Delivery date moved up - expecting it in a couple of weeks in Miami. Have some logistics questions/clarifications I'm hoping someone can assist with:
- like most, I have Andy Barrett acting as agent, collecting the vehicle at coral gables and dropping with Seaboard at Port of Miami
- a lot of confusion about Title and/or MSO/MCO. I understand Title takes time - a month or more, because Tesla registers the car with FL DMV and the DMV then sends Original Title and plates to Tesla in CA, which then sends that to Andy to finalize export with US Customs.
- have learned that the MCO/MSO is actually acceptable to US Customs and that we don't actually need the Original Title.
- Does anyone have experience with this? Reading online, Tesla Coral Gables should have the MCO when it arrives with the car in their lot. Is this true? Just looking to cut down on the huge wait for Title which isn't actually necessary
- In Cayman - considering CICA or Miracle Brokers to help with customs and registration. Any concerns having a random person collecting from Seaboard (do they inspect car for damage in transit?) and driving to DVDL for registration and inspection?
- Anything else I'm overlooking?
Thx in advance!
The end-to-end process for me was intimidating and opaque, and took much longer than expected. I also used Andy Barrett, in addition to Miami-based export broker DPR, and Stamar/Seaboard as shipper. All had worked together before and answered my questions along the way. I'll relay a few of my experiences here, which may address some of your questions:
- Payment was confusing, since the [temporary] registration address was changed to an unknown New Hampshire address by Tesla. I had to call Tesla Coral Gables a few times to learn that this was done for exports to simplify temporary tax/registration. I recommend calling them prior to delivery/payment to clarify that this vehicle is for export and should not have any state taxes collected.
** IMPORTANT - I recommend asking Tesla to replace the SIM card before delivery. The included SIM card only works in the US, and is difficult to replace (requires removal of entire dashboard). You may want to purchase a SIM from FLOW or Digicel and overnight it to Tesla Coral Gables to pre-install. This way, you will have the option of enabling data for maps/music/remote access in Cayman.
- DPR took delivery from Coral Gables Tesla on my behalf, inspected the vehicle (sent me photos), and at my request purchased and included a Tesla plug adaptor (accessory) that I needed. He worked with Andy Barrett to mark the vehicle window for Seaboard Marine and arrange flatbed tow to the port.
- My vehicle sat at the port for ~14 days while awaiting the title/MSO. Once received by DPR and delivered to Andy, the vehicle was confirmed to ship in ~9 days. (~23 days sitting at the port, after delivery from Tesla)
- You will need to arrange for auto insurance prior to the car's arrival in Cayman. Once the vehicle is shipped, you provide a copy of the export certificate, Bill of Lading, invoice, and title to the insurance company and start the policy. (Andy will provide these documents). The shipping broker will need a copy of the insurance policy before you can pick up the car. (Note that the vehicle is covered by the shipper's insurance (which you pay for in your shipping charges) for any damage to the car during shipment and until you take delivery).
- I engaged Stamar to help with Cayman DVDL registration, plates, and inspection of the vehicle. I highly recommend using a provider for this service, since the new car custody/process can be confusing. (e.g. pick up a car and drive it without plates? also, how do you obtain a Certificate of Roadworthiness?) I think I paid CI$360, which included the DVDL registration fees. Easily worth it. I, too, was concerned about someone random driving my new car, but it turned out fine.
- Despite paying thousands of dollars to ship my vehicle, upon pickup the vehicle was covered in soot/dirt and there was a broken wheel cover. Stamar should have reported the obvious wheel damage and really should have cleaned the car exterior before my pickup (even if they charged for it).
In summary, the process requires patience and trust, but your new Tesla will "soon come."