When it comes to shipping goods internationally, one of the most common questions is, “how long will it take?”. The truth is, delivery times can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, such as the shipping method, destination, customs processes and even unforeseen disruptions like weather events.
As one of the leading international removal companies in the UK, Britannia has put together this guide to give you an idea of international shipping times and explore the factors that can impact delivery times.
How long does international shipping take?
The delivery time for international shipments will depend on the shipping method and distance to destination. However, it’s important to understand that international shipping is never a one-size-fits-all process. There are various factors. such as customs procedures, transport routes, and even seasonal demand, that can all influence how long it takes for goods to reach their destination. It doesn’t matter whether you’re shipping a few boxes or an entire household – the timeframe can vary considerably.
Whilst many customers understandably hope for a quick turnaround, international shipping involves multiple stages, including collection and loading to transit, customs clearance, and final delivery. Each of these steps adds time, and some can be more prone to delays than others.
Factors that affect international shipping times
The time it takes to ship goods internationally can vary significantly depending on a few factors.
Shipping method
The method of shipping plays a big role in determining how long international deliveries will take. Air freight is usually the fastest option, with shipments often arriving within two weeks depending on the destination. Although air freight is more expensive than sea or road transport, it’s ideal if you have a small amount of goods and speed is of the essence.
Sea freight is typically much slower but more economical, so it’s a good choice for larger shipments that aren’t urgent. Transit times for sea freight typically take several weeks, with the exact timing depending on the distance between ports and the shipping route. Whilst it is the slower option, it’s more cost-effective for bulk shipments and goods that aren’t in a rush.
Road transport is typically used for shorter international distances, such as within Europe, and usually takes around one week, depending on the route and distance.
Groupage shipping
Groupage shipping, also known as shared consignments, involves combining smaller shipments from multiple customers into one larger load. This method can take a little longer due to the need to consolidate goods together for the same destination but it’s typically a more cost-effective option compared to full container loads. It can be an ideal choice for those who don’t have enough goods to fill an entire container and aren’t in a rush to ship their belongings.
Customs clearance
Customs processes can vary greatly from one country to another, as each has its own set of rules and regulations regarding the import and export of goods. This can have a big impact on the speed of international shipping. The customs processes typically involve verifying the shipment, checking for compliance with local laws and assessing any applicable taxes or duties.
One of the most common causes of customs delays is incomplete or incorrect paperwork. Missing invoices, incorrect declarations of the value of goods, or failure to include necessary certificates which can all hold up the shipment. These issues often result in additional checks, fines, or requests for further documents, all of which can add days or even weeks to the delivery time.
Destination
The destination location will impact delivery speed, as shipments to more accessible or centrally located places will likely arrive quicker than those heading to more remote areas. Shipping to major international hubs with established shipping infrastructure, such as large ports or well-connected airports, will often mean quicker processing times and a smoother transit.
In contrast, shipments to remote or less-developed regions often take longer, as they have fewer transport options or less efficient infrastructure. For example, deliveries to rural or isolated areas can experience delays due to limited road access, fewer direct flights or the need for additional transport once the goods reach a regional hub.
Weather and unforeseen disruptions
Storms, natural disasters and other extreme weather events can cause delays in international shipping. For example, hurricanes or floods can force ships to reroute or remain in port until conditions improve, whilst snowstorms can delay road transport or air travel. In some cases, such events can lead to complete halts in services, which can considerably lengthen delivery times.
Global events such as strikes or large-scale disruptions in supply chains can also affect shipping times. For example, labour strikes at ports, airports or trucking companies can lead to significant delays in loading and unloading shipments, as well as in customs processing. Similarly, disruptions caused by issues such as fuel shortages, port congestion or even geopolitical events can slow down or halt shipments for extended periods.
How to minimise delays when shipping internationally
Shipping internationally can be a complex process, but there are steps you can take to minimise delays and ensure your goods arrive on time.
Choosing the right shipping method
Selecting the most appropriate shipping method is essential to ensure timely delivery. By choosing the method that aligns with your timeline and budget, you can better manage delivery expectations and minimise unnecessary delays.
You’ll need to consider how urgent your shipment is, as well as the destination you’re shipping to and from. Air freight is usually the fastest but more costly, whilst sea freight is more affordable but slower. Road transport can be an effective option for shorter international distances, such as shipments within Europe.
Ensuring accurate documentation
Customs clearance can often cause delays if the required documents are incomplete or incorrect. You’ll need to ensure that all paperwork is accurate and submitted on time. This includes invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin and any other documents required by the destination country.
When you ship your belongings overseas with Britannia, we’ll assign an international removals agent to you who will help to manage all the practical matters, including assisting with your documents to ensure they’re correct.
Working with experienced international shippers
Partnering with an experienced international shipping provider, like Britannia, who has experience in international logistics can help reduce the risk of delays. An experienced shipper will have the necessary pedigree and knowledge of cross-border regulations, including navigating customs administration, dealing with unexpected disruptions and selecting the most efficient routes. They can also offer valuable advice on packaging, labelling and required documents, helping to avoid errors that might cause delays.
International shipping time estimates
Below are some average transit times for shipping to key locations from the UK when using a dedicated service. As mentioned above, it’s important to note that these are average estimates and can vary vastly based on the specific location and any of the additional factors listed above.
In addition, if you’re using groupage shipping, there will be more time added due to the consolidation and organisation of shared loads before dispatch.
For specific timeframes, you should speak with your international shipper, who will be able to give a more accurate estimate based on your specific requirements.
United States
- Air Freight: 3-5 days
- Sea Freight: 14-20 days for East Coast
- Sea Freight 20-28 days for West Coast
Canada
- Air Freight: 3-6 days
- Sea Freight: 12-18 days
Australia
- Air Freight: 5-7 days
- Sea Freight: 40-60 days
UAE
- Air Freight: 6-8 days
- Sea Freight: 20-25 days
Spain
- Air Freight: 2-4 days
- Road Freight: 2-3 days
France
- Air Freight: 2-4 days
- Road Freight: 1-2 days
If you are thinking about moving abroad, and want to find out more about our international removal services or get a free quote, you can call us on 0845 600 6661 or email international@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.
