who told you up to $2000 for the examination?
that sounds like a quote to me that should be adhered to. like if the shipping company told you that they are responsible for the rest. if the customs office told you that, i'd argue that you owe them 2k not 6. granted, arguing with the government is worse than reasoning with a 2 year old, but who knows.
How the hell does a customs bill jump to $6000? When I bought a set of wheels from England several years ago my customs duty was like $70. Granted that's not a car or cars, but still. The cars are both pre- December 1968 manufacture, right? If that's the case the way I read the Customs page they are both exempt from emissions and safety testing and certification. Additionally, if the Chevy is a reimport, i.e. it was exported then reimported it is not subject. They do require proof, i.e. a US registration or title showing it to have been previously registered here.
That makes sense, but $6000.00? Wowsers.
EDIT: I'm not a customs agent etc so take this for what you paid for it. From the US Customs page on private imports: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/importing_car.xml#FreeEntry
I think you fall under this clause:
Military and civilian employees of the U.S. government returning at the end of an assignment to extended duty outside the CBP territory of the U.S. may include a conforming vehicle among their duty-free personal and household effects. The auto must have been purchased abroad and be in its owner’s possession prior to departure. Generally, extended duty is 140 days or more. Navy personnel serving aboard a U.S. naval vessel or a supporting naval vessel from its departure from the U.S. to its return after an intended overseas deployment of 120 days or more are entitled to the extended-duty exemption. Conforming vehicles imported under the duty-free exemption are dutiable if sold within one year of importation. Duty must be paid at the most convenient CBP office before the sale is completed. Conforming vehicles so imported may remain in the U.S. indefinitely once a formal entry is made for EPA purposes.
The emissions cutoff is December 31, 1967, not 1968. If both cars were manufactured before that date, no emissions testing is necessary. If they were built after that date, an ICI has to modify them to meet the standards at the time of manufacture, not current standards (or at least that's how I read it).
EDIT TO MY EDIT: The 1966 Chevy ~should~ be exempt from emissions/safety. The Alfa is over 25 years old, it should be too but that's full of loopholes, has something to do with being certified for Canadian use allowing easy importation, but it probably is not Canadian certified.There's a link on the CBP page to a .pdf about all that. That might have something to do with the monstrous jump in customs duties.
Crummy:
I inquired, and the fees so far don't include any "tax". The $5980 are only for the sea shipping and inspection fees. I told the guy at customs to send the bill to SEFCO and we're waiting to hear back about that. (fingers crossed)
But both vehicles are over 25 years old. The Alfa is of 1985 vintage and the Impaler is 1966 so no worries there.
Other than that it's just been a lot of back and forth with the destination address... I'm told that Tacoma is ok at a small cost, then I'm told it's not ok at all. Today was spent finding a commercial property in "Puyallup" to deliver to in order to circumvent all the arguments over the destination city.
Since we had a city change, I gave Gene's a call in Puyallup. Great bunch of people. I didn't "name drop" but they're all aboard for the unload and delivery :) (very nice on the phone too)
-Bill
Hungary Bill wrote: I gave Gene's a call in Puyallup. Great bunch of people. I didn't "name drop" but they're all aboard for the unload and delivery :) (very nice on the phone too) -Bill
Good thing you didn't name drop, they probably would have doubled the price! 
You know, I DO have a quote. I could name drop tomorrow to test the theory 
I finally got a breakdown of the costs from the customs agent. Some of the reasons are:
and if I want to change my address on the paperwork to have the car delivered to my residence in Tacoma it will cost me another $150 (usd) and 60euro... Don't ask me how that makes any sense.
The destination is currently set for a commercial property in Puyallup (I promised to buy everyone there pizza if they let me use their parking lot) but we're on hold while we bicker over who is going to pay all these extra customs fees.
If it goes beyond Friday we'll be bickering over who's going to pay the $50 a day for the "customs holding fees" that will begin to accumulate also.
When we left off today the shippers wanted me to pay ALL the customs and storage fees plus all the loading/unloading that was associated (and I pretty much want the opposite). Those fees account for almost 75% of the tab.
I've got a plan though
It will help at the end to get the actual drivers name and cel number. Call him direct and organize the drop off. At least that part can go smoothly. I buy truckloads from time to time and I try to talk to the driver before he leaves the shipper. Cuts out the middle man. Dispatchers are also notorious for playing fast and loose with the truth if it suits them.
Man, I tried. The customs broker wouldn't give me the truck companies contact information to save his life!
When I asked originally he said MCL (or something like that) in the Netherlands. To which I replied "how is a Dutch truck going to deliver my stuff here"
He said that the Dutch company had hired a truck here. Soooooooo "what is THAT companies name?"
"ok listen. Why don't you call the guy who is going to drive that truck and tell him I'll give him a $100 if he goes to Tacoma. No paperwork, no nothin. Besides, the roads are more suitable for his rig, and we already have a commercial location with a tow company."
and so on it went until I decided it was easier to go back to calling people in Puyallup (which, is nowhere near "semi trailer friendly") to find a location. It's really hit-or-miss with calling people though. Some people are sympathetic and try to help you out (even if you cant use their location). I had one guy at the Fred Meyer distribution center drive by a loading ramp on his lunch break to get the physical address! Other people either hang up, or get irritated that you're wasting their time.
I eventually scored the parking lot at "Apex movers" when I lucked out and got the owner's wife on the phone. She was super super nice. It was after she said "yes" I promised to buy everyone pizza. :)
So if you're moving to the Pacific Northwest call "Apex Movers" in Puyallup!
Soooo, since I used my company, does that mean they're sending the cars to me? Sweet. What should I expect? Anything awesome?
In reply to Conquest351:
A 66 impala and a half length alfa?
Conquest351 wrote: Soooo, since I used my company, does that mean they're sending the cars to me? Sweet. What should I expect? Anything awesome?
Yamaha nailed it
a 6-cyl Impala and an Alfa shell
I may have good news regarding the bill, but I'm waiting to hear back from the folks in the Netherlands. I don't want to jinx it.
Hhhmmm... I have access to a 5.3L LSx and just enough of a twisted mind to throw it in either of those. LOL
Hope you get reunited with them soon.
Aw man, a column shifted LSX 
? I'd dig the heck out of that!
Ok, the latest is as follows (I started today at about 9am and stopped yelling around 1:30pm)
The shipping company and their affiliates (to include the folk they hired in the Netherlands) will be held accountable for about $5200.
I will be held accountable for the remaining $710. or so.
I am NOT exempt from the customs charge of 2.5% because they will not extend the exemption to contractors.
I am on the hook for about $660 for customs fees.
After it was decided "who pays what" and the official in Oakland got word that the wire transfers were "on their way" he sent me an e-mail with the trucking company's info (I guess that's why he wouldn't share their info yesterday).
I can call in about 15 minutes to work with the shipping company to set up a time for delivery.
I think when I register the vehicles (in Washington state) there will be more taxes...
I am exhausted and promise to never ship another vehicle overseas again.
Good times
-Bill
Sounds like you won in the end though, or mostly?
You know... A couple weeks ago I wouldn't have been very happy about the $710. I still don't think I should have to pay the charge (and could probably win the argument). However, in light of what it COULD have been I'm taking the hit and walking away with a smile.
Small delay with a work meeting, but I just got a hold of the trucking company and all is ready for a 2pm delivery tomorrow.
Man, I wish you the best with that delivery.
They're here!!! 
(Now for the registration process...)
The guys at Genes towing were amazing. I had two flatbeds that were rented to me by the hour. They were right on time and ready to go. The best part: The drivers were out of their trucks, sleeves rolled up, and helping the entire time! I seriously couldn't have done it without the extra manpower. Plus they knocked about a half hour off of the total time because we were waiting for the semi-trailer (who got lost). So that saved me about $100.
The guys at Apex movers were equally amazing. They let me use their entire back parking lot (behind their warehouse) for about an hour free! For the entire hour they made sure there was no traffic, deliveries, or distractions. I had the whole place to myself (and I feel kind of bad that I only ordered them pizza, but they were happy).
All in all: Wednesday was a danged good day!
Congrats
must feel like Christmas there
I am glad that ordeal is finally over for you. I hope the registration process goes smoothly.
Awesome! Congrats! Time to hot link 'em up here so we all can bask in your international victory.
Does pimping Gene's qualify me for UberDork?
It does in my book!
You are a better man than I, your patience through this whole thing is admirable. I'm glad the pickup went well and cars weren't damaged.
In reply to bentwrench: In our eyes you will always be a giant among dorks.
I'm glad this all worked and I hope I forget this story before I take my trip to Europe.
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