What is Consolidated Shipping?

Consolidated shipping is where a number of orders from different suppliers are combined in to one shipment.  For example, if you were buying goods in the USA from more than one company, you could arrange to have all the orders delivered to a warehouse where they could then be consolidated and shipped together as one shipment.

What are the Benefits of Consolidated Shipping?

By consolidating a shipment, you can streamline your delivery process, save money on shipping costs and even reduce carbon emissions. 

Can I send a consolidated shipment via sea or air freight?

Consolidated shipments can be sent via sea, road or air freight.  In the case of sea freight, your consolidated shipment can be a number of orders that fill one whole container, or several pallets together as a LCL (less than container load) shipment. Mercator regularly handles consolidated air freight shipments from South Korea, and we have organised UK export consolidated shipments

If you are in the process of organising a consolidated shipment for UK export or UK import, then get in touch with our team who will be glad to help you with a quote.  Our team can be reached by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and someone will be in touch. 

Request a Quote for Consolidated Shipping

Mercator Cargo is an independent freight forwarder based in the UK.  We’ve been running for over twenty years and have offered air freight services since forming in 1991.

This year, Mercator Cargo has become a member of the international freight forwarder association IATA (International Air Transport Association).  This means that Mercator‘s freight forwarding team can deal with the airlines for air freight services direct.  This allows our air freight services to be more competitive, flexible and have a greater coverage of the globe.

We can now provide air freight services to more countries, at better rates and more frequently than before.  We cover both air freight imports and exports thanks to our founding membership of the international freight forwarder network MarcoPolo Line (MPL).

If you are looking for a freight forwarder that offers air freight services internationally, then give one of our freight forwarders a call today to discuss your air freight shipment and provide a quote – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

Request a Quote for an Air Freight Shipment

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.

 

Request a Quote for Exporting from the UK

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 George or Jess will be in touch about your export freight.

 

Request a Quote for Export Shipping from the UK

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.

 

Request a Quote for Shipping to Brazil

Mercator can offer several different freight forwarding services to export your cargo to Argentina, South America.  With comprehensive sea container freight and air freight options, Mercator can assist in exporting your goods to South America.

As a founding partner in our global network, we have representing offices in Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Rosario, Argentina.  This provides us with invaluable local knowledge of customs procedures and contacts with reliable and trusted local hauliers and rail networks.  Our contacts with these local freight forwarders mean that we can offer a “to door” service, including delivered at terminal (DAT), delivered at place (DAP) and delivered duty paid (DDP).

Mercator is a UK-based independent freight forwarder with over 20 years of experience of shipping goods all around the world.  With our knowledge, we can discuss with you your requirements, and advise on matters such as:

–          Documentation
–          Shipping Routes
–          Transit Times
–          Customs Clearance
–          Warehousing and Distribution

All customs clearance charges can be calculated in advance of you shipment departing for Argentina, South America – so there are no hidden charges or nasty surprises.  Once the clearance charges have been settled, your cargo can be released and continue its onward journey to its destination.  Onward transportation includes road haulage and rail options using our local freight forwarding network office and knowledge.

So with assistance in exporting your goods to Argentina, either via ocean container freight or air freight, call Mercator today to discuss your requirements and arrange a tailor-made freight forwarding solution. Tel. 02392 756 575 or Email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk

 

Request a Quote for Shipping to Argentina

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.

 

Request a Quote for Shipping to Dubai

After a very slow and somewhat dismal start to 2011 it looks like Airfreight Export and Import cargo is finally picking up with growth since January around 4% and the annual forecast should be between 5-10% up on the second half of 2010.

However rising fuel prices have squeezed margins for most carriers with increases in Fuel meaning that to secure business the carriers have had to cut basic Airfreight Rate per KG to hold onto and increase market share.

It remains to be seen if traditional Summer and Christmas “peak seasons” will drive volume up, it seems likely that the costs incurred for exporting or importing by air could well result in volumes remaining low until first quarter 2012 when the London olympics should begin to increase overall Import Volume, especially into London Heathrow.

For more information, or air freight rates, services and general guidance please contact one of our expert team at Mercator Cargo Systems on 02392 75 65 75