With the boom in e-commerce, remote work, and international gifting, cross-border shipping between the US and the UK is more common than ever. A package goes a long distance on such a route, so make sure to take all the essential actions to send parcel to the UK swiftly and safely. Having a successful delivery each time is easy when you keep in mind those five common mistakes when having your parcel delivered overseas.
Misjudging the True Cost of Shipping
Shipping overseas is costly, and international companies have plenty of factors included in the transportation price. It is not just a flat-rate and weight-based factor like it is with the postal service. International delivery services, like Meest-America, use dimensional weight to calculate the price.
Thus, if you send a relatively light but spacious object with 2 kilos, be ready that the shipping fee will be as if it is 5-10 kilos. Customs fees and surcharges are also included in the price.
Overlooking Brexit-Related Customs Changes
The UK is no longer an EU member, so “no VAT for parcels that cost less than €150” is no longer in place. Low-value goods collect VAT via the IOSS scheme, while for high-value goods, VAT and duties are applied at the border.
Documentation should include the Entry Summary Declaration and the ORI number. If that number is missing on the customs form, your parcel wouldn’t clear customs and would be held up. You can find all the up-to-date rules and requirements on the UK government’s customs websites.
Using Generic Packaging That Fails in Transit
Transportation from the US to the UK is a long-distance one, so considering that packaging suitable for city-to-city delivery is enough is a big mistake. It is essential to take care of reliable packaging to prevent damage or breakage. Furthermore, some local UK delivery services may repackage poorly protected items for doorstep delivery, causing unnecessary delays.
Here are several tips on packaging to ensure damage-free transportation:
- use a sturdy box;
- ensure objects inside do not shift through the usage of any filling;
- double-wrap fragile items.
Those easy actions can decrease the impact on your parcel during transit. Especially if you choose economy delivery, and your goods are shipped by sea.
Choosing the Wrong Delivery Service
Cheapest delivery service rarely equals the best. Given that tracking, insurance, or delivery reliability can backfire, it is crucial to choose quality over cost. Economic services may lack visibility and support, especially during customs clearance. It can result in customs delays, goods damage, lost packages, etc. So, make sure to find a perfect balance between the cost of services and delivery professionalism. If you need to move vehicles as part of your shipping process, Vehicle Shipping Ohio offers specialized services for safe and reliable transport within the Midwest.
Ignoring Courier-Specific Requirements
Each shipping company has its specific requirements that should be followed to ensure safe transportation overseas. Labeling rules, list of prohibited items, and pickup/drop-off specifications truly matter, so make sure to check them before sending your parcel to organize everything according to them.
The best way to avoid any issues in this case is to use courier-specific guides or partner with a fulfillment service that handles compliance. Such an approach minimizes delays or lost packages.
Now that you are aware of the most common pitfalls when shipping parcels from the US to the UK, you have all you need to ensure swift and smooth delivery of your goods.
