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Shipping Zarate Arg. To Jacksonville FL USA
Ford Truck with Pop-Up Camper via RORO.

(Too tall to fit into container by 4".)

ARGENTINA PROCEDURES:
We contacted Wave Logistics (Montevideo) (iOverlander listing) via email while we were in Chile and indicated we were interested in shipping to USA.

After a few days we finally heard back from Martin Flores ([email protected]) (011 5031 4015) who told us about a KLine ship going to Jacksonville in five days. Could we get to Zarate Arg. In that time?

We could and we did.

But in the meantime we asked via email where exactly to drop off the truck, how much, what documents were necessary and what were the procedures exactly.

Martin said we would need to get the following to get the process going: (which we emailed to him):
1. Owner's passport copy including page with Arg. Entrance. (Husband).
2. Vehicle Title copy (luckily our Title named and Owner name are the same.)
3. Make, Model, year, height, width and length dimensions and weight details.
4. Argentina TIP paper.

Also he said we would need the originals at the Port.

And after numerous requests via email, he finally gave us a quote of:
A. Argentina fees $500 (cash at Port in Arg. Pesos)($9 per cubic foot)
B. KLine shipping fee $2800
C. USA port fees $500

Martin told us to go directly to Port Security (correct gps coordinates in iOverlander) and he would send us the Bill of Lading. And that we should contact Ignacio Luna at the Port upon arrival.

We arrived at Port at 8 am on Friday, Jan. 19th and parked in the small parking lot to the right of the Security gate, but Ignacio didn't arrive until 9 am and Security didn't have the Bill of Lading (BOL). Finally after Ignacio arrived and Security had the BOL, they had a security guard drive us and another gentlemen shipping his hard-sided truck camper to the Payment Office.

There, after the BOL was sent electronically, we both paid $583 even though quite clearly his vehicle was bigger, longer and heavier.

We walked back to Security Office, showed payment receipt to Security Office Clerk and received stamped receipt, unloaded all passengers and luggage that wasn't being shipped in truck, and the Owners were directed to drive through security dates and directed to a section further in the Port. We had taken everything loose out of truck cab and put into camper before we drove to the port. Only had a large locked storage bin in truck cab.

And turned over the truck key only. No inspections of any sort and they returned to the Security Gate where Security called two taxis to take us to the Buenos Aires (BA) bus terminal.

Process took approx. 2
1&1/2 hours after BOL arrived.

First needed to buy a transportation card called a Sube and put enough fare on it to pay for the bus ride into BA.

The next day Martin emailed us the BOL and told us to check http://apps.klineglobalroro.com/tracking/ for estimated arrival date in Jacksonville using the BOL#.

He also later informed us when the ship actually left Zarate on Jan. 24th.
(We also found vesselfinder.com to be handy tracking the vessel by name.)

US PROCEDURES:
We flew into Miami and traveled around FL ( and Cuba) while waiting for ship's arrival.

Finally on Feb. 27th, we contacted KLine, Jim Randolph, [email protected], on when, where, how to pay and procedures to get truck out of the Port.

He gave us a contact Lisa Cotman, [email protected]
K” Line America, Inc.
Ro/Ro Services
PCC IMPORT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Phone: ‪866-233-6875‬ OPT 3
EMAIL: [email protected]

After a number of emails, she sent a "Delivery Order template" to complete and instructions on how to make payment. ONLY via wire.

We wired the funds of $3114 on Monday 5th and sent email same day to KLine advising them of wire details.

Three days before Estimated Time Arrival (ETA), we received an "Arrival Notice and Invoice" with more info via email.

Then I called KLine again on Friday 9th (ETA) to find out if ship was in Port (although VesselFinder.com said it hadn't arrived yet.)

I had to send the wire info email again to Lisa since wire hadn't posted.

We had to make several calls to Customs since KLine didn't lift the Hold notice. We called Customs on Friday 9th and they advised us to call again on Monday 12th which we did.

Finally we showed up at US Customs
(10426 Alta Dr.)
(Operational Hours: 
8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Phone: 
(904) 714-3100, ext. 2)

at 9am and within 10 minutes they stamped the Arrival Notice. They required
1. BOL,
2. Delivery notice from KLine,
3. Vehicle Title
4. ID for consignee. Passport was acceptable.

KLine said to call again (866-233-6875, ext. 3) after Customs cleared which we did but was told the wire still hadn't posted. Sent wire info again via email.

Was advised by Accounting they didn't have info and wanted to know what date wire was sent. Sent another email with that info.

CAUTION: Keep contacting KLine to ensure they post your payment because nothing gets done without it.

After 20 minutes received word from Accounting that payment had posted and to contact the terminal.

Called the terminal and after approx. 10 minute hold, said they had the paperwork and to come on over. (904-757-3357).

(BLOUNT ISLAND TERMINAL
8998 BLOUNT ISLAND BLVD. BLDG 2
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32226

Proceed on Blount Island Blvd to red brick building on right where they will give you directions on which gate lane to get into.
Far right lane #2, Escort lane.
At the toll booth, they will check documents, want to see both drivers' licenses and make arrangements for Escort Service (which cost $125 payable with credit card).

No TWIC card necessary and Escort arranged promptly at Gate. Gate process took approx. 10 minutes.

Escort led the way in their vehicle with us following directly to storage Lot and directed us to Terminal staff building.

Staff took papers, made copies and directed us to small side Lot where truck/camper was. Took 10 minutes. (But they take lunch break from 11:45 to 12:45.)

Escort led the way back to main gate and we were on our way.

No damage to truck. Battery turned over right away. Bag containing shoes inadvertently left in truck cab arrived intact. No inspection at all. Camper not broken into.

Shipping Zarate Arg. To Jacksonville FL USA
Ford Truck with Pop-Up Camper via RORO.

(Too tall to fit into container by 4".)

ARGENTINA PROCEDURES:
We contacted Wave Logistics (Montevideo) (iOverlander listing) via email while we were in Chile and indicated we were interested in shipping to USA.

After a few days we finally heard back from Martin Flores ([email protected]) (011 5031 4015) who told us about a KLine ship going to Jacksonville in five days. Could we get to Zarate Arg. In that time?

We could and we did.

But in the meantime we asked via email where exactly to drop off the truck, how much, what documents were necessary and what were the procedures exactly.

Martin said we would need to get the following to get the process going: (which we emailed to him):
1. Owner's passport copy including page with Arg. Entrance. (Husband).
2. Vehicle Title copy (luckily our Title named and Owner name are the same.)
3. Make, Model, year, height, width and length dimensions and weight details.
4. Argentina TIP paper.

Also he said we would need the originals at the Port.

And after numerous requests via email, he finally gave us a quote of:
A. Argentina fees $500 (cash at Port in Arg. Pesos)($9 per cubic foot)
B. KLine shipping fee $2800
C. USA port fees $500

Martin told us to go directly to Port Security (correct gps coordinates in iOverlander) and he would send us the Bill of Lading. And that we should contact Ignacio Luna at the Port upon arrival.

We arrived at Port at 8 am on Friday, Jan. 19th and parked in the small parking lot to the right of the Security gate, but Ignacio didn't arrive until 9 am and Security didn't have the Bill of Lading (BOL). Finally after Ignacio arrived and Security had the BOL, they had a security guard drive us and another gentlemen shipping his hard-sided truck camper to the Payment Office.

There, after the BOL was sent electronically, we both paid $583 even though quite clearly his vehicle was bigger, longer and heavier.

We walked back to Security Office, showed payment receipt to Security Office Clerk and received stamped receipt, unloaded all passengers and luggage that wasn't being shipped in truck, and the Owners were directed to drive through security dates and directed to a section further in the Port. We had taken everything loose out of truck cab and put into camper before we drove to the port. Only had a large locked storage bin in truck cab.

And turned over the truck key only. No inspections of any sort and they returned to the Security Gate where Security called two taxis to take us to the Buenos Aires (BA) bus terminal.

Process took approx. 2
1&1/2 hours after BOL arrived.

First needed to buy a transportation card called a Sube and put enough fare on it to pay for the bus ride into BA.

The next day Martin emailed us the BOL and told us to check http://apps.klineglobalroro.com/tracking/ for estimated arrival date in Jacksonville using the BOL#.

He also later informed us when the ship actually left Zarate on Jan. 24th.
(We also found vesselfinder.com to be handy tracking the vessel by name.)

US PROCEDURES:
We flew into Miami and traveled around FL ( and Cuba) while waiting for ship's arrival.

Finally on Feb. 27th, we contacted KLine, Jim Randolph, [email protected], on when, where, how to pay and procedures to get truck out of the Port.

He gave us a contact Lisa Cotman, [email protected]
K” Line America, Inc.
Ro/Ro Services
PCC IMPORT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Phone: ‪866-233-6875‬ OPT 3
EMAIL: [email protected]

After a number of emails, she sent a "Delivery Order template" to complete and instructions on how to make payment. ONLY via wire.

We wired the funds of $3114 on Monday 5th and sent email same day to KLine advising them of wire details.

Three days before Estimated Time Arrival (ETA), we received an "Arrival Notice and Invoice" with more info via email.

Then I called KLine again on Friday 9th (ETA) to find out if ship was in Port (although VesselFinder.com said it hadn't arrived yet.)

I had to send the wire info email again to Lisa since wire hadn't posted.

We had to make several calls to Customs since KLine didn't lift the Hold notice. We called Customs on Friday 9th and they advised us to call again on Monday 12th which we did.

Finally we showed up at US Customs
(10426 Alta Dr.)
(Operational Hours: 
8:00 AM-5:00 PM (Eastern)
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)
Phone: 
(904) 714-3100, ext. 2)

at 9am and within 10 minutes they stamped the Arrival Notice. They required
1. BOL,
2. Delivery notice from KLine,
3. Vehicle Title
4. ID for consignee. Passport was acceptable.

KLine said to call again (866-233-6875, ext. 3) after Customs cleared which we did but was told the wire still hadn't posted. Sent wire info again via email.

Was advised by Accounting they didn't have info and wanted to know what date wire was sent. Sent another email with that info.

CAUTION: Keep contacting KLine to ensure they post your payment because nothing gets done without it.

After 20 minutes received word from Accounting that payment had posted and to contact the terminal.

Called the terminal and after approx. 10 minute hold, said they had the paperwork and to come on over. (904-757-3357).

(BLOUNT ISLAND TERMINAL
8998 BLOUNT ISLAND BLVD. BLDG 2
JACKSONVILLE, FL 32226

Proceed on Blount Island Blvd to red brick building on right where they will give you directions on which gate lane to get into.
Far right lane #2, Escort lane.
At the toll booth, they will check documents, want to see both drivers' licenses and make arrangements for Escort Service (which cost $125 payable with credit card).

No TWIC card necessary and Escort arranged promptly at Gate. Gate process took approx. 10 minutes.

Escort led the way in their vehicle with us following directly to storage Lot and directed us to Terminal staff building.

Staff took papers, made copies and directed us to small side Lot where truck/camper was. Took 10 minutes. (But they take lunch break from 11:45 to 12:45.)

Escort led the way back to main gate and we were on our way.

No damage to truck. Battery turned over right away. Bag containing shoes inadvertently left in truck cab arrived intact. No inspection at all. Camper not broken into.

Plenty of parking. Could use wifi in snack bar area. Probably will be noisy tonight since Lot is heavily used by semis.
But convenient for stay overnight before going to KLine port in the morning.

No height or width restrictions on entrance but busy city parking lot with covered awnings. They graciously moved a double parked car so we could go to the front. Our 3m fit under awning, but tight width squeeze with our 2.3m wide truck camper.
Think it is 200 per night. Will clarify. Electricity only at night when they can run cord across busy driveway.
Quiet. Locked gates at night so secure.

Dusty lot with several cars stopping to rest. But so far no hassle about staying overnight.

Pulled back behind restaurant next to car wash. Around 10pm, Copec and restaurant staff told me we couldn't park without permission. I looked pathetic So they called Don Pedro and got permission for us for one night to leave by 8am.
But then the skateboarders moved in and didn't stop until 1:30am.
So not very restful night.

Not secure. Truck passenger door lock punched out and items stolen from front while having lunch inside and at Starbucks for the wifi in the middle of the afternoon.
Parked in front of Easy and Jumbo.

Easy to locate. High season so many Chileans day visitors. But plenty of spots.
Men's bathrooms had no running water; consequently dirty and nasty.
Quiet at night after day visitors left. 8000pp.

Caution: We didn't actually make it to this campsite because coming from the west on G-546 from San Antonio you need a four wheel drive to traverse the Santuario de la Naturaleza Horcon de Piedra before arriving at the Laguna de Aculeo. We had to turn around and return to autopista 78 and instead decided to go to Camping Millantú.

In front of the wetlands are long rows of parking for the beaches. We parked at north end near Humadel entrance.

Because Holiday weekend, there was 2000 parking for the day. Don't think that probably applies in non-peak season.

After the beach crowds left between 7-8:30 pm, it was quiet all night.
There are baños at 300s and cold showers at 1000s within 200'.
Many restaurants.

Not sure why related entry said 'closed' in this parking area that stretches from Playa Norte to Playa Sur.
We parked during the day and was given a stub for the paid parking which is 15p per minute from 10am-8:00pm but no one ever came by to collect.
And we stayed all night.

Extremely busy on Holiday weekend with music until late and fireworks going off on New Year's Eve.

Normally there is a sign that says music to be stopped at 11:30 pm and no dogs. But there were a few small dogs.

Staff pointed out small individual bathroom/shower for us to use since only Gringos but no water in toilet so used main building.
Shower had hot water but went in and out based on someone else using water.
Bathrooms generally clean but showers weren't but again that maybe because high traffic weekend.

Electric at palapa.

Charged 35,000 per night for truck camper.

Staff was friendly towards us.

Small tienda onsite stocked with frozen foods, snacks, ice cream and sodas.

Kayaks and water floats available for rent. Fishing and swimming areas delineated. Boat ramp for people to put their jet skis in water.

Extremely busy with holiday weekend. For best spot continue around back of UPA and McDonalds to park on south side. Less traffic and less noise.
Wifi doesn't reach that far but no problem going inside.

Spent the night on the side of the road after all the tour buses left.
Only problem is many large dump trucks continued to work until 10:00pm and started up again at 5:00am.
Water truck went through to keep roadway damp but dried out by 6pm.
So dusty and noisy.
Otherwise would have been a gorgeous spot to boondock in overlooking the Embalse.

Campground along the river runs the gamut from sites with electricity to 'natural setting'.
Basic natural setting cost 8000/pp.
Bathrooms are grungy and away from most of the sites.
On the other hand, extremely quiet, level spots, lots of bird life and can accommodate all sizes of rigs.

Mario Oyarce Lubricentro
1229 Federico Errázuriz
09-9934-4053
S 33.43329, W 70.76252

Mario, owner, and Raul, mechanic who worked on vehicle. Knowledgeable, efficient and economical. They did oil change, checked and cleaned air filter, rotated tires, checked brakes, topped off various fluids and checked undercarriage for any damage from rocks on roads.
All in 1&1/2 hrs for 64,000p.
AND gave us a bottle of wine.
Can recommend.

As soon as you exit Ruta 5 and head east on La Montaña, take first dirt road on right. Finding the location was most difficult part of using this company. So gps 'sorta right'.

Once found, Rodrigo and staff were friendly and efficient. Had our clogged water line to kitchen sink cleared in under 30 minutes. And cleaned filter coming from water tank.
Set up water pressure hose for us to rinse off miles of road dust.
For 30,000p.

If you take the small dirt road directly in front of the pedestrian overpass right when coming from north and then immediately turn left onto the smaller dirt path, you will start to see numerous signs advertising Rancho Casanova. Just keep going.
16000 for two for night we stayed there. Only charged 8000 for Nights we actually stayed in Valparaiso and just stored camper there.
Wifi usable up by office.
Wanted to use washing machine but big equipment ripped up her water line on the morning we returned so decided to head on out. But generally washing machine is available.
Property needs major maintenance done. But quiet at night.

We actually parked about 100' right closer to park to get wifi signal.

Excellent tour guide Evie. Very knowledgeable and spoke good English. 4000pp and the tour lasted well over 45 mins. Mid week so no other English-speaking guests so had a 'private' tour.

Still 8000 pp.

We were concerned about height restrictions with the covered Palapa-style camping bays, but we have a pop-up truck camper and it fit. The camper, before pop-up, needs a 3 meter clearance. Made it in easily. After pop-up, our exhaust fan housing is just touching netting in bay so a 3.67 meter clearance. A bigger rig who wouldn't have fit was allowed to park in the alleyway at the far end of camping bays. Might not be allowed to do so in high season. But if you're under 3.5meters height no problem.
Individualized locked clean and updated bathrooms turned out to be so nice. Could leave TP, soaps and shampoos in it.
Taxi to La Serena historic center was 7,000p.
Walking distance to beach and numerous restaurants.
Quiet at night even on a Saturday.

I think only a mineralogist would like this museum. Exhibits under eaves have signs but none in the courtyard; so everything just looked like a rock.

Selected to go to far end of beach past lighthouse. Windy but died down after sunset.
Chile free wifi in plaza in front of Iglesia.
Police rousted us from sleep at 11:45pm, checked passports and left.
Then the group of teenage boys arrived with music and booze. Partied until 2am. Quiet after that.

Overnight in general parking lot. Stopped at both Ranger stations to pay. No one around. Beautiful beach.

There are "No Parking Casa Rodantes" along this Main Street.

Parking strip and gazebos are open and can park on street.

Surprisingly quiet after 10:00pm even though close to major highway on the Coast that the truckers use.
Be careful driving in because of metal awnings are under 3m. And park on ocean side of lot instead of Highway side so that large semis don't create a vacuum effect that keeps your camper swaying.

Another weird place. In the middle of nowhere an historical cemetery with burials from 1916 - 1960's.

Worth a stop. Oddity. Easy access off and on Hwy. 5.

Wifi network mentioned in earlier post not available and neither of the pw mentioned will work on Shell network.

Noisy until about 11pm. Started back up around 5:30am. Otherwise pretty quiet overnight.

Staff helpful in where to park next to wall in corner so not noticeable.

Never did locate working bathrooms.