT or emission check. Right hand drive is usually not a problem.
Have you thought about shipping to the east coast then road tripping it to the west coast? To transport a car across the country would be about $2000-3000 depending on the type of transporter (open or closed)
Any other questions, let me know.
What car are you looking at importing?
I took my V5 to the DVLA (or whatever it is now) and had it recorded as permanently exported, so I lost the original number plate. There are only 2 forms you have to complete to get it through US DoT/FMVSS/NHTSA regs and EPA (http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/faq%20site/pages/page2.html). They are pretty straightforward to complete and submit. When it was cleared through US Customs I got a call from the broker it was ready and off I went to pick it up. It really was that easy. BUT, this is only easy if the car is 25 years or older. Anything less, you might as well forget it for permanent export into the US. I didn't have to pay duty on the value as I was allowed a one free import for moving to the US. Otherwise the duty is about 2.5%.
I know someone who shipped a Triumph to the west coast about the same time in a container but it shifted in the container and had some nasty bodywork damage. You pays your money and takes your chance.
Registering or titling it in the US may vary depending on your state. But that should be relatively easy. Classic car insurance should be OK. I am in SC and there is no MoT or emission check. Right hand drive is usually not a problem.
Have you thought about shipping to the east coast then road tripping it to the west coast? To transport a car across the country would be about $2000-3000 depending on the type of transporter (open or closed)
Any other questions, let me know.
What car are you looking at importing?
Thanks for the replies chaps. Very useful.
geeman237: Thanks for taking the time to tell me your story. I've gotten a quote back from 'Dolphin Movers' for £955 which is a little more agreeable. Though it doesn't include: Destination THC/port fees, demurrage at port, quay rent, import taxes, customs duties and inspection fees and any associated labour charges. Fumigation, quarantine, fees, duties or dues payable to the government. Storage and warehouse handling charges at origin or destination. Please note; all rates quoted for EU destinations are subject to 20% VAT. So I'll have to do my homework on all of that. I've fired off a quote request to British Transit. Hopefully they might still have a similar deal to what you used.
You mention that I should remove everything that's not bolted down. I was hoping to load the boot with various crap from my garage (paint, tools etc). I guess I'd be taking a risk were I to do that.
geeman237: Thanks for taking the time to tell me your story. I've gotten a quote back from 'Dolphin Movers' for £955 which is a little more agreeable. Though it doesn't include: Destination THC/port fees, demurrage at port, quay rent, import taxes, customs duties and inspection fees and any associated labour charges. Fumigation, quarantine, fees, duties or dues payable to the government. Storage and warehouse handling charges at origin or destination. Please note; all rates quoted for EU destinations are subject to 20% VAT. So I'll have to do my homework on all of that. I've fired off a quote request to British Transit. Hopefully they might still have a similar deal to what you used.
You mention that I should remove everything that's not bolted down. I was hoping to load the boot with various crap from my garage (paint, tools etc). I guess I'd be taking a risk were I to do that.
I've imported 3 TVRs in the past couple of years using geeman's advice and contacts. Last time I switched from British Transit to dealing directly with Wallenius Wilhelmsen using their online quote service. The main reason was to improve the speed of communication between myself, the shipper and the customs broker. The customs broker needs to have the bill of lading number prior to shipping to submit a pre-clearance form, but British Tranist struggled with that requirement and caused me some stress. I also saved £200 by going direct to Wallenius.
I wouldn't put too much in the boot, some tools and spare parts should be fine, but if it looks like you are using it as a shipping container customs will be annoyed and will make you itemize and pay import duty on everything. I know on the TVRs they didn't even open the boot because it's not obvious how to do it, so it is a gamble.
The main thing is that your car must be at least 25 years old, based on the v5 registration date. If it's less than 25, you can still bring it in for 12 months max. You have to buy a bond that will be forfeited if you fail to export within the 12 months.
Good luck, PM for contacts if you need them.
David
I wouldn't put too much in the boot, some tools and spare parts should be fine, but if it looks like you are using it as a shipping container customs will be annoyed and will make you itemize and pay import duty on everything. I know on the TVRs they didn't even open the boot because it's not obvious how to do it, so it is a gamble.
The main thing is that your car must be at least 25 years old, based on the v5 registration date. If it's less than 25, you can still bring it in for 12 months max. You have to buy a bond that will be forfeited if you fail to export within the 12 months.
Good luck, PM for contacts if you need them.
David
Thanks for the mention David.
David is spot on regarding putting stuff in the boot. Plus, sad to say, stuff in the boot could go missing, ie get stolen. I think its also a requirement you must not have more than a quarter tank of fuel in the car when it ships. I still don't get why you are being given all those extra costs. David, maybe you can comment, seeing as you did this more recently. The UK shipper will/should give you all the paperwork or copies. You will need to get those documents and the 2 forms I mentioned to the US broker you choose. They will need this to clear customs. Or maybe you notify the shipper of your customs broker and the UK shipper sends it to them. Get a couple of copies of everything just to be sure though. Another thing to note is that once it clears customs be prepared to get the car asap, ie a day or so, otherwise you will probably incur expensive storage fees at the dock.
Glad to be of help. Let us know how you get on.
David is spot on regarding putting stuff in the boot. Plus, sad to say, stuff in the boot could go missing, ie get stolen. I think its also a requirement you must not have more than a quarter tank of fuel in the car when it ships. I still don't get why you are being given all those extra costs. David, maybe you can comment, seeing as you did this more recently. The UK shipper will/should give you all the paperwork or copies. You will need to get those documents and the 2 forms I mentioned to the US broker you choose. They will need this to clear customs. Or maybe you notify the shipper of your customs broker and the UK shipper sends it to them. Get a couple of copies of everything just to be sure though. Another thing to note is that once it clears customs be prepared to get the car asap, ie a day or so, otherwise you will probably incur expensive storage fees at the dock.
Glad to be of help. Let us know how you get on.
decampos said:
I'd need the car shipped to California which would be more expensive
decampos,If I were you, I'd make every effort, job, life-wise and even wife-wise to make it possible for me to drive East to West Coast!
I know it's over two thousand miles, but what an adventure!
It could be done in a few days, less if you took a friend and drove non-stop. Both the Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run and their Ten Countries Run in Europe are over 2K miles, and I've done both. Great fun!
JOhn
PS I'm open to offers!
Thanks for the further advice chaps. Does sound a bit hairy, did you feel as though you'd be screwed if anything were damaged, or went missing? Thanks for the Wallenius Wilhelmsen tip. Car's well over 25 years old (1975 BMW 3.0 Csi) so I should be fine there. Yes, best not risk paying import duty, thanks for that.
I've just had a bit of advice that may render these actions unnecessary; my RHD car will have considerably less value in the US. Though I hadn't any plans to ever sell it, it is now something I'm considering. Won't need to decide for a couple of months.
I've just had a bit of advice that may render these actions unnecessary; my RHD car will have considerably less value in the US. Though I hadn't any plans to ever sell it, it is now something I'm considering. Won't need to decide for a couple of months.
Loach1 said:
I've imported 3 TVRs in the past couple of years using geeman's advice and contacts. Last time I switched from British Transit to dealing directly with Wallenius Wilhelmsen using their online quote service. The main reason was to improve the speed of communication between myself, the shipper and the customs broker. The customs broker needs to have the bill of lading number prior to shipping to submit a pre-clearance form, but British Tranist struggled with that requirement and caused me some stress. I also saved £200 by going direct to Wallenius.
I wouldn't put too much in the boot, some tools and spare parts should be fine, but if it looks like you are using it as a shipping container customs will be annoyed and will make you itemize and pay import duty on everything. I know on the TVRs they didn't even open the boot because it's not obvious how to do it, so it is a gamble.
The main thing is that your car must be at least 25 years old, based on the v5 registration date. If it's less than 25, you can still bring it in for 12 months max. You have to buy a bond that will be forfeited if you fail to export within the 12 months.
I wouldn't put too much in the boot, some tools and spare parts should be fine, but if it looks like you are using it as a shipping container customs will be annoyed and will make you itemize and pay import duty on everything. I know on the TVRs they didn't even open the boot because it's not obvious how to do it, so it is a gamble.
The main thing is that your car must be at least 25 years old, based on the v5 registration date. If it's less than 25, you can still bring it in for 12 months max. You have to buy a bond that will be forfeited if you fail to export within the 12 months.
tapkaJohnD said:
decampos,
If I were you, I'd make every effort, job, life-wise and even wife-wise to make it possible for me to drive East to West Coast!
I know it's over two thousand miles, but what an adventure!
It could be done in a few days, less if you took a friend and drove non-stop. Both the Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run and their Ten Countries Run in Europe are over 2K miles, and I've done both. Great fun!
JOhn
PS I'm open to offers!
Hi tapkaJohnD. Sure sounds like fun. The car is a bit fragile and would only be just out of hibernation when it lands in the US. I'll have to have a think about it but I'll let you know if it's likely.If I were you, I'd make every effort, job, life-wise and even wife-wise to make it possible for me to drive East to West Coast!
I know it's over two thousand miles, but what an adventure!
It could be done in a few days, less if you took a friend and drove non-stop. Both the Club Triumph Round Britain Reliability Run and their Ten Countries Run in Europe are over 2K miles, and I've done both. Great fun!
JOhn
PS I'm open to offers!
Note sure what you mean regarding value, yet not wanting to sell it. Do you mean for insurance purposes?
Most American's are amused by RHD, but not many want to actually drive one let alone own one. If you can get the same car in LHD that will trump it every time. RHD cars are hard to sell over here and sometimes the price gets lowered over time by the seller.
Insurance should not be a problem, especially classic car insurance. The rules etc are pretty much the same as the UK classic policies. You have to have a regular/modern/daily driver. They are, at least in print, a bit more restrictive on use, ie not take it to work on those nice days (which seems a bit extreme to me). Mine are all agreed value based on market price for replacement. I have three RHD classics over here, and have no problems using them at all. You do not have to make any modifications for it being RHD. Oh, if you do bring it over, be prepared for some of the following questions. "Are the pedals the other way round?" and "Is the (gear) shift pattern the same?" I kid you not.
Most American's are amused by RHD, but not many want to actually drive one let alone own one. If you can get the same car in LHD that will trump it every time. RHD cars are hard to sell over here and sometimes the price gets lowered over time by the seller.
Insurance should not be a problem, especially classic car insurance. The rules etc are pretty much the same as the UK classic policies. You have to have a regular/modern/daily driver. They are, at least in print, a bit more restrictive on use, ie not take it to work on those nice days (which seems a bit extreme to me). Mine are all agreed value based on market price for replacement. I have three RHD classics over here, and have no problems using them at all. You do not have to make any modifications for it being RHD. Oh, if you do bring it over, be prepared for some of the following questions. "Are the pedals the other way round?" and "Is the (gear) shift pattern the same?" I kid you not.
Well, this was a car I didn't really want to sell but as I'll be emigrating to the US, it might be better if I 'cash it in' here and find a LHD car there to avoid various headaches. RHD BMW E9s are worth considerably more here. We'll see. In the meantime, I'll be doing some soul searching.
geeman237 said:
Note sure what you mean regarding value, yet not wanting to sell it. Do you mean for insurance purposes?
Most American's are amused by RHD, but not many want to actually drive one let alone own one. If you can get the same car in LHD that will trump it every time. RHD cars are hard to sell over here and sometimes the price gets lowered over time by the seller.
Insurance should not be a problem, especially classic car insurance. The rules etc are pretty much the same as the UK classic policies. You have to have a regular/modern/daily driver. They are, at least in print, a bit more restrictive on use, ie not take it to work on those nice days (which seems a bit extreme to me). Mine are all agreed value based on market price for replacement. I have three RHD classics over here, and have no problems using them at all. You do not have to make any modifications for it being RHD. Oh, if you do bring it over, be prepared for some of the following questions. "Are the pedals the other way round?" and "Is the (gear) shift pattern the same?" I kid you not.
Most American's are amused by RHD, but not many want to actually drive one let alone own one. If you can get the same car in LHD that will trump it every time. RHD cars are hard to sell over here and sometimes the price gets lowered over time by the seller.
Insurance should not be a problem, especially classic car insurance. The rules etc are pretty much the same as the UK classic policies. You have to have a regular/modern/daily driver. They are, at least in print, a bit more restrictive on use, ie not take it to work on those nice days (which seems a bit extreme to me). Mine are all agreed value based on market price for replacement. I have three RHD classics over here, and have no problems using them at all. You do not have to make any modifications for it being RHD. Oh, if you do bring it over, be prepared for some of the following questions. "Are the pedals the other way round?" and "Is the (gear) shift pattern the same?" I kid you not.
Edited by decampos on Wednesday 26th February 10:34
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