Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Liverpool England
Posts: 2
UK to USA What do we need for the Customs


A group of us are planning to take our Bikes to the USA for a month 2003, We have been told we do not need a carnet but have been told we need something called a Temporary non-resident exemption and need to register the bikes, can anyone advise us on this?

Thanks

Jabandbill
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 30 Nov 2002
John Ferris's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Reno,NV,USA
Posts: 560
Below is a post from Nick. From December 01.
John.

Hi Chris,
I'm currently in New York with my UK registered F650. I've no idea about temp import via Canada, but getting into the USA wasn't too difficult. Firstly, if 12 months is ok for you, you can import a vehicle for up to 12 months without complying with the EPA regulations or any of the DOT (NHTSA) safety regs. If you do this, you have to a) export the vehicle withing 12 months and b) not sell the vehicle.
But that's at the federal level... Technically in each state there are laws to comply with. Most states require you to register your vehicle within 30 days if you're a resident. If you're travelling through the US I wouldn't think this'll be a problem. You'll also need insurance. This can be difficult without a US licence or a residential address, though not impossible. I'm insured with Progressive (www.progressive.com), $2000 per 12 months in New York state. I'd suggest you try a more rural state if you want to get it cheaper.

When I shipped I paid about GBP 400 for shipping and handling (from the UK to New York) and about USD 100 for customs clearance. I turned up at the warehouse, opened the crate, filled up with gas and rode home.

US Customs website has most of the info you need: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/imp-e...formal/car.htm

Cheers,
Nick.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Dec 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
You do NOT need to register the bikes. Any paperwork you need is available on the spot at customs when you arrive.

You WILL need insurance. See our links page http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/lin...cycleInsurance for some possibles. Sunrise is supposed to have good rates.

See the story "Nightmare in Minneapolis" at

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/new...00-08-01.shtml

for some customs tips and how not to do it.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Dec 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Liverpool England
Posts: 2
Thanks for the replies

We will be shipping 8 bikes in a container to the US,
Can I assume that the shipping agent will take care of the dealings with the Cuctoms on our behalf?

I have contacted some of the Insurance companys on your list and am awaitng replies

We have found the site very interesting and informative

Thanks again

Janandbill
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Dec 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: uk
Posts: 59
when are you shipping your crate of bikes. I an heading to north america/ canada in june 2003 and will need to ship my bike. Any room for one more bike in the crate for a share of the costs?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Dec 2002
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
The shipping agent can and probably expects to deal with customs. Let them, it's painless.

Glad to hear you like the site, thanks!

have a great trip,

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Feb 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Sundsvall, Sweden
Posts: 13
Here's my situation and a word of warning to others.

I'm stuck in Galveston, Texas waiting for a clearence from the Customs. The bike arrived 02/02/03 with boat from Sweden. I have a agent that was supposed to take care of the papperwork. I have so far paid 300$ including customs and the agent.

When I arrived I visited the customs and realized that the bike was non conformant with EPA and DOT regulations. I was told by then officer at customs in Houston that I had to do a formal entry (kind of temporary import) procees time approx. 3 days. And it have to be cleared in 15 days or else the vehicle should be SEIZED.

I was not suprised it was expected since I had read it in this thread before leaving Sweden.

I have now been waiting 13 days.

I have asked my agent what is wrong and always get the same answer:

"The customs don't tell was is wrong and don't retuns phone calls"

I have been told that customs in Texas are espacially sticky and perhaps I picked the wrong state?

Anyone with similar experince?

I guess I'm stupid that did not followed the advice from others (espacially people at this site) and avoided shipping by boat.

This is driving me crazy.

Now I have to make alternate plans anything from send the bike back to shipping to another country :-(

Any suggestions?

Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Feb 2003
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,216
First off I would bypass the agent and go straight to customs and find out what the problem is. MAKE VERY SURE that they know you are only passing through and NOT staying in the US or ESPECIALLY not planning on selling the bike.

Don't say anything about selling the bike directly, that gets them VERY twitchy, just hint at it by telling them your plans, e.g. your plans are to head to Mexico and south or north to Canada and then home from there with your beloved bike.

EPA etc regs should NOT apply as you are not resident and NOT registering the bike in the country. I suspect your agent has fouled things up in some way by saying or assuming something he shouldn't have.

Good luck, let us know what happens. Also please post final results in the "Shipments by travellers" page - link on left.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.

------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:45.