Globalization has opened the doors for many businesses to export their products to other countries. It is why you will see products made in one country being used worldwide.
Globalization has made the world one big market where commerce happens irrespective of borders.
In Europe, the United Kingdom is one of the biggest importers. Almost eleven percent of everything used in the UK is imported from other countries. The UK usually imports the components even if the assembly is done in the UK.
It has led to growth in the logistics and shipping industry; many companies offer shipping goods to the UK from anywhere in the world. However, the USA is one of the top places where people send goods to the UK, and it is because of fair trade between the two countries. The average export value increased by $7.7billion in the US in May 2022. Shipping to the UK is the most popular destination for US-based merchants.
Additionally, people may have friends and families in either country, which also increases shipping to UK from USA
A reputed shipping company will not only provide you with the best rates, but they will offer quality services too. On average, a shipping company can deliver a package from the USA to the UK in two to five business days. It is because of a vast chain of local carriers and networks that a shipping company uses to deliver packages worldwide.
If you are planning to ship something across borders to a new country, here are some things you must keep in mind.
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The weight of the goods
Besides the destination and stipulated time frame, the weight of the cargo is a determinant of its price. No matter where you are, the price is determined by the total weight after packing the goods.
Many companies have a fixed price up to a certain weight; they charge an additional amount per pound.
However, the weight is irrelevant regarding documents enclosed in envelopes. But, if the documents are in bulk or heavier than 0.5 LBS, they may be priced under the Box category.
So, before estimating the overall delivery costs, you must weigh the goods you wish to send.
Transit time
It is essential to plan your delivery as per the expected transit time. When shipping to the UK from the USA, it will take an average of two to four business days for a package to be delivered.
So, you must plan to book the services of a shipping company accordingly.
Custom Duty
Customs is a government agency that regulates the flow of goods to a country by monitoring the influx of products and controlling it by imposing tariffs and other restrictions.
Some countries may impose a tariff on specific products, referred to as customs duties.
Each country has its criteria regarding the customs duty of certain products.
You must enquire or read up about the customs duties in the UK that might apply to the products you plan to send. In the UK non, excise goods up to £135 or less don’t have a customs duty charge. While in the US, up to $1,600 in goods are considered duty-free under your personal exemption if the products are from insular possessions, i.e., goods bought from American territories outside the customs territory.
Moreover, customs duty is also not included in the delivery charges of a shipping company. You will have to pay customs duty in addition to the delivery charges of your shipment.
Packaging
When dealing with overseas couriers, you must pack the products well because your cargo might go through a long and strenuous journey to reach its destination.
While a courier company may provide fragile courier services, it is always better to be extra cautious.
So, keep these factors in mind when shipping an item to a foreign country.