UK ⇄ USA · 10–20 days
Shipping from the UK to the USA by sea.
We ship full containers (FCL) from the UK to the United States, in both directions. We handle collection, export paperwork, the sailing and US customs, coordinated with our trusted partners at the other end so your cargo clears cleanly.
Who ships this route
What we carry to the USA
UK businesses exporting to American buyers are the core of this lane, commercial pallets, manufactured goods, machinery and general cargo. The US is one of the highest-demand export destinations from the UK, and sea freight remains the most cost-effective way to move anything beyond a small parcel.
We also handle personal effects and household moves for people relocating across the Atlantic. Whatever you're sending, we'll set you up with the right container option and make sure the US import documentation is correct before the cargo leaves the UK.
Full container load · 20ft · 40ft
Container options for the USA
Your own container
A 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your cargo, best for larger commercial loads, machinery or a full household move. You pay for the whole box, so it works out best when you have enough to fill most of it.
Your shipment, start to finish
We arrange UK collection, export paperwork, the sailing and US import customs (including ISF) through our trusted partners, one contact for the whole job, door to door.
Felixstowe / Southampton → Major US ports
Ports and transit
UK ports: Felixstowe and Southampton, with collection arranged from anywhere in the UK.
Destination ports: major US ports on the East and West Coasts. The right port depends on your delivery address, we confirm routing when we quote.
TRANSIT · TYPICALLY 10–20 DAYS PORT TO PORT
Export declarations · US import entry
Customs for the USA
Shipping to the US needs a UK export declaration, a commercial invoice with accurate commodity codes and a packing list. On the US side, an ISF ("10+2") filing is required before the vessel arrives, followed by customs entry. Getting the ISF in on time is one of the most common things that trips up first-time US shippers.
We arrange and manage clearance at both ends through our trusted partners, with the documentation prepared before the cargo ships, how our customs clearance works.
Straight answers
UK–USA shipping questions
How long does sea freight from the UK to the USA take?
Typically 10–20 days port to port, depending on whether you're shipping to the US East Coast or West Coast and the carrier's routing. We'll give you accurate timings for your specific destination when we quote.
What container size do I need for the USA?
A 20ft container holds about 28 CBM and a 40ft about 58 CBM. We ship full containers (FCL) only, tell us your cargo's weight and dimensions and we'll advise the right size and give you an all-in quote for your US destination.
What's involved in US import customs?
US imports require an ISF filing and entry through US customs, alongside a commercial invoice and packing list. We arrange and manage clearance through our trusted partners at both ends, with the documentation prepared before the cargo ships.
24h turnaround · No obligation
Shipping to the USA?
Tell us what you're sending, the UK origin and the US destination. We'll come back with a tailored quote within 24 hours on working days.
Already hold a quote from another forwarder? Send us this route and we’ll give you ours to compare.
Related: Container shipping from the UK · How to export from the UK · All routes · Container sizes