Destuffing $450.?!

[Drumster]

From what I've read so far via search, typical de-stuffing costs $450. Is this true. Holy Cr@p !
As far as I know, Direct Distribution (previously called "Kings Dist", I believe) in Richmond will be handling mine... but is this really what I should expect to pay? Just curious.

[Delicafan]

Yes and you can pay as much as $600.00 for one vehicle. Why would you not have shipped RO/RO instead ??? Cheaper and just as good IMO.

[fishslapper]

I have heard that there is a ton of ro ro room right now because of the economy too !! That's the way to go for sure.Sometimes there is a shortage of ro ro room but not right now.

[jessef]

200-450 average destuffing container cost

[Delicafan]

Has not been lack of RO RO for over a year and a half now. It's so much cheaper than a few years ago too. Whoever exported it, should have given you more options.

[jessef]

Has not been lack of RO RO for over a year and a half now. It's so much cheaper than a few years ago too. Whoever exported it, should have given you more options.

It varies from exporter/importer co.

I bought a Delica in Japan from a Japanese exporter and was given the choice between RoRo and container. The RoRo at the time was 1,350 USD and the container was 940 USD. Even after destuffing, etc... I was not only ahead of the game but was guaranteed a mint Delica that was not tampered with (happens frequently on RoRo).

Over the years, I've imported via both and have no preference unless I'm bringing in a vehicle that has nice options on it that can possibly be stolen if shipped via RoRo. The extra few bucks shipping container is often overlooked compared to the security you have with the vehicle. Most people can't get their head around that fact. It's usually the cheapest way is the best and fastest way, but that's not the case.

I've imported for myself, friends and a few random people over the past 6 years from Japan.

Every single vehicle I've had come over via RoRo has had something be it small or large stolen. Every one.
Container shipping, that just does not happen.

But my experience may differ from another.

Just like with any service operation (ie. Canada Post/UPS/FedEx).. you can hear .. "oh UPS is the best, they always delivered my packages on time".. another would say "really ? well 90% of my packages either get lost of never arrive on time with UPS".. etc... it's a revolving circle.

My personal preference is to ship container. RoRo is secondary only if time is a factor.

[Drumster]

Thanks for the replies. My L400, (Yoda) which will arrive in August, is in very good condition and even if it did cost $450. for de-stuffing I'd choose that over RO/RO, primarily for the reasons Delicafan detailed. Mark at Brave Auto in Japan knows his business and is looking after things very well. You may not know this but he either owns or is otherwise affiliated with a body shop in Japan and was able to offer me a very competitively priced repair to some minor dings in my vehicle. Not only that but window tinting too. This is all work I would have had done here anyway because, well, that's the way I am. So Yoda will depart Japan in excellent condition and that's not something I'd want to subject to the possible risks of RO/RO. And speaking of RO/RO, a short while ago I had specifically advised Mark that I'd prefer Yoda not to be sent RO/RO for the very reasons mentioned; so there's no issue of lack of choice. As to cost, Mark mentioned in an e-mail today that $450. de-stuffing is for the whole container. So yes, if Yoda were to be the only vehicle inside a container then I'd foot the whole bill but I'm sure he'll have company in his sea kennel and that one or two other new owners will be sharing the cost with me.

BTW, Mark has already lined me up with the import broker, with whom I've exchanged both e-mail and phone conversations and there's no question in my mind that I'm going to be assisted in whatever way is needed and that the entire process will be made as painless as possible. While I'm at it I should mention that Mark also hooked me up with a foreign exchange broker who saved me almost $300. compared to my Credit Union I was all set to use. I'll keep everyone posted but so far dealing with Brave Auto has been nothing short of excellent and there have been several very pleasant bonuses along the way, so I'm not going to lose any sleep at this stage over shipping details; I'm very confident it's in good hands. Thanks again for your comments, they're much appreciated. I'm looking forward to meeting up with you at various points down the road. (Sorry about all the smilies; I just get a kick out of 'em!)

[dah_hunter]

I suspect i will have a car or 2 in that container with your Yoda..

So i will be helping you save money..

Glad you used Ken for your Wire transfers.. he saves me money all the time.

[Drumster]

I suspect i will have a car or 2 in that container with your Yoda..

So i will be helping you save money..

Glad you used Ken for your Wire transfers.. he saves me money all the time.

Cool d_h!
I just got a call from Al at Courtney this morning to inform me that our ship will be in tomorrow. If all goes smoothly I could be able to pick up Yoda as soon as next Monday: I'm hoping so anyway. I've never done this before so it's all new but as far as I know my next step after clearing everything with Courtney will be temp insce in order to drive initially away and then taking care of compliance.

Headlights are already done so as far as I can tell it comes down to DTR lights, reflectors and most likely tires. I'll be heading over to Josef Auto in Burnaby for certification & then should be away. Is this temp insce strictly A to B for one shot or can a guy get a few days or more to take care of compliance matters?

[loki]

I suspect i will have a car or 2 in that container with your Yoda..

So i will be helping you save money..

Glad you used Ken for your Wire transfers.. he saves me money all the time.

Cool d_h!
I just got a call from Al at Courtney this morning to inform me that our ship will be in tomorrow. If all goes smoothly I could be able to pick up Yoda as soon as next Monday: I'm hoping so anyway. I've never done this before so it's all new but as far as I know my next step after clearing everything with Courtney will be temp insce in order to drive initially away and then taking care of compliance.

Headlights are already done so as far as I can tell it comes down to DTR lights, reflectors and most likely tires. I'll be heading over to Josef Auto in Burnaby for certification & then should be away. Is this temp insce strictly A to B for one shot or can a guy get a few days or more to take care of compliance matters?

A to B

you can get another one later if needed, I had to get the temp A to B twice I think, not more than a couple of days apart.

[dah_hunter]

Every single vehicle I've had come over via RoRo has had something be it small or large stolen. Every one.

^^ thats a big thing to say..

I ship 90% of my cars Via RO/RO and in the last 4 years all i have had stolen was a Shift knob.. and I had one bumper damaged.

[Chewy]

Went and got my car last week, all gauges stolen, audio amplifier and boost controller stolen too...after numerous vehicles, this is my first incident. Likely had to do with the visibility of the car though.

[loki]

Went and got my car last week, all gauges stolen, audio amplifier and boost controller stolen too...after numerous vehicles, this is my first incident. Likely had to do with the visibility of the car though.

need figure out how to mount a couple big cans of bear guard so that they hose down anyone that does anything thing other than move the vehicle

[dah_hunter]

Was down there yesterday.. saw your Space Gear..

all ready to go..