From Bremerhaven, Germany to Halifax, Canada - September, 2009

Ok, this was much easier then expected and a very good experience. I was going forward and backward about how to get my bike across to the Americas but cost was the real issue for me and although I was short on time, ten to twelve days didn't seem to much. Flying would have been quicker but probably also more involved. I gave them my measurements, didn't unscrew anything, just left it there and they ride the bike onto the boat and off again. Keys to be left with the bike. Before leaving it in Bremerhaven I got the details for the sailing for the boat and the approximate date of arrival which was spot on. I was advised to take my number plate off since some had gone missing before and I was also told not to pack any personal stuff into my panniers which I didn't (grudgingly). But when I left it I asked whether I could leave my tools in it (I could - his reasoning being, the tools belong to the bike when you buy it) and later on riding it into the customs area for all the stuff to be shipped I chained my helmet to it and am almost sure I could have left more stuff with it like my jacket or such. I Just didn't think. On the other side I got a bill of landing and the invoice for it straight away when I arrived at my hostel which I had given to them as an address in Canada. My canadian Wilhelmson contact was Dean Hanson who handles the clearing kind of stuff I guess and he was very good as well. He went out of his way to come with me to customs and make sure there weren't any surprises before I could go to the other side of the Halifax bay (auto port) to pick the bike up. Perfect. No surprises, no extra charges. In and out.