Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > South America
Argentina shipping nightmare Argentina shipping nightmare
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
South America Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Cayce,South Carolina,USA
Posts: 85
Argentina shipping nightmare
I left my moto in Bueno Aires to have the motor rebuilt and flew back to the US. I ordered all of the necessary new parts and shipped them via DHL to Bueno Aires. Customs will not let them into the country, stating the parts are used, even though they are still in original packages, have a packing list and all documents state parts are new. DHL Argentina states they cannot do anything. The mechanic cannot get anywhere with customs or DHL. They want $500 US to send them back (it was $188 to ship there). Without the parts the bike obviously cannot be repaired or driven out of the country in the timeframe I was given. It seems clear either customs (and DHL Argentina ) are lazy, ignorant, or want a bribe. I cannot do anything about the first 2 and, even if I wanted to, I cannot do the third from here in the US. Any suggestions?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Nov 2006
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
Strange thing to hear
Many travellers have picked up spare parts from the "correo internacional" in Retiro.Probably you had to go to DHL in town?There is no issue with used spareparts.What you and i couldn´t import are used bikes!!!!At least permanently......
Hire a lawyer and put some pressure.Try again nicely first.How bad is your castellano?(spanish).Isn´t there may be some issue,hahaha
Where in BA are you?
PM me.
KH
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Cayce,South Carolina,USA
Posts: 85
I am in the USA
I am fairly helpless to do anything from here and aduana and DHL know it. The parts are motor parts for a Harley- I would not put in used parts even if available. I have used parts in the moto-that's the problem!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Cayce,South Carolina,USA
Posts: 85
Consulate
I have emailed the Argentine Consulate here, I will try the American Consulate in Argentina. I was going to carry the parts on the plane on my return flight, but the mechanic wanted them ASAP to get the work done. You can bet I regret shipping them . Thanks for the info.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Costa Rica
Posts: 36
Hire a customs broker.
__________________
Motomech
Playas del Coco
Costa Rica

"..an attaching bike on which one rolls serenly along."
(Google translation of a French R100GS review)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Cayce,South Carolina,USA
Posts: 85
Broker
Well, DHL was supposed act as the broker but instead the Argentina unit sits on their thumbs whining that they cannot (read:won't) do anything. The package only has small gaskets, bearings, bushings,etc. It is hard to see why they even targeted it.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 18 Nov 2006
BCK_973's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Buenos Aires,City of good sex,mate and asado!
Posts: 539
On who´s name was the box sent?
Remember that only the person whos destinatary can pick up the box.Did you send it with the mecanics name?
Otherwise big trouble.
Good luck
__________________
http://vientoderipio.blogspot.com/
America is a nice continent,not a country.All people who lives in this continent are americans.Discover it in peace!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 Nov 2006
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 12
pressure on DHL
Totally agree.
Where it might be difficult for you to arrange things in Buenos Aires,
you can start to make life difficult for your local DHL agent.
They claim to do fast and trouble-free worldwide deliveries, so let them keep their promise!
If there are any problems regarding import-rules they should have warned you before the shipment, i assume.
It might help when you tell DHL you will cancel your payment and that you'll also want your spare parts back or refunded.
Just try everything to make them contact their Argentinian office to get them to do their job.

Good luck and hope you'll succeed soon!

regards,

gerbie
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 18 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Cayce,South Carolina,USA
Posts: 85
I have found a USA DHL employee who has promised to take it up the line. We shall see. The package was addressed to the mechanic. A suspicious thing (besides customs claiming the parts are new) is that the mechanic received a note from DHL saying they could ship it back to me for $500 ( 2 1/2 times the original shipping cost). I am starting to feel I am the victim of blatant extortion. The HUBB replies have been helpful- thanks and keep them coming.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Nov 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chilean Patagonia
Posts: 23
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
...
Here in the US you should be able to find someone at the State Dept. who's actual job it is, is to help US citizens with such predicaments.
Let us correct our perceptions about the US State Department. They do not exist to help average US citizens. Their primarily purpose is high-level political maneuvering and oh by the way they might get you a passport if you pay enough and wait long enough and fill out enough forms twice. And if you belong to a certain class of business or political interests you might get help. Or if your case doesn't look good in the major news stories you might get token assistance. But the US embassies, consulates, and the US State Dept are not there to help the little guy, and least of all somebody who rides a bike. If you do get any sort of meaningful assistance, you are very fortunate, and certainly have enjoyed an exception.

cheers
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Nov 2006
mmaarten's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Thailand at the moment
Posts: 593
Unhappy a reply
By the way... DHL (Holland) has a very good "not satisfied, money back" warenty. I once used them to send new credit-cards to guatemala.... which took 8 day's instead of the promised 2 day's and they refunded my payment after the first request.

Maarten
Last edited by Grant Johnson; 28 Nov 2006 at 20:51.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Nov 2006
Smellybiker's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Missing, presumed fed
Posts: 295
Just a thought.....
Assuming its all screwed up & you cant get the package....is there no way you can source the parts you need in Argentina ?

Bearings are standard sizes and there are plenty of places to buy them, gaskets can be made (I had some cut from a sheet), bushes can be machined out of something thats the same material (some of mine used to be piston pins).

More exotic/special parts would pose a problem but in Argentina just about *any* standard part can be made.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Alexander
Well, DHL was supposed act as the broker but instead the Argentina unit sits on their thumbs whining that they cannot (read:won't) do anything. The package only has small gaskets, bearings, bushings,etc. It is hard to see why they even targeted it.
__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
INFO about Buy & Sell Bikes in Argentina. javkap South America 8 24 Jan 2013 17:21
Shipping to the UK from BA Argentina skip South America 6 1 Jul 2006 11:32
Shipping vehicle and bike from NYC to Uruguay, Argentina or Cinquegrana Trip Transport 0 27 Oct 2005 22:46
anyone willing to combine shipping europe - argentina? dpallis Trip Transport 10 19 Jul 2005 06:30
Shipping - SE Asia from the UK Ronnie Trip Transport 1 1 Dec 2000 22:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:48.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top