Exporting Machinery From the UK – A Comprehensive Guide

Are you an exporter of machinery from the UK?  Exporting machinery to other countries can be a complex and time-consuming process.  However, with the right knowledge and expertise, it is possible to navigate your way through customs regulations and other paperwork.

At Mercator, we are here to provide guidance on all aspects of exporting machinery from the UK.  We have years of experience in this field and our team is ready to answer any questions you may have on the subject.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explain all the necessary steps you need to take in order to successfully export your machinery from the UK.  We will also provide helpful tips and advice that can make the process easier and more straightforward.  So if you’re looking for an expert guide on exporting machinery from the UK, then you’ve come to the right place!

The Basics of Exporting Machinery From the UK

Exporting machinery from the UK can be a complex process and requires careful planning.  Whether you are shipping large machines or smaller components, there are a number of factors to consider, from the cost of transport to the safety of your goods.

By understanding the basics of exporting machinery, you can ensure that your consignments reach their international destination as quickly and as safely as possible.  Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

Appointing a freight forwarder like Mercator to handle your machinery exports, can make this list less of a headache, we have the necessary experience here in the UK to export machinery, and also the relevant contacts around the world for your exports onward journey and customs clearance at destination.

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Understanding the Regulations and Requirements for Machinery Exports

When exporting machinery from the UK, it’s essential to understand the requirements in order to ensure the successful shipment of your products. These regulations are set by the UK government and must be adhered to in order to get your machinery across international borders.

It’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork in order before exporting your machinery.  This includes detailed product specifications and descriptions, as well as full records of testing and quality assurance certificates.  Additionally, all relevant transport documentation such as bills of lading must also be completed correctly before shipment takes place (typically handled by your freight forwarder).

Finally, exporters must also pay attention to country-specific requirements or restrictions when shipping their goods overseas.  Appointing a well connected freight forwarder with links across the globe can ease the difficulty of doing this by linking you directly with an agent at destination.

What Documentation Is Required for the Transportation of Machinery?

Transporting machinery from the UK requires various forms of documentation in order to be successful and compliant with local laws. Below are the documents you will typically need:

Export Documentation

This includes an export declaration form (C88) and commercial invoice. Your freight forwarder will generally handle the paperwork associated with exports, ensure you select one that has direct links with the ports and shipping lines such as Mercator.

Transport Documentation

You will need to provide the correct information to your freight forwarder, such as details relating to packing, palletisation and loading/unloading positions on both ends of the journey. A detailed bill of lading also needs to be created to confirm receipt of goods by all parties involved, this will be handled by your freight forwarder.

Additional Documents

You may need additional documents depending on your location, such as an ATA Carnet for temporary imports or a Certificate of Origin for certain preferential trade agreements between countries.  If you are unsure about any requirements, it is important to contact a knowledgeable freight forwarder such as Mercator who can help you navigate all necessary paperwork.

What Shipping Methods Are Preferred for Exporting Machinery?

When you are exporting machinery from the UK, there are three main shipping methods to consider – air freight, sea freight and road freight.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest option of the three, but it is also the most expensive. It is ideal when you need to transport your machinery within a short period of time or when it is a valuable item that needs speedy delivery.

Sea Freight

Sea freight offers cost-efficient transportation of large and heavy items. It will take longer than air freight, but you will benefit from lower shipping costs and the ability to ship multiple items at once.

Road Freight

Road freight is a third option if your export is to mainland Europe.  Similar to sea freight, it can be cost-efficient for larger pieces of machinery, or if you have multiple items to ship at once.

The right shipping method depends on your individual needs – contact us at Mercator and we can provide guidance on which method will work best for you.

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How Can Mercator Help With Exporting Machinery From the UK?

If you’re looking for an experienced team of professionals to guide you through the process of exporting machinery from the UK, look no further than Mercator. As a UK-based freight forwarder we can help you navigate the complex steps associated with international shipping and ensure your move is completed safely and efficiently.

Mercator provides customised solutions that take into consideration your individual needs when it comes to exporting machinery from the UK.  Our team will handle paperwork, make the bookings with the hauliers, shipping lines, air freight carriers, connections to the agents in the destination country, as well as all shipping details such as insurance, customs clearance and transit times.

In addition to offering comprehensive services for exporters, Mercator specialises in providing local knowledge that is essential for successful international trade.  Our experienced staff leverages their deep understanding of global markets—including common trade routes—to ensure that your cargo reaches its destination safely and on time.  With decades of experience transporting goods around the world, Mercator can provide you with unbeatable service when it comes to exporting machinery from the UK.

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Exporting machinery from the UK can be a complex process.  Therefore, it is essential that exporters consult with a logistics service provider with extensive experience in international trade such as Mercator, as well as an expert in the industry, to ensure a successful and smooth transportation of goods.

At Mercator, we offer our clients years of experience and industry-leading services to ensure streamlined exporting of machinery from the UK. Contact us today to get started.

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Shipping containers have been used since the 1950s when they were invented by an American trucking businessman.  Since then, freight forwarders, importers and exporters have used shipping containers for the transit of all kinds of goods.

Prior to freight forwarders using 40 foot or 20 foot containers, ships hulls were loaded manually by dock workers, box by box, piece by piece.  This is a time consuming job, and sometimes these big shipping liners spent more time at the docks than they did at sea.

Now, using shipping containers, freight forwarders can get their cargo off the shipping liners within hours, rather than weeks.  Their uniformed sizes mean that they can be easily transferred from ship to dockside, to truck, to train, and so on.

These rather simple developments in freight forwarding have dramatically decreased costs involved in importing and exporting goods.

If you have a full container load, or even a less than container load, of cargo to be exported or imported, then get in touch today to discuss our freight forwarding services available – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

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If you are new to importing or exporting from the UK, you may be wondering what a freight forwarder does, what their role with your company should be, what they can offer, and what the responsibilities of the importer/exporter (i.e. you) versus the freight forwarder are.

To cut the jargon, the freight forwarder (the person or company that you appoint to handle your shipment) will do just that – they will handle your shipment for you. Freight forwarders oversee the worldwide movement of goods from country to country, and can offer services such as packing, documentation and customs clearance on behalf of exporters and importers.

Your freight forwarder should be able to offer any kind of level of service you require. For example, if you are completely new to importing and exporting your goods, you may wish your freight forwarder to arrange all aspects of your shipment. This might include a door-to-door delivery (i.e. arrange the collection of goods, and delivery of goods to the door for your chosen destination), insurance, customs clearance, and all services required to deliver goods from one country to the next. However, you may decide that you only wish for a delivery from door to port, or from port to door, and so on. Mercator can offer either a fully comprehensive freight forwarding service, or arrange smaller aspects of your shipment.

So what kind of role do you wish your freight forwarder to have with your company? Again, this entirely depends on your needs and the needs of your business. If you are a first time importer, or exporter, you may wish to make initial contact with your freight forwarder before committing to any international trade with other companies. Mercator Cargo can offer you advice on buying terms from abroad, provide quotes for exports from the UK so you can inform your buyers, and also advise what you can or cannot import from country to country. Our experienced team of freight forwarders can offer as much “hand holding” as you require.

What are your responsibilities, and what are our responsibilities? In a nut shell, our responsibilities are to get your goods to its destination for you as instructed, to inform you every step of the way of your shipment, and to provide reliable advice relating to your shipment. Your responsibilities as an importer or exporter vary from shipment to shipment.  You are required to declare your goods accurately (i.e. if a declaration is made on your behalf as instructed, and it is not accurate, you are liable for this, not the freight forwarder), therefore it is essential you advise your freight forwarder of the accurate nature of your goods.

If you think that you might need the services of a freight forwarder, then give us a call, we will be happy to discuss your freight forwarding needs with you – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

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Mercator Cargo is a founding member of the global freight forwarding network Marco Polo Line (MPL).  What does this mean for you, the potential (or existing) customer?

Marco Polo Line was founded with the intention to give independent freight forwarders (like Mercator Cargo) advantages that the bigger freight forwarders have traditionally enjoyed over the independent forwarders.

The first, and biggest impact that Mercator finds invaluable on a daily basis (both for our customers, and our operations in the office) is the personal contacts that we now have globally.  Marco Polo Line holds annual conferences, where members can meet face-to-face and build working relationships.  Mercator Cargo takes full advantage of these conferences, sending at least two members of the freight forwarding team.  These personal contacts allow Mercator to arrange shipments seamlessly, using valuable local knowledge, and offer to-door shipments in almost any country in the world (thanks to our global partners).

The other advantage is that members are ‘vetted’, tried and tested (you cannot join MPL by just filling a form in).  Membership is monitored, so if there are problems, these can be raised and eradicated.  This means that our partner offices are trustworthy and reliable to handle your shipments, where ever they are in the world.

These are just a few examples of the benefits of choosing Mercator as your freight forwarder.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your freight forwarding needs – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

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