Importing a double decker from the UK ????????

[doubledee]

Hey..
I am investigating all the facets of converting a bus/coach/double decker to a motor home.
Came across this UK site... http://www.ensignbus.com/doubledeckers.htm
and was wondering if any of you might have a rough idea of the cost of importing such a vehicle, and the pros' cons and pitfalls of such a venture.
Any guidance / warnings would be appreciated.
cheers Ken

[Black Betty]

We also looked into this option for buying a DD coach similar to a Denning.
There are heaps of Setras, Van hools etc but all seem to be left hand drive.
I have been told to watch for the emissions specs and best to check with your RTA in your state.

You will also need a height requirement as they are too tall for a container.
The bus would be stored on the top deck of a ship and open to all the elements.
Cost is around double of a normal container.

Is a shame we cannot import more of the Euro coaches, as they are very good value for money and a real saving compared to Dennings etc (around $20,000AUD cheaper)

Will keep an eye on the forum and let you know if I hear more.

DC

[The Inspector]

We also looked into this option for buying a DD coach similar to a Denning.
There are heaps of Setras, Van hools etc but all seem to be left hand drive.

Not if you get them from the UK.

You will also need a height requirement as they are too tall for a container.
The bus would be stored on the top deck of a ship and open to all the elements.
Cost is around double of a normal container.

Not so, there are ships out there that can handle a DD bus/ coach below the deck, you just need to research what shipping company to use.

[boronia]

We also looked into this option for buying a DD coach similar to a Denning.
There are heaps of Setras, Van hools etc but all seem to be left hand drive.

Not if you get them from the UK.

You will also need a height requirement as they are too tall for a container.
The bus would be stored on the top deck of a ship and open to all the elements.
Cost is around double of a normal container.

Not so, there are ships out there that can handle a DD bus/ coach below the deck, you just need to research what shipping company to use.

There are a lot of "roll on/roll off" ships (drive on/off) running bewteen Europe and Australia. Only problem is they are not usually direct, so it could take a long time to get here, and you pay for the "cruise".

Ensign used to offer an export service, they took care of all the formalities, and there are vehicle import agents in Australia who could help too.

[1115]

Very interesting. I wonder how much it would be to purchase and import a 9 year old Volvo B7TL, versus the cost of a new CC Scania, to use on heavy traffic routes such as M2. Surely they could not be that clapped out? And the 11 yo Trident is already painted in CDC colours!

[ed K]

Shipping costs etc start at $50,000.

[Black Betty]

At a starting price of 50,000k not really worth importing a 90 something model.
I did find the emissions were a problem though with the Traffic Authority here.

[ed K]

thats why no one imports them

[Black Betty]

Just got a quote of 20,000AUD on top deck of cargo ship. Not drive on.

[OLYMPIAN]

Just got a quote of 20,000AUD on top deck of cargo ship. Not drive on.

Many retired Hong Kong buses that going on the boat that I known of are on roll on roll off boat, and most of them were found out damaged by the drivers during transit.

[Black Betty]

Overseas purchase is a great alternative.
Coaches have done huge klms sometimes unless local UK coaches.
But the variety of Double Deck Coaches is enormous.
Am investigating the roll on roll off cost now to Australia.

[Ribble]

When I assisted in bringing UK - NZ the Leyland Olympian ex Ribble , we used the Shippping Company Bankline which operates a Roll-On / Roll-Off service every 2 months Hull (UK) / North Eurpoean ports / Panama / NZ / Aus....... The 'basic' cost was that of "2 fullsize contaibners"...

Any reputable Shipping Agent in Sydney will be able to quote you Im sure for Costs and Timetables. Remember that buyin in the Uk, NO VAT (GST) is payable......and a decent Double Decker can be bought for around UK2,000..remember that usually the TYRES on the bsu will be owned by the tyre company and need also to be bought in addition to the actual bus.

Ensignbus is a good place to start for a range of buses....and they are expert at Exportation.......but you can buy direct off the major companies. It needs of course to be steam cleaned in the Uk

[Black Betty]

I have also noticed a lot of Double Decker coaches that look fantastic out of Singapore. Are these able to be run according to the Australian roads and custom rules?

[OLYMPIAN]

SBS Transit is about to withdrawn their fleet of 200 12m Leyland Olympian with Cummins engine and ZF gearbox, but they are air cond buses. It should be ok if you are not registered it as a bus...not weight issues...

[Black Betty]

The hardest thing I have found is how and where to buy such an item.
The SKS coach building site is never operational
The Olympian is not quite what we seek.
After a coach similar to a Denning DD but with a more modern look.
We have now thrown the budget out the window and will buy the Double Decker i need.

This link is similar to what we seek..
http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_im ... l_pte_ltd/

[Vitalstatistix]

What about Japan?
Double deckers aren't feasible when laws state vehicles must be 12m or less and no higher than 3.8m, but companies have founds ways around this, like this Mitsubishi...
http://www.doubledecker-bus.com/wp-cont ... Decker.jpg

This link is similar to what we seek..
http://www.streetdirectory.com/stock_im ... l_pte_ltd/

If you are looking for styling like that then why not get a double decker built new in China by any one of the hundreds of coach builders there?
http://www.chinabuses.org/product/buses/index.html

[AL]

Sorry, wouldn't the main reason why no one does this is because the vehicles are not ADR approved and therefore could never be registered as a bus anyway?

[out of the box]

brought in an mcw from the UK about 12 years ago
roll on roll off. big project to get it in but was well worth it
thinking of retiring the old girl in to a motor home or fully refurbing

[Fleet Lists]

Something like http://www.busaustralia.com/fleetlists/ ... ype=3741AO ?????

[OLYMPIAN]

Or this one, they build deckers too
http://www.gemilang.com.my/

[johnnydoughert]

Once you have made contact with a trustworthy supplier and negotiated for the merchandise, depending on the incoterm you agreed on either you or him will have to look for a shipping agent and/or customs broker to get your merchandise cleared at customs and shipped to the wanted destination. It's highly recommended that you use BRI sea freight in Melbourne or services of a freight forwarding to get the products that you want home.

[captainch]

why not ask blue mountains exploer bus service katoomba they run ex london deckers they might have one for sale they are allready on the road in australia. just a thought.

[boronia]

I will start off by apologizing if this isn't the right location for this post. I tried to search for similar topics, but couldn't find anything for my specific questions and then I found this. I was about to ship a bus to Australia last week but wondered if it's possible to ship it now that there is a pandemic going on?

Freight still seems to be moving. You'd best discuss this directly with shipping companies to see what is available.

[Big Engine Mechanic]

https://www.busnews.com.au/search/type- ... ble+decker
There is one for sale in Port Adelaide of Adelaide, South Australia
1964, Bristol Lodekker for 85 grand

[berrybusman]

Asbestos issues are a big problem now with importation. Beware.