USA to UK Freight: Choosing the Right Coast, Mode and Service
Sea freight from the US East Coast (New York, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk) to the UK takes 10-14 days; from the West Coast via the Panama Canal it takes 25-30 days, so West Coast cargo often rails to an East Coast port first. Air freight delivers in 3-6 days door to door. US-origin goods pay standard UK tariff rates - there is no US-UK free trade agreement - plus import VAT, which Carrgo calculates in every quote.
What Carrgo handles
- Route and freight mode planning for UK importers and exporters.
- Customs readiness, documentation checks and port release support.
- Sea, air, road, rail, container and door-to-door freight options.
- Clear quote handling and monitored shipment handover.
Freight option comparison
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Sea freight | Lower-cost container and bulk shipments. |
| Air freight | Urgent cargo and time-critical shipments. |
| Road freight | European pallets, groupage and full loads. |
| Customs support | Documentation, duty checks and release planning. |
What happens next?
- Send Carrgo your shipment details.
- Carrgo reviews route, freight mode and customs requirements.
- You receive clear freight quote guidance and next steps.
- We monitor the shipment and keep you updated throughout.
Freight forwarding FAQs
How long does shipping from the USA to the UK take?
East Coast to Felixstowe or Southampton runs 10-14 days port to port with several weekly direct sailings. Gulf ports (Houston, New Orleans) run 14-18 days. From Los Angeles or Oakland expect 25-30 days by all-water service, or about 18-21 days using rail to the East Coast plus a transatlantic sailing.
Do I pay UK duty on American goods?
Yes - there is no US-UK trade agreement, so US-origin goods pay the standard UK Global Tariff rate for their commodity code, plus 20% import VAT on the landed value. Some goods are tariff-free by classification rather than origin. Getting the commodity code right is where the money is; Carrgo verifies codes before the entry is lodged.
What US export paperwork affects my UK shipment?
Shipments over $2,500 per commodity line need an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in the US AES system, and some goods need export licences (EAR/ITAR-controlled items). A missing EEI filing holds cargo at the US port - it is the most common origin-side delay on this route.
Sea or air from the USA - where is the break-even?
As a rule of thumb, below 300-400 kg chargeable weight air freight is usually worth it given the 10-20 day time saving; above 1-2 pallets, East Coast sea freight wins on cost. Time-critical machinery parts and aerospace goods dominate air on this corridor; retail stock and vehicles move by sea.