How to Ship from the US to the UK

Before you package your items and go to the post office near you, it’s important to understand all factors of shipping from the US to the UK. That includes costs, customs, delivery options, insurance, and so much more. In the guide below, we will take you by the hand and lead through every step of the process, so you are ready to manage your shipments effectively.

Understanding Shipping Costs from the US to the UK

The first thing you have probably searched for is “How much is shipping from the US to the UK?”. Several factors can influence the tariff of your package. First of all, if your package weight and dimensions are bigger, the fees will be higher. Second, your package will be delivered either by sea or air - and air freight is typically the most expensive. Courier services to the door will be priced extra.

Your shipping fee from the US to the UK is always subject to change due to specific variations, such as the logistic location of delivery. For precise estimates, you can visit Meest’s shipment calculator - input the package weight, width, and destination to know the price.

In general, Meest ships in up to 14 weeks by air, which costs $3.89 per pound with a $15.00 delivery charge per box. Sea freight takes up to 5 weeks but costs less: $2.31 per pound with a $12.00 delivery charge per box.

Preparing Your Shipment

Whether you are an e-commerce business selling items overseas or trying to ship a birthday gift to your UK friend, make sure you package it well. Put it in a sturdy box that can handle customs and international transit. Wrap your items in bubble wrap, and put crumpled-up paper or packing peanuts inside. Make sure all fragile items are secure in the box. Use good packing tape to wrap the box well - all seams should be covered.

There should be a shipping label on the box. You can print it yourself through Meest online service, but don’t forget to include these details about the recipient:

full name;
street address;
city;
postal code;
contact number.

Additionally, write the destination country in uppercase letters - UNITED KINGDOM - and provide a return address in case the package is not delivered. You can fill out these details on the Meest portal to streamline the process. You will also have to provide all documentation relating to the shipment, including the CN23 customs declaration forms and commercial invoices if applicable. Both forms detail the content and value of the packaging.

The UK Customs Clearance Process

You should always make sure that your customs forms are filled out truthfully and precisely, otherwise, your shipping costs from the USA to the UK can grow due to fines. Moreover, the shipment can get delayed. When it comes to personal shipments, you have to provide a detailed Customs Declaration Form and proof of shipment, like an Airway Bill. If your package costs a lot or contains a lot of items, you might also need to fill out a packing list.

Commercial shipments require a lot more documentation. In addition to the forms described above, you will need a commercial invoice, which details the transaction between the seller and buyer and all items included in the trade. Then, as a business owner, you will also have to pass over the certificate of origin for each item. This paper proves where the goods were produced. This certificate will minimize your shipping charges from the US to the UK.

Be aware that the recipient is responsible for paying any customs duties, tax, and VAT upon the packaging's arrival. As a sender, make sure that the shipment is within the UK’s duty-free allowance. Otherwise, it will incur additional charges. Some items may require special permits or documentation, while others are completely prohibited, including:

controlled drugs;
offensive weapons;
self-defense sprays;
endangered animal and plant species;
rough diamonds;
meat and dairy products from most non-EU countries.

Regardless if you choose USPS or Meest, it is best to consult the customs representative to make sure your items are not prohibited from import and won’t need special permits to enter the UK.

Shipping Methods and Transit Times

The best way to ship from the US to the UK will depend solely on the speed of delivery. There are several available options. The fastest one is by air - it takes up to 14 days. Sea freight is slower, up to 5 weeks, but costs a lot less. You can also leverage courier delivery straight to the recipient’s door. Meest’s courier can deliver a package with a maximum perimeter of 150 cm and a weight of 30 kg.

If you have the budget and need your priority items delivered fast, choose the air freight option. If there’s more time on your hands, you can go with the sea shipment. Select the method that suits your requirements.

Cost-Saving Strategies

Both businesses and individuals wonder how to ship to the UK from the US cost-effectively, especially regularly. In case you have a few packages waiting to be transported, combine several items into one box. Sending everything at once can greatly reduce the per-item shipping cost. Furthermore, opt for a cheaper option by sea if possible to minimize the cost.

Always check your post service’s website and consult the representatives on promotions. Meest is one of the carriers that offers discounts regularly. For instance, it has had $10 off shipments to England for parcels weighing 10 lbs or more before.

Why Choose Meest for Shipping to the UK?

Meest is a reliable shipping and courier service with an established delivery network across all European countries, including the United Kingdom. Once the UK customs clearance is successful and all the delivery forms are filled in correctly, the recipient is guaranteed the order fulfillment. The company also has flexible shipping options, where you can choose sea or air freight depending on your budget and needs.

Meest’s customer support is always on the line to help its clients. The latter can monitor their shipment in real-time, as well, by tracking it on the website. The cost of shipping from the US to the UK with Meest is competitive on the market. For example, the cheapest option is sea freight: $2.31 per pound with a $12.00 delivery charge per box. But you can always take advantage of promotions and discounts with Meest. So, partner with the company’s shipping services for the best rates and delivery times.

Tracking and Insurance

Meest has reliable tracking options for all British packages. To see where your parcel currency is:

Go to Meest’s parcel tracking page.
Enter your parcel number into the search field.
Press on the “Track” button.

On the screen, you will see the status and location of your shipment. If that is not enough and your packaging is valuable, you can insure it before sending it. Meest provides insurance for all parcels up to $60 in worth, which safeguards them from potential loss or damage. More expensive parcels can be insured additionally, with a rate of 5% of the insured value.

If the packaging is lost in the transfer or gets damaged in the process of delivery across the border, it is essential to notify Meest as soon as possible. Make sure you submit a written notice of claim within 14 days from the estimated delivery date via Meest’s email: [email protected]. In the email, include the sender’s copy of the customs declaration form, address details of you and the recipient, as well as the package number.

Handling Returns and Customer Service

Meest’s customer service is happy to assist clients with any other questions regarding their shipment process. You can reach out to the representatives on Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and on Saturday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM via phone at +1 862-682-4224 or email at [email protected].

Conclusion

Shipping from the US to the UK can be a little complicated, as you have to understand how to package your items for international travel, which documentation to provide, how much does it cost to ship from the US to the UK, how to track your parcel, and so much more.

With Meest, however, all the questions are cleared up. All you have to do is choose air or sea delivery depending on your budget, fill out all forms online, and provide the parcels to the courier. Then, you can go to the company’s tracking webpage and see where exactly your parcel is in real-time.

Meest can also insure your items, especially if they are high-value. If there are any problems with the package, you or the recipient can also contact the company representatives and initiate a return. Its customer support is always open to communication and ready to help.