Pallet Delivery from the USA

Shipping costs depend on pallet size, weight, origin and destination locations, and whether you choose air or sea freight. Use the Instant Quote Tool to compare services and see live pricing.

Sea freight is usually the most economical option, particularly for shipments above around 200 kg or multiple pallets.

Yes. Pallet2Ship provides express and economy air freight as well as sea freight (LCL and FCL) from the USA to the UK.

Yes. Enter pallet dimensions, weight, and locations into the Instant Quote Tool to compare available services. For sea freight, tailored quotes are also available.

Yes, provided all weight, dimension, and address details are accurate. Re-rating only occurs if shipment details are incorrect or incomplete.

No. All freight costs are displayed before booking. UK import duties, VAT, and customs fees are separate and normally payable by the UK importer.

Often yes. Consolidating pallets into a single shipment typically lowers the cost per pallet.

Yes. Shipping from major US logistics hubs and port cities is usually cheaper than remote inland locations where additional domestic transport is required.

Payment is made securely online during the booking process.

Typical transit times: 

• Express air freight: 2–4 working days 
• Economy air freight: 4–7 working days 
• Sea freight: typically 2–4 weeks depending on port pair and service

Shipments travel either by air cargo networks or by sea freight from major US ports to UK ports such as Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, or Newcastle.

Major ports include New York/New Jersey, Jacksonville, Savannah, Houston, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Francisco.

Yes. Collections can be arranged across the United States, with domestic transport to the port of departure included where applicable.

Yes. Inland collections require domestic trucking to the port, which can add several days depending on distance.

Air freight is best for urgent shipments, high-value goods, or lighter pallets. Sea freight is more economical for heavier or less time-sensitive consignments.

Common UK arrival ports include Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool, and Newcastle, depending on the shipping line and route.

Use strong pallets, secure goods with straps and stretch wrap, and ensure the wrap binds both pallet and goods together. Heavy items must sit at the bottom. See our Pallet Packing Guide.

Standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm), Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), US standard pallets (48 × 40 inches), and oversized pallets can all be shipped.

Air freight typically allows pallets up to around 1,000 kg. Sea freight services can handle pallets around 1,200 kg or more depending on the carrier.

Forklifts are generally required for pallets above 750 kg or oversized freight that cannot be safely handled by tail-lift.

Yes. Tail-lift vehicles are commonly used for pallets under 750 kg on UK deliveries.

Yes. Oversized pallets are supported when dimensions and weight are declared accurately. See our Oversized Pallets guide.

Yes. The UK requires ISPM-15-compliant wood packaging for all imports. Wooden pallets must be heat-treated and stamped. Non-compliant pallets may be refused entry or treated at additional cost.

Yes. Plastic pallets are accepted and do not require ISPM-15 treatment.

Collection may be refused if packaging is unsafe, and carrier liability may not apply if poor packaging causes damage.

Yes. Photos provide evidence in case of claims and help confirm packaging quality.

Measure the loaded pallet including any overhang: length, width, height, and total weight.

Yes. All shipments from the USA to the UK require full customs documentation for both US export and UK import.

Typical documents include: 

• - Commercial Invoice 
• - Packing List 
• - HS / Commodity Codes per line item 
• - UK importer’s GB EORI number 
• - Full consignor and consignee details

Yes. The UK importer must hold a valid GB EORI number for customs clearance. See our EORI guide.

HS codes classify goods for customs and determine the duty and tax rates applied at the UK border. See our Commodity Codes guide.

DAP is most common, meaning the UK importer pays duties and taxes on arrival. DDP is also used where the sender agrees to cover import charges. See our Incoterms guide.

Under DAP terms, the UK importer pays import duties and VAT. Under DDP, the sender pays.

The UK standard VAT rate is 20%. Reduced rates apply to certain goods categories.

You should not assume that low-value commercial imports are automatically duty-free. All commercial shipments must be declared to UK customs, and VAT and any duties are assessed based on the goods, their value, and the importer’s circumstances.

Usually 1–2 working days if documentation is correct.

Our team will contact you if customs require additional documents or clarification. Holds are usually caused by missing or incorrect paperwork.

Yes. Certain goods require additional licences or certificates for UK import, including some food products, chemicals, controlled substances, and goods of animal or plant origin. Check requirements before shipping.

Prohibited items include explosives, narcotics, counterfeit goods, certain agricultural products, and undeclared hazardous materials. See our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide.

Yes, on selected services with correct documentation and packaging. See our Dangerous Goods guide.

Yes, with full dangerous goods documentation and carrier approval. Not all carriers accept dangerous goods.

Yes, provided it is correctly cleaned, drained of fluids where applicable, and securely packed.

Yes. Personal effects can be shipped via DHL air freight or sea freight services. A detailed inventory list and correct customs documentation are required. All items must be professionally packed and palletised before collection.

Yes, but professional packaging and insurance are strongly recommended.

Yes. Car parts are commonly shipped from the USA. Ensure correct HS codes are declared as duty rates vary.

Yes, if securely wrapped and strapped to a pallet.

Yes. Samples must still be declared with correct customs values and documentation.

Yes. Collections can be arranged across most US ZIP codes, including inland locations.

Usually Monday–Friday during standard business hours.

Sometimes, depending on location and booking time.

Yes, depending on the service and shipment size.

Yes, including all UK postcodes — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Yes, via courier carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS. Standard pallet networks typically serve business addresses only.

A UK contact number is strongly recommended for smooth delivery coordination and depot updates.

Yes, for pallets under 750 kg. Declare the requirement at booking.

Inform us during booking — narrow streets, height restrictions, or delivery appointments — so the correct vehicle can be arranged.

The pallet may return to the depot and redelivery charges may apply.

Timed deliveries may be available on dedicated vehicle services. Groupage services deliver during normal business hours.

Yes. Bank holidays and the Christmas period can affect transit schedules.

Yes. Insurance can be added during booking for goods valued between £100 and £50,000. For higher values, contact our team for tailored cover.

Loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared.

Coverage for used personal items is limited. See the policy terms on our Insurance page.

Only limited carrier liability applies, calculated per kilogram under international transport conventions. This is usually significantly lower than the value of your goods.

Notify us immediately with evidence — photos, invoices, delivery notes. See our Claims Process page.

Pallet2Ship provides air freight (express and economy), sea freight (FCL and LCL), parcel courier services, and tailored solutions for oversized or specialist cargo.

We work with DHL, FedEx, and UPS for air freight and courier services, plus established ocean freight lines for sea shipments.

Yes. Full container load services using 20ft and 40ft containers are available. See our FCL & LCL page.

Yes. LCL services allow smaller shipments to share container space, paying only for the volume used.

Generally when your shipment exceeds approximately 13–15 CBM, FCL becomes more cost-effective per unit than LCL.

Yes. Air freight provides full tracking. Sea freight offers milestone tracking from departure to arrival.

Yes. Pallet2Ship supports both exports and imports. See our UK to USA shipping page.

Yes. Parcel courier services are available for smaller consignments.

Yes. Your account dashboard allows you to save addresses, view past bookings, check invoice history, store payment details, and re-book quickly.

Enter shipment details in the Instant Quote Tool, select a service, complete documentation, and confirm your booking. For sea freight, tailored quotes can also be requested.

Sometimes, but changes after dispatch may incur delays, fees, and documentation updates.

Cancellation depends on timing and whether collection has occurred. Contact us immediately if needed.

Usually 24–48 hours for air freight. For sea freight, book 5–10 days before the desired sailing date where possible.

No. Each delivery address requires a separate booking.

Return transport and storage charges may apply. For sea freight, port storage charges (demurrage) can accumulate quickly.

The shipment may be re-rated and additional charges may apply.

Yes, with appropriate insurance and secure packaging.

Yes. Pallet2Ship services support both occasional importers and regular shippers.

Yes, if the selected service supports mixed consignments and all items are declared correctly.

Yes. Someone must be available to hand over the goods.

Yes. A signature is normally required on delivery.

Yes. Multi-pallet bookings are supported and often reduce the per-pallet cost.

Incomplete customs documentation, incorrect HS codes, ISPM-15 non-compliance, UK customs inspection, or port congestion.