anyone import recently?

[Broadstone]

Has anyone imported a vehicle recently without a broker? I will be importing a vehicle in the next few months. I have not done this for a few years and have done the paperwork and legwork myself in the past. I am curious if anything has changed recently? It was a smooth process not using a broker, and I hope it still is. Thanks.

[Tim Smith]

If you've only imported once before, you'll get hit with with the taxes this time around. I'm not sure what the rules are about it but that was a surprise for me.

I've only used a broker. For a couple of hundred, it sure made the process easier. If you aren't on a tight time line then I say go ahead and give it a go.

[nate6472]

It is not big deal, still very smooth for 25+ year vehicles. There is an EPA and DOT form. I have imported 2x this year and 1x last year without any hassels.

[nate6472]

That's correct. I always have a copy of the V5 as well. I have used the company below 3x. They shipping is under 1000 GBP and they will collect for around 185 GBP.

Roy Hayball
Autoshippers International Car Shipping
Email: roy@autoshippers.co.uk (http://us.mc638.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=roy@autoshippers.co.uk)
Website at: www.autoshippers.co.uk (http://www.autoshippers.co.uk/)

Tel No. +44 ( 0 ) 117 9828123 Direct Ext 223
Fax No: +44 ( 0 ) 117 9822229
Freephone from the UK: 0800 3890784

[NickDawson]

I imported mine about a year and a half ago...
they say women are biologically programed to forget the pain of childbirth - I think I understand that now :D

Truthfully the import process was super easy. I talked to several people who had done it before and as a result over prepared - a good thing I think. I had made literally 20 copies of every form. After clearing the customs at the customs house in downtown baltimore, I went to kinkos and made more copies. Then went to the shipper, then made more copies, then went to the docks...where the customs folks were baffled that I had gone downtown to clear customs, but ultimately made the process easier. I hadn't realized I could clear customs at the docks... I had in fact spoken to the customs agent at the docks several times though and he was quite friendly and helpful when we arrived.

The biggest challenge is that the battery was dead... after getting it jumped (which took 2 hours thanks to union workers taking a nice long lunch), I stalled at the ONLY exit from the port, backing up 1/2 the freight bound for the eastern US because the port police are not allowed to carry cables and my escort had already left... needless to say, that was not an easy moment.

I guess my point is: if you follow the process carefully and have your papers in order, for a 25+ it is an easy, rewarding process

[Broadstone]

Thanks guys, all this puts me more at ease. It is seeming like it is still the same process as the last time I did it, so I know what to expect. I did the same things for copies along with every other piece of paperwork I may or may not need. Will follow up with that shipping company Nate that is very helpful. Cheers