Tips on Importing From US States to the UK

There are many high-quality manufacturing firms in the United States. It is not just the large states of the union with big population centres, such as California, New York and Florida, that produce the great products and parts that UK firms want. You can also find suppliers of note in places like Ohio, Illinois and North Carolina, among others. Nevertheless, some UK importers are put off trading with US firms because of the distance and paperwork involved. 

This can be a mistake because importing from North America isn’t as tough as you may think. Remember that federal laws on US exports apply in America, so use a good freight forwarder in the UK with experience in international shipping to get your orders out of the country rather than relying on logistical companies located stateside. Other than that, what should you know?

Don’t Necessarily Send Goods the Shortest Route

Sometimes, it will make more sense to send goods to an East Coast seaport rather than on the western seaboard even if the consignment is coming from a location in the Midwest. Of course, this may mean more miles are required by road but accessing a faster shipping route to the UK across the Atlantic can be worth it if it means your shipment avoids queuing to access the Panama Canal. There again, the reverse can be so depending on the nature and timing of the shipment so check before you commit to one route over another.

Make Use of Container Shipping

Although it may be tempting to opt for air freight from the United States, especially when importing from a landlocked state like Arkansas, for example, it rarely works out to be cost-effective. Why? Airfreight simply costs much more per kilo of goods than shipping. Equally, checks at airports plus ground handling problems can mean it isn’t that much quicker. Only consider this option if you have an urgent deadline to meet.

Consider LCL Services for Less Time-Sensitive Imports

Shipping goods from a US state to the UK will often mean loading them into a container ready for shipping from a seaport to the British Isles. Many importers want to hire their own shipping container and enjoy its exclusive use. That might make sense for bulky shipments but smaller consignments should be placed into LCL – or less than container loads – for greater value for money. Doing so often causes only minimal delay at US ports while costing a great deal less than a full container load would have done.

Pass Through Customs Checks Rapidly

On arrival in the UK, all imported goods from the USA will need to be checked by British customs officers. This means having all of your importation paperwork declared both online and in person. According to Barrington Freight, a freight forwarding firm based in Essex, it is best to appoint a specialist in this area since getting even minor details wrong can lead to substantial delays. Look for freight specialists who also have experience with customs clearances for the most cost-effective way to ensure everything runs smoothly with your US imports.

Tips on Importing From US States to the UK

There are many high-quality manufacturing firms in the United States. It is not just the large states of the union with big population centres, such as California, New York and Florida, that produce the great products and parts that UK firms want. You can also find suppliers of note in places like Ohio, Illinois and North Carolina, among others. Nevertheless, some UK importers are put off trading with US firms because of the distance and paperwork involved. 

This can be a mistake because importing from North America isn’t as tough as you may think. Remember that federal laws on US exports apply in America, so use a good freight forwarder in the UK with experience in international shipping to get your orders out of the country rather than relying on logistical companies located stateside. Other than that, what should you know?

Don’t Necessarily Send Goods the Shortest Route

Sometimes, it will make more sense to send goods to an East Coast seaport rather than on the western seaboard even if the consignment is coming from a location in the Midwest. Of course, this may mean more miles are required by road but accessing a faster shipping route to the UK across the Atlantic can be worth it if it means your shipment avoids queuing to access the Panama Canal. There again, the reverse can be so depending on the nature and timing of the shipment so check before you commit to one route over another.

Make Use of Container Shipping

Although it may be tempting to opt for air freight from the United States, especially when importing from a landlocked state like Arkansas, for example, it rarely works out to be cost-effective. Why? Airfreight simply costs much more per kilo of goods than shipping. Equally, checks at airports plus ground handling problems can mean it isn’t that much quicker. Only consider this option if you have an urgent deadline to meet.

Consider LCL Services for Less Time-Sensitive Imports

Shipping goods from a US state to the UK will often mean loading them into a container ready for shipping from a seaport to the British Isles. Many importers want to hire their own shipping container and enjoy its exclusive use. That might make sense for bulky shipments but smaller consignments should be placed into LCL – or less than container loads – for greater value for money. Doing so often causes only minimal delay at US ports while costing a great deal less than a full container load would have done.

Pass Through Customs Checks Rapidly

On arrival in the UK, all imported goods from the USA will need to be checked by British customs officers. This means having all of your importation paperwork declared both online and in person. According to Barrington Freight, a freight forwarding firm based in Essex, it is best to appoint a specialist in this area since getting even minor details wrong can lead to substantial delays. Look for freight specialists who also have experience with customs clearances for the most cost-effective way to ensure everything runs smoothly with your US imports.