Freight between the United Kingdom and the United States | Rates - Delays - Customs clearance - Taxes

The commercial interaction between the United Kingdom and the United States is significant and dynamic. The two countries have had a long-standing commercial connection, which grew stronger after World War II. The United States is the United Kingdom's greatest commercial partner, and commerce between the two nations has increased dramatically over the years. The development of this sector has relied heavily on sea and air transport. Indeed, sea and air freight are the most efficient and cost-effective ways to transport products between the United Kingdom and the United States. In this post, we will look at the trends and benefits of freight between the United Kingdom and the United States.

Shipping from the United Kingdom to the United States

According to Alphaliner estimates, the number of containers handled at the ten main US ports climbed marginally (+0.9 percent) in 2019 to 43.67 million TEUs. The Atlantic and Pacific coastlines, on the other hand, exhibit polar opposite patterns.

Imports at the 10 ports were 20.48 million TEUs, a 0.9 percent decrease from the previous year's total of 20.66 million TEUs. Container arrivals at the five major Pacific Coast ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, and Seattle were down 5% year on year to 10.82 million TEUs, down from 11.39 million TEUs in 2018.

The five largest Atlantic Coast ports—New York-New Jersey, Savannah, Norfolk, Houston, and Charleston—recorded a 4.1 percent rise in overall container traffic at 9.66 million TEUs.

United States seaports of importance

The Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest port in the United States, with an annual throughput of more than 8 million TEUs. It is known as the most environmentally friendly port in the United States. Through infrastructure and legislative improvements, diesel and gas emissions have been reduced by 87%.

The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which are only a few miles apart, are considered a gateway for trans-Pacific trade with Asia and are critical to U.S. trade with some of the world's fastest growing nations. It is also one of the few ports in the country capable of handling the world's largest ships.

Official webpage of the Port of Long beach

New York and New Jersey Ports

With an annual volume of 7.2 million TEUs, the Port of New York and New Jersey is the third busiest port in the United States. It is also the largest port on the United States' East Coast, a vital entrance to the American economy, and one of North America's most densely inhabited marketplaces.

Following recent huge increases in TEU volumes, port officials unveiled a 30-year expansion and modernization plan in 2019 to strengthen the port's capacity to accept the world's largest ships and equip its docks with cutting-edge technology. Deepening shipping lines is also part of the plan, with the declared objective of cementing the region's position as the country's second major commercial hub.

Ports of New York and New Jersey website

The Savannah Port

Savannah's port contains two deepwater terminals as well as the largest cargo facility in the Western Hemisphere. It is located on the United States' east coast and handles 4.35 million TEUs each year.

To boost supply chain efficiency, the Georgia Port Authority has proposed a $230 million rail facility in collaboration with the St. Louis Regional Freight way. The statement by the port is part of a broader $3 billion plan to boost cargo throughput to 8-9 million TEUs by 2030.

Website for the Port of Savannah

The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma Alliance

With an annual volume of 3.47 million TEUs, the Northwest Sea port Alliance, which comprises the ports of Seattle and Tacoma, is the sixth busiest container port in the United States.

It serves as the key distribution hub for the Midwest and Ohio Valley, as well as the fourth busiest gateway to Asia. It has a market value of $75 billion and provides easy access to some of the Pacific's greatest economies.

Tacoma purchased four super-Panamax cranes in 2019, while Seattle began a $500 million freight handling upgrading project.

Website of the Port of Seattle-Tacoma

Transit time between UK and US ports

The time it takes for products to be carried from one port to another is referred to as transit time. This includes the time required to pack, load, and unload items into ships, aircraft, or vehicles. Transit times vary greatly depending on the carrier, mode of transportation, and destination. Transportation providers can give travel time estimates, however, these predictions may be inaccurate and influenced by external variables like weather.

Keep in mind that ocean freight is the slowest mode of shipping; transit times are measured in days and do not include pickup, delivery, or customs clearance.

Do I have to use a complete container or a groupage to transport my products between the UK and the US?

Most importers move items for businesses and people using one of three types of containers. These are known as "dry containers":

A 20-foot container can hold 33 cubic meters (about 10 pallets).

A 40-foot container can hold 67 cubic meters (about 20 pallets).

A 40-foot HQ (High Cube) can hold 76 cubic meters (about 24 pallets).

Pallets measuring 120 x 100 cm are perfect (maximum height 230 cm).

LCL (Less than Container Load)

LCL (Less than Container Load) Groupage is an efficient way for customers to send goods around the world that cannot fill a full container. LCL Groupage combines the goods of several customers into a single load. Customers are billed individually for their share of the container, which significantly reduces freight costs. LCL Groupage is generally less expensive than traditional freight and air freight, making it a popular option for customers with limited quantities to send.

There is specialized marine freight shipping between the United Kingdom and the United States.

There are several container kinds, each with its own set of pros and limitations. The most prevalent are standard containers, which come in a range of sizes and capacities. Temperature-controlled containers are designed to handle perishable and temperature-sensitive items, however, they are often more expensive. For pressurized items and liquid transportation, pressure-controlled containers are employed, whereas vacuum containers are used for international product shipments that require extra weather protection. Finally, heat and temperature-sensitive items are transported in refrigerated containers.

Container for reefer

Reefers, or refrigerated containers, may provide temperature-controlled transportation, allowing your goods to travel the world's oceans at a consistent temperature and arrive in good condition, whether it's meat, fruit, vegetables, or dairy products, as well as medications and chemicals.

Ro-Ro

A Ro-Ro vessel is one that transports vehicles using ramps. These ships are also referred to as "roll-on/roll-off" ships. Ro-Ro is the most straightforward and cost-effective technique of moving autos. Vehicles are driven right onto the RORO vessel's vehicle decks and parked. They are safely housed within the vessel, away from the elements.

Bulk

Bulk commodities are objects that are transferred straight into a vessel's hold or into specialized storage facilities. In this case, bulk commodities are segregated from ordinary freight. Liquids in Bulk: (such as coal, ferrous, and non-ferrous ores) Solid bulk shipments include coal, ferrous and nonferrous ores (oil and petroleum products). Bulk cargo is delivered by bulk carriers, which are specialized boats for certain cargo kinds.

OOG

OOG cargoes (Out of Gauge) are a specific sort of shipping. Some commodities, for example, cannot be placed in standard containers due to their size or weight. These items are often transported on a platform or trailer.

These include open-top containers and Flat-Rack containers, which lack a roof and side walls and are used to carry enormous and massive things in terms of height and/or width.

How much does it cost to send goods by water between the United Kingdom and the United States?

Ocean freight rates are determined by a variety of factors, and each carrier and forwarder sets its own charges, which might vary based on the volume transported. Because it is always computed according to the international "law of equivalency," the volume of your cargo is more important than its weight. This is a terrific method to minimize space without sacrificing weight.

The weight to volume ratio is 1 ton = 1 CBM, according to the Law of Sea Freight Equivalency.

The preferred rate under the LCL option is always computed based on the weight/volume ratio. The rate is derived using the highest weight, also known as the "billable weight," as a result of this ratio.

Statistics Docshipper

According to port estimates from Alpha liner, maritime trade between the United Kingdom and the United States increased by 0.9% in 2019 to reach 43.67 million euros. The Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States have seen opposing trends, with imports totaling 20.48 million euros, a 0.9% decrease from 2018. The five major ports on the Pacific Coast of the United States - Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma, and Seattle - saw a 5% decrease in container traffic to 10.82 million euros, while the five major ports on the Atlantic Coast of the United States - New York-New Jersey, Savannah, Norfolk, Houston, and Charleston - saw a 4.1% increase to 9.66 million euros.

Port and shipping surcharges

Port surcharges are fees charged by shipping corporations for products transported on their vessels. Surcharges can be imposed for a variety of reasons, including fluctuations in fuel costs, taxes, port fees, and port congestion charges. The weight and amount of the products carried, the distance traveled, and the type of product can all be used to calculate marine surcharges. Port congestion costs, origin of receipt charges, fuel surcharges, packing surcharges, and port taxes and tariffs are the most typical port surcharges.

In rare cases, the following fees may be levied in addition to freight. They may, however, be included and referred to as all-inclusive freight. These rates are chosen by shipping firms and corporations.

Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF): sometimes known as Fuel Adjustment Factor (FAF), is a formula for responding to variations in crude oil prices.

Currency Adjustment Factor (CAF): Because the great bulk of global trade is performed in US dollars, this fee protects the shipping line from potential exchange rate volatility.

Terminal Management Charge (THC): Port charges are fees levied by ports for the handling of cargo during loading and unloading. They are set for a full container, but may be adjusted for common LCL cargoes.

ISPS is an acronym that stands for International Ship and Port Facility Security. This charge is used to finance maritime and port security activities with the goal of improving maritime security. Some nations have been given permission to strengthen the security of their ports and fleets.

This price is incurred when a carrier vessel is compelled to wait in a port to unload or load its cargo.

Demurrage is a fee that must be paid if goods are kept in port. Non-conformity or unauthorized documentation for import into the nation are the most common grounds. Demurrage is the expense of renting a container while it is parked at a port before its contents may be discharged.

Overview – Classic vs Express air freight

Air freight is the fastest option to get your items delivered when compared to ocean freight. This approach also has the lowest risk of causing harm to your items.

Traditional air freight and rapid air freight are the two choices for shipping your items by air.
The following are the distinctions between these two options:

Your products will be loaded aboard commercial aircraft operated by scheduled carriers such as Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Emirates, and others.
FedEx, DHL, UPS, TNT, and other networks of "courier businesses" that provide door-to-door services handle express air freight.

Within a week, express courier services may personally deliver your freight or products anywhere in the globe. Low-value packages are frequently free from customs requirements because it is a "all-inclusive" service. Furthermore, shipping prices for tiny amounts under 1 CBM may be reduced, making it even more cheap than LCL shipping.

Please visit our air freight page and fill out our online form if you have any queries or need further information. You should receive a response within 48 hours!

Door-to-door service between the United Kingdom and the United States

The most frequent and easiest method of sending your items is door-to-door delivery. In this instance, the buyer is free of any shipping-related responsibilities. We handle everything from start to end, including product loading and collection, customs processing, transportation to the port/airport upon arrival in the United States, and delivery to your warehouse or residence. Above all, door-to-door delivery is a handy and time-saving option.

We guarantee exceptional service from beginning to end by combining our experience with the professionalism of our colleagues in the United Kingdom and the United States. You'll have nothing to do and will be free of some of your concerns. This strategy will help you save both time and money!

What are the benefits of air freight?

Service that is both quick and dependable

Although it competes with conventional modes of transportation such as sea, road, and rail, air freight is prized for its speed, which allows certain commodities, such as food, plants, and live animals, to be transferred fast from one continent to another.

Security

Air freight firms benefit from rigorous restrictions and supervision in airport regions. Because cargo arrival zones and ports are routinely inspected and safeguarded, theft and damage are less probable. Furthermore, handling is reduced, and travel time is cut in half.

Locations covered

Even the most isolated regions are easily accessible by flying to the nearest airport and then driving.

Tracking

Most air freight service companies feature online monitoring, allowing you to track the journey of your cargo from departure to arrival in real time.

Costs of Packaging

The requirement for packing materials and containers is decreased since things are sent in very light packaging.

Remember that air freight is simply one aspect of the entire supply chain. You will also require administrative services for export and import, such as airport fees and delivery to the ultimate destination, in addition to the principal mode of transportation. DocShipper may also offer the following services!

How much does air freight cost between the United Kingdom and the United States?

Air freight has the benefit of being the quickest means of transportation. It is frequently employed to convey tiny, lightweight products or for time-sensitive deliveries.

If the volume is significant, air freight is more expensive than other forms of transportation. However, it can be fascinating in some instances.

If you pick this option, you will require a pricing estimate for air freight to carry your things. We will demonstrate how the rate is computed.

THE IATA (International Air Transport Association) RATE

The preferred rate is defined by a weight range that lowers steadily, with the price being $0 for extremely tiny shipments.

Consider the following scenario:

Price per kilogram: $6 1000-2500 kg: $5 per kilo (2500-3500 kg): $3 per kg from 3500 kg to 3500 kilograms
A minimum of $600 is required.

Remember that this tax will be calculated using the volumetric weight of your products rather than the gross weight.

Remember that after calculating your volumetric weight to establish the freight cost, airlines and air ports may apply extra fees and taxes. (Air port tax, fuel tax, security tax, and hazard insurance tax).

How is your shipment’s volumetric weight calculated?

Traditional air equivalency regulations allow for a weight-to-volume ratio of 1:6 (1 ton to 6 CBM) and a tax-to-gross-weight ratio of 1:6 or less. The volumetric weight, which is the foundation for billing, is obtained by dividing the actual volume by 6. The 1:5 rule applies to express freight.

Here's an example for a 1 CBM cargo capacity:

For conventional air cargo, 1 CBM is equivalent to 167 kg (1:6).
For express air freight, 1 CBM is equivalent to 200 kg (1:5).

Customs clearance is required in the United States for products imported from the United Kingdom.

In the customs clearance, we will go through the processes and constraints you must be aware of when importing things from the United Kingdom into the United States. The stages listed below might assist you in comprehending the method. To assist you in better grasping the basic requirements for importing products from the UK into the US, an overview and index, as well as connections to significant national regulations, will be supplied.

Relationships

Companies must register and acquire a license

Fill out the SNAP-R business registration form from the US Department of State to register your company as an import/export corporation.

After you submit your information, the State Department will email you with instructions on how to receive a Company Identification Number (CIN). The CIN is essential for tax purposes as well as registration with the US Department of Commerce.

Customs and Border Protection does not normally require a license or permit to import things into the United States (CBP). Other federal agencies or departments, as well as municipal governments, may require them for unique reasons.

The United States, customs duties

Customs duties, a sort of tax, are levied on imported products. Items are subject to this tax as soon as they cross a country's border. The customs tax might be a fixed sum or a proportion of the price of the commodities, in which case the tax is termed "ad valorem".

Customs fees have been introduced to encourage the use of indigenous products. By taxing imported goods, the government effectively raises their cost, so encouraging domestic consumption.

In the United States, customs taxes must be paid via any electronic technology or credit card permitted by the Commissioner of Customs. The US Customs Service does not take cash in this regard.

Customs Value in the United States

The CIF value technique is used to determine customs duties in the United States, as in most nations of the world. The acronym stands for "Cost, Insurance, Freight".

The CIF value is the cost of the goods + the cost of transportation to the port of departure + the cost of export clearance + the cost of transportation to the U.S. port of entry + insurance.

This figure is also used in the U.S. to collect international trade data.

Are you thinking about importing items from the United Kingdom to the United States? Please fill out our online form for additional information. Our customer care representatives will answer your queries, and our employees will be available to assist you with all of your customs requirements.

How are taxes and customs duties determined?

The first step is to figure out what your items' "HS code" is.

You may find free information on the duty rate that will be imposed on your purchases on the internet. You will be able to select the desired date, country of origin, destination, and all connected data. We will assist you further in your search.

To govern imported and exported commodities, the United States, like most other nations, uses the Harmonized Tariff System (HS). Each item is given an HS code that relates to a particular product. This code will be used to calculate the cost of the goods at customs in each country they visit.

Documents needed

Aside from the HTS number, you'll need a few more paperwork to get your products through customs. Here's a rundown of what they are:

Transport Bill of Lading

The airline issues this paperwork. It attests to the exporter's delivery of the specified items. It is a document that specifies the conditions of a contract between a shipper and a transportation business and confirms the delivery of goods. It specifies the sort of items that will be carried between two locations for a certain fee. It acts as a title, contract of carriage, and receipt for the products and is the most fundamental document in the transportation of commodities. The shipper completes the paperwork provided by the carrier.

It is most likely an AWB (Aviation Waybill) for air freight.

The packing list

The shipper creates an export packing list, which contains information about the shipment's weight (gross and net), dimensions, contents, package numbering, and any identifying markers (e.g., serial numbers). It may also be used to identify damaged or missing objects, with the customer only paying for what they get.

Invoice for Commercial Services

When you make a purchase, you will receive an invoice from your provider. This document should include the seller's and buyer's contact information, as well as the type of things and the amount you paid for them. To clear your items through customs, you will need the original invoice. Check that the original invoice and packing list are the same!

Origin Certificate

A Certificate of Origin (CO) is an international trade document that identifies the country of origin of exported products. However, in a CO, the term "origin" refers to the country where the items are made, not the country from where they are transported. The CO is responsible for verifying the nation of origin of exported commodities. This certificate confirms that the items shipped were made in the nation stated on the certificate. This is required if you want to take advantage of lower duty rates on specific items.

Prohibited or Restricted Items

Some items are not permitted to enter the United States. Other food items, whether of animal or plant origin, must be authorized for entry into the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Conclusion

The United States and the United Kingdom have complicated and diversified international trade relationships. Both sea freight and airfreight play critical roles in the two nations' relationship and are inextricably interwoven. The US and the UK are key trade partners in both regions, and their mutual reliance on both types of transportation is critical to the economic prosperity of both countries. The United States and the United Kingdom's worldwide trade relationship is also inextricably related to other vital problems such as security and diplomacy. This relationship's future appears to be bright in every way.

Additional services

Our warehousing services

Our distribution locations are strategically located in France’s most different areas. We can accept your products for as long as you wish before transporting them to the UK in this fashion (or somewhere else). If you want to combine a few providers and fill a full compartment, or if you have a full holder from a flight and need to split it up at the arrival port and transmit to a few objectors. This is something we can help you with!

Please go and have a look at our page: Warehousing service

Our packing/unpacking services

The pressing of your goods is an important consideration because it protects the heap's optimal security during transportation and provides incredible assurance during capacity. Our partners, who are professionals in the area, can provide high-quality repackaging services in both the UK and France, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you require services such as cardboard boxes, beds, cases, bubble wrap, sticky tape, and so on.

Check our page: Packing services

Supplier Management in France

We are also prepared to call your provider ahead of time to provide you with more comprehensive help. We'll figure out exactly what your product's characteristics are. We will ensure that the provider has all the relevant records (Certificates of Conformity, for example) and will audit any details, such as condition and bundling, to ensure that your things are delivered as safely as possible. We'll also take a close check of the details and confirm the HS code.

Not only that, but we guarantee that you will receive excellent service! Our employees are fluent in English and French.

Visit our page: Sourcing services

3PL services

Purchase requests, packaging, and naming: Purchase requests and dissemination are also critical for the production network. We have a distribution center in Camporosso, northern Italy, where we can store your merchandise and set up all of your orders to save you time. We can receive all of your shipments from France and take care of all the administrations you'll need (capacity, pressing, stock, naming, request readiness, and conveyance).

Conveyance to the last mile: All of your E-Commerce B2C orders will be delivered to any location from our site. We will carry every one of your clients within 48 hours at the most extreme, thanks to our strategic location in the heart of Europe and not far from France!

For more information: 3PL services

Shipping personal effects and Moving

Moving abroad can be both time-consuming and difficult, which is why it's important to anticipate this stage of your life to avoid problems on your D-Day. You have no idea how an expatriation can turn into a nightmare, especially if the move itself starts with a series of issues! It is therefore indispensable to call on a dedicated team in this area to support you in this process which can sometimes be tedious: logistics operations, legal conditions, expatriate status ...

With an agent network around the world, we provide services regardless of origin and destination. A DocShipper consultant will be dedicated to assisting you from A to Z: he will handle your entire move in order to avoid misunderstandings if there are several interlocutors. It is also a way of making the adventure more human because relationships also count: your satisfaction, is our priority!

FAQ | Freight between the United Kingdom and the United States | Rates - Delays - Customs clearance - Taxes

What information do I need to supply to obtain a rapid quote?

Dimensions, weight, volume, shipment date, services required (sea, air, rail, door-to-door, packing), pick-up and delivery addresses, and item type are all aspects to consider (HS code if known). All of these items are required in order to receive an accurate and timely quote.

What is DocShipper's procedure for handling my product from beginning to end?

Our logistical viewpoint is expanding, and our ambition to deliver a wide range of services is prompting us to develop new solutions. Our purchasing section assists you in acquiring items and managing quality from your Chinese vendors. Our distribution center (3PL services) in Italy can continue your e-commerce activities after shipment, from inventory management through B2C delivery, product labeling, and order preparation for your clients.

How long does it take to go from China to the United Kingdom?

You have various alternatives for delivering products between China and the United Kingdom. You may expect delivery in less than a week if you pick an accelerated shipping option (DHL, TNT, FedEx, etc.). Traditional air freight takes a bit longer, arriving at your door in 7-9 days. Ocean freight will take 35 to 40 days. Rail freight, on the other hand, will arrive at its destination in 20 to 25 days.

Can DocShipper combine shipments from different vendors?

Years of international shipping experience have enabled us to accommodate a wide range of demands, including consolidation. To minimize long-term storage, we will combine your materials in our warehouse and communicate with numerous suppliers. At the destination, we can also separate them into many distinct shipments and send each product to the right recipients. We encourage, however, that you contact us for further information.

DocShipper Advise : We help you with the entire sourcing process so don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

Having trouble finding the appropriate product? Enjoy our sourcing services, we directly find the right suppliers for you!
You don't trust your supplier? Ask our experts to do quality control to guarantee the condition of your goods!
Do you need help with the logistics? Our international freight department supports you with door to door services!
You don't want to handle distribution? Our 3PL department will handle the storage, order fulfillment, and last-mile delivery!

Freight between the United Kingdom and the United States | Rates – Delays – Customs clearance – Taxes

What is the best method to travel between the United Kingdom and the United States?

Sea freight from the UK to the US