Case study USA to West Yorkshire

Quick Summary

When TRANSEO MEDIA LIMITED, based in West Yorkshire, needed to move heavy paper materials for printing from the USA to the UK, they turned to Pallet2Ship for a dependable, cost-effective service.
This shipment highlights when sea freight becomes the logical choice over air freight due to weight and cost considerations.

On 1st July 2025, James from Barratt Engineering booked an international shipment through Pallet2Ship. He explored multiple options — including sea freight and three air
freight services — and selected FedEx Freight (5-7 working days) for a balance of cost and delivery speed. The goods were professionally crated, insured for £8,348, and all paperwork was submitted the same day.

What They Did Right - Online Booking Stage

• Entered very accurate weight and dimensions at the quote stage, which ensured a correct price upfront and avoided additional charges.


• Selected the correct service after reading the detailed service information — including collection vehicle type, surcharge rules, insurance options, and transit times.


• Correctly marked the pallet as 'stackable', saving money, and confirmed the goods were suitable for FedEx Freight (including business address collection).


• Entered all addresses and contact details completely, including full names, mobile numbers, country codes, and valid email addresses for both sender and receiver.


• Provided a clear description of the goods during booking and entered all product-level information in the commercial invoice — including engine capacity, make, model, and value per item.


• Submitted the commercial invoice immediately after booking and uploaded clear photos of the goods before and after packing — enabling quick processing and added protection in case of a claim.


• Generated a cleaning certificate for the engine and gearbox directly on our website.


• Received tracking promptly from FedEx after all documents and requirements were submitted and approved.

What They Did Right - Physical Preparation Stage

• Crated the engine, gearbox, and accessories securely using a heat-treated, ISPM 15-certified wooden crate. Strapped and shrink-wrapped each item individually to prevent movement and used protective foam.


• Placed absorbent material underneath the engine and gearbox as a precaution, even though fluids had been completely drained.


• Ensured the goods were fully ready by the morning of collection and that someone was on-site during the full collection window (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) with clear access for the driver.


• Printed and attached 4 copies of the commercial invoice and 4 copies of the air waybill/barcode labels in clear plastic wallets securely affixed to the crate.


• Followed up proactively with Pallet2Ship to confirm collection in case the carrier did not make contact beforehand.

What to Do vs What Not to Do

Do This

• Use accurate pallet weight and dimensions


• Read all service info and booking instructions


• Provide full contact details, including mobile no. with country codes


• Submit documents and photos straight after booking


• Secure goods inside the crate with foam and straps


• Use ISPM15 pallets/crates for all the USA shipment

Avoid This

• Guessing size or weight, leading to extra charges


• Skipping key details on vehicle size, notice period, or surcharge


• Leaving out essential info like full names and email addresses


• Delaying paperwork and causing avoidable hold-ups


• Letting goods shift or move inside the crate


• Using old/ damaged/ non-certified pallets/crates

Conclusion

Thanks to James's careful planning and the use of correct details, clear documentation, and thorough packing, the shipment was processed without delays,
collected on time, and delivered to California within the expected 5-7 working days via FedEx Freight.
By following best practices, Barratt Engineering achieved a smooth, on-time delivery. This case highlights how Pallet2Ship's guidance and global
carrier network can help businesses ship complex freight internationally with confidence.