Crossing borders with Veihicle not in own name

[Ranger]

Hi
We have had an offer to deliver a Land Rover from UK to South Africa, but it would not be registered in our name. The company will organise Carnet, insurance etc, but I would like to know if anyone has experience/info as to what problems this will cause when crossing borders?

Any info much appreciated
rgds
Graham

[NCR]

Hi,

At least in Morroco, you will need a written authorization, translated of in french, from the owner.

Regards,

NCR

[Sam Rutherford]

I have not tried it, but my understanding is that as long as you have a 'permission letter' from the owner then you have no problem.

Given that it is owned by a company, you can be the authorised driver - all pretty logical.

I suggest you try and find out from the 'Truck-Africa' companies what they do (they have an identical problem) and do the same.

If you can get your letter also in arabic, might be a nice touch!

Sam.

PS Don't forget lots of lovely stamps etc...
PPS Good fortune having the offer of a vehicle like that - doesn't happen very often!

[Toby2]

I would suggest making arrangements as suggested above but generally keep quiet about it. Often at smaller border posts, the staff don't even seem to be able to read English. On a couple of occasions we had them confidently examining our documents whilst missing the fact that the documents were upside down. In most cases, they probably won't even notice, on some occasions in our trans africa trip, others in the group went in an got the paperwork processed whilst I stayed with the vehicle and there weren't any queries about where was the owner. If you keep quiet and just offer letters of permission, etc if challenged then you will probably pass more quickly / easily.

[This message has been edited by Toby2 (edited 04 March 2004).]

[kitmax]

Hi Ranger
I have had some experience of driving non-owned cars in Africa.
Best answer is to ‘register’ the car in your name (at DVLC, Cardiff) – it costs nothing, and takes only a few days. You'll have to update the Carnet too.
‘Register’ it back to the owner on delivery.
A travelling friend was chucked out of Morocco because his ‘Owner’s Permission’ was not stamped with a nice official stamp. This meant a 1000 mile journey back to UK…
Anyone can write an ‘Owner’s permission’ letter, but get some BIG OFFICIAL STAMP on it for it to be believable.
Regards Kit


------------------
Kitmax - Traveller
Desert Pictures at
http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit03ph...velgallery.htm
homepage http://www.kitmax.com

[Grant Hastie]

Hi there
I work for an overland company,Oasis Overland,All our vehicles are owned by the company and the company name is on the Carnet
In the 5 years ive worked all over africa and its never been a problem,we have a leter of permision to drive their trucks,one in French also and the insurance is also in my name,
Along with the stamps on your leter also get it laminated,this looks real offical and cops love that!!!
Cheers

[marker]

Can't you get your carnet issuing company (AA?) to have the carnet issued on your name? You 'll be the one who is responsable though in case of theft or so. I had it that way when travelling through Africa and south america(in combination with home made 'original vehicle documents'. Great invention those computers/scanners/printers...)
But excuse me for asking, but what makes me curious is why the people want you to deliver the LR overland when shipping it direct to South Africa is ánd cheaper ánd much safer ánd they will have a much better car in the end??!!

[This message has been edited by marker (edited 06 March 2004).]

[Ranger]

Marker

Good question - the catch is that we have to pay them for the favour. Price still being negotiated, but it will work out cheaper for them than shipping, and we leave deposit in case of damage to vehicle.

Thanks to all for advice

rgds
Ranger

[ctc]

The Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103B)from the RAC may be worth a look.