[Albert]

Why would a car get waitlisted in Southampton?

[NEMINI]

couple of reason si can think of ... the last cars booked on a ship may either

a. not fit onboard when all the others infront of it are loaded
b. may not arrive to the dock in time to get loaded.

[eBrit]

Quote:

Originally posted by Albert
Why would a car get waitlisted in Southampton?

There are a few more complications.
Firstly, the MINIs go by at least five different sea routes
1 Halifax, New York, etc
2 Straight to New York
3 Baltimore, Charleston, etc
4 Brunswick, Manzanillo, Port Hueneme via Panama Canal
5 The Pacific

Secondly, the WW ships don't just ship MINIs. From Southamton they also ship, Land Rovers, BMW X5's, Jaguars, Nissans, Volvos, et al. Indeed, they also ship tractors, diggers, private cars and even quite big boats!. Also, they load from more than one part of the docks. So, for instance, if a load of Jaguars fail to arrive on time additional MINIs can be added to a cargo. The "additionals" will be already on the waiting list to take up any "slack".

All MINIs are now loaded on a first come first on principle and are queued to facilitate this. Here's a photo of the Figaro being loaded a few weeks ago, which perhaps gives a flavour. Loads more MINI's await behind these in the multi storey car park and other holding areas....but, by and large, MINIs seem to arrive and leave in under a week unless it is being shipped to somewhere like Japan!

eBrit