Phone calls that I made yesterday have revealed mixed feelings about the trip to Morocco. And an email today has confirmed this. A first "wave" of trucks have already arrived in Marrakesh. Problems have arisen again, but these are different to what we have experienced in the past.
It seems that we do not have the choice of ferry boats, and sailing times, available as in previous years. One reason seems to be due to the fact that our trailers are so low to the ground and some ferry companies cannot guarantee good access, on and off the boat. I mentioned this is my last blog post.
Also, the new port is handling alot more freight and car traffic but there seems to be a shortage of customs and other officials to deal with this.
One good point is that due to the security at Tangier Med port, there does not seem to be several hundred people walking around offering to wash your truck windows with an oily rag. Sell you food, a toy camel, fez hat or pair of Moroccan slippers. Believe me, when you are constantly getting people knocking on your truck door or windows for 8 hours, it gets very,very annoying.
I have spoken to some truckies in other forms of motorsport and it is a recurring problem with some developing countries. They want to host these different events but they seem to forget about how difficult it can be to enter their countries. I do not expect us to just turn up and NOT follow standard customs procedures but it would be good if the organisers hosting the event would help out in some way. Instead, they spend their time arranging pre race golf tournaments or welcome ceremonies for people who only ever fly in by plane. There just doesn't seem to be any concern for how the teams are meant to transport cars and all the other equipment to the circuits.
The extra money that the teams must pay to attend races like this is huge.
Even when European countries and the Eastern Bloc had quite strict borders, a race truck could normally get across without too much delay as the customs realised what the purpose of your visit was. A smiling and polite Truckie also helped !
The next time you turn on your television, play with your iPhone, eat fruit, etc, etc. I hope that those of you reading this will spare a thought for ALL freight drivers who have to cross borders, in and out of different countries. It takes a lot of knowledge and patience to negotiate the customs "minefield". Without them, the shops and businesses could not function.
Weitracon are doing their best to help us all and to ensure that we can get through the docks and reach Marrakesh in good time. More trucks are due to make the journey on Tuesday. Myself included.
INSHAA,ALLAH