Shipping Methods: Sea Freight vs Air Freight

UK / US Sea Freight

Shipping by ship is like taking a long road trip. It’s slow and takes time—sometimes weeks or even months, depending on how far the destination is. If you’re not in a hurry, this is a great option because it gets the job done without rushing.

Ships are like giant moving trucks. They can carry tons of stuff, whether it’s big, bulky, or heavy. If you’re sending a lot of items, like boxes of clothes, electronics, or even cars, sea freight is the best choice.

• 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

Planes have limited space, so they’re better suited for small, lightweight shipments. For example, if you’re sending a box of documents, samples, or fragile items like glassware, air freight works well. But if you’re trying to send something huge, like a sofa or a motorcycle, it might not fit—or it could cost a fortune.

Planes burn a lot of fuel, making them less eco-friendly. If you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint, air freight might not be the best option. However, its speed makes it a necessary choice for urgent shipments, even if it’s not as green as sea 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 From The UK

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

The two main ways to ship goods from the UK to the USA are sea freight and air freight , and their costs differ dramatically:

Sea Freight :

• Cost Range : £500–£2,000+ (depending on the volume and type of goods).
• Sea freight is the most affordable option, especially for large shipments like furniture, vehicles, or bulk orders.
• Pricing is often based on container size (e.g., 20-foot or 40-foot containers) or shared space (LCL—Less than Container Load).
• Example: Shipping a full container of goods might cost around £1,500–£2,000, while sharing space in a container could cost £500–£1,000.

Air Freight :

• Cost Range : £2,000–£5,000+ (depending on weight and urgency).
• Air freight is much more expensive but ideal for urgent shipments, such as documents, electronics, or perishable goods.
• Pricing is calculated based on either the actual weight or volumetric weight (whichever is higher).
• Example: Shipping a small box of documents might cost £200–£300, while larger items like furniture could cost thousands.

Customs Duties and Taxes

When shipping to the USA, you’ll need to account for customs duties and taxes , which can significantly increase the total cost:

Customs Duties :

The USA charges import duties based on the type of goods being shipped. Rates typically range from 0% to 25% of the item’s value.

Example: If you’re shipping £1,000 worth of clothing with a 10% duty rate, you’ll pay an additional £100 in customs fees.

Taxes :

The USA also charges sales tax or VAT (Value Added Tax) in some states. These rates vary by state but usually range from 5% to 10%.

Example: Shipping to California might incur a 7.25% sales tax, while shipping to Texas might have no sales tax at all.

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.