Sea freight is usually the most cost-effective option, especially for heavier or bulk shipments. For lighter or urgent freight, economy air can sometimes be competitive. Compare options using our Instant Quote Tool.

Cost depends on pallet size, weight/volume, collection and delivery locations, and whether you choose air or sea. Use the Instant Quote Tool for a live door-to-door or port-to-door price based on your exact details.

Yes. China → UK pricing depends on origin city/port, local handling costs, and chosen mode (air or sea). We can quote for UK import shipments; contact us if you don’t see a service online.

Prices are final if all details are accurate. Adjustments only apply if weight/dimensions are under-declared, addresses or access are incorrect, or collections/deliveries fail.

Often yes. Consolidating several pallets or combining loads into LCL/FCL sea containers usually reduces the average cost per unit.

Express air: around 3–6 working days; economy air: about 5–9 working days; sea freight: typically 4–6 weeks door-to-door. Exact transit times appear next to each service in your quote.

Yes. We quote both LCL (pallets in shared containers) and FCL (full containers). For complex FCL moves or multiple origins/destinations, contact us for a tailored freight quote.

No. Optional extras (e.g., special delivery, storage, documentation) are itemised before payment. Extra charges only apply if shipment details are inaccurate or local conditions change (e.g., demurrage).

Use ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets, stack evenly, avoid top-heavy loads, strap tightly, and shrink-wrap from base to top. Label three sides plus the top. See How to Pack a Pallet.

Both UK (120×100 cm) and Euro (120×80 cm) pallets are accepted, along with custom/oversized bases (subject to carrier limits and container fit).

Yes, subject to airline/sea-freight limits. Oversized pallets may need sea freight or special handling. Ensure you enter accurate dimensions and weight at quoting stage.

For most services, up to ~1,000–1,200 kg per pallet is possible. Above ~750 kg, forklifts are normally required at both origin and destination.

For pallets under ~750 kg and ~200 cm high, tail-lift and pump-truck handling is often possible at the UK end. Heavier or taller pallets usually require forklifts.

Yes. China requires ISPM-15 compliant (heat-treated) wood packaging. Non-compliant pallets can lead to delays or re-palletisation.

Yes. Plastic pallets are acceptable as long as they are strong, stackable, and suitable for the load and handling equipment.

Your pallet should be stable, evenly loaded, secure, and clearly labelled. If in doubt, send us photos before collection for a quick check.

Yes, but they must be professionally packed — consider internal foam, crates, corner protection, and extra wrapping. Adding optional insurance is strongly recommended for fragile cargo.

Most industrial and consumer goods are acceptable: machinery, components, textiles, consumer goods, and some ambient foods. Always review our Prohibited & Restricted Items list first.

Yes — provided they are fully drained of fluids, cleaned, and securely bolted to the pallet. Some services may require business addresses at both ends.

Shipping personal effects is possible via certain services, but restrictions and customs rules are stricter, and insurance is limited or unavailable. Contact us for advice before booking.

Yes, with strict conditions. Lithium batteries and certain electronics must comply with UN packaging, labelling, and documentation rules.

Some dangerous goods can be shipped by air or sea under strict IATA/IMO rules and carrier approval.

Some ambient, packaged foods may be acceptable, but China has very strict controls (CIQ, sanitary permits, labelling). Many food items require special licences. Always ask us first.

No. Counterfeit, unlicensed, or infringing goods are strictly prohibited and can be seized by customs.

Typically: a Commercial Invoice, Packing List, correct HS codes, shipper and consignee details, and possibly certificates (e.g., origin, conformity). Our system helps you generate core documents.

Yes. UK exporters must have a valid EORI number for customs declarations.

The IOR is the legal entity in China responsible for customs entry, duties, and compliance. The consignee (or their broker) must hold valid registrations and licences. Without a suitable IOR, goods can be held or returned.

DAP is common for palletised freight. In some cases, DDP is possible. See Incoterms guide.

Use the UK’s UK Trade Tariff tool or our HS code resources. Accurate HS classification is essential for duty/tax calculation and compliance.

Yes. Chinese imports normally require a local customs broker or agent. We coordinate with brokers via our carrier network, but you must provide accurate data.

Many electronics, telecom devices, and regulated goods need Chinese certification and/or registrations before import. If you are unsure, contact us with product details before shipping.

No. Even samples and low-value items require proper documentation. Some may be eligible for simplified clearance, but they still need invoices and HS codes.

Delays are usually due to missing or incorrect paperwork, HS codes, or licences. We’ll inform you if customs request additional information so you can respond quickly and minimise storage or demurrage.

Yes. Extra insurance can be purchased during booking for goods valued between £100 and £50,000.

Yes. Higher-value shipments are quoted manually; our team usually responds with a tailored quote within 15–20 minutes.

Generally no. Most insurers exclude used personal effects or offer very limited cover. Contact us if you’re unsure.

It generally covers loss or damage during transit for professionally packed goods, subject to policy terms. Poor packing, prohibited goods, and inherent vice are not covered. See Pallet Insurance.

Yes, but carrier liability is limited (often by weight and convention) and may not match the full value of your goods.

Inspect goods on arrival, note any issues on the delivery receipt, take photos, and contact us immediately. Then follow the steps in our Claims Process.

Collections typically occur Monday–Friday, 08:00–18:00. Same-day collection may be possible if you book early and documents are ready.

Yes. We can consolidate pallets from different UK addresses and load them into one air or sea shipment to China. Contact us for a coordinated schedule.

We cover all major cities (e.g., Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Chongqing, Xi’an) and many secondary locations via local partners. Very remote areas may need special arrangements.

Most door services are business-to-business. Some courier services may offer residential delivery for smaller consignments; this often includes extra charges and ID checks.

Limited-time services are available through local carriers; more precise slots may be possible with dedicated last-mile arrangements. Ask us if timing is critical.

The carrier will attempt delivery according to local rules. If unsuccessful, the shipment may be returned to depot, incur storage fees, or require re-delivery arrangements.

Yes. Major holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year, Golden Week, National Day) can significantly affect capacity and transit times. Book well in advance around these periods.

Yes. Subject to local carrier availability, we can arrange collection in China and import into the UK, including customs clearance.

We offer economy and express air freight, sea freight (LCL/FCL), import and export services, plus parcel and pallet options for business-to-business shipments.

Yes, for many air and some sea routes, door-to-door is available for business consignees. Where not shown online, contact us for tailored options.

Yes. We can handle both parcels and pallets, often within the same account workflow.

Yes. Most services include online tracking. Air freight updates cover uplift, transit, arrival, and delivery; sea freight tracking covers vessel movements, port calls, and key milestones.

Air is best for urgent or high-value goods; sea is best for larger, less time-sensitive shipments. Our International Shipping Guide and team can help you decide based on volume, value, and deadlines.

We work with a range of major carriers and airlines (e.g., DHL, FedEx, UPS, Cathay Pacific, BA World Cargo, Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM via brokers) chosen according to route and service.

Yes. We handle both LCL and FCL. We can advise whether FCL or LCL is more economical based on your volume.

Yes. We can consolidate pallets from several UK suppliers into one shipment to a single consignee in China.

Yes, subject to carrier/broker support. We can receive freight in the UK and arrange onward distribution to several UK locations.

For eligible dangerous goods, we can work with you and your DG packer to ensure documentation meets carrier and regulatory standards. Always contact us before booking DG shipments.

Yes. We guide you through VGM (Verified Gross Mass) declarations and BL (Bill of Lading) instructions as part of the sea-freight process.

Use our Instant Quote Tool to compare air and sea options. If you’re unsure which option suits your cargo, our team can help you choose the best balance of cost, speed, and requirements.