Need Advice on International Shipping

[jaudette3]

We're preparing the '71 S for shipping to Europe and I'd like some advice.

There are a number of parts going with the car that are not installed on the car. Should we put wrap those and just put them in the car? Or should we pack and ship them separately? And if it's better to ship separately, how should value be declared for customs?

Also, I'm advised that the title, registration and bill of sale, along with the seller's passport number, need to go along with the car. Sounds a little scary -- is it all required?

Thanks for your help.

John Audette

[nick-moss]

A couple questions. Which country are you shipping to? Is it going in a container?

I have imported several cars into England and its very easy here. If you are selling the car then taxes will have to be paid on import and its better if all the parts are in the car or with it, then you are importing a car and its own parts. If they come seperately you may pay tax on them as well. I have had engines and gearboxes inside cars with no trouble, and boxes of parts alongside in the container without paying extra.

There is no need to send the documents with the car, but the buyer will need them to get the car imported. Registration, bill of sale and title are OK in UK but other countries may need a copy of the seller's ID as well.

[andyjboy]

The passport details (usually a photocopy of the last page with the photo on) are now required by the US authorities to prove the identity of a non-US buyer.

[e72phil]

you also must supply the Title to the car to prove its not stolen. US Customs will NOT allow export without the Title. I have exported a couple of cars ex USA and all you mentioned are required.

And ship all the parts inside the car and make sure you have a detailed inventory for customs at the receiving end and also to prove they were shipped. It will save a lot of extra freight costs.

[nick-moss]

The passport details (usually a photocopy of the last page with the photo on) are now required by the US authorities to prove the identity of a non-US buyer.

Is that the passport of the buyer or the seller? Bureaucracy, don't you just love it?

Pronunciation: (byoo-rok'ru-sē), [key]
—n.,
—pl. -cies.
1. government by many bureaus, administrators, and petty officials.
2. the body of officials and administrators, esp. of a government or government department.
3. excessive multiplication of, and concentration of power in, administrative bureaus or administrators.
4. administration characterized by excessive red tape and routine.

[andyjboy]

Nick - it's the buyer's passport details that are needed.

As Phil says, the Title must accompany the car during shipping - & whoa betide if you want to export the car from Miami...

[lilacrs]

Maybe its different when you bring a car to the USA, but I wouldn't include any thing in the car that is not bolted down and ship it separately. With ebay, its easy for any one who handles the car (even when its in a locked container) to take stuff and make a few extra bucks later.

This is from my one experience of importing a car through Miami....