Yesterday the MINI was dropped off for shipment. Sounds like a simple event but I had a lot of anxiety not only about having the MINI in someone else's care on so long a trip but also because the logistics and paperwork trail is piling up. I've been on a hugely steep learning curve while learning about the trade of international shipping since the time frame for making MINI United is very short. So short that I cannot just ship out of Long Beach, California and make it in time. I need to ship the car by lorry/truck enclosed to NYC and then load the car on the boat for the relatively short 8-12 day voyage. With customs on either end taking an addition 5-10 days and the overland trip to NYC of 5 days my car should be in Holland just ahead of MINI United. Fingers crossed...
At the very last moment I had trouble securing auto coverage while in Europe on a short term basis based on the fact that my car is classed as a "high performance sports car." The decision came down to: 1. ship to the port in NY and hope that all the paperwork gets approved 2. cancel the shipment and kiss goodbye any hope of making it to Amsterdam with the car.
I chose to risk having to drive the car home from NY in the hopes that insurance would be forthcoming. I had to wait overnight uncomfortably while I awaited a response from the UK about the insurance.
I'm happy to report that I was approved this morning and the MINI is on its way!
I still have a few hurdles to clear before I can say that the mission is accomplished but things are looking good right now.
At least I know that Kevin (below), an original Mini Cooper enthusiast/owner and employee of the shipping company will take good care of my car as it begins its travels overland to NYC.
No comments:
Post a Comment