Shipping to the UK from overseas means dealing with UK customs, UK port and terminal charges and UK hauliers, often in a different time zone. A reliable agent makes the difference between cargo that clears and delivers on time, and cargo that sits at the port running up charges.
What we do as your UK agent
- Customs clearance: import and export declarations lodged in-house, including acting as indirect representative where the importer isn't established in the UK.
- Arrival and release: we track the vessel, obtain the delivery order and arrange release from the shipping line and terminal.
- Port and terminal charges: we settle UK destination charges such as terminal handling, delivery order and port health fees, and pass them on clearly.
- Holds and inspections: we manage customs and port health holds, and attend or arrange inspections where needed.
- UK haulage: containers and trailers delivered to your consignee's site anywhere in mainland UK, with booked delivery times.
- Demurrage and detention: we watch free time and return empties on time to keep extra charges down.
- Exports from the UK: collections, export declarations and delivery to the port for your outbound cargo.
Customs representation for non-UK importers
A business that isn't established in the UK usually can't make UK import declarations in its own name without a UK representative. In most cases that means using an indirect representative, who makes the declaration on the importer's behalf and shares liability for it. The importer also needs a GB EORI number.
We can act as your indirect representative, or work with the representative your customer already uses. Either way we'll make sure the commodity codes, values and origin are right before the declaration goes in.
UK charges we can handle for you
| Charge | What it covers | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal handling (THC) | Moving the container through the UK terminal | Depends on the Incoterm |
| Delivery order fee | The shipping line releasing the cargo | Consignee or agent |
| Customs clearance | Lodging the import declaration | Importer |
| Duty and import VAT | Tax due on the goods | Importer |
| Port health and inspections | Checks on food, plants and other controlled goods | Importer |
| Haulage | Delivery from the port to site | Depends on the Incoterm |
A guide only. Charges vary by port, shipping line and cargo, and who pays depends on the Incoterm agreed in the sale.
How working with us works
- Pre-alert: you send us the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and consignee details before arrival.
- Checks: we confirm the commodity codes, the consignee's EORI and any licences or controls before the ship arrives.
- Clearance and release: we lodge the declaration, settle the destination charges and obtain release.
- Delivery: we book and deliver to the consignee's site, and send you proof of delivery.
- Clear invoicing: you get one clear invoice for the UK side, with charges itemised.
Ports and services we cover
We handle containers through Felixstowe, Southampton, London Gateway, Liverpool, Teesport, Greenock and Grangemouth, and trailers through the main ferry ports including Dover, Purfleet, Tilbury, Hull and Immingham. We also handle European road freight to and from the UK.
Written by the 365 Freight team · Last reviewed . Rates, rules and schedules change, so we'll confirm the details for your shipment when we quote.