Sea Freight From USA To UK
What is ocean freight?
Ocean freight (the shipment of goods by sea) is a key element of international trading between the UK and USA.
It supports the transatlantic trade route by offering a cost-effective solution for transporting large, heavy items impractical for air freight. As a shipping method, sea freight is preferred by businesses worldwide for its ability to handle significant volumes of cargo economically.
FCL (full container load)
Full Container Load (FCL) is a term in ocean freight that describes the use of an entire container by a single shipper to transport goods.
LCL (less than container load)
Less-than-container load (LCL) offers a solution for shippers that do not have sufficient cargo to fill an entire container.
Under this option, shippers share container space with others, which is an efficient way to transport smaller sea freight from USA to UK.
How does sea freight work in the USA?
The process of importing sea freight from USA to UK begins with the consolidation of goods, which are then loaded into containers. Depending on the number of goods they need to ship, exporters can choose either an FCL or an LCL.
These containers are then transported by either truck or rail to ports such as Los Angeles, New York, or Seattle. Here, they are loaded onto cargo ships destined for the UK.
All shipments must undergo a US customs exam before departure. The exporter and their freight forwarder submit various documents, including a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an export licence.
Upon arrival at UK ports like Liverpool, Milford Haven, or Immingham, the containers must be cleared through UK customs. This clearance is managed by the importer's customs broker, who submits all necessary documentation to comply with UK regulations.
Once customs clearance is obtained, the containers are released from the port. The goods are then either transported by truck or rail to their final destination or a distribution centre in the UK.
How much does shipping cost from the USA?
Receiving sea freight from USA widely depends on several factors. Here are some insights into how these costs break down and what UK shippers can expect:
Goods
The cost of exporting via sea freight from USA to UK can vary depending on the specific goods.
Items that are typically more expensive to export include those subject to higher duty rates or those that are heavily regulated. Pharmaceuticals are also among the more costly goods to export due to their need for special handling and compliance.
Similarly, cars, which are the
top import from the USA to the UK, can be expensive to ship and import due to their size, safety standards, and excise duties.
Port of origin and destination
The choice of ports can affect shipping costs due to varying distances and transportation fees.
In the USA, major export ports include Los Angeles and New York, which are well-equipped for handling a large volume of goods, including vehicles.
However, shipping from the East Coast of the USA (e.g., New York) is generally less expensive compared to shipping from the West Coast (e.g., Los Angeles) due to the shorter transit distance to the UK.
Import Duty (customs and excise duty)
UK import duties can vary widely. The rate depends on the type of goods and their value. To find out more about the cost of import duty for sea shipping from USA to UK, use the UK government’s online
Trade Tariff service.
VAT
Value Added Tax (VAT) on imported goods in the UK is typically charged at the standard rate of 20%. Some goods, such as children's car seats and home energy, qualify for a
reduced rate, while books and children's clothing are zero-rated.
Customs clearance
Customs clearance involves submitting documentation required to facilitate exports or imports into the country, including duties and taxes. The process can be streamlined through a customs broker to ensure all regulations are met efficiently.
Marine insurance
The cost of marine insurance depends on the value of the goods and the risk level associated with their transport.
Marine insurance protects terminals, cargo, ships or any mode of transport used to transfer, hold or acquire goods from the beginning of the import process to the end.
Freight class
Freight class is determined by the
National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) and is based on the size, stability, and density of the cargo. Higher classes represent more delicate, less dense, and valuable cargo, which costs more to ship.
Size and weight
The physical dimensions and weight of the cargo also significantly impact shipping costs. Larger, heavier items cost more to ship due to the need for more space and fuel.
This point is particularly relevant for vehicles and large machinery, which are among the heavier,
top exports via sea freight from USA to UK.
Important documents used in sea freight from USA
-
The Bill of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading acts primarily as a receipt issued by the carrier to the shipper, confirming the goods have been received for transport.
It also functions as a contract of carriage and a document of title: this makes it a legal document detailing the terms under which goods are transported and can be used to transfer ownership.
Any Bill of Lading for sea shipping from USA to UK should include the following:
- Shipper’s and consignee’s names and addresses
- Detailed description of the cargo (including quantity, weight, and type)
- Origin and destination of the goods
- Terms and conditions of the cargo transport
- Date of shipment and expected delivery date
- Signature of the carrier’s official acknowledging the receipt of goods
-
Commodity Code
The commodity code is essential for preparing shipping documents like the commercial invoice and customs declarations. It is a numeric code that classifies goods for customs, taxation, and trading purposes.
They allow customs to identify the goods being shipped and are essential for calculating tariffs. For sea freight from USA to UK, use the government’s online commodity code identifier.
-
Import Licence
An import licence may be required for certain goods entering the UK from the USA, depending on the type of products being imported.
The document permits the importation of goods that might otherwise be restricted, including agricultural products, animals, pharmaceuticals, and firearms.
-
EORI Number
An Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number is crucial for all businesses importing goods into the UK from outside the EU, including the USA.
An EORI is used by customs authorities to monitor and record the importation and exportation of goods.
USA to UK sea freight time
USA to UK sea freight time typically takes about 30 to 40 days under regular conditions. However, the time frame can be influenced by various factors, including:
-
Route and distance: The transit time primarily depends on the route taken by the shipment.
-
Port efficiency: The efficiency of the port operations both in the USA and the UK can also affect transit times. Factors such as loading times, customs clearance, and port congestion play significant roles.
-
Type of service: The choice between Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) can impact delivery times. LCL shipments might take longer due to the need for consolidation and deconsolidation of goods
-
Seasonal variations: During peak seasons, such as around Chinese New Year or Christmas, transit times can increase. Due to a higher demand for shipping services, strained resources can lead to port congestion.
-
Weather conditions: Severe weather conditions can significantly delay shipping times, as storms may force ships to alter their routes or delay departures.
Top shipping ports in USA
- Port of Los Angeles
- Port of New Jersey and New York
- Port of Long Beach
- Port of Savannah
- Port of Norfolk
- Port of Houston
- Port of Seattle
- Port of Charleston
- Port of Oakland
- Port of Miami