If you’re a UK based manufacturer, you may have recently seen an increase in the demand for your goods overseas. Perhaps you haven’t exported your goods before, or have only done it a few times. It will seem like a daunting task, but that’s why it is a good idea to appoint a Freight Forwarder to handle your export shipment for you.

Mercator Cargo is a UK based Freight Forwarder, we have been running for over 20 years, and are still managed and run by the same family. We are a small team of experts in international shipping. Our dedicated export department can assist you in exporting your goods to almost anywhere in the world.

The Government has been saying for some time that international trade (particularly exports) will help the UK economy grow. Now is the perfect time to take that first step into the international trade arena and start exporting your UK manufactured goods. International trade can massively boost a small to medium sized company.

The UK has had a few exposed years in terms of media coverage, what with the London 2012 Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Wedding and so on. As such, there is a greater demand in the world marketplace for UK branded goods.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the export market for the UK for the second quarter of 2013 has been the highest on record (at £78.4bn). If you think your company would like a slice of this huge potential, then perhaps it is time to seriously consider exporting your goods worldwide.

If you are in the stage of arranging some international sales, then it is always a good idea to also tempt your buyers by offering freight included (this can be seen as favourable as it would reduce their workload).  We can offer a range of services, from just freight, to a full door to door service.

Give one of our sales team a call today to get a quote for your shipment – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

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The biggest ever container ship is due to set sail on the waters in June this year.  Rumoured to be taller than the 2012 Olympic Stadium and 400 metres long, it will be the largest vessel on the seas.

Named the Triple E, the new model of container ship will have holding capacity of 18,000 20 foot containers.  Inside these 18,000 containers you could fit 863 million cans of baked beans, or 36,000 cars.

Currently, the largest container ship holds the equivalent of 12,500 20 foot containers.  This is an increase in capacity of almost 50%.  There are already discussions of an ever bigger vessel holding up to 30,000 containers.

The new Triple E ships are intended to run ocean freight services between Asia and Europe.

So what does this mean for the freight forwarding industry?

Bigger container ships are said to be more eco-friendly.  Not only is technology becoming more advanced on these large container ships, but by carrying more cargo, the fuel footprint per tonne of cargo is reducing.

However, larger container ships bring their own problems, as ports are expected to either adapt to receive these bigger vessels, or the ships will call at other ports instead.

The Port of Felixstowe handles almost half of the UK’s container trade and has plans to increase its capacities by constructing a third rail terminal due to open later this year.

If you’re looking for a freight forwarder to handle your import or export sea freight, call us today – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

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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.

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As we are now in 2013, you may be thinking of expanding your UK based manufacturing business.  Perhaps you have a product that is selling well in the UK, but you’re considering the global market place.  Freight forwarding might seem a daunting area for new exporters, but we’re here to help.

As experienced freight forwarders based in the UK, we can offer a comprehensive service to all our customers, both large and small.  As a family-run, independent freight forwarder, we are able to take the time to guide you through exporting your UK manufactured goods to the global market.

Mercator offers air, sea and road freight worldwide.  We are rather unique in that we are a founding member of a global network made up of other independent freight forwarders like us.  This allows us personal contacts in almost every country around the world, and invaluable, local knowledge.

Think you might need hand-holding the whole way?  No problem.  We are well versed in introducing the procedures to new exporters.

Need advice on different options?  Mercator can offer advice on ocean freight, air freight and road freight, including costings, transit times, and any local charges you may incur at your goods destination.

Mercator began trading over twenty years ago, and our first customer back in 1991 is still our customer today.

If you’re still wondering if we’re right for you, why not give us a call on 02392 756 575, or email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk, and either Paul or Myles will be in touch about your export freight.

Request a Quote for Export Shipping from the UK

Just a few weeks ago, the port of Southampton in the UK saw the arrival of the largest container ship. Named Marco Polo after the explorer, the container ship measures a whopping 1,299ft long by 177ft wide. The vessel is longer than four football pitches.

The container vessel, owned by CMA CGM can hold up to 16,000 containers; it’s this capacity that makes it the world’s largest sea freight container ship.

New technology incorporated into new container ships such as the Marco Polo, for example, the advances in hydrodynamics, decrease CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The ship’s electronically controlled engine uses an average of three percent less fuel than a regular engine. Provisions to prevent oil leaks (via a specially designed double hull) and reducing the transfer of micro-organisms from one ocean to another (via a water treatment system) have also been made. Advances such as these make new container ships more environmentally friendly and conserving for the marine environment.

Competitor Maersk is working on building an even larger ocean freight container ship to hold 18,000 containers, after previously holding the record for the largest shipping vessel with capacity of 11,000 containers.

The Marco Polo container ship will adopt a route to link Asia to Northern Europe. As one of the fastest ocean freight services between Asia and the United Kingdom, it also has comprehensive coverage of China, visiting Ningbo, Shanghai, Xiamen and Hong Kong to name a few, visiting Southampton in the UK .

Call us today to discuss your import shipment from Asia to the United Kingdom – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

Request a Quote for Shipping to or from Southampton Port

At Mercator we can offer a variety of options for refrigerated container transport (also known as reefers) for import into the UK and export from the UK.  Some goods will need to be kept at a cooled constant temperature, for example frozen food stuffs, whilst other items (for example candles) may need to be protected from heat or cooler temperatures in a controlled temperature environment.  Reefers allow the transportation of perishable goods at any time of year, safe in the knowledge your goods will not spoil.

Available in either 20 foot or 40 foot containers, and even part loads – where we can combine your goods with other loads (provided that all the goods can be kept at the same temperature).  Combining your load with other goods can keep your costings down.

Examples of refrigerated container transported goods include:

• Paintballs
• Frozen meat
• Scented candles
• Chocolate
• Pharmaceuticals
• Fruit & Vegetables

Mercator also offers comprehensive advice and services in all Port Health matters.  If importing or exporting food stuffs, your goods will be subject to Port Health clearance.  Our experienced team of freight forwarders can advise on all Port Health queries.

When importing into the UK your goods will be subject to VAT and Duty charges through customs.  We are able to calculate this rate and deal with HMRC clearance.  Once your goods have arrived in the UK and your VAT & Duty charges have been settled, Mercator can make arrangements to deliver your shipment to door, either via road haulage or rail.

Call today to speak to a member of our Operations Department to discuss your refrigerated shipment – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

Request a Quote for Refrigerated Container Shipping

Mercator Cargo is a founding partner of a global network of independent freight forwarders.  With our 20 years’ of experience in freight forwarding, we can arrange for your export goods to Brazil, South America from the UK.

There are several freight forwarding options to consider when arranging your export to Brazil.  One important first consideration is how big your load is.  Mercator can offer services including:

–          Full container load by ocean freight
–          Half container load by sea freight
–          Smaller load via air freight
–          Or less than container load (LCL) – where your goods are combined with other specially selected cargo which can reduce the shipping costs.

Other information required includes whether your cargo has any special requirements.  For example, Mercator can accommodate for unusual or sensitive loads including:

–          Dangerous Goods
–          Hanging Garments
–          Precious Cargo
–          Special Merchandise
–          Perishable Goods.

Mercator offers a comprehensive freight forwarding service, giving advice on options such as documentation; transit routes; customs clearance; transit times; and transport options.

Mercator can arrange your customs clearance for you as your cargo arrives in San Paulo, Brazil.  These customs charges can be calculated in advance, so that all charges are clear and upfront.  Once the customs clearance charges have been settled, we will call on our contacts locally in San Paulo – thanks to our global network of independent freight forwarders.  Using their local freight forwarding knowledge and contacts with hauliers and rail networks, we can arrange your cargo’s onward journey to its final destination.

Whether you’re a new business expanding into exports, or you’re an established company looking for a freight forwarding partner, contact us to discuss your shipment to Brazil.
Tel. 02392 756 575 or Email:sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

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As part of an international network of independent freight forwarders, Mercator can assist in transporting your goods to or from United Arab Emirates.  With a partner freight forwarding office locally in Dubai, we can arrange for your goods to be delivered to anywhere in UAE, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

As an independent freight forwarder, Mercator can take the time to work closely with its customers, offering advice on:

–          Transit Times
–          Customs Clearance
–          Duty
–          Documentation

Mercator only uses reliable and trusted shipping companies and airlines to transport your goods to UAE.  Arrangements for special cargo can be made for the following:

–          Dangerous Goods
–          Perishable Cargo
–          Hung Garments
–          Precious Goods
–          Special Merchandise

Our link with our Dubai, United Arab Emirates freight forwarding partner gives invaluable local knowledge that means that your cargo is in safe hands.  Understanding of customs clearance and contacts with experienced hauliers means your products can reach their destination in a safe and timely manner.

Mercator’s freight forwarding customs clearance services include:

–          Customs clearance
–          Licences
–          Carnets
–          Duty and tax planning
–          Temporary imports

Once your cargo has reached its destination port and customs charges have been settled (calculated prior to departure), Mercator can arrange the final part of your cargo’s journey using the afore-mentioned local road and rail contacts via our freight forwarding partner office in Dubai.

To arrange a shipment to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), call us to speak to a member of our sales team and discuss a tailored service for your goods
Tel. 02392 75 65 75.

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The developer of a proposed huge new rail freight terminal using Green Belt land at Radlett in Hertfordshire, UK, is celebrating a victory following a High Court decision to overturn the government’s denial of planning permission.

The ruling means that the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will have to reconsider his decision made in July last year.

HelioSlough’s proposed Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) had been opposed by campaigners arguing that the terminal would erode the Green Belt and increase the level of noise and traffic in the area.

The developer wants to build the 350,000sq metre depot on the former Radlett Airfield.

A spokesman said: “The SRFI is important for sustainable economic growth – some £250 million (US$402m) will be invested by the private sector in this development, with some 3,000 jobs being generated over the long term.

“It will also generate significant carbon savings by switching freight onto the railways that would otherwise have been moved by road.”

It added: “In the light of this ruling, we now await to hear from the secretary of state what his next steps will be and we will be engaging fully in that process.”

The Secretary of State has until 11 July to challenge the court ruling.

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail’s Manager, said, “Without road and rail transfer points in the right locations, long-distance road freight cannot be removed from our congested road network.

“The planning inspector recommended granting planning permission for this strategic interchange, so we urge the secretary of state to support this application, which ticks all the right boxes in terms of location, stimulation of the green economy and green jobs.”

She added: “Not only is this decision crucial for relieving road congestion around Greater London, it is a key test for wider strategic planning versus localism in the new planning regime.

“The country needs the Localism Bill and the forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework and National Policy Statements to support strategic planning, and, in particular, rail freight terminals of varying sizes in order to reduce road congestion and tackle climate change.”

For more information on this, or any other Rail, Road Sea or Air shipments, please contact our expert team at Mercator Cargo on 02392 75 65 75

Several major terminals and ports in Asia are suffering from congestion due to rapid growth in the freight forwarding industry. Freight forwarders and shipping analysts are now calling for urgent investment into these ports to increase capacity and reduce congestion.

This has been caused by the increase in the size of vessels used to transport cargo worldwide. An average vessel now carries up to 4000 containers, whereas only a few years ago the average vessel had a 1000-2000 container capacity. This major leap has increased the strain on terminal capacity at many Asian ports.

Asian Terminals:

• Vietnam: New terminals have recently opened in Vietnam, but there is still room for improvement in operations and size of terminals.
• Indonesia and Jakarta: Growth is good and potential is strong but investment in ports is desperately needed to realise the potential in this growth. Severe backlogs are being seen as exports from Asia surge.
• Bangladesh: In the port of Chittagong the volume of containers has been causing problems.

If you are looking to import or export to or from Asia and are concerned about the congestion currently being seen at ports in these countries, contact Mercator Cargo Systems now for up to date information, advice and solutions to your freight forwarding.

Our global network of freight forwarders with over 225 offices in over 82 countries worldwide means we are able to get up to date, local and specialist on the ground knowledge of the freight situation in almost any country worldwide. This truly comprehensive network means we are able to offer you a superior and informed global freight forwarding service.

Contact us today on 02392 75 65 75 to talk to an experience member of our freight forwarding team today.