DETAILS of SHIPPING the MOTORHOME (Sep 2022) to BALTIMORE

[Stanski]

How we achieved it is described below to aid those who might consider it.
(Although to do it in the economic crash UK has had this month has been a financial frustration)
Our initial enquiry and calculations were when the exchange rates were £1 = Euro 1.17 and = $1.32. So we had to just go with the flow.

On a later thread we shall describe the other typical options of RV Rental and RV Hire available and explain our reasoning to why we chose to go this way.

Our main priority and reason for the journey was to attend the F1 GP meetings at Austin, and if possible 1 week later Mexico City and meet up with friends and relatives if we could.

A simplified version of the process is given below to aid those in the future to determine the potential to do this.

PROCEDURE (in general)
1.- Identify Shipping Costs - Measure accurately to the precise cm all the dimensions of the motorhome.
(This is used to calculate the acreage and so evaluate shipping cost currently this is Euro 51/ sq m. {Our Hobby 650 size was 40.7 sq m = Euro 2076})
2.- Contact shipping company. We used Seabridge, Dusseldorf and requested a quote. use email info@sea-bridge.de.
3.- Obtain quote (valid for 3 months)
Basically the breakdown of costs will be:
a. - Shipping
b. - Handling and Forwarding at UK Port
c. - Admin costs associated with exporting to USA
d. - Payment transaction charge = 3% of total above
(b. and c. costs approx Euro 800, d. was approx Euro 95
Our final shipping cost was Euro3250.

4.- Optional is Marine Insurance. Variable cost subject to MH valuation (Euro 300 was upto £50k)
Basically only covers damage to motorhome when in port and on ship - not any belongings.
Note: Belongings can be put into cupboards and storage apartments - as long as it is seen to be clean and empty internally you can pack your clothes.

5.- Admin
Many forms to fill but none too onerous - example of completing them were provided = 90% correct in translation.
Basic principle to remember is that you are exporting an unaccompanied vehicle for a 1 yr temporary approval.
Thus databases and approvals are to be got from:
Shipping Company (Seabridge use ACL)
UK Port Freight Forwarding Company (We chose Liverpool for port)
Customs USA
Immigration USA
Import Authority USA

We experienced 3 minor clerical errors, with all quickly resolved - albeit as I write the ship is still to arrive at Baltimore and so Customs still to complete.

6. - Vehicle Prep (Old Vehicles)
We opted to get most out of the 1 yr approval/authority system and so got a fresh MOT 2 days before travel to Liverpool.
BE AWARE you have to declare a date to get vehicle out of USA when filling customs importation form - This has to be within 12 months of Import, also you must keep vehicle UK legal. This requirement means you will lose about 3 weeks of use allowing time to get shipped back to UK and to an MOT center on return.
CLEANING
Internally the whole vehicle was swept to a high level and all cupboards washed, taking special precautions on the front cabin area, as well as toilet.
Externally we took significant time to clean all mud from under the chassis and especially wheel arches. We then got it washed and polished (£20) before setting out.
GAS - containers must be empty.
AERIALS and SIDELIGHTS were removed to reduce dimensions to minimum. There is a possibility of remeasuring the vehicle it is suggested - so we took these off.
HEADLIGHTS - We are LHD, and also have European headlights - so we fitted these after the MOT.

7. - SHIPPING takes typically 11 days (Sods law and dock strike in Liverpool meant we had a rescheduling and so 17 days is the planned delivery).
a. - Vehicle has to be at port 2 days before departure - can deliver yourself between hrs of 8am to 3:30pm
b. - Vehicle usually takes 2days to retrieve from USA customs on arrival.
c. - In USA you must use a Port Guide and this costs $75/hr - will update when we get details. Have to contact one of 3 options to arrange.
d. - At USA port a customs payment of $250 is to be paid.


SECURITY - As keys are to be left in vehicle for port handlers, we chose to securely chain the passenger door, also locked Habitation door. We left messages in windows to indicate how to enter. USA Customs can ask to see in habitation if they want or cannot see from Front Window.
ALARMS - We switched ours off and indicated this with a note on the Windscreen.









Electrical items such as TV, Satnav and Cameras are to be removed - left at your own risk.

 

[groyne]

Are the shipping costs for a return, or each way?

 

[izwozral]

If the cost is return then it doesn't seem too bad imho. I guess it would cost more to hire a decent MH for the same period?

 

[Stanski]

Are the shipping costs for a return, or each way?

Costs given are One way.
There are options to get shipping back to UK from Mexico or Canada.
As exchange rates were improving when we initially started this booking, we gambled on better rates occurring, unfortunately this did not happen.
So for these reasons we opted to only get one way booking.

 

[Stanski]

If the cost is return then it doesn't seem too bad imho. I guess it would cost more to hire a decent MH for the same period?

One way costs given.
A later post will describe RV hire research.

Our judgement was basically:
RV hire typically $120 - 150 a day with limitations on mileage,
plus taxes, insurance waivers, also poor mpg + road toll costs + higher camping charges + parking
Other considerations was hotel/bnb/motel cost + food + travelling with suitcases, when all mixed into the pie, calculations indicated shipping has greater benefits.

Other arguments to supplement decision was familiarity with own vehicle, suitability of vehicle being LHD, also transporting clothes and items for better comfort and enjoyment.

When we get to use the motorhome then we will report on these expectations.

 

[r4dent]

If the cost is return then it doesn't seem too bad imho. I guess it would cost more to hire a decent MH for the same period?

At the moment the dollar and the Euro are about equal.

Shipping is about 3,000 each way, plus the add ons as above of 2,000 gives a total of 8,000. Only things he doesn't seem to have budgeted for are vehicle and break down insurance and a contingency for spares/ repairs / consumables. I reckon 10,000 would be a good working budget.

Using OPs hire rate of 120- 150 a day, anything under a couple of months and you are better off hiring, any thing over and shipping is more cost effective.

Given the Op is planning about 11 months looks like he has made a good call.

 

[Stanski]

At the moment the dollar and the Euro are about equal.

Shipping is about 3,000 each way, plus the add ons as above of 2,000 gives a total of 8,000. Only things he doesn't seem to have budgeted for are vehicle and break down insurance and a contingency for spares/ repairs / consumables. I reckon 10,000 would be a good working budget.

Using OPs hire rate of 120- 150 a day, anything under a couple of months and you are better off hiring, any thing over and shipping is more cost effective.

Given the Op is planning about 11 months looks like he has made a good call.

Good calcs r4dent, a few other bits to supplement your response.

INSURANCE
Recovery included in the Insurance.

I carry spares and tools (a bucket of spanners and sockets) - parts are clutch, bushes, brake pads, wheel bearings, obviously not every event can be covered.

TRAVEL
Actually time in USA is near 8 months with restraints placed by travel insurance, 45 day limit typically, we got 55 days, thus add £3k for extra flights to go back and forth.

USA Visa allows returns when you wish, within the allotted duration given. Asked for clarity as went through immigration and officer confirmed they would deeply question your reasons to return but will allow it, even if next day.

COST COMPARISON - As a reference.
A previous trip in 2016 to Canada, 7 wks, averaged £1k/wk, for everything Inc 2 wks car hire, 4 wks RV hire + 1 wk train.

Originally our target Working Budget was £1250/wk, expecting exchange of £1 = $1.30, sadly current exchange is $1.10, although improving.
We believe maximum will be £1500/wk.
shall update once we get facts and figures.

FUEL
Fuel costs are higher also at moment, but still about 50% of UK prices. Roughly $4.30 /US gall.

Interestingly we met a couple who bought a Ford van conversion only a month ago. He had to collect from Florida, got 22mpg (UK gall) and seemed pleased with that.
Ours does 30mpg consistently.

FOOD
Food costs at cafes, and train outlets have surprised us a little, had a lengthy chat with a very nice chap at a shop (we were 2nd customer of day), and he confirmed our experience. Basically an extra 66% more than UK.
A Walmart shop experience suggested similar to UK.
We judge countries using simple methods, i.e. price of Mars bar, a Magnum, Roast Chicken, Kelly's Crunchy Nut, for example.

TELEPHONE
Have found costs are not too dissimilar to UK, both for buying a phone and PAYG, or using Sim deal.
We have not committed yet as an old PAYG phone has been given, and we need to confirm it will function.

TRAVEL
AMTRAK tickets cost approx $20- 24 each person one way for short journeys
BALTIMORE to WASHINGTON = 30mins
WASHINGTON to HARPERS FERRY = 45 mins
Slower MARC train would be half cost.

hope this info aids the thoughts of anyone considering a similar adventure.

 

[r4dent]

Good calcs r4dent, a few other bits to supplement your response.

I

hope this info aids the thoughts of anyone considering a similar adventure.

Clearly this post is all about helping people make their own decision about hire vs ship for USA vacations.

My summary would be
Under 1 month - No Brainer - Hire
Over 7 months - No Brainer - Ship
In between is a grey area.

For most people the grey area is solved by deciding with the heart which they want to do depending on individual factors and then using (or ignoring) various costings and/ or non financial factors to justity their preference.



It is a bit like the "Drive through France" v "24 hour Ferry" decision for getting to Spain.

 

[Stanski]

Clearly this post is all about helping people make their own decision about hire vs ship for USA vacations.

My summary would be
Under 1 month - No Brainer - Hire
Over 7 months - No Brainer - Ship
In between is a grey area.

For most people the grey area is solved by deciding with the heart which they want to do depending on individual factors and then using (or ignoring) various costings and/ or non financial factors to justity their preference.



It is a bit like the "Drive through France" v "24 hour Ferry" decision for getting to Spain.

Initially the thought for doing this was to be informative, but I Quite agree with your comment - Although my feeling is your 7mth judgment is too high, I have not analysed this fully but feel it will be nearer 4 to 5 months.
With this adventure the judgement can possibly be more accurately determined.

Today has been again another cost shock - 2 medium 14" pizzas cost $45, they fed four people, so not too shoddy I guess.

The France v Ferry analogy is simpler = It depends if you have time to waste. For me France is the decision - we enjoy the travel experience.

 

[GMJ]

I'm going to follow this with interest as an extended trip to North America is on our cards as a last time we'll fly, trip. Our plan is to hire though so I'll be interested in seeing your thoughts/info on that.

I may have missed it but did you fly over or go on board the ship?

 

[Stanski]

I'm going to follow this with interest as an extended trip to North America is on our cards as a last time we'll fly, trip. Our plan is to hire though so I'll be interested in seeing your thoughts/info on that.

I may have missed it but did you fly over or go on board the ship?

Hi GMJ,
Sorry for very slow response - missed your message, and have restrained logging on forum with little to add.

We flew - in answer to your question.
As we have family in N. Ireland using Dublin as airport was convenient and cheaper.

 

[Eileen]

Hi !
You mention that you require a valid UK Mot for travel …
Can you elaborate why that is ?
Is that only to import or to have valid insurance while in the US ?
I noted later on subsequent threads you have stored your van in the US , so your UK MOT must have expired ? How do you stay legal for travelling ?
Thanks in advance

 

[geoffnmurph]

Hi GMJ,
Sorry for very slow response - missed your message, and have restrained logging on forum with little to add.

We flew - in answer to your question.
As we have family in N. Ireland using Dublin as airport was convenient and cheaper.

Good calcs r4dent, a few other bits to supplement your response.

INSURANCE
Recovery included in the Insurance.

I carry spares and tools (a bucket of spanners and sockets) - parts are clutch, bushes, brake pads, wheel bearings, obviously not every event can be covered.

TRAVEL
Actually time in USA is near 8 months with restraints placed by travel insurance, 45 day limit typically, we got 55 days, thus add £3k for extra flights to go back and forth.

USA Visa allows returns when you wish, within the allotted duration given. Asked for clarity as went through immigration and officer confirmed they would deeply question your reasons to return but will allow it, even if next day.

COST COMPARISON - As a reference.
A previous trip in 2016 to Canada, 7 wks, averaged £1k/wk, for everything Inc 2 wks car hire, 4 wks RV hire + 1 wk train.

Originally our target Working Budget was £1250/wk, expecting exchange of £1 = $1.30, sadly current exchange is $1.10, although improving.
We believe maximum will be £1500/wk.
shall update once we get facts and figures.

FUEL
Fuel costs are higher also at moment, but still about 50% of UK prices. Roughly $4.30 /US gall.

Interestingly we met a couple who bought a Ford van conversion only a month ago. He had to collect from Florida, got 22mpg (UK gall) and seemed pleased with that.
Ours does 30mpg consistently.

FOOD
Food costs at cafes, and train outlets have surprised us a little, had a lengthy chat with a very nice chap at a shop (we were 2nd customer of day), and he confirmed our experience. Basically an extra 66% more than UK.
A Walmart shop experience suggested similar to UK.
We judge countries using simple methods, i.e. price of Mars bar, a Magnum, Roast Chicken, Kelly's Crunchy Nut, for example.

TELEPHONE
Have found costs are not too dissimilar to UK, both for buying a phone and PAYG, or using Sim deal.
We have not committed yet as an old PAYG phone has been given, and we need to confirm it will function.

TRAVEL
AMTRAK tickets cost approx $20- 24 each person one way for short journeys
BALTIMORE to WASHINGTON = 30mins
WASHINGTON to HARPERS FERRY = 45 mins
Slower MARC train would be half cost.

hope this info aids the thoughts of anyone considering a similar adventure.

Quite spooky to see this old thread come back as we are planning just this trip for next year.

If the OP still visits I’d be interested in how he overcame the vehicle insurance question as I’m a bit stumped on that, a lot I’ve looked at needed a US address.

I have the added dimension of taking our two dogs as well as I didn’t think it was complex enough!

Any thoughts or messages always gratefully received.

I was planning on applying for a B2 visa rather flying back forth because of the dogs and hopefully get a 6 month extension whilst there.

 

[JQB]

How we achieved it is described below to aid those who might consider it.
(Although to do it in the economic crash UK has had this month has been a financial frustration)
Our initial enquiry and calculations were when the exchange rates were £1 = Euro 1.17 and = $1.32. So we had to just go with the flow.

On a later thread we shall describe the other typical options of RV Rental and RV Hire available and explain our reasoning to why we chose to go this way.

Our main priority and reason for the journey was to attend the F1 GP meetings at Austin, and if possible 1 week later Mexico City and meet up with friends and relatives if we could.

A simplified version of the process is given below to aid those in the future to determine the potential to do this.

PROCEDURE (in general)
1.- Identify Shipping Costs - Measure accurately to the precise cm all the dimensions of the motorhome.
(This is used to calculate the acreage and so evaluate shipping cost currently this is Euro 51/ sq m. {Our Hobby 650 size was 40.7 sq m = Euro 2076})
2.- Contact shipping company. We used Seabridge, Dusseldorf and requested a quote. use email info@sea-bridge.de.
3.- Obtain quote (valid for 3 months)
Basically the breakdown of costs will be:
a. - Shipping
b. - Handling and Forwarding at UK Port
c. - Admin costs associated with exporting to USA
d. - Payment transaction charge = 3% of total above
(b. and c. costs approx Euro 800, d. was approx Euro 95
Our final shipping cost was Euro3250.

4.- Optional is Marine Insurance. Variable cost subject to MH valuation (Euro 300 was upto £50k)
Basically only covers damage to motorhome when in port and on ship - not any belongings.
Note: Belongings can be put into cupboards and storage apartments - as long as it is seen to be clean and empty internally you can pack your clothes.

5.- Admin
Many forms to fill but none too onerous - example of completing them were provided = 90% correct in translation.
Basic principle to remember is that you are exporting an unaccompanied vehicle for a 1 yr temporary approval.
Thus databases and approvals are to be got from:
Shipping Company (Seabridge use ACL)
UK Port Freight Forwarding Company (We chose Liverpool for port)
Customs USA
Immigration USA
Import Authority USA

We experienced 3 minor clerical errors, with all quickly resolved - albeit as I write the ship is still to arrive at Baltimore and so Customs still to complete.

6. - Vehicle Prep (Old Vehicles)
We opted to get most out of the 1 yr approval/authority system and so got a fresh MOT 2 days before travel to Liverpool.
BE AWARE you have to declare a date to get vehicle out of USA when filling customs importation form - This has to be within 12 months of Import, also you must keep vehicle UK legal. This requirement means you will lose about 3 weeks of use allowing time to get shipped back to UK and to an MOT center on return.
CLEANING
Internally the whole vehicle was swept to a high level and all cupboards washed, taking special precautions on the front cabin area, as well as toilet.
Externally we took significant time to clean all mud from under the chassis and especially wheel arches. We then got it washed and polished (£20) before setting out.
GAS - containers must be empty.
AERIALS and SIDELIGHTS were removed to reduce dimensions to minimum. There is a possibility of remeasuring the vehicle it is suggested - so we took these off.
HEADLIGHTS - We are LHD, and also have European headlights - so we fitted these after the MOT.

7. - SHIPPING takes typically 11 days (Sods law and dock strike in Liverpool meant we had a rescheduling and so 17 days is the planned delivery).
a. - Vehicle has to be at port 2 days before departure - can deliver yourself between hrs of 8am to 3:30pm
b. - Vehicle usually takes 2days to retrieve from USA customs on arrival.
c. - In USA you must use a Port Guide and this costs $75/hr - will update when we get details. Have to contact one of 3 options to arrange.
d. - At USA port a customs payment of $250 is to be paid.


SECURITY - As keys are to be left in vehicle for port handlers, we chose to securely chain the passenger door, also locked Habitation door. We left messages in windows to indicate how to enter. USA Customs can ask to see in habitation if they want or cannot see from Front Window.
ALARMS - We switched ours off and indicated this with a note on the Windscreen.









Electrical items such as TV, Satnav and Cameras are to be removed - left at your own risk.

We had a quote to ship our 5.4m PVC to Perth WA & return including initial underbody clean €5300 excluding insurance, and most likely excluding other stuff, company in Rotterdam can't recall the details. About 8 yrs ago i think.

 

[JQB]

Initially the thought for doing this was to be informative, but I Quite agree with your comment - Although my feeling is your 7mth judgment is too high, I have not analysed this fully but feel it will be nearer 4 to 5 months.
With this adventure the judgement can possibly be more accurately determined.

Today has been again another cost shock - 2 medium 14" pizzas cost $45, they fed four people, so not too shoddy I guess.

The France v Ferry analogy is simpler = It depends if you have time to waste. For me France is the decision - we enjoy the travel experience.

We can drive to Spain via Calais in 48 hrs, ferry sometimes 32 hrs. Boat is more relaxed, but, the Bay of Biscay in a storm of which there are many is not at all relaxing!