Export to USA
Sending goods from the UK to the USA doesn’t have to be overcomplicated, at least not with us. At Freight Broker, we can help you compare courier companies and methods of shipping your parcels over to the USA in a way that best aligns with your business needs.
You can compare courier and freight prices for parcels, pallets, and commercial cargo from trusted providers, all in one place! Whether you’re looking to ship ecommerce orders or bulk wholesale shipments, we make the process a whole lot easier.
What’s the cheapest way to send parcels to the USA?
1. Collection and delivery addresses
Costs can vary depending on where your goods are sent from in the UK and where they need to be delivered in the USA. Remote areas may affect the final cost.
2. Goods description and value
An accurate description of the goods, along with the value of your shipment, helps find the right service, customs paperwork, and any duties or taxes that may apply once the parcel reaches the USA.
3. Transit time
Costs will vary depending on whether you choose express, economy, air freight or sea freight to USA destinations. Air freight to USA services are usually faster but more expensive.
4. Parcel dimensions and weight
The size, weight, and volumetric weight of your parcel can all influence the final cost. A large, lightweight box may cost more to send than a smaller, heavier parcel if it takes up more room.
5. Specialist requirements
High-value items, fragile goods, oversized parcels, pallets, or time-critical deliveries may require additional handling, insurance, or specialist carrier support, which can increase costs.
Fuel charges, customs clearance, insurance, duties, or taxes payable in the USA can also add to the overall cost of shipment, so you need to be prepared for any additional landing costs.
At Freight Broker, we take these factors into account to help you compare carriers and find the cheapest way to export to the USA.
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How to send a parcel to the USA
Choosing the right service: We consider the weight, value, size, and urgency of your parcel to decide whether you’d benefit more from air freight, sea freight, economy courier services, or express shipping.
Preparing the correct paperwork: To help your parcel move through customs smoothly, you’ll need a commercial invoice, a clear goods description, the item value, the reason for export, the country of origin, recipient details and the correct commodity or HS code.
Packaging and collection:
Once your shipment has been booked, your parcel should be securely packed, clearly labelled, and ready for collection from your address.
Customs and export checks: Before your parcel is dispatched, make sure you check the declared value, product classification, and whether the goods are restricted, prohibited, or subject to additional import requirements in the USA.
Tracking your shipment: You can follow your parcel's journey through the courier tracking system provided to you, showing everything from collection to delivery to keep you and your customer updated.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection may apply duties, taxes, or clearance charges depending on the type of goods, their declared value, origin, and classification, so make sure you have all the paperwork you need.
Types of Freight
Air freight to USA
Air freight is best for urgent or high-value goods, since it’s a lot quicker but it costs a lot more, which is why businesses shipping electronics or documents tend to use this service.
Transit times: Express courier and air freight services to the USA can often reach major destinations such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Houston within a few working days.
Rates: Air freight usually costs more than sea freight, and the cost depends on several factors, such as parcel weight, dimensions, destination, and any customs or handling requirements.
We can help arrange express, time-critical, and specialist delivery services to the USA at Freight Broker.
Sea freight to USA
Sea freight to USA destinations is often the most cost-effective option if you need to send larger, heavier, or less urgent consignments overseas, including commercial stock and wholesale products.
Transit times: Ocean freight from the UK to the USA can vary depending on the departure port, destination port, sailing schedule, container availability and onwards delivery requirements, so delivery could take from 20-45 days.
Rates: Sea freight generally offers a lower cost per kilo or cubic metre than air freight, but the final price will vary depending on the size of the shipment, whether you need part-container or full-container space, and any collection, clearance or delivery requirements.
We can help you compare Less-than-Container Load and Full Container Load options so you can manage costs when exporting goods by sea.
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What can you export to the USA?
However, the USA has strict rules on certain goods, especially those that could affect public safety, agriculture, health, intellectual property, or national security.
Here is a list of prohibited and restricted items to export to the USA:
Prohibited/highly controlled items
- Illegal drugs and narcotics
- Explosives and certain ammunition
- Hazardous waste or highly dangerous chemicals
- Firearms or weapons without the correct permits
- Certain fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds and soil
- Some animal products or goods made from protected species
- Marijuana, including for medicinal use
- Counterfeit or pirated goods
- Obscene or prohibited printed, film or media material
Restricted items
- Electronics and lithium batteries
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Food and drink products
Medical devices
- Chemicals and laboratory goods
- Animal products and by-products
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Used machinery, specialist equipment or regulated commercial goods
- Medicines and supplements
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