From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Instructions for shipping motor cars between England and France, detailing port agents, timings, customs, and associated costs.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 76\1\ scan0091 | |
| Date | 1st January 1914 guessed | |
| For CARS from FRANCE. The notice should be addressed to the Company's Agent at the Port, viz.:-- At HAVRE to Mr. W. R.{Sir Henry Royce} LANGSTAFF, 67, Quai de Southampton. Telegrams: “Langstaff-Havre.” At CHERBOURG to Messrs. COTTEL & Co., Quai Ancien Arsenal. Telegrams: “Cottel-Cherbourg.” At ST.{Capt. P. R. Strong} MALO to Mr. P. B. HAMON, Rue des Cordiers. Telegrams: “Hamon-St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Malo.” As the sailings from Cherbourg and St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Malo are tidal, Motorists are advised to communicate with the Company’s Agent a day or two in advance to enable him to advise the latest hour at which the Car can be received for shipment. To ensure shipment Motor Cars must be alongside the Steamer:-- To FRANCE. At SOUTHAMPTON for HAVRE or CHERBOURG: Not later than 10 p.m. At SOUTHAMPTON for ST.{Capt. P. R. Strong} MALO: One hour before advertised sailing, but when that is later than 11 o’clock the Car must be alongside by 10 p.m. From FRANCE. At HAVRE or ST.{Capt. P. R. Strong} MALO: Not later than 4.30 p.m., but when the sailing from St.{Capt. P. R. Strong} Malo is at 4 or 4.30, at least two hours before sailing. At CHERBOURG: Shipment can only be effected at high water. If a Steam Crane has to be used there is an additional charge of 12 fcs. 10 c. BREAKDOWN. In case of breakdown or other cause preventing arrival by the time advised for shipment, a Telegram should be sent from first available Post Office advising failure to keep engagement. PETROL TANKS. These must be emptied before the Car can be accepted on board the steamer. At Southampton this service is performed by the Company’s Motor Attendant. PETROL FOR HOME-COMING CARS. When booking the Car the Motorist can order what Petrol he requires for his journey on from Southampton. A supply of Petrol is then provided to meet the steamer. FRENCH CUSTOMS. The French Customs Duty on Cars entering France is:-- ENGLISH. Per 100 kilos | AMERICAN. Per 100 kilos Cars Weighing 500 kilos. or under ... 100f. | 153 60 ” ” 500 kilos. up to and including 2,500 ... 75f. | 116.60 ” ” over 2,500 kilos. ... 50f. | 78.60 each | each Headlights ... 120f. | 183.60 Spare Tyres ... 100f. | 153 60 The Company’s Agent at the Port of arrival or departure in France will render every assistance to Motorists in passing the Customs formalities. The expenses incidental to these formalities vary from 4/- to 8/-, according to circumstances. LANDING AND SHIPPING CHARGES. The only charges made for Shipping or Landing are:-- Cars arriving at Southampton on Sunday mornings and requiring to land on steamer’s arrival, when a fee of 5/- is charged. Cars landing or shipping at Cherbourg:--On some occasions a crane is necessary, when a fee of 12f. 10c. is charged. INSURANCE for the sea journey against Damage or Total Loss or Damage during shipping or landing can be effected on the owner’s account upon any Car shipped in Southampton upon receipt of 12 hours notice, giving the particulars required for shipment, the value of the Car and the amount to be insured. The rate for this insurance is 5/- %. | ||