Shipping Methods: Sea Freight vs Air Freight

When it comes to shipping from the United Kingdom to USA, you can choose between sea freight and air freight:

Sea Freight

• Best for large shipments, such as furniture or bulk goods.
• Cost-effective but slower, with delivery times of 20–40 days.
• Options include Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL).

UK Ports: Southampton, Felixstowe, London Gateway.
US Ports: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Houston, Savannah.

Air Freight

• Best for smaller or urgent shipments.
• Faster but more expensive, with delivery in 1–7 days.
• Ideal for high-value or time-sensitive goods.

Costs of Shipping to the USA

The cost of shipping from United Kingdom to USA depends on shipment size, method, and distance. Below are typical costs:

Container Shipping Costs

• 20ft container: £2,800–£3,500 (London to New York).
• 40ft container: £4,200–£5,500 (London to New York).

Moving Household Items

• 1-bedroom home: £3,500–£5,000.
• 2-bedroom home: £5,000–£7,500.
• 3-bedroom home: £7,500–£10,000.
• 4-bedroom home: £10,000–£14,000.

Packing and Labelling Tips

For a smooth shipment from UK to USA, follow these packing tips:

• Use sturdy boxes and protective materials like bubble wrap.
• Label every box with the recipient’s name, address, and contact details.
• Create a list of all items for customs clearance.

Duty-Free Items

When you ship to America from UK, some items may qualify for duty-free status:

• Used personal belongings (owned for at least 6 months).
• Items valued under $800 (£586).

Restricted Items

Check US customs rules before shipping. Commonly restricted items include:

• Food (meat, dairy, fresh produce).
• Plants and seeds.
• Hazardous materials (chemicals, fireworks).
• Medications and antiques.

Benefits of Professional Shipping Services

Using a professional shipping company makes the process stress-free:

• Packing and transport are handled for you.
• Help with customs clearance.
• Tracking for your goods.