UK to USA Shipping: 2025 Guide for Exporters

Understanding the US Market: A Land of Opportunity

The sheer scale of the US economy presents a compelling case for UK exporters. It is not just the world’s largest economy but also a hub for global supply chains. While the absence of significant language barriers is an advantage, it is crucial to recognise that the US is not a monolithic market. It is a federal system of 50 states, each with its own set of regulations, taxes, and business culture. A successful export strategy requires treating each state as a distinct entity.

Ocean Cargo provides the localised knowledge needed to navigate this fragmented landscape. Whether you are shipping to the bustling ports of New York and Los Angeles or inland destinations, our network ensures seamless transit. We have extensive experience across key sectors where UK businesses excel:

• Automotive: The US is a significant market for UK-built cars and Automotive parts, with exports valued at £9.3 billion. We manage the logistics for everything from luxury vehicles to specialised components.
• Manufacturing and Industrial Goods: From heavy generators to mining equipment, the UK’s engineering prowess is in high demand. Our project logistics team handles out-of-gauge and heavy lift shipments with precision.
• Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences: The world’s largest Healthcare market relies on UK innovation. We provide secure, compliant shipping for medicinal and pharmaceutical products, a sector worth £7.0 billion in exports.
• Food and Drink: British food and drink exports, from artisan cheeses to gin, are gaining significant traction. We navigate the stringent FDA regulations to ensure your perishable goods arrive in perfect condition.

Navigating Critical 2025 US Import Changes

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment for UK-US trade, with two significant developments that will fundamentally alter import procedures. Staying informed is not just advisable; it is essential for avoiding costly delays and penalties. Ocean Cargo’s expertise ensures your business is prepared for these new realities.

The End of the $800 De Minimis Threshold

Perhaps the most significant change is the suspension of the de minimis exemption, effective from 29 August 2025. Previously, commercial shipments valued under $800 could enter the US free of duty and tax under a simplified clearance process. This exemption has been removed for all countries, including the UK.

This policy shift has profound implications for UK businesses, particularly e-commerce sellers and those shipping lower-value goods. All shipments, regardless of value, are now subject to:

• Tariffs and Duties: Every item will be assessed for import duties based on its Harmonised System (HS) code.
• Full Customs Declaration: Shipments now require a formal customs entry, demanding complete and accurate data, including detailed product descriptions, country of origin, and correct HS codes.
• Increased Administrative Costs: The formal clearance process involves administrative and processing fees that were previously waived for low-value shipments.

Partnering with a seasoned freight forwarder, such as Ocean Cargo, is crucial to managing this transition. Our customs brokerage experts ensure that your documentation is flawless, preventing your goods from being held up at the border.

The UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD)

Announced on 8 May 2025, the EPD introduces several sector-specific changes aimed at strengthening the trade relationship. While not a comprehensive free trade agreement, it provides notable benefits for UK exporters in key industries.

• Automotive Tariffs: Export tariffs on UK cars are reduced from 27.5% to 10% for a quota of 100,000 vehicles annually.
• Steel and Aluminium: The agreement provides a pathway to remove the Section 232 tariffs entirely, with UK steel currently not subject to a 50% tariff uplift seen in other markets.
• Agricultural Access: UK beef farmers gain new market access with a quota of 13,000 metric tonnes, without compromising UK food import standards.

Ocean Cargo's team stays abreast of these evolving agreements, ensuring our clients can fully leverage any preferential rates and quotas available under the EPD.

Mastering US Customs, Documentation, and Regulations

Successful entry into the US market is contingent on meticulous preparation and adherence to strict customs protocols. Errors in documentation are one of the most common causes of shipping delays. Ocean Cargo manages this entire process, ensuring every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed.

Essential Shipping Documents

A complete and accurate set of documents is non-negotiable for US customs clearance. Our team will guide you in preparing the necessary paperwork:

1. Commercial Invoice: This details the transaction between the exporter and importer, including product descriptions, values, and the country of origin.
2. Packing List: A comprehensive list of the shipment’s contents, including weights, dimensions, and packing details. It must align perfectly with the Commercial Invoice.
3. Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): The contract between the cargo owner and the carrier. The Bill of Lading is a vital document of title for sea freight.
4. Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2): For Ocean freight, this must be submitted to the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at least 24 hours before loading the cargo onto a vessel destined for the US. Failure to comply results in significant penalties.
5. Certificate of Origin: This document verifies the country of origin for the goods. It is crucial for tariff calculation and ensuring compliance with trade agreements.

Calculating Tariffs and Duties

The amount of duty payable on your goods is determined by their classification under the Harmonised Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States. Identifying the correct HTS code is a specialised skill, as incorrect classification can lead to fines and delays. The duty can be influenced by multiple factors, including Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs and reciprocal tariffs imposed under legislation like the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance

Specific US government agencies regulate many products. Proactive compliance is essential.

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Regulates the production, distribution, and sale of food, beverages, medical devices, Pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Importers of these goods must comply with strict registration and labelling requirements.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Regulates products that may impact the environment, such as vehicles and certain chemicals.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Sets standards for a wide range of consumer goods to protect against unreasonable risks of injury.

Ocean Cargo works closely with you to ensure your products meet all applicable standards before they even leave the UK, preventing costly rejections upon arrival.

Choosing Your Shipping Method: Ocean vs. Air Freight

The choice between sea and air freight depends on your specific needs, balancing speed, cost, and cargo volume. Ocean Cargo offers flexible and reliable options for both modes of transport.

Sea Freight to the USA

Sea freight is the backbone of global trade and the most cost-effective solution for large, heavy, or non-urgent shipments. We offer two primary services for container shipping to the USA:

• Full Container Load (FCL): You hire an entire container for your exclusive use. FCL is ideal for high-volume shipments, offering greater security and often faster transit times than LCL, as the container is sealed at your premises and only opened at its destination.
• Less than Container Load (LCL): If your cargo doesn’t fill a full container, you can share space with other shippers. LCL is a flexible and economical option for smaller shipments, allowing you to benefit from the low cost of Ocean freight without requiring high-volume shipments.

While Ocean freight offers significant cost savings, transit times are longer. A typical journey from a UK port, such as Felixstowe, to an East Coast port, like New York, can take 10-20 days, while reaching a West Coast port, like Long Beach, can take 30-40 days.

Air Freight to the USA

For time-sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods, air freight is the optimal choice. It offers unparalleled speed, with transit times from the UK to major US airports often taking just 1-3 days. The key benefits include:

• Speed: Drastically reduces shipping time, which is critical for meeting tight deadlines or transporting perishables.
• Reliability: Air freight schedules are generally more reliable than ocean shipping, with less susceptibility to weather-related delays.
• Security: Enhanced security measures at airports, combined with reduced handling, make air freight a highly secure option for transporting valuable cargo.

While the direct cost is higher than sea freight, the speed and reliability can lead to lower indirect costs, such as reduced inventory holding and insurance premiums. Ocean Cargo leverages its extensive network of airline partners to provide competitive rates and secure capacity for your urgent shipments.

The Ocean Cargo Advantage: Your Expert Partner for US Exports

In a market as complex and dynamic as the United States, selecting a freight forwarder is a critical business decision. Ocean Cargo is more than a logistics provider; we are a strategic partner invested in your success. We provide the expertise and support to overcome the challenges of transatlantic trade.

• Expert Customs Brokerage: Our in-house team of customs specialists is an expert in US import regulations. We manage all documentation and declarations, ensuring full compliance and swift clearance, saving you from potential fines and port delays.
• End-to-End Solutions: We offer a seamless, fully integrated service from door-to-door. This includes UK collection, ocean or air freight, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery across the US via our robust intermodal transportation network.
• Proactive Communication: We believe in keeping you informed. Our advanced tracking systems provide real-time visibility of your shipment, and your dedicated account manager is always available to provide updates and answer any questions.
• Specialised Cargo Handling: No shipment is too complex. Our project logistics division has proven experience in handling oversized, heavy, and high-value cargo, from wind turbine components to sensitive aerospace equipment.
• Risk Mitigation: We proactively identify and mitigate potential risks in your supply chain. By staying ahead of regulatory changes, port congestion, and carrier capacity issues, we help safeguard your business against unforeseen disruptions.

With Ocean Cargo, you gain a partner who understands the intricacies of the US market and is committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and transparent logistics solutions.