Shipping motorcycle from Panama to South America
 

I have just heard that you can no longer ship your motorcycle to South America from Panama by Yacht ie Stella Ratta due to customs not allowing motocycles in. Any ideas for transport container sharing even flying I should be in Panama in about 3 or 4 weeks so any ideas or advice would be great.
Many thanks Nick

Where did you get the information from? The Stahlratte.org website is still showing sailings for June, July, August, October and November this year.

Hi Stevo
 

I met a fellow traveller on a KLR in Nicaragua I got a message from him it was to do with the customs side. I hope I am wrong. I will email Stellaratta and see what they say.
Nick

Stahlratte posted on ADVrider that the Colombians have indeed stopped accepting bikes by boat. They are going to Cartegena on June 14 to try and resolve the issue.

Stahlratte June 19 sailing | Adventure Rider

Steel rat.....
 

Unfortunately it is true. I was booked onto the June first sailing. I am currently in Panama city trying to find another way. Half the bikes that were booked on have already left, they shared a container. Me and a few others will be leaving next week, we are flying. I am talking to Veronica from Cargorider

CargoRider – Just another WordPress site Got a quote for 1000 usd all in. Also talking to

JOHN FABIO Agudelo <ggeneral@aircargopack.com> 1100 usd allin

For Container sharing check out the PanAmerican Travelers Association on facebook, container sharing.

But To be honest with you I think that by the time you arrive here the Stahlratte will be running again. He is on his way to Cartagena now with an empty ship to talk to the customs.

Good luck and safe travels Vince bier

I'm currently heading to Cartagena booked on first Stahlratte sailing in the opposite direction to Panama for this year (June 12 th). I assuming, or at least hoping, this is unaffected by the above.

Does anyone have any info on this. I've tried emailing the ship but have had no reply as yet.

Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk

Steel rat.....
 

Hi,
Just keep going, the stahlratte haven't answered any of my mails yet either. Think he is docked in Carti Panama now unloading bikes from Jamaica. Last I heard from him was that he was going with an empty ship the Carthagena to solve the problem. So just keep your fingers and toes crossed.

Good luck ide safe Vince

Panama to Bogota Columbia Bike Freight
 

I air freighted my bike from Panama to Bogota in March 2016 as part of a Prudhoe Bay to Ushuaia run. Dealt with Girag Air USD$1100.
Very simple procedure - just rode out to airport, and did the paperwork and left. They didn't even require empty fuel tank or battery to be disconnected/removed.
Very much quicker than waiting weeks for a container service and slowly gobbling up your funds.
Columbian authorities at Cartagena had just stopped unloading bikes off yachts then - so nothing has changed.
Clearing bike in Bogota took several hours and was a handful because no one there spoke English and clearing was a very convoluted process involving several buildings - in a sea of buildings - with no signage and hundreds of meters between them. If u speak Spanish - on probs.
Of greater concern was my flight out. Buy ticket at a travel agent - its much cheaper than cash at airport.
One carrier wouldnt sell me a ticket because I hadnt flown in. WTF?
I explained I had ridden in but to no avail.
The other carrier RELUCTANTLY sole me a ticket. Go to travel agent!
Both Girag Air and Columbian Customs indicated they shipped 3 bikes per week.
Have fun.

Related question: Assuming that there continues to be a problem with Colombia customs, how much lead time do you need to arrange for air freight? I.e., generally how often are flights available and how far in advance do you have to book.

Our pony is a Ural sidecar rig which may complicate crating.

They flew 3 times weekly. Just a matter of riding out on the day. No booking necessary. Very very casual. Nobody spoke English so it was all sign language for me. I’m sure the side car will be substantially more expensive.
There was no talk of crating.

Booking....
 

Hi

CargoRider – Just another WordPress site wanted the bike a day or two in advance. Veronica speaks english.

JOHN FABIO Agudelo <ggeneral@aircargopack.com> also wanted to have the bike at least a day before flying.

Allow a couple of days. All companies seem to have flights every day.

I also heard, but am not sure, that the wild card is still taking bikes. They have a legal agent to clear them. May be worthwhile getting in contact with them. They are not answering my emails so am flying next week. Think that they are at sea.

Good luck and have fun...... Vince :mchappy:

Stahlratte have sorted their issues with Colombian customs and are resuming sailings.

Steve
Tiger 800 RTW - Two Brits and a Triumph Tiger 800 Round The World

Shipshape and Bristol fashion
 

Yes I can confirm this. I had a mail from Capt. Ludwig saying that he was back in business as of the June 19 sailing.

Happy travels...Vince :scooter:

Tiger 800 XC travel blog – Riding the Pan American Highway f Ride Live Explore

Earlier StahlRatte
 

Hi
Thought I would just post this earlier You Tube video of the StahlRatte
making a crossing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvpHKwutJJo