Shipping cars to USA ??

General E30 related discussions -
Please put technical questions in E30 Tech Help forum below

Moderator: martauto

Post Reply
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:42 am

Anyone here have any experience shipping cars to the states ?
From what I know a parts car is easier and less expensive to bring over.

Looking to get a touring state side. No engine and transmission is fine.
Minimal rust is important to me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thomas
Gwynleym10
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 3650
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: London/Cymru
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 6:44 am

Hi

It is perfectly possible - just going to cost you a fair amount. Shipping alone will cost at least $3500. Then you will have to pay tax etc.

You should also be aware that in the UK we drive on the left - so most our cars are RHD.

I recon if you want a rust free LHD car best bet is to look towards germany or Spain.
Image
Dual wheel carriers -------195litre Fuel Tank
London 2 Cape Town
www.Overlandinthesun.com
gIzzE
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:00 pm

Mon Apr 14, 2008 9:58 am

You are best to get a shipping company in the States to collect, it is much, much cheaper.
Friend just brought over a Model A Ford, in fact two of them, one from New Jersey and the other from California, the one from the East coast cost $1500 to ship and the one from the West coast $800, there is a bit of a cartel going on on the east coast when it comes to shipping.

For a UK company to have collected it he was looking at over $3k to ship.

I think you will find the tourings in the States have less rust than the tourings over here. if you just want the shell then I would look locally.
Jhonno
Homo Hair
Posts: 20362
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: FLAT, FLAT, FLAT!!
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 10:31 am

they didnt sell the Touring in the US.. Hence the fascination with them over there!!
Got cable ties? Get diffin..

Arch roller for hire.

www.zeroexhausts.co.uk

Image
gIzzE
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 97
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:00 pm

Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:16 am

Oh right, what about in Canada?? Did they sell them over there??
Alex
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22666
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:13 pm

RevmasterT wrote:Anyone here have any experience shipping cars to the states ?
From what I know a parts car is easier and less expensive to bring over.

Looking to get a touring state side. No engine and transmission is fine.
Minimal rust is important to me.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thomas
if you want a rust free example you do not want to get one from the uk coz most the cars have suffered from bad winters from the amout of rain we get and the salt they put on the road here does't help either. like said above you would be best getting one from germany there would probly be more choice there too.
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:15 pm

Gwynleym10 wrote:Hi

It is perfectly possible - just going to cost you a fair amount. Shipping alone will cost at least $3500. Then you will have to pay tax etc.

You should also be aware that in the UK we drive on the left - so most our cars are RHD.

I recon if you want a rust free LHD car best bet is to look towards germany or Spain.
You know LHD or RHD would be fine. A buddy of mine has a 91 RHD 318 here in the states and I think its cool.
I may have to talk to a shipping company to see what the exact costs are.

I was hoping someone here did this already and could pass on there experience.

BTW I am in Tampa Florida and I just had a E30 M3 gr.A car shipped to me from Burbank's California. I think it was quite reasonable at $ 1200.00 US in an enclosed trailer.

Thanks Thomas
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:17 pm

Hi Alex, I am affraid you may have a valid point there.

Thomas
Alex
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22666
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:20 pm

RevmasterT wrote:Hi Alex, I am affraid you may have a valid point there.

Thomas
it does't mean you cannot get rust free examples here but there would be more choice in mainland europe eg. germany, but there maybe a language barrier there :? unless they can speak english
playo
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 495
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: South wales

Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:22 pm

Alex wrote: it does't mean you cannot get rust free examples here but there would be more choice in mainland europe eg. germany, but there maybe a language barrier there :? unless they can speak english
I think John could help there!

What's your plans for it Thomas? I see you dont need and engine and gear box winkeye
Alex
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22666
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Mon Apr 14, 2008 2:33 pm

some nice examples on german ebay, alot of the german spec cars have lots of optional extras too

http://cgi.ebay.de/BMW-316-i-Touring-E3 ... otohosting

http://cgi.ebay.de/BMW-324TD-Touring-Eu ... otohosting
Jhonno
Homo Hair
Posts: 20362
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: FLAT, FLAT, FLAT!!
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:11 pm

you should get one shipped over with a euro S50 in the boot winkeye
Got cable ties? Get diffin..

Arch roller for hire.

www.zeroexhausts.co.uk

Image
Simon13
The longest resto in the world !
Posts: 22697
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Camberley, Surrey don't u know

Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:26 pm

Canada never recieved the touring either.

The only places in europe where they will be truly rust free is italy,portugal,spain, or anywhere else where it's hot. They rust in germany and france as much as they do here. If anything the winters over there are colder.

There's plenty of solid wagons over here. if your not bothered about RHD then i'd try and source here, speaking a similar language will help!
bazcoupe
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 238
Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: oldham/manchester

Mon Apr 14, 2008 5:27 pm

i looked into shipping mine over the pond not to long ago and it was not the shipping that was the problem (£1000-£1500 iirc) but the re-registering it in the usa that would be very expensive.
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:03 pm

playo wrote:
Alex wrote: it does't mean you cannot get rust free examples here but there would be more choice in mainland europe eg. germany, but there maybe a language barrier there :? unless they can speak english
I think John could help there!

What's your plans for it Thomas? I see you dont need and engine and gear box winkeye
I have a nice S14 engine and a CR gear box sitting around. The 2.3l before I pulled it from my M3 had some decent numbers so I think it would do well in a touring after a good diet.

Thomas
playo
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 495
Joined: Mon May 22, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: South wales

Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:06 pm

A S14 powered Touring! Nice work 8)
78dude
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1154
Joined: Thu Aug 17, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Norway

Mon Apr 14, 2008 7:42 pm

Hello RevmasterT,

If you take a look on mobile.de or eBay.de you can find some nice 318i Tourngs for sale there, most of the sellers in Germany know that their cars get exported around Europe and to Russia so more and more Germans speak English. I bought to an example some smoked tail lamps to my E32 and we had no problem at all!

My dad imports cars from Germany and Belgium to Norway and I can see if he can help you out to find a nice rust free LHD Touring on the continent.
If you send me an PM with your email address I can look for adverts for you.... :D
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:59 am

bazcoupe wrote:i looked into shipping mine over the pond not to long ago and it was not the shipping that was the problem (£1000-£1500 iirc) but the re-registering it in the usa that would be very expensive.
I have to do some more homework on this but from what I know,
If you ship a parts car, a roller with no engine and transmission the import taxes are a lot lower. Its also a lot easier to get the car into the country once the car is here you build it and then get your registration. The good thing is in Florida we don't have any sort of inspections like you guys have.

That's why I was hoping to find someone on here that has done this already.

Thanks for all the comments so far very much appreciate it. :D

Thomas
old_skool
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 3405
Joined: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Glossersure

Tue Apr 15, 2008 8:16 am

RevmasterT wrote:
bazcoupe wrote:i looked into shipping mine over the pond not to long ago and it was not the shipping that was the problem (£1000-£1500 iirc) but the re-registering it in the usa that would be very expensive.
I have to do some more homework on this but from what I know,
If you ship a parts car, a roller with no engine and transmission the import taxes are a lot lower. Its also a lot easier to get the car into the country once the car is here you build it and then get your registration. The good thing is in Florida we don't have any sort of inspections like you guys have.

That's why I was hoping to find someone on here that has done this already.

Thanks for all the comments so far very much appreciate it. :D

Thomas
Tampa is a great place, I have some friends in Lakeland. Haven't seen them for a few years now. I'll bet a touring would be lovely cruising up the I4.

I have a contact in a UK shipping agency if it is of any use.

Good luck!
ChrisBarns
ConvertibleChris
Posts: 519
Joined: Sat Nov 19, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Norwich

Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:18 pm

Defo go for a dry country car (Spain or Portugal, Southern Italy etc). Why not combine it with a nice holiday?

A friend of my dad's bought an old sportscar (Triumph TR6 I think) from Texas. He bought it for the rust free shell but he couldn't believe how much easier it was to do everything when the threads on every bolt can be undone with a spanner.
Alex
Married to the E30 Zone
Married to the E30 Zone
Posts: 22666
Joined: Fri Feb 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:35 pm

RevmasterT wrote:
bazcoupe wrote:i looked into shipping mine over the pond not to long ago and it was not the shipping that was the problem (£1000-£1500 iirc) but the re-registering it in the usa that would be very expensive.
I have to do some more homework on this but from what I know,
If you ship a parts car, a roller with no engine and transmission the import taxes are a lot lower. Its also a lot easier to get the car into the country once the car is here you build it and then get your registration. The good thing is in Florida we don't have any sort of inspections like you guys have.

That's why I was hoping to find someone on here that has done this already.

Thanks for all the comments so far very much appreciate it. :D

Thomas
you have no vehicle inspections to make sure its road worthy 8O

:cool:
e30_Turbo
Boost Junkie
Posts: 3158
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: East Anglia

Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:47 pm

I work in shipping :cool:

Imports/exports/customs/logistics/air/sea/packing etc

You name it I've done it, from sunseeker yaughts to 70yr old speakers, 30 ton electric motors to 3/4 scale ferrari's and awesome kit car engines, I get some weird stuff too.

For Tampa, Florida, you have two options, port wise, Tampa itself has a small port, there is a service to there or Miami.

Would you like to pay for a whole 20ft DV? or a part container?

Would you like the car packed into a container properly? Strapped and chocked in.

Would you like the container delivered to your house? or just unloaded and collected at the docs.

Customs entry would be about £50, we need to work out the duty rate in the US, over here it's 10%.

I've asked my colleague to look into the rates for you and will see what the route for best mile per £.

HTH, Mark.
Image
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:39 pm

Hello Mark,

Don't need the container delivered to my house I think. I have a trailer so I could collect at the port of Tampa.
When you say a part container does that mean I share a container with someone ?
I would not mind sharing a container with someone if that would cut down on cost.
If you could PM me with some quotes that be fantastic :) Thank you for your reply Mark it looks like I am getting somewhere now.

Now I need to find a touring with no engina.

Cheers Thomas
Morat
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 8943
Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: The Peoples Republic of Yorkshire

Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:48 pm

E30 Touring 0.35 cD - more slippery than prison soap :)

Image
Praise the Lard... and pass the dripping!
e30_Turbo
Boost Junkie
Posts: 3158
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: East Anglia

Tue Apr 15, 2008 4:05 pm

RevmasterT wrote:Hello Mark,

Don't need the container delivered to my house I think. I have a trailer so I could collect at the port of Tampa.
When you say a part container does that mean I share a container with someone ?
I would not mind sharing a container with someone if that would cut down on cost.
If you could PM me with some quotes that be fantastic :) Thank you for your reply Mark it looks like I am getting somewhere now.

Now I need to find a touring with no engina.

Cheers Thomas
OK, I've asked for some prices, best bet is to book a FCL ( Full container load ) and get as much in it as poss. I know from experiance that the euro bumpers are rare over there, also some other choice trim bits. There's a local e30 breakers local that will have all the euro parts you could ever need. Would you consider filling the space left with parts to sell over there?

Obviously anyone on the zone who wants to ship stuff to the states could pay their way and share the cost.

Otherwise you can book a LCL ( part load ) but you're at the mercy of the people who load it, if they load it wrong it can and will f**k it up. I've seen enough badley loaded containers to know it HAS to be done right. This wasy you only pay for the 'space' required, sometimes it's worked out on weight, depends really on size.

Ideally then we could load at my warehouse, secure it all, ship it to Tampa, you collect from the port and move on all the parts.

Once the container is in the states you can deal with a local agent to egt your hands on the cargo and pay and duties etc. It might be poss to do this all from your side and you can pay the shipping line from your end, 'll ask.

Let me know what you fancy doing, anythings possible :D
Image
old_skool
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 3405
Joined: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Glossersure

Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:28 pm

I'll take the container on the way back please, can you put in a '68 mustang GT390 fastback in highland green, a couple of pairs of Levi 501's and a couple of Mickey Mouse T-shirts for the kids.

:)
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:42 pm

The containers go one way I am pretty sure. But if you like I can send you a couple of those Mickey Mouse T-shirts, what size do you need XL or are they for the kids ? :)

Cheers Thomas
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:46 pm

fozzymonster wrote:
RevmasterT wrote:Hello Mark,

Don't need the container delivered to my house I think. I have a trailer so I could collect at the port of Tampa.
When you say a part container does that mean I share a container with someone ?
I would not mind sharing a container with someone if that would cut down on cost.
If you could PM me with some quotes that be fantastic :) Thank you for your reply Mark it looks like I am getting somewhere now.

Now I need to find a touring with no engina.

Cheers Thomas
OK, I've asked for some prices, best bet is to book a FCL ( Full container load ) and get as much in it as poss. I know from experiance that the euro bumpers are rare over there, also some other choice trim bits. There's a local e30 breakers local that will have all the euro parts you could ever need. Would you consider filling the space left with parts to sell over there?

Obviously anyone on the zone who wants to ship stuff to the states could pay their way and share the cost.

Otherwise you can book a LCL ( part load ) but you're at the mercy of the people who load it, if they load it wrong it can and will f**k it up. I've seen enough badley loaded containers to know it HAS to be done right. This wasy you only pay for the 'space' required, sometimes it's worked out on weight, depends really on size.

Ideally then we could load at my warehouse, secure it all, ship it to Tampa, you collect from the port and move on all the parts.

Once the container is in the states you can deal with a local agent to egt your hands on the cargo and pay and duties etc. It might be poss to do this all from your side and you can pay the shipping line from your end, 'll ask.

Let me know what you fancy doing, anythings possible :D
Hi Mark,

Thank for your reply. I am still busy at work here so let me send you a PM later on.

Thanks Thomas
User avatar
RevmasterT
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 14
Joined: Tue Oct 10, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: US
Contact:

Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:56 am

old_skool wrote:
RevmasterT wrote:
bazcoupe wrote:i looked into shipping mine over the pond not to long ago and it was not the shipping that was the problem (£1000-£1500 iirc) but the re-registering it in the usa that would be very expensive.
I have to do some more homework on this but from what I know,
If you ship a parts car, a roller with no engine and transmission the import taxes are a lot lower. Its also a lot easier to get the car into the country once the car is here you build it and then get your registration. The good thing is in Florida we don't have any sort of inspections like you guys have.

That's why I was hoping to find someone on here that has done this already.

Thanks for all the comments so far very much appreciate it. :D

Thomas
Tampa is a great place, I have some friends in Lakeland. Haven't seen them for a few years now. I'll bet a touring would be lovely cruising up the I4.

I have a contact in a UK shipping agency if it is of any use.

Good luck!
Cruising on I 4 is no fun sometimes but there are a few roads here where you can have fun ;)

Next time you over here make sure you come see me.

Thomas

PS could you PM me the agency's address or e-mail please so I could possibly contact them.
Jhonno
Homo Hair
Posts: 20362
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: FLAT, FLAT, FLAT!!
Contact:

Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:06 am

old_skool wrote:I'll take the container on the way back please, can you put in a '68 mustang GT390 fastback in highland green, a couple of pairs of Levi 501's and a couple of Mickey Mouse T-shirts for the kids.

:)
:drool:

But... Dark Moss Green surely?! :cool:
Got cable ties? Get diffin..

Arch roller for hire.

www.zeroexhausts.co.uk

Image
tomze30
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 400
Joined: Sun Nov 05, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: Riccall in God's own County of Yorkshire

Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:31 am

Thanks Morat, we are ... :D
Image
Post Reply