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
David hi
I live in Charleston, SC and importd my Triumph Herald from the UK in 2004. I used this company, www.britishtransit.com on a fellow Triumph enthusiasts recommendation. Shipped RoRo from Southampton direct to Charleston. Shipping takes about 2 weeks on the water. I think your RORO price is about right. Give them a call and ask to speak to Allison McAlpine the car shipping specialist. I emailed her for a quote back in July.
I drove my car to the port and handed the car and keys to someone dockside in a portacabin! I was a tad nervous as you have to drop it off about a week in advance of the ship sailing. As the car was a convertible and it was February I asked if they had anywhere under cover for it. Nothing really, but we found somewhere with some cover. You will have to find a customs broker probably in Charleston to get the car cleared. There are several. If you need any assistance let me know. I only live 15 mins from the port.
I live in Charleston, SC and importd my Triumph Herald from the UK in 2004. I used this company, www.britishtransit.com on a fellow Triumph enthusiasts recommendation. Shipped RoRo from Southampton direct to Charleston. Shipping takes about 2 weeks on the water. I think your RORO price is about right. Give them a call and ask to speak to Allison McAlpine the car shipping specialist. I emailed her for a quote back in July.
I drove my car to the port and handed the car and keys to someone dockside in a portacabin! I was a tad nervous as you have to drop it off about a week in advance of the ship sailing. As the car was a convertible and it was February I asked if they had anywhere under cover for it. Nothing really, but we found somewhere with some cover. You will have to find a customs broker probably in Charleston to get the car cleared. There are several. If you need any assistance let me know. I only live 15 mins from the port.
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 hope you will get marine insurance to cover the car in transit? The UK shipper should be able to arrange that. I know its still a hassle if it gets damaged. My car arrived dirty, but with a flat battery, although undamaged. I left basic instructions on how the car worked etc, controls and such when I left the car, but I doubt they were looked at. I think they probably left the lights on for the battery to go so flat. I arrived at the port in Charleston, its very close to the downtown area, but quite accessible with a trailer etc. I had a call from the customs broker when it was ready, had to drop by their offices for the paperwork and then onto the port to pick it up. The car was just sitting in the unloading car park. I had to go to an office on the dockside, show the papers, and that was it, take it away. As soon as its released by customs etc you need to pick it up otherwise you may incur additional storage fees. As for customs duty I think its 2.5% of the value of the car. Not sure what you have to show to prove the value etc as my car was exempt being a one time importation when you emigrate to the US for green card holders.
I can't give you the name of my customs broker as they moved office away from Charleston. There are several in Charleston, so try phoning around. I think the total cost will be around $200 for their services. I don't know how or who you are buying the car from in the UK but the V5 will have to be properly filled out stating the car is permanently exported from the UK. I think that is to try and prevent someone 'ringing' it in the UK. I do have a colleague who I will contact for a customs broker recommendation though.
When I got my car started at the port (had to buy a new battery) I simply drove it home with the UK number plates still on it etc. Never got stopped.
Also, when you pick up all the paperwork from the broker make sure the VIN or chassis number is correct on all the paper trial. They transposed a couple of digits on one form and I didn't notice until I went to title the car. I had to go back to the broker and get a corrected duplicate made. Took another couple of unecessary weeks. I guess you know you are supposedly allowed to ship anything in the car? I think you also have to have less than a quarter tank of petrol in it too.
I can't give you the name of my customs broker as they moved office away from Charleston. There are several in Charleston, so try phoning around. I think the total cost will be around $200 for their services. I don't know how or who you are buying the car from in the UK but the V5 will have to be properly filled out stating the car is permanently exported from the UK. I think that is to try and prevent someone 'ringing' it in the UK. I do have a colleague who I will contact for a customs broker recommendation though.
When I got my car started at the port (had to buy a new battery) I simply drove it home with the UK number plates still on it etc. Never got stopped.
Also, when you pick up all the paperwork from the broker make sure the VIN or chassis number is correct on all the paper trial. They transposed a couple of digits on one form and I didn't notice until I went to title the car. I had to go back to the broker and get a corrected duplicate made. Took another couple of unecessary weeks. I guess you know you are supposedly allowed to ship anything in the car? I think you also have to have less than a quarter tank of petrol in it too.
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!
Good luck Dave, great looking car!!
I should plan a trip down to visit. Btw, if your interested in the largest British Car show in North America, it is on here next weekend.
http://www.torontotriumph.com/BCD/
Your welcome to come stay, we'll take the SD1 lol!!!
I should plan a trip down to visit. Btw, if your interested in the largest British Car show in North America, it is on here next weekend.
http://www.torontotriumph.com/BCD/
Your welcome to come stay, we'll take the SD1 lol!!!
Dave
Very nice indeed. I see in the ad its a 1987 so its just 25 years old. Have you double checked to make sure the actual factory build date really is 25 years old when it leaves the UK or gets to the US. I don't know how strict customs/EPA/DoT etc are on to the month/date of build and I don't want to be a party pooper on the occassion. I would hate for some official to say no, its 24 years and 3 months, its not coming in.....
When are you thinking it might be here in Charleston? Drop me a PM is you want any help or recommendations on accomodation or somewhere to eat in Charleston etc. Maybe a photo op with my RHD Daimler SP250 and Reliant Scimitar might be in order, 3 British plastic 'muscle cars' all together waving the flag? lol
There maybe a local car event going on too.
Good luck with the deal.
Cheers
Gordon
Very nice indeed. I see in the ad its a 1987 so its just 25 years old. Have you double checked to make sure the actual factory build date really is 25 years old when it leaves the UK or gets to the US. I don't know how strict customs/EPA/DoT etc are on to the month/date of build and I don't want to be a party pooper on the occassion. I would hate for some official to say no, its 24 years and 3 months, its not coming in.....
When are you thinking it might be here in Charleston? Drop me a PM is you want any help or recommendations on accomodation or somewhere to eat in Charleston etc. Maybe a photo op with my RHD Daimler SP250 and Reliant Scimitar might be in order, 3 British plastic 'muscle cars' all together waving the flag? lol
There maybe a local car event going on too.
Good luck with the deal.
Cheers
Gordon
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!
Great news and glad to see the locals appreciate it already.
Are you going to have to make any mods to it, high vis brake light, catalyst etc or are you in the clear?
Glad I could hep with the process and that it was a good experience.
Fancy showing it at the Charleston British Car Show this Sat 27th?
Are you going to have to make any mods to it, high vis brake light, catalyst etc or are you in the clear?
Glad I could hep with the process and that it was a good experience.
Fancy showing it at the Charleston British Car Show this Sat 27th?
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....
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