Export Air Freight to India – A Case Study

Freight forwarder Mercator was asked to arrange the export air freight of 40 crates of engineering equipment. The export freight was collected from door in the UK and delivered to the airline at London Heathrow airport. Mercator also handled the export customs clearance, ensuring all paperwork was present and correct, and the customs clearance had completed ahead of the scheduled departure.

Export Air Freight

The goods were delivered to the airline, ready for screening and to be loaded onto the aircraft, in this instance the shipment was air freighted to Qatar on multiple passenger aircraft flights. Once in Qatar, the export air freight continued its journey to Mumbai on one single freighter aircraft.

Crated Engineering Equipment for Export
Export Air Freight to India

Exporting Engineering Equipment

The UK exports a significant amount of engineering equipment and machinery around the world. Whether you have a consignment which is time sensitive and needs to transit via air freight for speed, or you have an oversized, out of gauge piece of machinery which needs extra care and attention when arranging the export sea freight, Mercator’s team is well placed to handle the process for you. We have been arranging UK imports and exports since founding in 1991. Our freight forwarding services cover all modes (air, sea & road freight) and all industries. We can even handle dangerous goods.

Your Export Freight Partner

Contact our export freight team today for a quote or discuss your export shipping requirements, we will be glad to assist. Please email us Sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or telephone: (+44) 02392 756 575. Alternatively complete the form below and someone will be in touch shortly.

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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.

Get a Quote for Exporting Machinery from the UK

At Mercator Cargo we closely monitor worldwide manufacturing and sourcing trends. The recent increase in trade from Vietnam shows the move away from China to other countries, demonstrating the region as one potential new area for traders and manufacturers looking to source cheap, reliable products.

This, of course, is nothing new – like the move away from Europe to China which has prevailed in the previous decades, driven by the increase in the standard of living in China which has increased labour costs driving up manufacturing costs.

The latest move by the USA President, Donald Trump, to increase tariff/duty rates on goods from China will add further pressure to the Chinese manufacturing community. Many US Companies are looking to source goods from outside of China. It makes sense for the rest of the world to follow this trend and begin to look elsewhere, facilities manufacturing goods for the USA will also be able to manage the production of goods for the EU and the rest of the world.

We have excellent partners in Vietnam who not only can provide us with low freight rates for both air and sea, but who can also assist in finding trusted, reliable partners for your manufacturing and sourcing needs. We can also bolt on added services such as warehousing and consolidation.

As Vietnam, and other Asian countries continue to grow we forecast these markets will be the “new” China in a few years’ time, and we are excited to be at the forefront of this new era.

Make sure that you choose a well-established and reputable freight forwarder who has direct connections locally in Vietnam. If you would like to discuss any aspect of shipping or supply chain from Vietnam or you would like a quotation, then get in touch: +44 2392 756 575 or email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk

 

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Crane on Flat Rack Shipping ContainerMercator was instructed to arrange the sea freight shipping of three mobile cranes from Southampton in the UK to Taiwan.  The cargo was classed as oversized (also sometimes referred to as out of gauge cargo).  Due to the dimensions, non-standard shipping containers were used.  If oversized cargo shipping is not planned thoroughly then it can end up being very expensive.  The three cranes were loaded onto two flat rack shipping containers and one open top container.

Two of the cranes fitted into the parameters of the flat rack shipping containers after some adjusting – including removing the wing mirrors.  This small adjustment took a few minutes but saved thousands in shipping costs.  If the crane were overhanging the sides of the shipping container (even if it was just a wing mirror) then the shipper would be liable to pay for all the spaces around the container on the ship which would be unusable.  The other crane was driven into the open top container, it was such a tight squeeze that the driver had to climb out of the window as the door wouldn’t open.

We managed to get the cargo into three shipping spaces on the vessel, but if not done thoroughly then it could have been up to 6 or 7 spaces to pay for for each crane!  Therefore, it’s really important if you are going to ship something that is oversized to ensure that you choose a reputable freight forwarder who will do everything that they can in order to keep the cargo within the gauge of the container.  A good freight forwarder is worth their weight in gold.Open Top Container Shipping

To ensure that everything would go smoothly, our MD (Paul) took a trip to Southampton Port on the morning of the crane loading and strapping to ensure he was satisfied with the shipping plans.  The lashing on the cargo is important to ensure that there is no movement (and therefore avoiding damage) during the shipping process.  Each mobile crane weighed in at about 25 tonnes, therefore the lashing put in place would have been for up to 3 times the cargo weight.

Later that day, the cranes were transported to the dock side, loaded onto the shipping vessel and set sail for Taiwan.

If you have an unusual load that you need to ship internationally, then get in contact with Mercator’s shipping team.  We have over 20 years’ of experience in international freight forwarding, and thanks to our founding membership of MarcoPoloLine (a worldwide network of independent, vetted freight agents in over 90 countries) we have contacts across the globe to ensure the safe onward transit of your shipping consignment.

On Friday 6th March, members of our freight forwarding team attended the Portsmouth News’ Business Excellence Awards.  The awards night was a chance for local businesses in Portsmouth to get together and celebrate a year of success.

Mercator was nominated for three categories: Small/Medium Business of the Year; International Development of the Year; and Team of the Year.  We are absolutely delighted to have been Highly Commended for International Development of the Year, and to be named Winner for Team of the Year.

cropped teamWinning Team of the Year is a really special achievement for us at Mercator.  ‘We pride ourselves on customer care – that is what really makes us stand out in such a competitive market’, George Goehlert explains.  ‘How can you do that without an exceptional team?  You just can’t.  All of our team has been 100% focused on keeping our customers happy.’

Mercator is a family business, with 6 out of 9 members of staff from the same family, working together closely comes naturally to the team.  What really tests the strength of a team is a challenge, and when there was a large shift in management with the MD and FD taking an unexpected step away from the business in 2013, the team at Mercator really stepped up to the mark.  Myles describes the team as ‘exceptional, supportive, understanding, always willing to get involved and go that extra mile for the business.’

Through the determination and teamwork of everyone at Mercator, crisis was averted and the firm has gone from strength to strength.  ‘The team at Mercator just gels, everyone does their bit, and we have a good atmosphere in the office.  We all get on so well, and would choose to socialise together, which I think is a great mark of a team’, Sophie (Finance Manager) sums up.

Business Awards Logo (1) (1)In the past year Mercator has seen a huge development in its export trade traffic.  This is in part due to our founding membership of the
international shipping agent network, MarcoPoloLine (MPL).  The members-only network was founded in 2007 by our MD (Paul Goehlert) and three other European shipping agents who all were experiencing the same problems: the mega players of the freight industry were handling the majority of the shipping traffic, but not offering the same customer service experience that the smaller freight forwarders have to offer.  The group was formed with the ideals of only allowing vetted and recommended members; a source of new business with referrals between members; and buying power with the shipping suppliers.

‘Being a part of MPL is a fantastic string to our bow’, George Goehlert explains.  ‘It allows us to offer our customers a fully comprehensive shipping service, which is what everyone is looking for these days.  Most of our customers are busy focussing on running their businesses, they want someone who can take care of their whole shipping task, which is what we’re able to do’.

A large part of Mercator’s diversifying has been into handling more car shipping consignments, these include importing or exporting vehicles for dealers, or shipping someone’s family car because they are moving abroad.  We have also seen a bigger drive for freight forwarders to handle personal effects shipments: shipping someone’s personal goods because they are moving abroad.

‘People are beginning to look elsewhere from the traditional removal firms.  Most of our personal effects clients are happy to muck in, pack the container themselves and then unload it at their new home.  Doing it this way is more cost-effective as you’re cutting out a great deal of manpower’.

Mercator offers sea, air and road freight across the globe.  If you have a shipment you would like to discuss or have a shipment ready to go, then do get in touch either by calling +44 2392 756 575 or emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk

We were recently tasked with shipping a rib from Hamble in Hampshire to Egypt.   Our customer had bought the boat a few months previously but was struggling to find a freight forwarder who offered a sensible solution to the shipping task.

When the customer approached our export department, we suggested loading the rib into a 40 foot container, this would ensure that the cargo was safe and secure in transit, and provides an easy onward forwarding solution once the container arrived in Egypt.

Other freight forwarders that our customer had spoken to had suggested shipping the cargo from Felixstowe or London Gateway.  As the customer was located in Hampshire, the best, most cost effective way to transport the container was via the Southampton port.  As such, we were able to save our customer money on the transportation costs, and a lot of headaches by ensuring that the boat was secured within the container.


Mercator Cargo is an independent, family-run freight forwarder based in Portsmouth.  We are big enough to cope but small enough to care.  If you are looking for a new freight forwarder then please do get in touch, even if it is for a quote comparison.

Mercator’s export team arranges shipping to Egypt regularly and are well versed in transit routes, times and customs requirements.  So if you have cargo which you wish to ship to Egypt, get in touch today with our team of experienced freight forwarders – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

The government recently highlighted a huge gap in the UK’s potential exports.  The UK’s largest manufacturing sector is food and drink, with a turnover of in excess of £90bn.  Despite this impressive statistic only 10% of UK food and drink manufacturers currently export their goods.

If you’re a UK food or drink manufacturer and have not been involved in shipping before you may be asking ‘how do I export my goods?’

Obviously the first step is to find a buyer for your goods abroad.  Once you have achieved this, the next step is to arrange the shipping of your food or drink.

In order to do this, the best route is to appoint a freight forwarder to handle this for you.  Finding a reliable and reputable freight forwarder can be a bit of a task.  Your freight forwarder will need to have knowledge of required documents for exporting food and drink, and also understand port health restrictions, which differ from country to country.

For this reason, it is important to choose a freight forwarder who has contacts globally.  Mercator Cargo has these relevant contacts as we are a founding member of the global freight forwarding network Marco Polo Line (MPL).  Using our contacts from MPL, we can draw on local knowledge at your cargo’s destination.

In the sector of international trade and shipping, knowledge is extremely powerful; it can avoid great mistakes and achieve great advantages.  Mercator has a core team of experienced freight forwarders who have been working in the industry for the entirety of their careers; freight forwarding is their bread and butter.

When in discussion with your buyer, you will need to agree on what “INCO terms” you are selling your food or drink.  “INCO terms” are an internationally understood terms of buying and selling, the terms outline what you as a seller are liable to pay for and what the buyer will need to pay.  Discuss this in further detail with our export team if you are unsure, we will do our best to make this clear for you.

Give Mercator Cargo a call today and ask for the export team to discuss exporting your UK manufactured food and drink – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

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Have you had problems with your shipments recently that your freight forwarder has not attempted to resolve for you?

When you call your freight forwarder do you always speak to a different person, and therefore lack continuity?

Are you unhappy with the service that your freight forwarder provides?

Does your freight forwarder not have the specialist knowledge needed to handle your shipments?

If the answer to any of the above questions is ‘yes’, then it is time you looked to change your freight forwarder.  Having a freight forwarder that does not fit or understand your business can be very costly to you and your company.

Mercator Cargo is an independent freight forwarder based in the UK and has been running for over twenty years under the same managing family.

At Mercator we pride ourselves on excellent customer service.  If (and we mean IF) there was a problem with your shipment, we would endeavour to sort it for you, it is after all our job.  Remember we are working for you.

When you choose Mercator as your new freight forwarder you will be appointed a personal contact here in the office.  This experienced member of our team will handle all your shipments and be in contact with you personally about the movements of your goods.

Mercator is a founding partner of a global network of freight forwarders.  Our membership in this network means we have personal contacts in over 90 countries worldwide.  We regularly attend the network conferences which means we have built excellent working relationships with other forwarders globally.  This will benefit you as a customer because we can offer ‘to door’ shipments in almost every country and we have valuable local knowledge where ever your cargo goes.

Our freight forwarding team is long-standing and the majority are part of the managing family.  This is huge strength because it means our best interests for you as the customer are at the heart of what we do.  Each member of our team cares for the company and our customers.

Now that you know you’re looking for a new freight forwarder, why not give Mercator a call now to discuss what we can do for you and your business – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

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