International Sea Freight Services
UK Import & Export Container Shipping Solutions
How Our Sea Freight Process works
Shipment Assessment & Routing
Our sea freight specialists assess your cargo type, volume, container requirements, origin, destination and required transit time. We determine whether Full Container Load (FCL) or Less Than Container Load (LCL) is most suitable and evaluate available sailing schedules to secure the most efficient routing.
Where required, we advise on Incoterms, documentation requirements and port selection to ensure the shipment is structured correctly from the outset.
Container Booking & Shipping Line Coordination
We secure space with established global shipping lines and arrange container allocation based on your cargo requirements — including standard containers, high cube, reefer or specialist equipment where necessary.
All relevant shipping documentation, including bills of lading and export declarations, is coordinated to ensure compliance with international shipping regulations.
UK Port Handling & Customs Clearance
We coordinate port handling at major UK ports and provide support with both import and export customs clearance. Our team ensures accurate documentation submission to minimise delays and prevent unnecessary storage or demurrage costs.
Global Arrival & Final Delivery
On arrival at destination, we work with our trusted global partners to coordinate unloading, import clearance and onward delivery where required. Port-to-port, door-to-port and full door-to-door services are available depending on your commercial requirements.
Sea Freight Services Available
Full Container Load (FCL)
Dedicated container shipping for larger consignments requiring exclusive use of a container. Ideal for high-volume cargo, manufacturing shipments and regular import/export movements.
We arrange standard 20ft and 40ft containers, including high cube options where additional capacity is required.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
Cost-effective sea freight for smaller shipments that do not require a full container. Cargo is consolidated securely with compatible freight, offering competitive ocean rates while maintaining reliable transit schedules.
Refrigerated & Temperature-Controlled Containers
We can arrange reefer containers for temperature-sensitive goods, including food products, pharmaceuticals and specialist cargo requiring controlled environments throughout transit.
Out of Gauge (OOG) & Project Cargo
For oversized, heavy or specialist equipment, we coordinate flat rack, open-top and project cargo solutions. Our team manages planning, documentation and port coordination for complex shipments.
Import & Export Sea Freight
We support both UK exports and international imports, managing documentation, customs coordination and port handling for commercial shipments worldwide.
Commercial Cargo & Personal Effects (Optional)
While our primary focus is commercial sea freight, we can also coordinate containerised personal effects and relocation shipments where required.
Industries We Support
Manufacturing & Industrial
We support manufacturers and industrial suppliers with regular import and export container shipments, raw materials, machinery components and finished goods.
Retail & Wholesale
From seasonal stock replenishment to ongoing supply chain movements, we assist retailers and wholesalers with cost-effective sea freight solutions.
Automotive & Engineering
We coordinate containerised shipments of automotive parts, engineering components and specialist equipment requiring structured routing and reliable transit schedules.
Food & Agriculture
We arrange sea freight solutions for packaged food products and agricultural cargo, including temperature-controlled container options where required.
Construction & Infrastructure
For construction materials, heavy equipment and project cargo, we provide container and specialist shipping arrangements tailored to commercial timelines.
Commercial Relocation & Containerised Personal Effects
In addition to commercial cargo, we can arrange full container or shared container shipments for structured international relocations where required.
UK Port & Global Sea Freight Coverage
Full shipment visibility and direct communication throughout transit
Major UK Ports We Operate Through
We coordinate sea freight shipments through leading UK ports including:
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Port of Felixstowe
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Port of Southampton
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London Gateway
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Port of Liverpool
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Port of Bristol
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Port of Hull
Port selection is based on shipping line schedules, cargo requirements and the most efficient routing for your shipment.
Global Trade Lanes & International Coverage
Through our established international agent network, we arrange import and export sea freight movements across:
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Europe
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North America
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South America
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Middle East
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Asia
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Africa
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Australia & Oceania
We work with major global shipping lines to provide reliable sailings and competitive transit times across key trade routes.
Import & Export Coordination
Whether you are exporting goods from the UK or importing commercial cargo into the UK, our team manages documentation, customs coordination and port handling to ensure smooth cargo movement from origin to destination.
Full port-to-port and door-to-door services are available depending on your operational requirements.
Worldwide Agent Network
Through our carefully selected global agent network, we coordinate destination port handling, customs clearance and onward delivery services across major international trade routes.
Our partners are experienced freight specialists, ensuring local compliance, clear communication and structured cargo management at both origin and destination.
This allows us to provide consistent service standards across international sea freight movements.
Sea Freight - Frequently Asked Questions
How long does sea freight take?
Transit times depend on origin, destination, shipping line schedules and whether the shipment is FCL or LCL. European movements may take several days, while international routes to Asia, North America or Australia typically range from 2–6 weeks depending on the trade lane.
What is the difference between FCL and LCL?
Full Container Load (FCL) provides exclusive use of a container and is ideal for larger shipments. Less Than Container Load (LCL) allows smaller consignments to share container space, offering a cost-effective solution for lower-volume cargo.
What information is required for a sea freight quote?
To provide accurate pricing, we require cargo type, total weight, dimensions or container requirement (FCL/LCL), origin, destination and preferred shipping dates. Additional details may be required for specialist cargo.
Do you handle customs clearance?
Yes. We coordinate UK import and export customs clearance and work with our global partners to manage clearance at destination where required.
Can you arrange door-to-door sea freight services?
Yes. We offer flexible solutions including port-to-port, port-to-door and full door-to-door sea freight services depending on your operational requirements and Incoterms.
What types of containers are available?
We can arrange standard 20ft and 40ft containers, high cube containers, refrigerated (reefer) containers and specialist equipment such as open-top or flat rack containers for oversized cargo.
How are sea freight costs calculated?
Sea freight pricing is influenced by container size, cargo volume, origin and destination ports, shipping line rates, fuel surcharges and local handling charges. Our team will structure the most cost-effective routing based on your shipment requirements.