Sorry for the novice question, but what port do most Midwest-bound minis land at? Then...when is the next boat leaving for that port? Thanks all!

 

Well, I think the possible US ports are NY (NJ), GA, SC, TX, CA, and WA. All are on the coast (obviously!). I would guess that if you are in the southern MW it may be TX (with a possibility of SC or GA), upper MW may be SC or NY.

Your MA should be well aware of which VDC sources their MINIs.

Tracking info instructions (ships, routes, dates) can be found with a search, but you may want to start HERE.

 

My CMS is done! I called Ask Mini this morning and production is complete & it's waiting to be released to the carrier! Doubt I'll make the boats on the 16th, but HOPEFULLY I'll make the one on the 19th.

Also, mkortering5, I live in Houston (40 miles from the Galveston port), and mine's coming into GA. I don't know if that helps. I'm not sure if Mini uses the Galveston port--I think just BMW uses that one. I may be wrong, though. I'd bet yours is coming into GA or SC.

 

Sorry...I'm in MI, so I'm assuming I'd go through NJ. Just curious when the next boat leaves for NJ now. I'm borrowing a 750iL so I'm hoping snow doesn't hit too quickly!

 

I believe all the MW cars go through the port in Baltimore. Well, I know for sure mine will be routed that way to WI. It should be listed on your contract, and was confirmed by my sales associate. Not sure which boats go that way yet, as I think it might be a K-Line transport.

 

Here's some more general info on ports and timing from the MINI web site:

Tracking / Logistics

1. How do I get the production number?
-From your dealer at the time of order or MINI will send you an email with one
2. Where can I check the status of my MINI?
-MINI Owner's Lounge site / Call 1-866-Ask-MINI / Your 'MA' at the dealer can also tell you.
3. Where is MINI Countryman manufactured?
-Magna Steyr Plant (Factory) in Graz, Austria
4. What port does MINI Countryman leave from to US?
-Port of Bremerhaven, Germany
5. What port does the MINI Countryman arrive in US?
-Many ports depending on location. New York (actually New Jersey), Baltimore, Charleston, Brunswick, Galveston, Port Hueneme, Tacoma.
6. How long does it take to build a MINI Countryman?
-It usually takes up to a week from start to finish.
7. How many days does it take for MINI Countryman to travel from factory to Bremerhaven?
-It takes anywhere between 3-6 days to get to the port lot.
8. How long does MINI Countryman sit at the port then?
-Depends on the carrier vessel schedule. Anywhere from 1-3 days to over a week!

 

3-6 days from Graz to Bremerhaven? Man, there goes my hope of having my CM make the ship on the 19th...

 

Well don't expect to much additional comfort, especially if you ordered sports suspension, the CM is a hard riding car and can't match the ride comfort of a Golf, or even a GTi.

 

No sports suspension ordered. Based on the ride of my '04 MINI, I consider the CM ride to be luxurious! Not terribly interested in a Golf -- many on-going quality issues with a friend's GTi.

 

After all I have read I didn't expect to see my CM in production in the OL, especially when told I would be week 46. I ordered 10/31 and went into production at 11:09:44 pm last Friday night! They must be working around the clock!

 

congrats! i got my VIN yesterday but as of this AM no update in the OL.

 

Hooray for bostonterrier and signelf!

For those waiting at the port for delivery to the NY VDC (and other VDCs), the WW ship "Glorius Leader" has moored in Bremerhaven but has not yet (today AM) docked. It's scheduled to leave tomorrow (11/17) and, hopefully, some of us parked at the dock will get aboard for arrival in the US at the beginning of December.

Not sure about the K-Line ships...

 

@SpeedyDD -- Interesting! I didn't think there was a VDC in Baltimore for MINIs. Perhaps there is a MW VDC that is land-locked? I guess that would mean that the MINIs go straight from the boat to the train/truck and then processed at the MW VDC?

Perhaps MINI have expanded into Baltimore!

 

Koopah - I couldn't find anything about a Baltimore VDC online. The focus is on the NJ and CA centers. It seems it would have to be in MD, though, as I can't imagine those in the greater Baltimore/D.C. area would be patient enough to wait for their vehicles to be transported from NJ or Charleston, or some landlocked VDC.

Were you able to locate your vehicle on the WW tracking site yet? I'm pretty sure mine will be on K-Line, much harder to follow.

 

Congrats, bostonterrier! I'm SO glad to hear that your CM is in production at last!

Mine is now officially "Released to Carrier!" Does that mean it's actually on its way to the port, or just that it's ready to be picked up? Highly, HIGHLY doubt I'll be on the Glorious Leader, but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for the 19th....

 

my CMSa is done!!! I got a Vin no. and am hoping to get on a ship soon.... anybody know how we find out which ship we are on after it's boarded? The agonizing wait continues......

 

Based on information on NAM, WW is the only logistics company shipping to the West Coast. According to their online schedule the next two ships departing are:

Mignon departing on Nov 19th arriving Dec 12th
Otello departing Dec 12th arriving Dec 28th

This is the link where you can track which ship you car is on:
https://att.2wglobal.com/gstattweb/o...uickSearchPage
Put in your VIN in the cargo ID field.

Again, according to other NAM members, the tracking is available right about the time the ship departs.

 

Not yet. I guess I'll be on the WW site right up until the GL hits the North Sea!

BTW -- The satellite photo of Bremerhaven shows a bazillion vehicles waiting for shipment. I'll bet it's gotten busier since the photo was taken.

 

Integrity has sailed, still hoping my CM makes the Glorious Leader.

Anyone else make either boat?

 

Just in case anyone has better eyes than I do and wants to try and squint for their CM, here's the link for the Bremerhaven port webcam showing the car pre-loading area:

http://www.blg.de/en/blg-logistics/s...am-automobile/

It just shows you a still image, but if you refresh the page, it will update.

PS--I'd be willing to bet that's the Glorious Leader in the background, waiting for its Minis!

 

Aack! Just talked to an actual person at Ask Mini (I've just been using the automated service for the past few days), and my car is at the port! Hooray! So I MIGHT make the Glorious Leader tomorrow, and, if not, have a much better shot at the 19th. Yay!

 

I think Glorious Leader has already sailed.

 

I talked to them this morning and mine was still on its way to the port of exit.
I'm worried it won't be making the Mignon on the 19th and if it does not get on that ship it's an extra 16 days of waiting for it to get to Port Hueneme.

 

Yup. Heading out to the North Sea. The WW site doesn't find my VIN so I guess my CM will have to wait for the Topeka on 11/23. That means NY on 12/03.

 

congrats to you too annea...a speedy and safe voyage for your baby