Importing an American Artic Trailer, Anyone done it?

[andyxs]

The company I work for are looking at bringing in some specialist Artic mounted equipment from america, I am just trying to check if anyone has done it and what issues we are likely to face as non of us are from a trucking background (If somebody knows of a good import company or someone to speak too regarding this id be greatful).

The equipment is an integral part of the trailer and the whole trailer basically lies flat when not in use, being jacked up for transport.

https://eu.ironplanet.com/jsp/s/item/1637313?ipref...

so apart from VOSA being a big issue (though we have been advised that it could be registered as a specialist vehicle) is it even compatible with UK/EU trucks? (some of our work may be in the eu) any and all issues likley to be faced? we have imported plenty of gear before but it has usually been in containers, this suits us as the way it "kneels" means the unit can be transported as a whole, our current systems are modular and require a crane to be built on site.

Cheers

[Venisonpie]

I can't answer your questions specifically but places to look are the DVSA website and the trucker forums, trucknet being one.
You'll need to check specification compatibility as well as compliance within the UK and Eu.

[bigwheel]

The 2 air brake suzie connections will probably be "palm" type which can be easily unscrewed and replaced with UK nozzles. Or some hauliers make up palm converters to use with some European trailers.
The lighting socket may or may not be compatible but can be easily rewired with a UK socket.
These points need considering if you send a haulier to collect the trailer from the seaport of entry and drive it away.
Or the trailer is piggy backed on a low loader to wherever you want to get it road worthy.

[bigwheel]

It might be short enough to be shipped on an open sided flatrack container and delivered to your premises and craned off.

[andyxs]

Thanks Bigwheels/all. for sure i think we would piggyback it away from the port back to our yard as a starter for 10, it was mainly around the lift systems and pin connectors etc along with breaking systems being broadly compatible and acceptable as the point is long term its a drag and drop trailer keeping the heights in mind.
Cheers

[fttm]

The braking system will be your biggest hurdle , saying that air ride suspension is still classed as relatively new here . Hope you guys know what you're getting .

[shovelheadrob]

The electrics will certainly be different, American stuff incorporates the brake & turn signals which are both red. A trailer board would get around this temporarily but a safer way to get the trailer back from the docks would be to use a recovery company, maybe someone like Mick Gould, he has a fleet of American recovery truck so he'll probably be familiar with air & electric connections.