Anyone have any idea how much it would cost to ship a dump truck to the PI?

[Cbear]

While reading PI news articles I found an opportunity for my large 22 ton dump trucks. I just need to know how to get them there cheaply. If that is even possible.

[Jeff S]

No but these guys could probably tell you quickly: http://www.manilaforwarder.com/

[Ray]

Get them there cheaply? FORGET IT!

I know that shipping a used private automobile over is VERY restricted and involves tons of paperwork.

The shipping costs would cost you an arm and the customs duties a leg, IF you could even get the permits. Just the customs duty alone on an automobile runs something like 60-100% of value based on age and other factors.

Good luck!

Ray

[Dave H]

I agree 100% with Ray! I was going to ship our 2 year old Mitsubishi SUV to the Philippines. We found out that it was cheaper to buy another here. Especially when you also factor in the "special fees" (graft) that various officials might "request.". Our friend (Filipina nurse) was going to ship her 2 Mercedes here until she found out the approximate cost in "special fees" for such a luxury car. Even though the cars were not new, some officials would still think she was rich.

Dave

[Dave H]

Hey Cbear,

I played "chicken" today with a huge dumptruck that was driving toward me on my side of the road...for no apparent reason...Just Because... I was in my little Suzuki Carry Pickup. He honked at me with his airhorn and I honked back with my very loud German electronic horn. I think he was surprised at the loudness of my horn because he swerved back into his lane. Or maybe it was the huge evil smile on my face!


I'm sure someone here could build you a "22 ton dump truck" out of sheet metal and plywood very cheaply. The loud airhorn is included. But brakes will cost you extra, since big trucks seldom seem to have a use for them here.

Dave



Perhaps you can talk the Kano out of his mobile chicken coop, modify it, and attach it to the "tractor" above.

[Dave H]

Hey Cbear,

You might consider a half dozen Suzuki Carry dumptrucks and a couple Bobcats. I could make some good money here with a Bobcat!

Dave

[Cbear]

Here is what I found for a business.I found a 4 hour route that uses 10 ton trucks but they really want 20+ton trucks.

So a 22 ton truck would more than double the profit of a 10 ton truck running the same route with nearly the same expenses for fuel and driver. 

Most of the commercial trucks in PI are used trucks from Japan, at least the dump trucks are. I did see some tractor trailers that were Frieghtliners when I was in Manila. But I didn't see a single American style dump truck.

I don't think the same rules would apply to a commercial truck as a private auto but I haven't called yet to ask.

Dave, how about one of those mini loaders, ya know, a stand on bobcat. It is small but packs a big punch so to speak. I could get one of those and bring it over. It can do all kinds of things. 

http://www.toro.com/professional/sws/loaderattach/photogallery_attachments.html

[Ray]

cbear,

That sounds good, but you need to think like a Filipino to understand the situation. The protectionist import restrictions on vehicles and other items is largely motivated by what is good for Filipino jobs.

If you import a vehicle, you in effect take away work from a Filipino in the auto manufacturing/assembly industry.

If you can replace a 10-ton truck with a 20-ton truck, someone may be able to increase his efficiency and profit margin BUT, he would be eliminating a job for a driver.

The last thing that the Philippine government wants is more unemployed citizens to deal with. That’s one reason why their economy is so backwards compared to other Western countries. Sadly, if you attempt to buck their system, you’ll lose every time… 

Ray

[Cbear]

Ray, I agree 100% with what you say, however, this is a government route and they are the ones asking for the bigger trucks to reduce the number of trips each day, this is an on going operation.

These type trucks are not manufactured in PI, they come from Japan and are mainly used trucks. I have found a couple for sale there but they are worn out. I found some brand new ones also but of course they cost the same as a new 20 ton dump here does. ($120,000USD) Again, made in Japan.

If I can just find a way to get them there this is a no-brainer. Even at 100% duty on actual value this is a deal. From what I can tell, the margins on loads are just about the same there as here. Just the material (rock, aggregate, etc.) costs less, everything else is about the same because a big truck costs a lot of money to maintain. Fuel is higher there, oil is higher there, tires are the same, maintenance is lower for labor but the same for parts. All in all, if I can get them there this will be profitable.

I really wish I had some capital right now, LOL dont we all.

[Jeff S]

I have a good friend who sells road building materials and chemicals in China. He was looking over a project where a whole line of workers was digging a ditch with shovels and my friend said, "you know I could sell you back hoe that would dig that ditch in no time."

The Chinese contractor, told him, "No No! These people all have jobs and that's what's important here, not efficiency."

My friend came back with, "Oh. My mistake. I thought you wanted a ditch...  If what you want is jobs, why don't you give them all spoons?"

[Dave H]

Ray, I agree 100% with what you say, however, this is a government route and they are the ones asking for the bigger trucks to reduce the number of trips each day, this is an on going operation.

Hey Cbear,

You will need a very good Filipino partner:

There are payoffs to government officials to get the job. These are pet projects of various elected officials. If they are voted out of office...the project dies. I have seen uncompleted bridges, roads, sports complexes, etc. that the new elected official refuses to complete since it wasn't "their project".

Some areas (especially in the bundok) have an NPA "people's road use tax" that must be paid or your vehicles will be burned.

Good luck finding new parts and tires here!

I personally wouldn't invest large sums of money in a business here...unless it was a Jollibee franchise. 

Dave

[Cbear]

Dave, finding a Filipino partner I could trust 100% would be tough. I agree with that.

As for tire though, man are you sure you live in PI? I saw tire shops for commercial vehicles everywhere and there is a vulcanizing shop on every corner. Of course because this was my business here I paid attention to it and saw things soeone who wasnt looking for it might miss. Parts really wont be that tough to come by. My trucks just happen to use motors that are very popular in most seaworthy boats around the world. Now truck parts will be tricky to find but most anything can be fabricated there.

Now, I have decided this is just not gonna work. I dont have the capital to get them there and I think all the graft needed to get them rolling would put me under. But man I would love to do this. Maybe when I move there in a few years I will import a truck from Japan and go from there. It seems the imports from Japan dont have the same tariffs. I could be wrong but just judging by what I have seen for prices on used trucks after import.

By then I will be married to a filipina lady and she can be my partner. I dont think I could trust anyone I wasnt related to.

I just hate it when I see an opportunity and I cant do anything but let it pass by. Sucks real bad.

[Dave H]

Dave, finding a Filipino partner I could trust 100% would be tough. I agree with that.

As for tire though, man are you sure you live in PI? I saw tire shops for commercial vehicles everywhere and there is a vulcanizing shop on every corner.

Hey Cbear,

That is very true, BUT...did you ever go inside and inspect their products? Many are retreads that are very cleverly disguised and sold as new. You would probably catch it with your knowledge...but many people are scammed. Some of the new Chinese knockoffs of major brands look great and the price is right. Unfortunately, they will wear out in a very short period of time and may even come apart. I have imported (from US) Goodyear tires on my truck. They have lasted for 3 years and still look good. Our truck hauls many heavy loads of rice on a regular basis. My friend has gone through 3 sets of Chinese "Goodyears" during that same period on his same model truck, with similar usage. Even if the Asian brand is actually licensed by the parent company, looks the same, it is not the same quality product that we purchase in the US.

I would recommend either importing vehicles from Japan  or buying vehicles in Subic Bay - Olongapo or nearby in Luzon that have  been imported from Japan. It would probably be best if your partner was a knowledgable Filipino (male) and you were out of sight, unless you want to pay the "Kano price!" Unfortunately, the prices go up as vehicles move futher south from Luzon to dealers in my neck of the provinces. My next vehicle will likely be purchased in Subic and brought here.

Dave

[Cbear]

I'm laughing so hard!!!  I didn't take a closer look at the tires but I believe you about the fakes, LOL I can see my girls expression now, Hey honey, lets go spend the afternoon in this nice steamy hot tire shop!!!  Submissive or not, she ain't gonna like that,

[Dave H]

Hey Cbear,

You should have seen the beautiful red Chinese "Ferrari" that I saw on the news here. It was amazing until the owner started the engine and it roared away at about 5 miles an hour...sounded just like a Honda rice rocket 4 cylinder motor with an oversized exhaust.

There are some pretty cool Chinese 150cc "Harleys" here. There are also some very nice looking Philippine built fake Hummers tearing around.

I wanted to convert my 3 cylinder Suzuki pickup to electronic ignition since it often travels on dirt roads that are flooded. I wanted to buy a new Suzuki unit, so I went to the dealer. I was told "No stock!"...meaning that it was not available. I asked if I could order one. Instead I was shown a  "slightly used" (looked to be almost worn out to me) Toyota electronic ignition that was "Much better quality." I noticed that it was for a 4 cylinder engine and mentioned it to the partsman. He said "No problem sir, it will work in your Suzuki." The mechanic standing next to me conferred, "No problem!" I decided to hold off. Who knows, maybe they have a way to make it work or more likely I would missfire down the road...that is the Philippines. Most Filipinos accept things because "That's just the way it is..." It must drive the Germans and Japanese nuts!  

I have a very good Filipino friend (like a brother) that I trust, if I had the capital. He is a very intelligent man, but even he was ripped off by a Filipino partner in his previous business venture.

Dave

[Cbear]

Dave, a good friend of mine here makes custom ignitions for race motors. He can probably make you a very good system for that Suzuki. His company is called VSI. One of his cars was in Hot Rod magazine. It made something like 1100hp.

He also builds them for outboard motors so the system is adaptable to just about anything.

From what little I know of ignitions from my friend I would say that the 4 cyl model might actually work on a 3 cylinder but it would need some other mods to run right.

When I was in PI in the 80s I had a friend there who I trusted and we were going to buy a little hole in the wall bar in Angeles (not a go go, just a place to relax) the price was 5000usd and we started all the paperwork and such that needed to be done. Of course since it was a partnership my name would be on some of the purchase documents. As soon as the current filipino owner found out there was a kano involved the price jumped to 50,000usd. I laughed and walked away.

I did the math and it came out to about 200usd a week profit for that little bar, not enough to even consider 50K but it was worth 5k. I really want to go back and see what is in that building now.

[Dave H]

Hey Cbear,

Thanks for the ignition info. The truck gets pretty heavy farm use. It seems to just keep plugging along. I am not sure what I will do with it at this point. It is at my place now. I was going to rebuild it (engine and body work). But now I am thinking about getting a Suzuki Every Van.

Dave



Maybe add an Escalade style grill. 

[Bear]

Thanks for the ignition info. The truck gets pretty heavy farm use. It seems to just keep plugging along. I am not sure what I will do with it at this point. It is at my place now. I was going to rebuild it (engine and body work). But now I am thinking about getting a Suzuki Every Van.

Dave

I am not sure how I'd handle driving in the R.P.  Maybe in Cebu the drivers appear to be a bit more civilized but everywhere else I went was plain scary.  I saw 2 lane roads (one each way) become 8 lanes as jeepneys would just stop to let passengers out and other vehicles would start passing on the right!!?  I saw twice vehicles get squashed from the SIDE by cars moving into the same lane from different lanes.  Never seen that in the USA!  I don't think the socialists would have to force me into mass transit there, I'd do it on my own rather than deal with that sort of dangerous driving.  Of course I'd have to get out of that jeepney don't I!!!

The Bear Family

[piglett]

  I don't think the socialists would have to force me into mass transit there, I'd do it on my own
The Bear Family

If things keep going the way they are you will not have to worry about driving anywhere you will not have any money to buy gas for your car, pay your car or house payments.
At that point you are just waiting for your government handout check each month & you are 100% beholden to them.
maybe that is the way some of them want it???

piglett
   

[piglett]

Hey Cbear,

Thanks for the ignition info. The truck gets pretty heavy farm use. It seems to just keep plugging along. I am not sure what I will do with it at this point. It is at my place now. I was going to rebuild it (engine and body work). But now I am thinking about getting a Suzuki Every Van.

Dave

Maybe add an Escalade style grill. 




Dave
i would just keep the old truck & use it till it dies
i bet you can get it worked on for next to nothing if you know the rite guy in your area.

i like the idea of the van with the "upgraded" grill
& i bet the the van would come with A/C that would freeze you out if you had it cranked up to "wow" for a long enough period.
hey maybe you could make a few bucks with a new van taking people to & from the airport?
i don't know it's just a thought.

piglett

 

[Dave H]

Hey Bear,

The key to driving in the Philippines is to hang a set of rosary beads from your rearview mirror and make the sign of the cross before you begin! A couple plastic saints on the dashboard would probably be a good idea as well. One of my favorites is a windshield full of stuffed animals...they will help pad a frontal collision. 

Dave

[Dave H]

Hey Piglett,

I will keep the truck. I just will not put a lot of money into cosmetics.

Dave

[stevjulietb]

DaveH,

Don't forget to put the 50 lb bag of rice on top of your van, and don't tie it down.  When you stop suddenly, the bag will fly forward, and act like an air bag.  LOL, my feeble attempt at humor!

Steveb

[Dave H]

DaveH,

Don't forget to put the 50 lb bag of rice on top of your van, and don't tie it down.  When you stop suddenly, the bag will fly forward, and act like an air bag.  LOL, my feeble attempt at humor!

Steveb

Hey Steve,

That might actually work...at least I could knock a motorcycle out of the way.

Dave