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Shipping kit abroad
russbost - 19/5/21 at 11:29 AM

Hi Guys

Hoping someone may have some knowledge on here.

I've been asked to ship a kit to Beirut (it's already paid for!) Basically a complete Furore including bike engine, which is already bolted in the chassis, with everything to build except wheels & tyres. Obviously this means it's mixed heavy stuff like chassis, engine, hubs, brakes etc & lighter much more fragile stuff - all the fibreglass & ali bits.

I've contacted a few companies, but they seem to want me to have a 20ft container, which is waaaaay bigger than I need. The overall size is approx 4m x 1.6 x 1.1 & weight around 500kg, plus crate - do they supply a crate to size & then I load it or what?

The guy was supposed to be arranging his own shipping, but has now asked me to do it


roadrunner - 19/5/21 at 11:45 AM

Probably better to make your own crate.
I've seen the ones MK use but don't know if they make them themselves.


nick205 - 19/5/21 at 11:57 AM

Never shipped a kit abroad so by no means an expert.

From mMy knowledge of couriers through work it sounds like the ones you're talking to treat a 20ft container as a shipping unit (what lorries, docks etc. can move). It sounds like you need to find a company who are already shipping a container and will sell you some space in a container. Even with that it may be your responsibility to get the crated package to them or the hauliers they use.

I think Ultima Sports Cars ship their kits to different countries - maybe work a call to them to ask how they go about it.


chillis - 19/5/21 at 12:03 PM

Not sure about Beirut but some countries won't accept things packed in wooden crates (Australia for example) which may be why couriers want to use a container (20footer being the smallest)
Don't know where abouts you are but here in Milton Keynes we use Trans-global shipping as they advise on the type of crate/packaging and usually deal with all the customs stuff as well.


Charlie_Zetec - 19/5/21 at 12:08 PM

As has already been said, people will want to try and persuade you to use a 20ft container as it makes things easier in terms of documentation, handling etc. - although some companies will offer you a space in either a 20ft or 40ft container if they've only got a part-load heading to the same destination. Trying to get things loaded and unloaded from one container to another in different ports/warehouses will only increase the headache and risk of damage.

Its unlikely you'll get much luck with the main shipping lines direct, so you'll probably have to use a haulage company with a warehouse, and either pay a premium for early shipping, or have it waiting around for a while to fill a container.

If you want to drop me a PM I'll happily put you in touch with the company I use in Felixstowe for my imports, as they also offer an export service as well. If they can't help themselves, then they might be able to point you in the right direction....


jps - 19/5/21 at 12:26 PM

Come on Russ, perfect excuse for a ROAD TRIP!!!!!


russbost - 19/5/21 at 02:04 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jps
Come on Russ, perfect excuse for a ROAD TRIP!!!!!


Yeah- I think it's about 4,000 miles each way, I have a feeling van hire, tolls & fuel could get a little pricey - I certainly won't be driving this one, it's unassembled & has no wheels/tyres!


watsonpj - 19/5/21 at 02:37 PM

Hi Russ
my previous company (oil equipment) has used these guys

https://www.tuplin.co.uk/

for several years and they have been really good. They arrange pickup and will also make up a crate either off site or come with it part assembled and do it at your location.

They have certainly done work for us at 3.5m long and >400kg so should be good for this and they are based out of stansted so not too far away from you.

hope this helps

Regards Pete


femster87 - 19/5/21 at 09:20 PM

Another handler

http://www.nealbrothers.co.uk/gallery.html


russbost - 20/5/21 at 07:23 AM

Thanks guys, lots of feelers out, will see what comes back


HappyFather - 20/5/21 at 09:40 AM

Hi Russbost,

I got my kit (but with wheels and tyres too!) from the UK to Portugal.
At the time (2010) Aries made a wooden crate and fit it all inside.
Crate was moved to Portugal by trucks. I had contracted EBCargo (very bad!!!) through Shiply and they arranged RH to bring it from the UK to France and from there it came to Portugal on a different company (probably within the same alliance)
If you check my blog in 2010's August posts you can see crate etc -- http://happyblade.blogspot.com/2010/08/

Do note my worst issues were that the crate was heavy. When loading the truck had no means to raise it, Aries got the pictured forklift borrowed from a neighbouring company. When in Portugal I had to disassemble the crate inside the warehouse as they wouldn't deliver to my door and I couldn't move or fit the crate on a rental truck I could drive.

Cheers,
Duarte


HowardB - 20/5/21 at 05:21 PM

quote:
Originally posted by femster87
Another handler

http://www.nealbrothers.co.uk/gallery.html


Another one for Neal Brothers, they are round the corner from me, make their own compliant crates etc,. organise export etc


steve m - 20/5/21 at 09:23 PM

Hi

This "car" that needs to be transported, isnt actually a car, if its minus wheels etc, so it becomes freight,
The advice i got from a freind who sends a Container out to West Africa, every two weeks, cars as well
Is to contact shipping companies, who ship to Beirut, (not many do apparently) and ask for a part shipment,
as this will be a container that is partly filled, from others, and they will sell any empty container space to you

My Friend started his container shipment to Africa this way, until he built up enough business to send a whole
filled to the brim container, complete with two cars inside


russbost - 21/5/21 at 09:13 AM

Have contacted all the leads given on here, various shipping co.'s, & crating co.'s - will report findings back as may help someone else!


James - 21/5/21 at 11:14 AM

Who knew Beirut was a place one would wish to drive around in a non-tintop eh?