Sunday, February 27, I was at the port early and felt comfortable about the crossing, how wrong was I! When I drove up to the person that was checking in the vehicles, I was told that I could not board as I had no GMR (Goods Movement Reference that is). Off course I do not have that, as I am not transporting any goods!
The man wanted to be helpful but had no clue and pointed me to the P&O offices about 5 minutes away. I rushed over there and there was a long line of passengers waiting to be checked in. Finally I found a lady that was in the freight department. I explained my situation but she insisted that I should have a GMR.
So I tried to get it online, and had contact with Amy to fix this, as she was behind her laptop. It turned out that you can only get it when you are a transporting company carrying commercial goods. I tried to get hold of the freight lady again but I was told she was busy.
Meanwhile the clock was ticking and I was afraid I would miss the ferry and started getting a bit angry. About ten minutes later I ran into a very nice man that was looking like a loading master. I explained my situation and he dragged me into the locked down P&O Offices. Right by the busy freight lady from before, into the office of the team leader where I could explain my situation.
I did my story and explained that I could never get the GVM as I am not a commercial transporter of goods. I said that they could even book me as a passenger car if that would make things easier. I showed him the exemptions on the GVM rule (which are on yougov.co.uk) and that I fully applied for that. The teamleader was soon convinced and said that I had to rush back to the gate and that he would make some calls so they would check me in after all.
1 Comment
Karl
Following you with keen interest as we have similar plans but being pensioners want to go slightly smaller. Why did you not consider the Iveco 4×4.