Most first orders go well. The ones that go wrong usually go wrong for the same seven reasons — all of them avoidable before the order is placed.

1. Ordering the wrong emission standard

The binding constraint is what your registration authority accepts for a new imported vehicle, not what your neighbour imports. Confirm it in writing and put it on the order. It cannot be changed once production starts. More: emission standards for export.

2. Getting the steering side wrong

LHD and RHD are different builds, not conversions. Confirm your market’s requirement rather than assuming from the region. More: LHD and RHD.

3. A configuration mix that does not match your market

A container is not a catalogue. Ask your dealers which cab style and drivetrain they actually sell, then split the order to cover both ends of the range. More: work vs lifestyle pickup.

4. Buyer name that does not match the importer of record

Abbreviations and group-company names cause customs holds. The name on the invoice must match exactly.

5. Missing the pre-shipment inspection window

Some destinations require inspection in the country of export. If you raise it after the container is booked, the schedule moves.

6. Releasing the balance before checking the draft documents

Once the bill of lading is issued, corrections cost money. Read the draft first. More: payment terms.

7. Not planning parts with the vehicles

The first service comes round faster than the first reorder. Put a parts list in with the vehicle order so it ships consolidated. More: parts and service.

The habit that prevents all seven

Write your requirement down — destination, registration standard, steering side, cab style, drivetrain, transmission, quantity, port — and send it as one list. We return a firm quotation against that list, and everything is checkable before anything is built.

Send your requirement list →