The Quick and Easy Guide to Container Shipping from the UK to USA

There is an ocean of opportunity between the UK and the USA, so no wonder shipping from the UK to the USA is one of the most popular ocean freight routes in the world.

While the route may be popular, it is far from plain sailing. From customs regulations to tariffs to logistics, container shipping from the UK to the USA can become a web of red tape and confusing costs. Delays can occur and deadlines can get missed.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right guidance and advice, it can become a profitable route for your import-export business. In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover the complexities of shipping from the shores of the United Kingdom to the bustling ports of the United States, show you what the process is like, how long it takes and what regulatory hurdles you need to overcome.

So whether you’re a seasoned exporter seeking to brush up on current practices, or a fledgling entrepreneur starting your international trading journey, this guide will become your trusty compass.

What Are the Benefits of Container Shipping From the UK to the USA?

There’s a lot to love about shipping via ocean from the UK to the USA, such as:

• Economical: Container shipping offers significant economies of scale and is one of the cheapest ways to transport goods between the two countries.
• Flexibility: The containerised system allows for the transport of a diverse range of goods, from electronics and furniture to perishable items and even vehicles. Different types of containers, such as refrigerated containers, are available to cater to various types of cargo.
• Environmentally friendly: Shipping via sea is better for the environment than air freight.
• Security: Containers provide an added layer of security, shielding goods from theft, damage, and weather elements during the journey.

Common UK to USA Shipping Routes

There’s no shortage of ports in the USA or UK. That means you can find a carrier that can ship along almost any route you can think of.

That being said, you’ll likely have to sail from one of these three UK ports:

• London Gateway
• Felixstowe
• Southampton

And ship to one of the following USA ports:

• New York & New Jersey Port
• Port of Houston
• Long Beach Port
• Port of South Louisiana
• Port of Savannah
• Norfolk Port

What Does it Cost to Ship a Container From the UK to the USA?

Calculating the cost of shipping a container from the UK to the USA involves several factors, making it challenging to provide a one-size-fits-all estimate. Each shipment’s price can be affected by variables such as the container size, the nature of the goods, the specific route, and the time of year.

Here are some of the main components that can affect the total cost:

1. Base Ocean Freight: This is the cost of actually transporting the container from the UK to the USA. It’s determined by the shipping line and can vary based on factors such as the route, the shipping line’s pricing, the container size, and the season.
2. Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF): This is a fuel surcharge that shipping lines impose to account for fluctuations in oil prices. It can vary month to month.
3. Port Fees: Both the origin and destination ports will have various fees. These can include terminal handling charges, port security fees, and any fees associated with loading and unloading the container.
4. Customs Charges: You’ll need to budget for customs clearance fees both in the UK and the USA. These costs can vary widely depending on the nature and value of the goods. Additionally, you may need to pay import duties and taxes in the USA, which are based on the goods’ value and their classification under the Harmonized System code.
5. Additional Services: If you use a freight forwarder or customs broker to assist with the logistics or customs processes, you’ll also need to consider their fees.
6. Insurance: It’s advisable to have cargo insurance to protect against potential damage or loss during transit. The cost of this will depend on the value and nature of the goods.
7. Inland Transportation: If your shipment needs to be transported from the port to a specific inland destination, there will be additional haulage costs.

Customs and Regulations When Shipping from the UK to USA

The USA has famously strict customs regulations, which must be adhered to when shipping from the UK to the USA. The vast majority of this revolves around ensuring you complete the following paperwork and present it at port with your shipment:

• Commercial Invoice: This document provides information about the goods, the seller and the buyer. It forms the basis for customs valuation.
• Packing List: This outlines the specifics of the cargo, including the type and quantity of goods, and how the cargo has been packed.
• Bill of Lading (BOL): This is a contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier. It serves as a receipt for cargo and evidence of the carriage contract and includes details such as the nature of the cargo, origin, destination, and consignee.
• Export Declaration: Required by UK customs, this document details the nature, destination, and value of the export goods.
• Certificate of Origin: Depending on the nature of goods and any existing trade agreements, a Certificate of Origin may be needed to certify the goods’ manufacturing country.

You may also need to pay import duty in the USA. The duty threshold is set reasonably high in the States at $800. That means you pay no duty whatsoever if your shipment is valued at $800 or less. Over this amount, duty fees will depend on the type of goods you’re importing.

Like with any country, there are certain items you are prohibited from shipping to the USA. These include:

• Firearms
• Gold
• Game and hunting trophies
• Soil and other certain organic materials.

You can find a full list of prohibited items on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

How to Track Your Container Shipment

Keeping track of your shipment between the UK and the US is great for getting peace of mind, but it can also help you anticipate any issues that may delay your shipment. The best method is to use freight forwarding software like Horizon.

Horizon is DG International’s cloud-based software that helps you monitor and streamline your international shipping operations. The robust platform brings real-time tracking, holistic analytics, and integrated document management to your fingertips, giving your team immediate access to essential data and documentation from one consolidated location.

Horizon incorporates several time-efficient features like a user-friendly VAT calculator tool to quickly calculate total import costs and an integrated haulage booking system that allows onward transportation management.

The icing on the cake is Horizon’s advanced real-time GPS tracking solution. Through Horizon’s control tower, you can effortlessly track your goods, making it easier than ever to detect delays and coordinate transportation.

Ship From the UK to USA with DG International

Given the complexity of shipping containers from the UK to the USA, it pays to work with an expert that understands customs regulations and can find you the best deal.

If you want to ship via sea from the UK to the USA (or to anywhere else in the world) you can trust DG International to be your partner of choice. Our combination of competitive rates, cutting-edge technology and obsessive customer service will ensure you have an unrivaled sea freight experience.

Don’t hesitate to speak to one of our consultants today.