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United Kingdom
Transport United Kingdom with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from United Kingdom (UK). From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport.
Since Brexit in 2020, the economic situation has fundamentally changed. Despite this, former EU member the United Kingdom is still one of the world's leading economic powers. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland together are the largest island nation in Europe. In total it has more than 60 million residents of which more than 10% live in Greater London.
The UK is characterised by excellent connections for international transport. The Eurotunnel, which runs under the Channel, provides a direct link between the UK and the EU and is a hallmark of the partnership with Europe. Due to its direct location in the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea and the Irish Sea, the UK is also a suitable location for international sea transport.
Britain is known not only as one of the strongest European partners, but also as one of the most deregulated economies in the world with excellent conditions for business. The main industries of the United Kingdom are: mechanical engineering, crude oil, pharmaceuticals, cars and manufacturing. The UK's main trading partners are the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, France, Belgium, China and the US.
For transport to and from this interesting transport country, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for the UK.
Major transport routes United Kingdom and your advantages
As one of the largest economies in the world, the United Kingdom has a very relaxed business policy. To keep businesses happy, the UK has made a large number of infrastructure investments over the past few decades. Main roads and county roads connect all parts of the United Kingdom. There are also numerous ports, airports and long-distance connections that make international transport possible.
With more than 350,000 kilometres of paved roads, the country's road network is well developed. The different road types are marked with different letters M (motorways), A (major trunk roads, similar to provincial roads) and B (local or regional roads), The Eurotunnel between France and the UK is the main road link to Europe.
Rail transport is also a very attractive option in the United Kingdom. With a length of more than 15,000 kilometres, all major cities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are connected. Major investments in the railway infrastructure are also planned for the coming years. The electrification of the lines plays an important role in this.
Due to its insular character, sea freight is the most important form of transport. More than 90% of goods reach the UK by sea. After all, road transport and rail transport between the UK and Europe is only possible via the Eurotunnel. The largest ports in the United Kingdom are: Felixstowe (on the east coast), Tilbury (near London), Southampton (on the south coast) and Teesport (near Middlesbrough). In addition, regional ports and inland waterways (more than 600 km) also play an important role for the logistics industry.
Finally, air freight is also an important form of transport. In particular, Heathrow Airport in London is one of the world's major air transport hubs. The airports of Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Belfast are also constantly busy and are suitable for international transport.
Key cities for freight transport in the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom consists of several countries. Capital London fulfills the utmost importance as a transportation and logistics hub for global transportation. London's industrial and financial sector is one of the largest in the world. In addition, numerous large international companies are located here.
The Birmingham-Wolverhampton conurbation is the UK's second most important logistics centre. Although the economic revival has somewhat stagnated in recent years, many companies (mainly from industry) are still located here.
The third major centre is Scotland's largest city: Glasgow. Since the 1990s, the city has recovered economically and offers favourable investment opportunities for companies, partly due to the good infrastructure.
In addition, Manchester is one of the strongest economic regions in the United Kingdom.
The service sector has generated significant economic growth, drawing companies of all sizes to the city.
Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics
We offer different types of transport to and from United Kingdom. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from UK:
- Groupage transport to the UK
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to the UK
Groupage United Kingdom - LCL and LTL
The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.
The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.
Full loads United Kingdom - FCL or FTL
The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.
With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity.
Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination.
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Special transport United Kingdom
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from United Kingdom. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from United Kingdom to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports:
- Long goods
- Dangerous goods (ADR)
- Boxes (KTN)
- Boxes (BOX)
- Bundles
- Heavy load
- Pallets (PLT)
- Gitter boxes (GIBO)
- Barrels (FSS)
- Other loose goods
Transport options United Kingdom: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa
At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, North and South America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.
From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from United Kingdom to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment.
Transit and delivery times for transport to United Kingdom
To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently.
It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from United Kingdom arrives at your customer faster than usual.
For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you.
Customs: the correct import and export documents
Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.
Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with United Kingdom
As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.
To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic.
Important additional information: Holidays, driving bans and local details
Since Brexit, things have fundamentally changed for many companies. The previous legal bases of the EU have expired and new treaties between states have entered into force. Apart from the political situation, the United Kingdom has some specifics that are important for international transport. The following overview shows the most important regulations:
- Brexit and customs: After Brexit, a new trade and partnership agreement has become valid between the EU and the UK. As a result, other regulations will most likely apply to your goods transport. Seacon will take care of this matter for you.
- Tolls: In the UK, certain motorways, bridges and tunnels charge a toll for lorries. Surcharges may also apply for driving in low-emission zones or city centres.
- Traffic drives on the left: In the United Kingdom, other traffic rules apply, so traffic - unlike most European countries - always drives on the left.
- Movement of goods to Ireland: Since January 1, 2021, a special status applies between the United Kingdom and Ireland. Customs declarations are not necessary, but must be reported in the intra-Community statistics of the EU. Seacon can of course take care of this for you.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in the UK, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport.
The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985
Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about!
With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust.
Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than United Kingdom? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:
Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.