Well, today the wheels came off of our wagon!!
After making enquiries a few weeks ago, the hire company that I was getting the truck from today informed me that their insurers would not cover the truck for Turkey. Having spent most of the day on the phone to truck hire companies around the country I've had no success at all. Apparently, the insurance companies have decided that because of the "situation in Turkey?!?!?!?" they cannot provide cover.
I've spoken to a number of contacts in Turkey and a possible solution is to fly out there, pick up a truck, drive back to the UK and load up. The Turks don't seem to have any problem with allowing their hire vehicles to go to the UK even though there's been more terrorist action in the UK than Turkey! If it works, then I'll be looking at a rather lucrative business opportunity I should think!
For those of you that are interested in the costs involved here's how it's worked out.
To hire a 7.5 tonne truck (the biggest vehicle you can drive without an LGV licence) for 2 weeks is about £2,000 this includes insurance green card, breakdown cover and VAT.
Open return ticket (the return journey can be made at any time in a 12 month period - literally turn-up and go) Dover to Calais is £450 - £500 depending on time of year when bought. Eurotunnel cost is approx £100 dearer.
Fuel costs of about £600. It's 2,500 miles each way and steady driving will return 18mpg
Using 2 drivers the trip can be completed in 5 days. £60 / day for food and accomodation.
Customs costs - absolutely no idea!! Will have to see when we get to the border.
The dogs, Jennie and Matthew are flying out from Bristol with MyTravel to Dalaman. The dogs will be going into kennels near Bristol 6 days before flying. The kennels will take care of all certification and the necessary legalisation at the F&C Office amd Turkish Consulate. They have checked that there is no need for the dogs to go via Istanbul. They have a special relationship with MyTravel and although the dogs are treated as excess baggage they are very well looked after. They are delivered directly from the kennels to the plane and the captain handles their paperwork. Once the captain is handed the paperwork he/she adjusts the heating in the cargo hold to make it more comfortable for the animals. The cost including kenneling, certifacates,legalisation and flight - £450 / dog.
We were quoted between £2000 and £3000 for a 20ft container taking anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. Thats collection from Northamptonshire and delivery to Izmir. Customs and delivery from Izmir to Fethiye would be extra.
Door to Door from Northants to Fethiye by a removal company was quoted at between £8,000 and £10,000.
I haven't put you off have I
?? LOLOL
I'll let you know how things are going and what plan we're going for as things fall into place.