For the crossing of the Atlantic, the vehicle must be cleaned of all dust and dirt. In addition, the living cabin must be sightless. Almost all items are allowed to remain on board; except for explosive items as well as any kind of food. Valuable items and electronics are recommended to be taken by plane. The gas and water tanks must be empty, the diesel tank must be filled to a maximum of 1/4. In advance, some documents must be filled out so that the export documents can be issued. A few days later we receive the shipping papers including clearance number. This is needed for registration at the port.

Three days before departure, the vehicle is delivered in Bremerhaven. Martin informs us that the drop-off can be done between 08:00-16:00h. We were not at the port until around noon – a big mistake. Already the truck queue to even get into the area cost us the first 90 minutes of waiting time. When we finally get assigned a parking space, we stand with about 30 chauffeurs in front of the building for registration. Four hours later, nothing has happened. The port staff tells us that there are no parking spaces free in the port area – the trucks must be unloaded first, no new registrations are accepted before that. After the staff finally understands that we have a private levy, we were able to push our way in after all. We get a badge for the entrance and the necessary papers. On a parking lot in the harbor area we have to wait again. After an hour, an employee shows up and leads us to the parking lot. Then it goes fast; within ten minutes the acceptance is done. There is no inspection of the interior. We are allowed to lock the cabin and keep the key. After the ship sets sail, the invoice is issued for the shipping costs. In addition, you receive a link for tracking the ship.

A few days before the arrival of the ship we are summoned to the office of our agents (Luis & Claudia from CEVERTAM) at 08:00 in the morning. After they have copied the passports and vehicle documents, we will go by bus to the bank. We have already been forewarned that this process can take two to six hours. The line in front of the bank is huge – there is only one counter, which issues import papers. One hour must be calculated per customer. The first time we are happy to have our agents. They queue up while we wait in a café. Two hours later we are contacted; we can go to the bank to continue the process. There, the waiting really begins – at least in the air-conditioned interior. When it is our turn, it takes about an hour. An inventory list is also required, which we prepare together. Why they don’t require this up front is a mystery to us. Likewise the purpose. According to the information, the customs inspection is carried out on the basis of this – which was then not the case. In the afternoon at 15:00 it is done; the temporary import papers (TIP) were issued. The vehicle may now remain in the country for 10 years. If we leave Mexico, we can either “deactivate” or “suspend” the TIP – depending on whether another entry into Mexico is planned. The cost of the permit was 60USD. The TIP with QR code must be presented at police checks on demand. There is no longer a sticker for the windshield. The deposit for the vehicle is not due in our case, because our vehicle belongs to the category “camper”.

After the freighter has docked, the customs inspection is due. Together with the agents we drive to the port. With the pre-issued permit (copies of health insurance & passports had to be delivered) we come through the security area, where the bag is scanned. Camera and laptops are not allowed – but cell phones are. In addition, the port may be entered only with long pants, closed shoes and shoulder covering. Arriving at the vehicle, we have to completely empty the garage and outside storage spaces. A customs officer takes photos of the display arrangement as well as each drawer of the interior. Then it is the turn of the drug-sniffing dog. The material, the empty spaces as well as the interior are examined for drugs. After he has sniffed everything to his satisfaction, we are allowed to put everything back in. A downside is that the vehicle must remain in port until all papers are issued. Two days later we are allowed to drive it out of the harbor. From delivery in Bremerhaven to reunification took 30 days in our case. The shipment has passed without a scratch and without losses. The concerns of the riskier route to Mexico have been dispelled – the relief and joy is great.