North America transit times
| Destination | Main ports | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| US East Coast | New York / New Jersey, Baltimore, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston | 10–17 days |
| US Gulf | Houston, New Orleans, Mobile | 17–24 days |
| US West Coast (via Panama) | Los Angeles / Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle / Tacoma | 25–32 days |
| Canada, east | Montreal, Halifax, Saint John | 9–14 days |
| Canada, west | Vancouver, Prince Rupert | 25–32 days |
| Mexico | Veracruz, Altamira, Manzanillo | 16–30 days |
Indicative ranges for direct or single-transhipment services. Inland destinations are reached by rail or truck from the arrival port.
Customs filings you can't skip
Both the US and Canada need cargo information before the container is loaded in the UK:
- USA: the Importer Security Filing (ISF, '10+2') must be filed at least 24 hours before loading, and the carrier files the manifest. A licensed US customs broker makes the entry
- Canada: carriers and forwarders must send advance cargo information before loading, and imports are cleared through the Canada Border Services Agency
- Mexico: imports go through a licensed Mexican customs broker, with detailed product descriptions
Read our UK to USA guide for the details, including US tariffs.
Trade agreements and tariffs
The UK has continuity trade agreements with Canada and Mexico, and both are also CPTPP partners, so qualifying goods can travel at reduced or zero duty. US tariffs on UK goods have changed several times since 2025, so check the current rate for your product before you agree a price.
What moves on this trade
UK exports include machinery and engineering goods, vehicles and parts, aerospace components, food and drink, whisky and spirits, pharmaceuticals and consumer goods. Imports from North America include machinery, timber, food products and consumer goods.