If you’re peeking at the pond across the Atlantic and thinking of selling products in the United States of America, it has one of the largest consumer markets in the world, ranking as the largest economy globally. This presents a great opportunity for businesses looking to expand internationally. With a diverse population and a strong demand for various products, the US market is a prime destination for UK exporters aiming to tap into new customer bases.
Fully understanding the ins and outs of international shipping and global eCommerce fulfilment will help you determine if this is the right step for you and your business. Whether you’re an established exporter looking to reach new customers stateside or a smaller business exploring international markets for the first time, shipping goods from the UK to the US requires dealing with a unique set of logistical and regulatory considerations.
With our experience in global logistics, we’re here to guide you on what makes shipping from the UK to the US different. This includes everything from customs regulations to choosing the most cost-effective and reliable courier services.
Pros and Cons of Shipping from the UK to the USA
If you’re still debating whether to expand your market into the US, first consider whether the potential benefits outweigh the challenges.
| Features | Pros | Cons |
| Market Size | With over 300 million consumers, the US has a large and wealthy population that offers many sales opportunities beyond what you might find at home. Even niche products can do well in the American market. | When products land in the US, they face tough competition from local companies and imports from all over. Your marketing has to really convince people why they should pick your products. |
| Profit | The American economy consistently generates and earns around 20% of the global GDP, providing stable demand even during downturns. Exporting diversifies away from relying on any single nation. | Sending money overseas costs more with international transfer fees. Paying with credit cards abroad also adds on charges, so look for shipping companies that bundle these costs to make it cheaper. |
| Consumer Trends | The US population often leads the way in new trends that eventually spread worldwide. By getting in early, you can take advantage of American tastes before they become popular elsewhere. | Shipping across an ocean costs more than down the road. If you want to respond to trends quickly, you might have to pay extra to get stuff through customs quickly. |
| Agreements and Regulations | Trade deals like NAFTA and USMCA give member countries better trade terms with each other. The UK and US are also trying to make trade easier between them through their own talks. | Every country has their own rules for importing goods. Things like labels, product safety standards, and customs declarations can be different. You have to carefully follow each place’s requirements to avoid issues. |
| Logistics | Few places on Earth have connectivity, like the US, with extensive ground, sea, and air networks for reliable deliveries coast to coast. Expedited customs clearance speeds also help America-bound shipments. | Boats can run into storms or machinery problems when sailing. That means goods might get stuck on the water for longer than planned. You need backup schedules so customers aren’t annoyed about late orders. |
How long is UK to USA shipping?
The first thing to understand is the sheer distance between the UK and the US, with over 3,500 miles separating mainland Britain from New York. To ship to the USA from the UK, most couriers average 7-10 working days for standard service, with expedited 3-5 day options available for a premium.
Choosing the Right Courrier
A lot of the well-known shipping companies offer UK to US freight, including FedEx, DHL, and UPS. Each has its own specialities, so it’s worth comparing key factors like:
- Shipping Costs: Typically based on weight, dimensions, and service speed.
- Delivery Speed: From standard ground to time-guaranteed expedited options. Consider rush requirements and associated extra costs so goods arrive on time.
- Tracking: Most major shipping providers have online tracking, but being able to see the progress of the shipment benefits both the business and the customer for peace of mind.
- Customs Assistance: Some couriers offer customs clearance support as part of their international services.
- Surcharges: Look out for additional charges like residential or remote area deliveries.
FedEx
FedEx is known for its swift delivery services, which makes them ideal for urgent shipments from the UK to the US. They have a strong global presence and an efficient tracking system. However, the speed comes at a premium cost.
FedEx Services to the US:
- FedEx International Priority (1-3 days)
- FedEx International Economy (4-6 days)
DHL
DHL have a wide range of services, making them a versatile choice for various shipping needs. They have a large network known for reliability, and their prices are competitive, although they may not be as fast as FedEx.
DHL Services to the US:
- DHL Express Worldwide (1-3 days)
- DHL Economy Select (4-6 days)
UPS
UPS is known for its reliable and consistent service. They offer a good balance between cost and delivery time, making them a suitable option for regular shipping needs.
UPS Services to the US:
- UPS Worldwide Express (1-3 days)
- UPS Worldwide Saver (4-6 days)
Choosing the right courier can be time-consuming, but for businesses that partner with Delta Fulfilment, this decision-making process is streamlined. Thanks to our extensive network, we take the guesswork out of selecting couriers. We evaluate your needs and find the most efficient option, whether that’s the fastest delivery or the most budget-friendly service.
How much does it cost to ship from the UK to the US?
Shipping costs from the UK to the US can vary quite a bit, and understanding what influences these prices can help you plan better. Factors like the weight and size of your package, how quickly you need it to arrive, and the specific destination in the US will all determine the final cost. Seasonal fluctuations and fuel surcharges can also impact pricing, especially during busy shipping times like holidays.
At Delta Fulfilment, we’re dedicated to helping you find the best shipping rates. We have the flexibility to compare options across various carriers, which means we can secure the most competitive prices for you. Our strong relationships with shipping partners mean we can negotiate better deals, and we’re always keeping an eye on market trends to ensure you’re getting the best value.
So, while we can’t provide exact figures (since they can change frequently), you can count on us to work hard to keep your shipping costs as low as possible. Our goal is to help you reach your customers in the US without stretching your budget.
USA Customs Advice
Shipping commercially from the UK to the US means managing the difficulties of customs clearance, which is different from simply sending a parcel to the USA.
Both countries have customs agencies: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Upon arrival, international shipments undergo the American customs process known as formal clearance. This is essential for complying with regulations and calculating what duties and taxes you’ll need to pay.
To get through customs, you’ll need to prepare specific customs documents. CBP require a Bill of Lading (BOL) detailing the consignment’s contents and value and a commercial invoice outlining the transaction between the exporter and the importer, including a description of the goods, their value, and the terms of sale. Be aware that other customs forms may also be necessary, depending on what you’re shipping. This helps avoid restricted and prohibited items, which can lead to shipping delays.
Once the shipment reaches the destination country, this customs clearance process typically takes 1-2 working days. It’s performed either by the courier (for a fee) or the recipient. Do-it-yourself clearance can save on middleman costs, but means you really need to be clued up on government reporting mandates.
Keep in mind that some items may take longer to go through customs due to additional scrutiny. In a nutshell, building in time for cross-border transit and customs is wise to avoid pressure and disappoint customers with delayed estimates.
Taxes and Tariffs
International trade inevitably involves taxes and duties to consider as part of shipping estimates. American taxes are a bit different to countries like the UK and Canada. Taxes are applied at the state and local levels rather than at the federal level, which means that tax rates can differ widely from one state to another and even among cities and counties within the same state. This variability can complicate your cost calculations, so make sure you do your homework on the specific locations you’re targeting.
Customs duties are tariffs applied by the destination nation on imported goods. Rates vary widely by goods classifications called Harmonized System (HS) codes. The US generally has lower duty rates than the EU, which is a positive for your pricing strategy.
Value-added Tax (VAT) is a domestic consumption tax applied in the EU but not the US. However, if you’re exporting from the UK, exports are typically zero-rated to avoid double taxation. Under free trade arrangements like NAFTA, mutual agreements will further reduce UK-US duty rates.
What else do I need to consider when shipping from UK to US?
When shipping goods overseas, there are several other factors that you may not have even considered for international delivery.
Your packaging will need to withstand the journey. Use strong boxes or crates sealed against water and impact. If you’re using eco-friendly packaging, make sure it’s durable enough for international travel. Clearly label each package with your contact info so customs and customers know where to send it, as this helps it pass through different countries smoothly.
What happens if a package gets lost internationally? Make sure your items are covered if something goes wrong in transit. Most carriers offer coverage, or you can get separate shipping insurance. Know what kinds of losses are covered and any limits on how much the policy will pay out.
Make arrangements well ahead of time and think of backups in case of unexpected delays. Following best practices like these helps your international shipments get where they need to go safely and efficiently across borders, which means happy customers worldwide.
Partner with Delta Fulfilment for Fast, Global Fulfilment
At Delta Fulfilment, our team is committed to providing customised solutions that meet your specific needs so your products reach customers effortlessly. We pride ourselves on our responsive customer service, so you’ll always have support when you need it most.
With our network of 100+ centres worldwide, we can ship to customers near and far within 24-48 hours. Alternatively, you can distribute from the UK using our carrier partners for reliable 1-2 week international delivery.
We understand the difficulties of managing international shipping logistics. Juggling compliance requirements and coordinating cross-border transportation can drain valuable time and resources from your core business. Let us take the burden of international fulfilment off your plate.
As a leading 3PL provider with thousands of global shipments under our belt, we have the expertise and global network to move your products seamlessly from door to door to customers overseas. Contact us today and watch your international operations simplify. We’ll handle every step so you can focus on growth.