Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Customs, Agency, Paperwork on a port in Europe Customs, Agency, Paperwork on a port in Europe
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By GSPeter

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Nov 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 22
Customs, Agency, Paperwork on a port in Europe
Hello friends,

our two motorbikes are shipping now back from China to Portugal.
They will arrive in two weeks, we hope so.

I thought, that i could just go to the port and get the bikes back.
Apparently it is not easy...we need an agent? Why?
Can we count with other surprises?
Is it possible to get the bikes back on the same day, when the ship achieved the harbor at Lisbon?
Is it important to have a bill with a amount? Because we dont have it

Thanks and cheers, now from Portugal

Greta and Marcel
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I cannot comment specifically on Portugal but have got my bike out of several ports and airports without an agent. An agent will obviously know the procedure but I have found shipping company staff helpful provided they speak English which they usually do.
You should be informed when the container has been unloaded and unpacked, you should go there within a day or two to avoid storage charges with the bill of lading, registration document and any other paperwork related to the bike along with photocopies which you may or may not need, the police may want to see insurance if you plan to ride away on them as well.
It is worth going along and trying, the worse that can happen is you have to come back with an agent.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Nov 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 22
Hi Mark

thank you for your experience.
Do you know how to track and serch our container, by number?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I have not tried it but this might work. Container tracking - track-trace
The company that shipped it for you should be able to provide some information.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Nov 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 22
Thanks Mark,

We got today the message that the bikes are in Barcelona and it is possible to pick them up at the port.
But the company want to get a comercial invoice from us!?
We have only 3 letters of Bill of Lading.

I thought the Bill Of Lading is the only one paper we need for the port.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Paperwork for shipping by sea
Hei Greta and Marcel,
When you go to pick up the bikes the freighting company in Barcelona will probably try to hit you with a lot of extra charges.
Deep sea,
Suez
Small cargo
Processing
Dangerous materials
and some I don't remember.
Handling
you will probably have to pay something, doesn't matter what the shipping agent in China told you, you won't get your bike until you reach an agreement.
Yes, I found out that these extras are negotiable.
I blew my top, the charges were more than the original shipping costs from Mumbai to Oslo, and I threatened to make the bike over to them and cut my losses.
They asked for an hour to discuss the problem, and folded. I paid just handling, after all someone moved my bike, all the other charges disappeared.
Good luck, remember an enraged biker is a big embaresment in their office.

Safe travels

Peter, in Oslo
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 4 Nov 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Germany
Posts: 22
thanks Peter!

They want to have our VAT number?
We don´t know why they need it...

Do you have an idea?

The problem is, our paperwork about this number is at home, and we are in Portugal.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 4 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Paperwork for shipping by sea
Hi, can't help on VAT number!
Are you a registered company, and using that company to ship the bike?
As a private individual you have to pay VAT as the end user, companies get it refunded as it would be double taxation - could this be the problem?
The shipping agent may have little or no experience of dealing with private customers, so they are just following their routine.
Do like Mark Manley advised, if you have to get an agent it's an extra expence.
I think if you turn up, and don't give up at once, the shipping agent will help just to get rid of you.
More good luck,

Peter, in Oslo
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
They might not realise that you are re-importing EU registered bikes that you temporarily exported and think VAT is due on them, tell them this and send scans of the registration documents and receipts for their purchase if you have them to show it.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Nov 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Shipping Charges
Hi Greta and Marcel,
Let us know what has happened.
PM is just great, but they do not educate the HUBB members. From what you write I see the same attempt to keep their "charges" as a personal problem. I see this as a modern form of piracy, my experience is that the forewarding company is seeing you as an individual who can be milked for an enormous sum. They have a point that moving two million plastic toys costs the same as one bike, but they are not realistic. My advice is to put the pressure on them, they won't get anything unless they are willing to negociate. Most of these charges are bullshit, make it clear to them that there is a bottom line.
In the future it could well be that no forewarding company will ship bikes, or that more realistic shippers will get all the trade.
No personal experience, but air-transport is said to be less opertunistic.

Let us know!

Safe travels

Peter, in Oslo
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Dec 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 164
Handling and other charges
Hi Greta and Marcel,
What happened ?
Inquiring minds want to know.

Safe travels

Peter, in Oslo
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Kenya to Europe cliveandann Middle East 1 8 May 2016 01:24
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 07:38
Kenya to Europe cliveandann sub-Saharan Africa 3 3 Sep 2015 23:21
HOWTO: From Turkey to Sudan with 4x4 : OPTION Z flotter North Africa 9 18 Nov 2013 22:28
Ferry Wadi Halfa - Aswan / Port Said - Mersin manigoestoafrica Route Planning 3 19 Sep 2012 13:48

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 01:43.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top