Mercator Cargo has been handling regular imports from South Africa to the UK for many years now. We are an independent freight forwarder, based in the UK and have a team of experienced forwarders with experience in importing from South Africa.
We have recently seen trends for vehicle imports from South Africa. These are either an individual purchasing a vehicle for their personal use, or a business buying stock for their UK market.
Another field of our experience in importing from South Africa are used, and in some cases, classic cars. The climate in South Africa means vintage cars are, for the most part, not affected by rust or perishing. We have imported a number of interesting vehicles over the years, and are in regular contact with some vehicle sourcing and exporting companies.
As part of a worldwide network of freight forwarders, we have personal contacts around the globe with local knowledge. Our Partner in South Africa is able to assist with Export Customs, transport and other associated activities. We can advise our customers on all aspects of exporting from South Africa to the UK. Our services for importing from South Africa can be fully comprehensive including insurance, door-to-door imports, or as little as arranging your ocean or air freight.
If you’re looking for a freight forwarder with experience in importing from South Africa, then give us a call today to discuss your requirements – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
Mercator Cargo is an independent freight forwarder, based in the UK in Portsmouth. Having been running for over twenty years, with the same management in situ, Mercator has a wealth of experience in importing goods into the UK via various ports. As an independent business, still run and owned by the same family, we are able to offer our customers a comprehensive customer service, and offer different levels of freight forwarding services depending upon your requirements.
From some locations, your vessel may only call at one port in the UK, in which case, you do not need to worry about making a decision as to which port to use.
Depending on where you are importing from, you may choose to import your goods into the UK via the Port of Southampton. Located on the South Coast of England, with good transport links, it may be your preferred choice for your cargo to be unloaded into the UK.
We also operate the majority of our UK imports through Felixstowe and Tilbury (often preferred choices of container ports for deliveries further North). Both with excellent transport links, and capacities to handle a great deal of cargo on a daily basis.
Your choice of import container port in the UK may also take into account sailing times of the vessel your cargo is on. Some vessels will just call at one container port in the UK, whereas others may call at several. Which port they call at first, may be your choice of unloading if you wish to have your goods in the UK slightly sooner.
If you’re looking for an independent freight forwarder to handle your UK import, then call us today to discuss your requirements – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
A new container port is due to open later this year on the north bank of the River Thames. London Gateway is said to be the UK’s first deep water shipping port, and one of Europe’s largest centres for logistics.
As container ships grow in size, London Gateway will be an ideal choice when using these larger container liners for importing and exporting from the UK.
The port will increase the UK’s container handling capacities, and is aiming to be one of the most efficient ports in the UK. Alternative ports in the UK currently include Felixstowe, Southampton, Hull and Liverpool. The new container port will add 3.5 million TEU (equivalent 20 foot containers) to the UK’s container handling capacity.
Record-breaking cranes were recently delivered to the London Port. Five in total, these cranes will be able to handle the world’s largest container vessels. The cranes are said to be taller than the London Eye, and can reach further than is currently required when loading and unloading the largest of the container vessels currently sailing. This will ensure the port’s future, as container ships are becoming larger all the time. The cranes will be able to reach across 25 containers on the container ships, and will lift up to 80 tons at a time.
Container ships have currently grown to hold up to 18,000 TEU (compared with just 6,000 TEU, 50 years ago).
If you’re looking for a freight forwarder to handle your shipment from or to the UK, get in touch.
Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
When importing candles into the UK, there are a few things to consider. You will need to understand the charges you are required to pay for your import. These will include air/sea freight, handling, documentation, customs clearance, and VAT and duty. VAT and duty is currently around 6.5% (dependent upon country of origin) of the value of the candles to be imported and must be paid before release from customs. If you want further guidance on the costings of importing candles into the UK, then get in contact, we will be happy to provide you with a quote for your shipment. The more details you have about the shipment, the better, we will ask you things like the origin of the candles, where they were manufactured, how heavy the cargo is, how big the cargo is, the commercial value of the candles and where you would like it delivered in the UK. This way we can provide a price which will include a fully comprehensive shipping service: freight from destination, customs clearance in the UK and UK delivery.
It is recommended that candles which are transported for extended periods of time are kept in temperature controlled units (i.e. refrigerated containers, otherwise known as reefers). This is to ensure that whilst the candles are in transit, they remain intact and arrive safely at their destination.
Some candles for import or export are considered hazardous for transport, and require a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for import purposes. If you already have an MSDS for your import shipment of candles, let us know when you are enquiring so that we can provide an accurate quotation for your candle importation. If you are unsure whether you require an MSDS for your import of candles, just ask one of our experienced freight forwarders who will be able to point you in the right direction.
So if you’re looking to arrange an import of candles into the UK, give one of our experienced freight forwarders a call – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
The freight forwarding port of Charleston, South Carolina in the USA, has seen a recent increase in shipping container traffic; handling over 1.5 million equivalents of 20ft containers at its two container terminals last year.
Charleston container port has been named the fastest growing container port on the USA’s East Coast between January and November last year. This increase in size and capacity makes it an ideal port for freight forwarders to ship cargo via sea freight to and from for an efficient and reliable service.
Part of the port’s successes in the increase of container traffic is due to the improved export services and new carrier services to places such as Vietnam and Australia via ocean freight. These improved links between (for example) the USA and Vietnam add to the sea freight forwarding list of options of routes and destination ports.
Charleston container port has stated that it wishes to continue this growth, in particular increasing refrigerated cargo (in refrigerated containers sometimes known as reefers), forest and agricultural products and container imports for e-commerce retailers.
If you would like to speak to a member of the Mercator Cargo team today to discuss your import from Charleston, USA, or an export to the United States, call us today- Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
Two representatives of Mercator Cargo attended the Toy Fair at Olympia this year. Amongst the very exciting new toys, we noticed how popular wooden toys are becoming again. Suppliers of quality wooden toys can be in some fairly unusual parts of the world; with our extensive global network covering over 90 countries Mercator is well placed to help you import wooden toys into the UK.
There are several things to consider when importing wooden toys into the UK. If the goods are being imported from outside the EU, it will be your responsibility (as the importer) to ensure that the wooden toys adhere to certain toy safety regulations here in the UK (such as the European Standard EN17). Wooden toys imported into the UK will require a CE mark. It is advised that this is organised prior to shipment as customs clearance may not allow the toys into the country without it. If you are having toys made for you, then it is your responsibility to ensure that they can satisfactorily pass the tests required to make the toys safe for distribution and use in the UK. Likewise, if you are buying from a manufacturer who already makes the goods, it would be advisable to have a sample sent to the UK so you can have the wooden toy tested in the UK.
If you already have CE marks in place, and are looking for a freight forwarder to assist you import wooden toys into the UK, then we can help! With over twenty years of experience in the freight forwarding business, Mercator is large enough to cope, but small enough to care. We pride ourselves on our personal service offered to all our customers.
If you decide to make us your freight forwarder of choice, then you will be assigned a personal contact here in the office. This experienced freight forwarder will be able to answer your queries and provide advice on topics such as transport methods (i.e. sea freight, air freight or road freight), transit times, VAT and duty payable upon importing of your goods (if any), your responsibilities as an importer, and documentation.
Speak to one of our experienced team today to discuss your import of wooden toys into the UK – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.
10, St George’s Business Centre,
St Georges Square,
Portsmouth, PO1 3EZ, UK
Mercator is a family-run, UK based independent freight forwarder, offering highly effective sea, road and air freight services around the world.
