Freight forwarder Mercator was recently appointed to handle shipping machinery to the US for our UK based customer. Our customer manufactured the machinery in the UK specifically for export to the US.
Due to the restrictions involved in loading the piece of machinery for shipping, a 20’ flat rack shipping container was utilised. A flat rack can provide flexibility for loading options (from above, or the side) and also accommodates shipments which are out of gauge (either wider or taller than a standard container). We also handle a lot of 40’ flat racks, and the occasional open top shipping container on all routes to/from the UK.
The machinery was loaded on to the flat rack at floor level at the UK exporter’s site, lashed, secured and covered to make it seaworthy and protected from the elements. Once the flat rack was ready to be picked up, we arranged for a hiab vehicle to transport the machinery to Southampton port ready for shipping to the US.
The UK exporter sold the machinery to their customer in the US on CFR incoterm (cost and freight). This means that the UK exporter was responsible for the shipment up to the port in the US. Our team completed the export customs clearance, filed the necessary paperwork with the shipping line, and handled the sea freight booking of shipping machinery to the US. Once the shipment arrived at Charleston port in the US, the risk and responsibility transferred to the US importer, who handled their own clearance and onward delivery.
Mercator regularly handles shipping machinery to the US, on all incoterms, from FOB (free on board) through to DDP (delivery duty paid). Thanks to our connection with our partner agent in the US, we are able to collaborate and complete door to door shipments in the US.
Despite the US tariffs currently in place, Mercator still sees a steady level of traffic from the UK to the US, particularly for business to business transactions. If you have concerns about the US tariffs, our partner agent in the US can provide explanations and rates if you choose to ship your machinery with us.
If you have a consignment of shipping machinery to the US, then get in touch with our team, we can handle all sizes of containers, LCL (less than container load) for smaller pieces, and air freight for urgent pieces of machinery and parts. We will be glad to provide you with a quote for your shipping machinery to the US, you can get in touch with the team by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or by completing the form below and we will be in touch.
