If you import into the UK or export from the UK, you are most likely to either have a freight forwarder, or will be looking to choose a freight forwarder.

Here are a few questions that might be important to consider before choosing your freight forwarder:

Does your freight forwarder have links to or experience in importing or exporting to your origin or destination countries?  Here at Mercator, we are part of a global network of independent freight forwarders.  This means we have a personal freight forwarding contact in virtually every country in the world, allowing us to draw on local knowledge that other freight forwarders may not have access to.

Does your freight forwarder have time to spend talking through options and processes?  As an independently run freight forwarding agent, Mercator’s experienced freight forwarders have the expertise and the time to deliver a first class service.  When you choose us as your freight forwarder, you will be assigned a personal contact, your logistics expert if you like.  This freight forwarder will be personally contactable via email and telephone, and will keep you updated with your shipment every step of the way.  It is not coincidence that our first customer back in 1991 is still our customer today.

Does your freight forwarder listen to your forwarding needs and the needs of your business?  We understand that it is important for your freight forwarder to be working with you.  This is why we will do our upmost to deliver your goods on time, and keep you in the loop throughout your shipments movements.

Can your freight forwarder cope with a complicated shipment?  As an independent freight forwarder, we have the time and the expertise to deal with complex shipments.  Whether you have an out of gauge cargo shipment, or a delicate load, Mercator Cargo can assist you.

If the above points are important to you and your business, why not give one of our freight forwarders a call to discuss how we can help your business.  Even if you’d like to just have a chat and get a quote, you are under no obligation to take up our services if you decide not to.

So to compare our service with your current freight forwarder, give us a call today – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

Request a Quote for Freight Forwarding Services

Two representatives of Mercator Cargo attended the Toy Fair at Olympia this year.  Amongst the very exciting new toys, we noticed how popular wooden toys are becoming again.  Suppliers of quality wooden toys can be in some fairly unusual parts of the world; with our extensive global network covering over 90 countries Mercator is well placed to help you import wooden toys into the UK.

There are several things to consider when importing wooden toys into the UK.  If the goods are being imported from outside the EU, it will be your responsibility (as the importer) to ensure that the wooden toys adhere to certain toy safety regulations here in the UK (such as the European Standard EN17).  Wooden toys imported into the UK will require a CE mark.  It is advised that this is organised prior to shipment as customs clearance may not allow the toys into the country without it.  If you are having toys made for you, then it is your responsibility to ensure that they can satisfactorily pass the tests required to make the toys safe for distribution and use in the UK.  Likewise, if you are buying from a manufacturer who already makes the goods, it would be advisable to have a sample sent to the UK so you can have the wooden toy tested in the UK.

If you already have CE marks in place, and are looking for a freight forwarder to assist you import wooden toys into the UK, then we can help!  With over twenty years of experience in the freight forwarding business, Mercator is large enough to cope, but small enough to care.  We pride ourselves on our personal service offered to all our customers.

If you decide to make us your freight forwarder of choice, then you will be assigned a personal contact here in the office.  This experienced freight forwarder will be able to answer your queries and provide advice on topics such as transport methods (i.e. sea freight, air freight or road freight), transit times, VAT and duty payable upon importing of your goods (if any), your responsibilities as an importer, and documentation.

Speak to one of our experienced team today to discuss your import of wooden toys into the UK – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

Request a Quote for Importing Toys into 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 can offer shipping services for abnormal loads and oversized cargo.  Examples of loads we are able to deal with include yachts, planes, locomotives, wind generators and propellers to name a few.

Cargo of this nature needs to be handled with care for loading and unloading and specially secured during transit by sea.  Mercator can arrange for your oversized load to be transported in the safest and efficient way.  With over twenty years of experience in the freight forwarding business, our team of freight forwarders have the knowledge and experience to be able to advise you about options when shipping your out of gauge (OOG) cargo.

Arranging for cargo which does not fit into a standard container requires experience and full understanding of possibilities when it comes to ocean freight.  Some freight services on offer include flat-rack, RoRo (roll-on, roll-off), timber beds, hiab/crane deliveries and low loaders.  With Mercator’s team of freight forwarders, we can assist you in arranging the safe transportation of your oversized cargo load.

Call us today to discuss your out of gauge (OOG) cargo shipment with details of rough dimensions and weight – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

Request a Quote for Shipping Out of Gauge Cargo

If you’re looking to export chemicals, Mercator Cargo can help. With trained staff and over 20 years’ experience in international freight forwarding, Mercator has the knowledge and contacts to arrange your export of chemicals from the UK.

Even hazardous, dangerous or restricted chemicals are in our remit. When your chemicals both leave the UK and arrive at their destination country, hazard restrictions and regulations may apply, it is vital these are understood. Mercator is able to assist you in understanding these regulations and offer advice with regards to labelling, packaging and documentation.

There may be specific regulations about how your chemicals need to be packaged, classified and labelled. Mercator can offer advice with regards to any queries you may have. Still managed and owned by the founding family, we pride ourselves with offering the best customer service at a personal level.

Mercator is able to offer a bespoke service to aid you in organising your export shipment of chemicals from the UK.

Call today to speak to a member of our Export Department to discuss your export of chemicals from the UK – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk.

 

Request a Quote for Exporting Chemicals from the UK

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:

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

This October, Marco Polo Line (MPL) held its 5th Annual Conference in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.  Mercator enjoys an organising role in MPL as a founding partner in the global network of freight forwarders.  The network consists of small to medium sized freight forwarders, all committed to professional and personal customer service.

This year, Mercator was represented by Paul, CEO; and Julie, Finance Director (pictured above).  The conference consisted of two days of face-to-face meetings between the organisations from around the world.  This gives great opportunity for MPL members to discuss business from operational to sales matters.  This year offered Mercator a chance to build stronger relationships with other independent freight forwarders from across the globe.  With these links, Mercator is able to offer its clients a more comprehensive and effective freight forwarding service.  Not only that, if a client has a logistics issue, we have a local (and personal) contact for almost anywhere in the world.

The global network consists of other independent freight forwarders from all around the world, such as Mercator.  Our connection with these international offices allows Mercator local knowledge at your cargo’s destination country.  Not only does this give us information of local customs charges, but also contacts with local, trusted hauliers and rail networks to safely, and efficiently deliver your goods “to door”.  Delivery services include ‘delivery duty paid’ (DDP); ‘delivered at place’ (DAP) and ‘delivered at terminal’ (DAT).

Call today to speak to a member of our Freight Forwarding Team to discuss the transportation of your goods around the world – Tel. 02392 756 575. Email: sales@mercatorcargo.co.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