Question 1

How much does sea freight from China to the UK cost?

Accepted Answer

A 20ft FCL container from China to the UK typically costs £1,200–£2,800 depending on origin port, destination, and current market rates. A 40ft FCL costs approximately £1,800–£3,500. LCL (groupage) is priced per CBM, typically £40–£80/CBM. Contact Carrgo for a precise, all-inclusive quote.

Question 2

What is the difference between FCL and LCL shipping?

Accepted Answer

FCL (Full Container Load) means your cargo fills an entire 20ft or 40ft container. It's more cost-effective for volumes over 12–15 CBM, faster, and lower risk of damage. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers — ideal for smaller shipments under 12 CBM. Carrgo offers both options.

Question 3

How long does sea freight from China to the UK take?

Accepted Answer

Standard sea freight from China to UK ports takes 28–35 days depending on origin port (Shanghai, Shenzhen, Ningbo, Guangzhou) and UK destination (Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway). Allow extra time for customs clearance and final delivery.

Question 4

What UK ports does Carrgo use?

Accepted Answer

Carrgo has operational expertise at all major UK container ports: Felixstowe (UK's largest), Southampton, London Gateway, Tilbury, Liverpool, and Bristol. We select the optimal port for each shipment based on origin, cargo type, and destination.

Question 5

What is demurrage and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Demurrage is a charge levied by shipping lines when a container is not collected from the port within the free time period (typically 5–7 days). Carrgo monitors free time for all containers and pre-arranges haulage to ensure collection before charges begin.

Question 6

What is a Bill of Lading?

Accepted Answer

A Bill of Lading (B/L) is the key document in sea freight — it serves as a receipt for cargo, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. The original B/L must be surrendered at the destination port to release the cargo. Carrgo manages all B/L documentation.

Question 7

What is groupage freight?

Accepted Answer

Groupage freight (also called consolidation or LCL) is where multiple shippers' cargo is combined in a single container. You pay only for the space your cargo occupies (per CBM). Carrgo offers groupage services from all major origins.

Question 8

How much does air freight from China to the UK cost?

Accepted Answer

Air freight from China to the UK is priced by chargeable weight (actual or volumetric weight, whichever is greater). Rates typically range from £3–£8 per kg for economy air and £8–£15 per kg for express services. Air freight is significantly more expensive than sea but offers 3–5 day transit times.

Question 9

When should I use air freight instead of sea freight?

Accepted Answer

Air freight is ideal for: time-sensitive shipments, high-value goods where speed justifies cost, small urgent orders, seasonal stock that must arrive by a specific date, or when sea freight delays would cause significant business disruption.

Question 10

What is chargeable weight in air freight?

Accepted Answer

Chargeable weight is the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as: (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5,000. For example, a 50cm × 50cm × 50cm box has a volumetric weight of 25kg. If actual weight is 10kg, you pay for 25kg.

Question 11

How long does air freight from China to the UK take?

Accepted Answer

Express air freight from China to the UK takes 3–5 days door-to-door. Economy air freight takes 5–8 days. Transit times include collection, export customs, flight, UK customs clearance, and delivery.

Question 12

What is an Air Waybill?

Accepted Answer

An Air Waybill (AWB) is the air freight equivalent of a Bill of Lading. It serves as a receipt for cargo and a contract of carriage, but unlike a B/L, it is not a document of title. Carrgo manages all AWB documentation for air freight shipments.

Question 13

What documents are needed for UK customs clearance?

Accepted Answer

Key documents include: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, Certificate of Origin (if claiming preferential duty rates), and any product-specific certificates (CE marking, UKCA, food safety, CITES, etc.). Carrgo advises on all documentation requirements.

Question 14

How much import duty do I pay on goods from China?

Accepted Answer

UK import duty rates vary by commodity code (HS code). Common rates include: clothing 12%, electronics 0–3.7%, furniture 0–5.6%, toys 0–4.7%. VAT at 20% applies to most goods. Carrgo calculates accurate duty and VAT for every shipment.

Question 15

What is Postponed VAT Accounting (PVA)?

Accepted Answer

PVA allows UK VAT-registered importers to account for import VAT on their VAT return rather than paying it at the border. This significantly improves cash flow. Carrgo applies PVA as standard for all eligible VAT-registered clients.

Question 16

What happens if my goods are held at customs?

Accepted Answer

Customs examinations can be triggered by documentation errors, random checks, or intelligence flags. Carrgo's customs team responds immediately to any hold, resolves documentation issues, and liaises with HMRC to secure release as quickly as possible.

Question 17

Do I need an EORI number to import into the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. An EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) number is required for all commercial imports into the UK. Carrgo can advise on obtaining an EORI number if you don't already have one.

Question 18

What is a commodity code (HS code)?

Accepted Answer

A commodity code classifies goods for customs purposes. It determines the duty rate, VAT rate, and any import restrictions or licences required. Carrgo's customs team classifies all goods correctly to ensure compliance and minimise duty.

Question 19

What is a customs entry?

Accepted Answer

A customs entry (import declaration) is the formal submission to HMRC that declares the goods being imported, their value, origin, and applicable duty. Carrgo submits all customs entries on behalf of UK importers.

Question 20

What does door-to-door freight forwarding include?

Accepted Answer

Carrgo's door-to-door service covers: factory collection at origin, export customs clearance, sea/air/road/rail freight, UK import customs clearance, UK port handling, and delivery to your warehouse or Amazon FBA centre. One point of contact, one invoice.

Question 21

Can you deliver directly to Amazon FBA warehouses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carrgo specialises in Amazon FBA logistics. We handle FBA-compliant labelling, pallet requirements, booking Amazon delivery slots, and direct delivery to Amazon's UK fulfilment centres (LBA1, BHX4, MAN1, etc.).

Question 22

Do you offer warehousing in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carrgo offers UK warehousing and storage near major ports, including container devanning, palletising, labelling, quality inspection, and onward distribution. Contact us for warehousing rates and availability.

Question 23

What is container devanning?

Accepted Answer

Container devanning (also called unstuffing or unloading) is the process of unloading goods from a shipping container. Carrgo offers devanning services at our UK warehouse facilities, with goods palletised and ready for onward distribution.

Question 24

How do I get a freight quote from Carrgo?

Accepted Answer

Request a quote via our online form, WhatsApp, or phone. We respond within 2 hours with a transparent, all-inclusive quote. We need: origin and destination, cargo dimensions and weight, freight mode preference, and any special requirements.

Question 25

Are Carrgo's quotes all-inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carrgo's quotes include all foreseeable costs: ocean/air freight, origin charges, destination handling, UK port charges, customs clearance, and delivery. We clearly flag any costs that may vary (e.g., fuel surcharges, port congestion surcharges).

Question 26

Do you offer freight insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carrgo can arrange comprehensive all-risks marine cargo insurance for all shipments. We strongly recommend insurance for all commercial shipments. Please request insurance at the time of booking.

Question 27

What is Incoterms?

Accepted Answer

Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are standardised trade terms that define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade — including who pays for freight, insurance, and customs. Common Incoterms include EXW, FOB, CIF, and DDP. Carrgo advises on the best Incoterms for your trade.

Question 28

How has Brexit changed importing into the UK?

Accepted Answer

Since Brexit, all goods imported from the EU now require UK customs declarations, just like goods from the rest of the world. UK importers must have an EORI number, and goods must be classified with the correct commodity code. Carrgo handles all post-Brexit customs requirements.

Question 29

Do I need a customs agent to import into the UK?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, using a customs agent (like Carrgo) is strongly recommended. Incorrect customs declarations can result in delays, fines, and goods being seized. Carrgo's customs team ensures accurate, compliant declarations on every shipment.

Question 30

What is the UK Global Tariff?

Accepted Answer

The UK Global Tariff (UKGT) is the UK's independent tariff schedule that applies to imports from countries without a UK trade agreement. It replaced the EU's Common External Tariff after Brexit. Carrgo applies the correct tariff rate for every shipment.

Question 31

What does EXW mean?

Accepted Answer

EXW (Ex Works) means the seller makes goods available at their premises. The buyer (importer) is responsible for all costs and risks from that point, including export customs, freight, and import customs. Carrgo can manage the entire logistics process from EXW.

Question 32

What does FOB mean?

Accepted Answer

FOB (Free on Board) means the seller is responsible for goods until they are loaded onto the vessel at the origin port. The buyer is responsible for freight, insurance, and import costs from that point.

Freight Forwarding FAQs for UK Importers

Sea Freight FAQs

Still Have Questions?