Why Export a Right Hand Drive Truck from the UK?
In the UK there are rules and regulations that stipulate that truck operators have to inspect their trucks according to an exacting and regular schedule. Most of the truck maintenance is carried out under contract maintenance agreements which means that the standards of the trucks available are usually high. Despite what the UK nationals believe, the country’s roads are in generally good condition which results in relatively small amount of damage on trucks carrying out lots of smooth motorway miles. The UK is no different to any other European country in these regards, but the obvious major difference is the side the steering wheel is placed. The UK is the only major truck exporting country in Europe that drives on the left and drivers sit on the right!
Trucks buyers can buy right hand drive trucks from Japan, but these tend to be smaller, lower powered trucks used in their urban environments and unable to stand up to the second life with high loads and poorer road surfaces.
The UK has a network of truck dealers who are very familiar with the needs of a customer wishing to export a used truck from the UK and import into their own country. The paperwork is important, but so too is the preparation of the truck. If it is going into a container then it will need to be adapted and other parts and spares included. Semi trailers will need to be stacked to make the most of the available shipping footprint. Check out out popular search for ‘Stacks of Trailers‘.
Which UK Ports can Export Trucks?
There are a number of UK ports across the UK that have the ability to export trucks. The decision on which port to use will depend on the location of the truck that you have bought and the destination for the truck or trailer.
- Tilbury – London
- Sheerness – London
- Southampton – South Coast
- Liverpool – North West
- Portsmouth – South Coast
- Bristol – South West
- Newcastle – North East
- Immingham – Yorkshire/Lincolnshire
- Stranraer – Scotland
Typical Truck Export Destinations
Trucks can be exported from the UK all over the world, but typical destinations include:
- Tanzania – Dar Es Salaam
- Namibia – Walvis Bay
- Kenya – Mombasa
- Mozambique – Maputo
- Jordan – Amman & Aqaba
- Nigeria – Lagos
- Myanmar – Yangon
- Caribbean – Barbados & Jamaica
- Malta – Freeport
- Cyprus
- Sierra Leone – Freetown
Vehicle Inspections
Many countries will only accept imports aof trucks that have already passed an inspection before exporting. Make sure that you are fully aware of any testing requirements for the country you intend to import your truck into.
These inspections can take place at the dealership where you are buying your truck – or at the port of embarkation. Bear in mind, any defects to be fixed are carried out more easily at the dealership than at the portside.
An example of such schemes is the JEVIC scheme, (Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Centre).
