Ship with confidence. Ship with Pallet2Ship®
Simple, Reliable Pallet Shipping from the USA to the UK
Whether you're based in the UK or the USA — a business importing goods or an individual relocating personal items — Pallet2Ship makes pallet delivery from the USA to the UK fast, simple, and cost-effective.
With over 15 years of freight expertise and partnerships with major international carriers like FedEx, DHL, UPS, and Maersk, we offer flexible, affordable solutions with real human support.
Choose the Service That Suits Your Needs
Most senders care about two things: cost and delivery speed. We give you both.
Fastest Option: Air Freight (Door-to-Door)
Need fast pallet delivery? Air freight is the go-to choice for urgent or high-value shipments, with transit times as quick as 2 working days.
- Door-to-door pickup from homes or businesses anywhere in the USA
- Instant quotes and live pricing 24/7
- Book in under a minute
- Cost-effective express service
- Full shipment tracking from start to finish
Most Economical Option: Sea Freight
For non-urgent deliveries, sea freight is the most affordable way to ship to the UK — perfect for bulk goods, multiple-pallet consignments, large and heavy machinery or personal relocation.
- Up to 80% cheaper than air freight
- Full-container (FCL) and less-than-container-load (LCL) options
- Over 37 major USA port connections, we cover all major US cities
- Shipment handled by top-tier ocean carriers
- Flexible service options - door-to-door, door-to-port, port-to-door, or port-to-port
- Instant online sea freight quotes and tracking are available
Sea freight also has a lower environmental impact, helping you reduce your carbon footprint while saving money. Transparent Pricing and Instant Quotes
We offer competitive rates without compromising service.
Use our website to instantly compare:
- Air freight: Express delivery in 2-3 working days
- Sea freight: Low-cost pallet shipping with flexible timing
Pricing is based on size, weight, and postcodes. No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Customs and Documentation - Made Easy
We help streamline the process with our built-in invoice tool and expert guidance.
Depending on your shipment type, you'll need:
- Commercial Invoice (for business shipments)
- Proforma Invoice + Packing List (for personal items)
Every USA-to-UK shipment must pass customs twice — once before leaving the U.S., and once upon UK arrival. Duties and taxes are assessed based on value, item type, and declarations.
Real-Time Tracking & Delivery Confidence
Whether you choose air or sea, you'll receive tracking details as soon as your goods are collected.
Why Tracking Matters:
- Monitor progress in real time
- Resolve delays quickly
- Plan more efficiently (especially for business logistics)
Our goal is to give you complete visibility — and peace of mind — from pickup to delivery.
Start Shipping from the USA to the UK Today
Whether you're importing on behalf of a growing business or shipping personal goods across the ocean, Pallet2Ship is your trusted logistics partner.
We combine powerful technology, world-class carriers, and real customer support to deliver a service that works — with no contracts or minimum volume commitments.
Get an instant quote now and see why thousands trust us for USA to UK pallet delivery.
⚠️ Important: Many delays occur because requirements are missed. Please read the service information shown under the blue “i” button on each quote and check the service icons carefully. They provide essential details about what is and isn't included (e.g., tail-lift, Amazon access, restricted goods). Always review these before booking.
*Extra charges only apply if shipment details are inaccurate — e.g. incorrect documentation, failed collections/deliveries, under-declared weight/dimensions, etc.
How much does it cost to send a pallet to UK from the USA?
100Kg, LxWxH: 120 x 80 x 50 cm
Air Freight services
£272.00
100Kg, LxWxH: 120 x 80 x 50 cm
Sea Freight services
£379.00
Case Studies about shipping to UK from USA
Quick Summary
When TRANSEO MEDIA LIMITED needed to ship two 600 kg pallets of printing materials from Minneapolis, USA, to Yorkshire, UK, Pallet2Ship arranged a tailored door-to-door sea freight service. Sea freight was chosen over air freight due to the high weight, saving significant cost. Pallet2Ship handled everything from local collection in Minnesota to UK customs clearance and final delivery, while the customer focused on their business with complete peace of mind.
What Happened
When TRANSEO MEDIA LIMITED, based in West Yorkshire, needed to ship paper materials for printing from the USA to the UK, they turned to Pallet2Ship for a reliable and cost-effective solution.
In June 2025, Managing Director Neil found Pallet2Ship via Google and explored the instant quotes on our automated online platform. He saw that for shipments from the USA we provide instant pricing for door-to-door air freight, as well as sea freight options such as port-to-port and port-to-door. However, door-to-door sea freight was not available for instant quoting.
This is common across the industry, as sea freight involves more handovers than air freight. Costs such as local collection, waiting time, and delivery to port vary by supplier, making instant quoting impractical.
Neil was shipping two pallets, each 600 kg (127 x 112 x 80 cm). With a total weight of 1.2 tonnes, air freight would have been significantly more expensive. In general, sea freight only becomes cost-effective for consignments over 200 kg — below that, air freight is usually more competitive.
Recognising this, Neil contacted us directly by email to request a door-to-door sea freight service. Our quotation team arranged a tailored solution:
- Collection from Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Delivery to New York port, where the goods were loaded for sea transport.
- Arrival at Newcastle upon Tyne port in the UK.
Customs clearance and final delivery to Yorkshire.
Although Neil was not aware of all the technical details behind this process, he received a clear and competitive price, which he accepted. Pallet2Ship managed the full logistics chain, allowing him to focus on running his business without worrying about the shipment.
While transit time was longer than air freight, the sea freight option offered a substantial saving. For added peace of mind, the shipment was also insured.
What the Customer Did Right
Online Booking Stage
- Provided accurate pallet weight and dimensions, avoiding discrepancy charges.
- Recognised when to request a custom quote for a door-to-door sea freight service.
- Entered all addresses and contact details completely, including full names, phone numbers with country codes, and valid email addresses.
- Gave a clear description of the goods and included detailed product-level information in the commercial invoice (paper materials for printing).
- Submitted the commercial invoice immediately after booking and uploaded clear photos of the goods, enabling quick processing and added protection in case of a claim.
- Responded promptly to carrier queries and ensured duties and taxes were paid immediately, avoiding delays and storage charges.
- Chose to insure the shipment, protecting against unforeseen risks.
Physical Preparation Stage
- Used ISPM 15-certified, sturdy pallet bases capable of supporting the weight and dimensions of the goods.
- Packed and secured the items carefully with cardboard boxes, straps, and shrink-wrap.
- Had the goods fully ready on the collection day, with someone on-site during the full collection window (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and clear driver access.
- Printed and attached four copies of the commercial invoice and four copies of the airwaybill/barcode labels in clear plastic wallets securely affixed to the pallets.
- Used clear, legible labelling to ensure customs officers could identify shipment details without confusion.
- Followed up proactively with Pallet2Ship to confirm collection if the carrier did not make contact beforehand.
Results
Thanks to TRANSEO MEDIA LIMITED's thorough preparation — combined with Pallet2Ship's complete handling of the international logistics chain — the shipment cleared customs smoothly and arrived without delays.
This case highlights how Pallet2Ship supports businesses with tailored international freight solutions, combining cost savings with reliability and freeing customers to concentrate on their core operations.
What to Do vs What Not to Do
Do This
- Use accurate pallet weight and dimensions during booking.
- Read all service information and booking instructions carefully.
- Provide full contact details, including phone numbers with country codes and valid email addresses.
- Submit documents and photos immediately after booking to avoid delays.
- Secure goods firmly to a pallet with straps and shrink-wrap, or place them inside a crate with foam and straps for extra protection.
- Print and attach four copies of the commercial invoice and four copies of the airwaybill/barcode labels in clear plastic wallets securely affixed to the pallets.
- Have the goods ready early in a suitable location — such as a loading bay or kerbside — and ensure someone is on-site during the full collection window.
- Liaise closely with overseas suppliers to ensure all official documents are completed promptly. Fast, clear communication between international shippers is paramount; it prevents delays in arranging collections, deliveries, and customs clearance.
Don't Do This
- Guess pallet size or weight — this leads to extra charges and possible rejection.
- Skip reading service details — you may miss key rules on vehicle size, notice periods, or surcharges.
- Leave out essential contact details like phone numbers or valid emails.
- Delay paperwork submission — late invoices or missing photos create avoidable hold-ups.
- Allow goods to shift in transit — poorly packed or unsecured pallets risk damage.
- Print too few or unclear copies of invoices/labels — missing paperwork may cause delays.
- Leave pallets in hard-to-access areas — such as blocked driveways, inside buildings, on gravel, or on a slope — as restricted access often causes failed collections.
- Treat communication superficially — unclear or slow exchanges with suppliers or customs agents are one of the main causes of international shipping delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
about shipping services to and from
Quotes & Pricing
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.
Transit Times & Routing
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.
Packing & Pallet Requirements
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.
Customs & Documentation
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 & Restricted Items
Prohibited items include explosives, narcotics, counterfeit goods, certain agricultural products, and undeclared hazardous materials. See our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide.
No. Pallet2Ship does not handle alcohol shipments on any service.
Yes, but only ambient, non-perishable food products with correct documentation. Chilled or frozen goods are not supported. Some food products may require UK import certificates.
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.
Collection & Delivery
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.
Insurance & Protection
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.
Service Types & Carriers
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.
Booking & Changes
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.
Practical Considerations
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.