Importing To The Usa

I moved to the US last year, but my Mini is still in the UK. I am planning on shipping it over, and have collection and shipping to the states sorted (speaking to Phoenix/Mapcargo) but I am having trouble finding a broker in the US to handle this end, and delivery.

 

Has anybody done this, and if so do you have any recommendations? Thanks!

Flora and Fauna, brokers in Long Island handled mine.

Where exactly are you living in the States? Personally, I always use Walnius Wilnhelmsen out of Souhampton. K-Line also ship out of Southampton, but I've had lots of things go missing enroute over the years when using them. WW are brand new, and will arrange all your documentation, which also includes notifying Homeland Security of the incoming Import. VERY important!!!
Regarding Brokers in USA, I used DJ Powers in Brunswick earlier in the year when I shipped a Moke over. Cost me $445.
It's also very easy to do the Import, or EPA documentation yourself when going to collect it. One thing that's very different from the UK Import is the US rate of Taxes. It's piddling.
Jim
ps, PM me if you need any more assistance, I'll try to help if possible.

Thanks for the info, both of you, I really appreciate it.

 

I am currently getting a quote from Pacific Customs Brokers, purely from a Google search.

 

My main concern has been my engine - it was swapped out a while back after a crack in the cylinder of the original. At first I thought that meant I had no chance of importing, but looking online at the regulations the EPA have an equivalency rule, and allow a replacement engine if it is "one that is the same model and configuration as the original engine". But this is one of the reason I am keen to use a broker rather than attempt it myself. Also, because of the distance (I am in Minnesota), I am looking at having it transported to me from the port so I wouldn't go down in person.

 

I will definitely look into Flora and Fauna, and DJ Powers, thanks!

 

Edit: I should have mentioned, for collection in the UK and shipping I am using Phoenix Cargo who have been fantastic. I have had terrible luck with the brokers I have contacted, though!

Edited by Shylos, 08 May 2017 - 09:34 PM.

I also shipped thru WW, Shipped RORO (roll on roll off) car must be able to drive, had the car collected thru them which cost a bit extra rather than have an independent collector, also need marine insurance. No extra bits are allowed unless you have it shipped in a container.

I also shipped thru WW, Shipped RORO (roll on roll off) car must be able to drive, had the car collected thru them which cost a bit extra rather than have an independent collector, also need marine insurance. No extra bits are allowed unless you have it shipped in a container.

 

Thanks for posting jsor26, who did you use for a broker, or did you do it yourself? Thanks!

Kingstown shippers, towergate marine insurance(150$) fauna and flora brokers(775$)

Do NOT waste your money on Marine Insurance. Not worth the paper it's written on.

Another Broker worth using is C.Martin Taylor in JAX. Ask for Tiffany.
$775 seems VERY excessive IMO.

Edited by Albannach, 15 May 2017 - 10:23 AM.

I was told marine insurance was mandatory

I was told marine insurance was mandatory

The Shipping Lines would love that....but only because it offsets their liability in the event of a disaster at sea. Read the SMALL print on the rear of any Paperwork issued when you ship a Vehicle by sea. It SEVERELY limits the Liability towards person owning the vehicle.
Back in the days before I retired from Road Haulage, I had Accounts with all the Major Lines running between UK and Ireland, and if they damaged any vehicle you were shipping with them unaccompanied, then good luck with your Claim.
I have NEVER paid Marine Insurance shipping any Car to USA.
Google how much the people who lost Trucks and Trailers onboard the Herald of Free Enterprise got when the dust had settled.

Good to know

Thanks for the input everyone, I am still looking for a broker, especially one that has dealt with a swapped engine before, but that may be too much to ask!

I did Roll on roll off from southampton to Florida US with (everything done with landstar if im not mistaken ) make sure to insure for moving i had my back window broken (they fixed it) you never know what will go wrong 

they did all my paper work all i had to do is leave it at the port and pick it up in the port of florida .

 

Make sure the company you use have good reviews and have experience doing this. One of the guys at the shop was importing a mini and got held at customs for 4 months because paper work was wrong 

How much do you think it would be to just ship a bare shell from UK to Florida?

Mini dude...shipping a bare shell, would be sent in a container. It's called Groupage...where they fill a Box with different customers goods. Not as easy handled as a Rolling Shell or Rolling Car. JAX is main port now in Florida for Cars.