Shipping your belongings from the UK to America can feel like a daunting prospect. From choosing the right shipping method to preparing customs paperwork and ensuring everything arrives safely, there are a lot of steps involved. The good news is that, with the right planning and support, international shipping can be a straightforward and manageable process.
In this guide, Britannia will take you through the decisions you’ll need to make when you’re shipping belongings to the USA from the UK, the documents you’ll need to prepare, and what to expect once your shipment is on its way.
As a professional international removals company with decades of experience, Britannia Movers International helps individuals and families move their belongings across the world every year. For more information about relocating to America, read our guide to removals to the USA.
Sea freight or air freight: which is right for your shipment
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when shipping to America is whether to send your belongings by sea freight or air freight. The right choice will depend on the size of your shipment, your budget, and how quickly you need your items to arrive.
Sea freight is the preferred option for most household moves. It offers the most cost-effective way to transport furniture, appliances, and large volumes of personal belongings overseas. Transit times are longer, but sea freight provides the capacity needed for everything from a few pieces of furniture to the contents of an entire family home. Whilst transit times can vary depending on a range of factors, typical sea freight transit times for a household shipment from the UK to the USA run from around two to four weeks door to door for sole use containers. Groupage shipments can take longer though, usually eight to fourteen weeks depending on if your belongings are being shipped to the East or West Coast
Air freight is generally best suited to smaller shipments or items that you need quickly after arriving in the USA. Air freight times from the UK to USA can vary, but generally can take around three to five days. Cargo space on aircraft is limited, which makes air freight costs significantly higher than sea freight, so it can be less practical for large household moves. As a compromise, some people choose to send some essential items by air, and the remainder of their belongings by sea.
When you’re deciding between the two options, think about not only the cost and speed, but also the volume of goods you’ll be shipping and your expected moving timeline. An experienced international removals company can help you to assess the most practical and economical solution for your situation.
Sole-use container or groupage: choosing your shipping method
Once you’ve decided how your belongings will travel, you’ll need to choose whether they will be shipped in a sole-use container or as part of a groupage service. The best option depends largely on the volume of goods you’re sending and your budget.
A sole-use container, sometimes known as a full container load (FCL), is dedicated entirely to your shipment. This is often the most practical choice for larger household moves, as it provides ample space for furniture, appliances, and personal possessions. Your belongings will remain together throughout the journey, so there is typically less handling during transit, which can help streamline the shipping process.
Groupage, or less than container load (LCL) shipping, involves sharing container space with other customers. Rather than paying for an entire container, you only pay for the space your belongings occupy. This can be a cost-effective solution if you’re shipping a smaller volume of items, such as a few pieces of furniture or the contents of a smaller property.
Building an inventory before you ship
Creating a detailed inventory is one of the most important steps when shipping belongings to America. Your inventory serves a number of purposes: it helps customs officials understand what is being imported, supports any insurance cover you arrange, and provides a clear record of everything that is in your shipment.
Start by listing every item that will be shipped, including furniture, appliances, boxes, and personal possessions. For larger shipments, it can be helpful to organise your inventory room by room – this can make it easier to track items during packing, transit, and delivery. Be as clear and descriptive as possible, especially for any higher-value belongings.
It’s also important to take photographs of all items, especially valuable goods, before they are packed. Images can provide useful evidence of the condition of your belongings should you ever need to make an insurance claim. For electronics, record serial numbers and model details, and keep copies of any relevant receipts or proof of ownership where you have them.
A professionally prepared inventory can help to reduce the risk of delays during customs clearance and ensure your shipment is accurately documented from the outset. If you’re using an international removals company, they will often assist with preparing and checking your inventory as part of the shipping process.
Packing your belongings for a long sea journey
International shipping places different demands on your belongings than a domestic move. During a sea voyage, your shipment may spend a number of weeks in transit and be exposed to changes in temperature, humidity, and handling at multiple points throughout the journey. So, it’s essential to make sure your possessions are properly packed keep them protected.
Fragile items should be wrapped individually using appropriate protective materials, and heavier items should be packed in sturdy cartons that can support their weight throughout transit. Boxes should be filled carefully to prevent contents from shifting during the journey, and weight should be distributed evenly to avoid cartons becoming unstable or difficult to handle. Furniture often requires additional protection, particularly for polished surfaces, glass components, and delicate finishes.
Some people choose to pack their own belongings, but export packing standards are considerably higher than those used for a typical house move. Professional export packers use specialist materials and techniques designed specifically for international shipping, which helps to protect items from moisture, movement, and the longer transit times associated with overseas transport.
Using a professional packing service can also simplify the shipping process, as your belongings will be prepared to meet international removals requirements from the outset. This can provide greater confidence that your possessions will arrive in America in the same condition they left the UK.
Customs paperwork you’ll need to ship to America
International shipments require many documents to ensure your belongings can be exported from the UK and imported into the United States without unnecessary delays. Preparing the paperwork accurately and well in advance is one of the most important parts of the shipping process.
The exact documents required will vary depending on your circumstances, but most household shipments will require a detailed inventory, customs declaration forms, and a bill of lading, which acts as the official transport document for your shipment. For entry into the USA, this typically includes CBP Form 3299 (the Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccustomed Household Effects), which allows used personal belongings owned for a year or more to be imported duty-free, and CBP Form 6059B, the general customs declaration. If you’re shipping by sea, US Customs and Border Protection also requires an Importer Security Filing (known as the ISF, or “10+2”) to be submitted at least 24 hours before your container is loaded onto the vessel in the UK. You might also need to provide evidence of your right to enter or reside in the United States, such as a visa, residency documentation, or other immigration paperwork.
Many customs documents must be completed before your shipment leaves the UK, so it’s important to gather the necessary information early. Missing or inaccurate paperwork can lead to delays, additional inspections, or extra costs once your belongings reach the USA.
An experienced international removals company will guide you through the documentation process, helping ensure forms are completed correctly and submitted at the appropriate stage of your move. This support can make customs clearance significantly smoother when your shipment arrives in America.
What you can’t include in your shipment to the USA
Before you pack your belongings, it’s important to understand that some items cannot be shipped as part of an international household goods consignment. Many of these restrictions relate to transport safety, customs requirements, or agricultural regulations, and attempting to ship prohibited items can result in delays, inspections, or additional charges.
Commonly restricted items include lithium batteries, power banks, aerosols, flammable liquids, paints, fuels, gas cylinders, fireworks, and other hazardous materials. Certain electronic devices containing large batteries might require special handling or declaration, and some items might not be accepted for shipment at all. Even everyday household products such as cleaning chemicals, nail varnish, perfumes, and other potentially hazardous substances can create issues during international transport.
When shipping to the USA, it’s also important to be aware of strict controls on agricultural and food products. Items such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products, plants, seeds, soil, and certain animal-derived goods are closely regulated and could be prohibited or subject to inspection on arrival. These restrictions are designed to protect US agriculture and prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
If prohibited or undeclared items are discovered during inspections, they may be removed from the shipment, seized, destroyed, or held while further checks are carried out. A pre-move survey is one of the best ways to identify any potential issues before shipping begins. Your removals specialist can advise on what can and cannot be included, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and ensuring your shipment complies with international shipping regulations.
Insuring your shipment for the journey
Shipping your belongings overseas involves a longer journey and more handling than a typical domestic move, so it’s worth arranging appropriate marine transit insurance. This is designed to protect your possessions against risks such as loss or damage while they’re being transported by sea, subject to the terms and exclusions of the policy.
When valuing your shipment, provide an accurate replacement value for your belongings rather than relying on their second-hand value. Keep your inventory up to date, and make sure high-value items are declared correctly. Your removals company can explain the available cover and help you choose an appropriate level of protection for your move to America.
Tracking your shipment and what happens at the US port
Once your shipment is on its way, your removals company can provide updates on its progress, although international shipping doesn’t offer the same real-time tracking as a courier service.
Once the container reaches the USA, it must be cleared through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Clearance takes place at the first US port of arrival, commonly New York/New Jersey for East Coast shipments or Los Angeles/Long Beach on the West Coast, depending on your route. Sometimes shipments can be selected for inspection, which can affect the timing.
After customs clearance, your belongings will be released for onward transport. Your shipping company will coordinate the next stage, which might involve moving the shipment from the port to a local depot before the final delivery to your new home. Using an experienced international removals company can make this handover much simpler, as the various stages will be managed on your behalf.
Get a quote for shipping to America
Every international move is different, so the best way to understand the likely cost and shipping options is to arrange a tailored quote. Britannia can assess the volume of your belongings, recommend the most suitable shipping method, and plan the practical details of getting your possessions from your UK home to your new address in America.
With extensive international removals experience and trusted partners in the USA, Britannia can support you throughout the shipping process, from packing and documentation to customs clearance and final delivery. You can find your nearest Britannia office to speak to your local team, or you can request a quote online.
