Shipping 4X4 South Africa - Europe. Can anyone recommend a company.

[Moggy 1]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a particular shipping company that they have found good for both security and cost.
Are planning to ship our Unimog from Durban, SA to Europe. Would like to ship to Marseilles... but this isn't a common route. So any port in Europe will suffice.

Have got a little scared after reading some of the posts as everyone seems to accept vehicles being ripped-off while being transported as normal. Not a fantastic prospect since we have just completed a face-lift/conversion on our Unimog. What can be done to avoid break-ins?

J.

[gjackson]

Hey,

We used Seven Seas Freight which is based in Durban. They were excellent when we shipped from there to Houston. Fantastic service and great attention to detail. We dealt with Sheila: ssf (at) wol.co.za

cheers

[Moggy 1]

Dear Graham,

Thanks for the recommendation. Good to hear from someone who was happy with their shipping experience. Have emailed Sheila!

Can you tell me - Did you ship in a container?

The size of our Unimog means that shipping in a container won't be possible. It looks like we have the choice of either Ro-Ro, or flat rack. This makes it far more vulnerable to break-ins etc. Thats why security is such a concern for us. Don't spose you used Ro-Ro or Flat-rack with Seven Seas?

Cheers - Julie

[Graham Smith]

Hi Julie

I would recommend chatting to Manica Freight.

E-mail Brigette at: brigette.denysschen(at)manica-africa.com

She is really switched on and if they can help they will... I'm just not sure what the deal for a Unimog would be... HTH

Just a thought.. Try Tony at Global Star Shipping, he may be able to help with a large vehicle. tony(at)gsshipping.co.za

Good luck
Graham

[Moggy 1]

Dear Graham,

Thanks for the recommendations - I have contacted both Global Star and Manica. So are currently waiting for quotes to come in from various different companies. Will post results once I have received them as they may be of help to others.
Cheers - Julie

[grizzly7]

hi
i did read that some ferries allow you to stay in the camper on some s africa to s america routes. others may too if you wanna go by slowboat too.

also if just left on the open type pallet, that you have to expect it broken into, what else will the crew do during the trip!?!

some have fitted small metal wheels, just to get a mog into an enclosed container. portal axles may help with minimising their diameter? do the standard wheels with no tyres give clearance? will that damage them???

or had 3 secure boxes made with proper locks, that seperately fit thru the door, but once inside, you bolt them end to end to each other and to the floor, dimensioned to be a snug fit making it much harder for them to pilfer. but lights, mirrors etc..... fair game!!

we are currently mid purchase of a mog camper thats spent the last 5 years touring, has been to panama etc, and is a little taller than what i would have built myself probably totally ruling out the smaller wheel approach, so ive been scratching my head for solutions too. good luck!

[Bundubasher]

I sent a 4runner the other way: Southhampton to Durbs by ro-ro. Vehicle did not get broken into (they have to be left unlocked) but I did loose a wheel spanner that was loose under the seat. Shipping was OK however the problem was with my shipping agent: Barrie Vandemolen of Auto=Marine shipping. He also told me that nothing should remain in the car so two, locked, metal trunks had to be unchained and removed from the back and sent separately - thus delaying shipment and doubling my costs. Batteries were flat on arrival and chap tried jumping using the accessories battery. Otherwise the vehicle was OK - if you are worried about people stripping your vehicle then would recomend a container.

[michelbuyckx]

Originally Posted by Moggy 1

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a particular shipping company that they have found good for both security and cost.
Are planning to ship our Unimog from Durban, SA to Europe. Would like to ship to Marseilles... but this isn't a common route. So any port in Europe will suffice.

Have got a little scared after reading some of the posts as everyone seems to accept vehicles being ripped-off while being transported as normal. Not a fantastic prospect since we have just completed a face-lift/conversion on our Unimog. What can be done to avoid break-ins?

J.

Hi, since I also have plans to ship my Unimog from Europ to ZA, I am very interested in the outcome of your shipping adventure. If you have the time, I would appreciate.Thanks

[Unimog]

Hi Julie/Michel and others,

Completely new to this forum, but been reading posts for the last couple of hours.
We, a family of 4 with 2 young kids, will be travelling through Southern Africa mid next year.
As Julie and Michel we are looking for shipping possibilities for our Unimog. So far, we seem to end up shipping to Durban (RoRo).
However, Walvis Bay was our first option, so if there are any suggestions - pls let us know.
I have already picked up some agency names from this forum and send them a mail.
I'll now continue my reading !
Thanks,
Catja