By Paul Smith, Sea Import Director, Cargo Overseas Limited

When a customer approached us looking to ship four Tuk-Tuks from Sri Lanka to the UK, it sounded relatively straightforward.

The vehicles had already been purchased and were ready to move. The requirement seemed simple enough: collect them, load them into a container and arrange transport to West Yorkshire.

As is often the case in freight forwarding, the reality turned out to be rather different.

Having worked successfully with Globactiv Logistics on previous shipments, we knew immediately that local expertise would make or break this project. 

The shipment originated from Dodanduwa in southern Sri Lanka, and before we could begin planning the physical movement of the cargo, we needed a clear understanding of the export requirements on the ground.

Preparing Four Tuk-Tuks for Shipment to the UK

Once Globactiv began speaking with the supplier, it quickly became apparent that the export process itself had barely started.

The four Tuk-Tuks had been purchased independently and were sitting at the supplier's premises, but many of the formalities required for a vehicle export from Sri Lanka still needed to be completed. Registrations needed attention, customs requirements had to be satisfied, and export approvals had to be secured before the shipment could move forward.

This is where having the right partner made all the difference.

Globactiv worked closely with the supplier throughout the process, helping navigate the various requirements and ensuring the necessary documentation was in place. What initially looked like a simple vehicle shipment soon became a much broader exercise involving coordination with local authorities, customs processes and export controls.

Throughout this stage, we remained closely involved with the customer, while Globactiv managed the local requirements and kept the project moving forward.

Customs, Certifications and Container Loading

As planning progressed, the shipment continued to evolve.

The original enquiry was based around a 20-foot container, however it soon became clear that a 40-foot container would be required to safely accommodate all four vehicles. Additional shipping line requirements also emerged, including fuel-free certification and specialist inspections before the cargo would be accepted for transport.

Then came another unexpected challenge.

When arrangements were made to collect the Tuk-Tuks, it was discovered that the supplier's premises could not accommodate the 40-foot vehicle carrier needed for the move to Colombo. Rather than allowing the project to stall, an alternative solution was developed, with the vehicles loaded from a nearby main road later in the evening once traffic conditions had eased.

It's the sort of detail that rarely appears in a shipment summary, but it highlights how often successful logistics relies on flexibility and local problem-solving.

Once the vehicles reached Colombo, independent surveyors attended to verify that each fuel tank had been drained to the required export level, with only a minimal amount of fuel remaining for handling purposes. They also checked that the batteries had been fully disconnected, terminals secured and electrical systems isolated in accordance with shipping regulations.

Following these inspections, the Tuk Tuks were carefully positioned inside the container. Each vehicle was secured individually using heavy-duty wooden chocks placed around the wheels to prevent movement, while multiple lashing belts were attached to designated anchor points and tensioned to keep the vehicles stable throughout the ocean voyage ahead.

Four Tuk-Tuks on Their Way to the UK

Today, the shipment is still making its way towards the UK, with arrival expected later this month. 

Looking back, the container itself only tells part of the story. Long before the doors were closed and the shipment began its journey, a considerable amount of work had already taken place behind the scenes.

From helping the supplier navigate export requirements to coordinating inspections, certifications, transport arrangements and container loading, the project demanded far more than simply booking freight.

What began as an enquiry for four Tuk Tuks ultimately became a multi-stage vehicle shipping Sri Lanka to UK that required patience, adaptability and close cooperation between everyone involved.

For us at Cargo Overseas, it once again reinforced the importance of having trusted partners on the ground when shipments require specialist local knowledge. For Globactiv, it was an opportunity to demonstrate exactly that expertise, helping overcome regulatory and operational challenges while keeping the shipment progressing towards its destination.

The Tuk-Tuks may still be making their way across the ocean, but the collaboration behind the shipment has already been a success. We now look forward to seeing the final stage completed when the container arrives in the UK and the vehicles reach their new home in West Yorkshire.

Freyt World Blog Contributor

Paul Smith

Sea Import Director, Cargo Overseas Limited, a member of the Freyt World Network

Freyt World is a global logistics network uniting members from around the world. Our mission is to revolutionize global logistics through collaboration and innovation. Our platform goes beyond networking, enabling members to excel and grow together, featuring articles by logistics professionals for their peers. This series will cover industry-relevant issues and news, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field.