International Shipping
Worldwide freight by air and sea, with customs clearance arranged at origin and destination.
GLOBAL NETWORK
Most places, most of the time
Regular movements on the lanes below and the agent network to reach almost anywhere else. If you have a destination that is not listed, ask. It is usually possible.
CHOOSING A MODE
Air or ocean
| Air freight | Ocean freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical transit | 3 – 9 working days | 18 – 45 working days |
| Cost per kilo | Highest | Lowest |
| Best for | Urgent, valuable, perishable or low volume | Volume, heavy goods, non-urgent stock |
| Volumetric divisor | 6000 cm³ per kg | 1000 kg per m³ |
| Minimum practical size | A single carton | A pallet for shared space, a container for full loads |
| Schedule frequency | Daily on most lanes | Weekly sailings |
CUSTOMS AND DUTIES
What happens at the border
Every international shipment is assessed by the destination country’s customs authority. Duty is charged as a percentage of the declared value of the goods, at a rate set by how they are classified. Import taxes may apply on top. Those charges are set by the government, not by us.
We pay them at the border so the shipment is not held, then invoice you for exactly what was paid plus our disbursement fee. The invoice shows the declared value, the rate applied and our fee as separate lines, with the entry reference, so it can be checked against your own paperwork.
BEFORE YOU SHIP
Questions worth asking early
How is the declared value decided?
It is the commercial value of the goods, evidenced by your invoice. Under-declaring to reduce duty is customs fraud and we will not file an entry on a value we know to be wrong.
What if my shipment is selected for examination?
Customs authorities examine a proportion of consignments as routine. The shipment is held, inspected and released, usually within a few working days. Tracking shows customs inspection while this is happening.
Can I insure the goods?
Yes, and for anything of real value you should. Carrier liability is limited by international convention and is calculated by weight, not by what the goods are worth. Separate cargo insurance is priced against the declared value and we can arrange it at booking.
What cannot be shipped internationally?
Hazardous and dangerous goods, currency and negotiable instruments, live animals, perishables without a cold chain, counterfeit goods and anything prohibited by the destination country. Restrictions vary a great deal between countries, so ask before you book.
How accurate are the transit times?
They are working-day estimates between collection and delivery and exclude time spent in customs examination, which nobody can predict. Your quotation carries the estimate for your specific routing.
Shipping somewhere further afield?
Tell us the destination and what you are sending. If we can reach it, we will quote it.