Shipping From US to UK: Guide to Costs, Carriers & Customs

Martin Jezy13 June 20259 min

Looking to grow your online retail business beyond the US? The United Kingdom could be one of the most promising markets to explore. As your brand gains traction internationally, you might find that a sizable share of your global orders starts coming from UK customers.

However, entering the UK market isn’t as simple as shipping out your first order. There are plenty of rules, logistics, and potential roadblocks to be aware of. This guide will walk you through the critical considerations and offer practical strategies to help you confidently manage shipping and selling in the UK.

Why Consider Shipping to the UK?

As mentioned earlier, the United Kingdom stands among the largest global economies—and like much of the Western world, its consumers have fully embraced online shopping as part of their everyday lives. Selling to customers in the UK offers a number of compelling benefits for online retailers based in the US:

  1. Unlock access to an entirely new audience:
    From England and Scotland to Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK gives you access to a wide-ranging customer base with shared language and strong demand for international products. In fact, as of January 2022, digital commerce made up 27.1% of all retail sales in the UK—making it one of the most online-savvy markets in Europe.
  2. Fuel your business growth:
    Entering a new international market can dramatically boost your sales potential. While initial investment is required to set up overseas shipping and operations, a well-executed UK strategy can generate strong returns and accelerate your overall business growth.
  3. Gain an edge over the competition:
    Expanding into the UK allows you to reach customers your competitors might not be targeting yet. Whether you're already a leader in your domestic market or still finding your footing, going international gives you a chance to outpace rivals. By the time they catch on, you'll already have built a loyal UK customer base and valuable market insights.

Hidden Costs of Cross-Border Shipping: Taxes, Tariffs, and More

Since there’s currently no trade agreement in place between the United States and the United Kingdom—unlike the prior relationship between the UK and the EU—there are no automatic reductions in trade-related fees. This means that shipping products from the US to the UK can involve significant costs, especially depending on what you’re sending and how it’s classified.

Several key factors will influence your shipping expenses. These include the size and weight of your packages, how quickly you need them delivered, the shipping carrier you select, and the specific location in the UK you’re sending to. Urban destinations like London may offer more streamlined logistics, while rural areas might incur higher last-mile delivery costs.

  • When it comes to taxation, there are two primary costs you’ll need to keep in mind:
  1. import duties and 

  2. value-added tax (VAT). 

    Import duties are calculated based on the type of goods you're exporting and their declared value. VAT in the UK is currently 20% for most goods and is applied to the total value of the item, including shipping and insurance.

If you're planning to sell regularly in the UK, it may be worth registering for a UK VAT number through HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs). This allows you to reclaim VAT on eligible expenses and improves transparency with your UK customers—many of whom expect to see VAT included upfront in their pricing.

Another crucial consideration is how you handle customs clearance. You’ll need to prepare accurate commercial invoices, assign proper Harmonized System (HS) codes to your products, and choose the right Incoterms—a set of international shipping terms that define who bears responsibility for duties, taxes, and logistics at each stage of the delivery process. Picking the wrong term can lead to unexpected costs for you or your customer, and in some cases, rejected shipments.

  • If you’re unfamiliar with Incoterms or unsure which option best suits your business, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that breaks it all down in simple terms—definitely worth a read before you start shipping internationally.

Choosing a Carrier for UK Shipments From the US

If you’re planning to send orders from the United States to customers in the UK, you’ve got a few major shipping providers to choose from—each with its own strengths, limitations, and pricing structure. 

Need help deciding? We’ve put together two in-depth guides: 

Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used carriers and what you can expect from their services:

  • USPS (United States Postal Service):

    The USPS remains a go-to option for many small to mid-sized businesses, largely because it’s the only US-based carrier offering flat-rate shipping to the UK. That predictability helps you estimate costs more accurately and avoid big pricing swings, especially when dealing with variable order sizes. With widespread drop-off locations across the country, USPS is also a convenient choice logistically.

    However, there’s a tradeoff: once parcels arrive in the UK, USPS hands them over to Royal Mail for the final leg of the journey. This transfer can sometimes introduce delivery delays ranging from a few days to a couple of weeks. Plus, tracking may become spotty after the handoff, making it harder to keep customers informed about the status of their orders.

  • USPS Services to the UK:
    • Priority Mail Express International (3–5 business days)
    • Priority Mail International (6–10 business days)
    • First-Class Package International Service (11–20 business days)
       

  • UPS:

    UPS offers a robust international logistics network and is well-suited for businesses looking for fast, reliable shipping to the UK. Their services include flexible pickup options directly from your warehouse or office, and shipments can range from small parcels to larger freight. One of the standout benefits is their comprehensive tracking system, which keeps both you and your customers in the loop from departure to delivery.

    The downside? UPS tends to sit on the pricier end of the spectrum. On top of higher base shipping costs, there may be additional fees depending on the size, destination, or declared value of your shipments.

  • UPS Services to the UK:
    • Worldwide Expedited (2–5 business days)
    • Worldwide Saver (6–10 business days)
       

  • FedEx:

    FedEx is another major player when it comes to international delivery, offering services that are quite comparable to UPS in terms of speed and reliability. Their delivery timeframes are competitive, and tracking is detailed and consistent throughout the journey.

    As with UPS, though, FedEx typically comes with a higher price tag. You’ll want to factor in not only the base rate but also any surcharges that may apply to specific shipments.

  • FedEx Services to the UK:
    • International Priority (2–5 business days)
    • International Economy (6–10 business days)
       

  • DHL:

    DHL is particularly strong when it comes to European delivery, thanks to its deep-rooted logistics network across the continent. That makes it a solid option if the UK is just one part of a broader expansion into Europe. Their international infrastructure and customs expertise are especially useful if you're shipping to multiple countries.

    That said, DHL doesn’t have the same level of coverage within the United States as some of the other carriers on this list, so handing over your shipments to them can be a bit more complicated. And due to their specialized global focus, their services can be among the most expensive.

  • DHL Services to the UK:
    • International Express (3–6 business days)
       

Each of these carriers has unique advantages, and the right one for your business will depend on your budget, how fast you want deliveries to arrive, and how much control you need over tracking and logistics! 

International Shipping Costs from the US to the UK

If you're sending small, lightweight packages, UPS Worldwide Expedited (from $28) or FedEx International Economy (~$63) usually offer the best balance between cost and speed. However, for heavier orders or those with less time sensitivity, ground options start around $56 and can be the most economical:
 

ServiceEstimated Cost   Estimated Transit Time
FedEx International Economy~£50 for small packages (approx. $63)   2–5 business days 
UPS Worldwide Expedited (via ParcelMonkey)   from $28 for small parcels2–5 business days
FedEx International Ground~$56 for heavier parcels (≈20 lbs)2–7 business days

 

  • FedEx International Economy tends to be the most affordable express service for lightweight ship­ments. Based on their Global OneRate, such parcels are priced at approximately £50, which converts to around $63.
  • UPS Worldwide Expedited, especially when booked through resellers like ParcelMonkey, can start as low as $28 for small parcels—ideal for cost-conscious shippers.
  • FedEx International Ground provides strong value for heavier shipments (around 20 lbs), offering deliveries in the $56 range with a slightly longer window of 2 to 7 days.
     

What Else to Budget For:

  • Customs Duties & VAT: These are separate from shipping and depend on your product’s classification and total value.
  • Carrier Surcharges: ZIP‑code surcharges, dim weight pricing, fuel fees, or handling charges can significantly increase your outlay.
  • Incoterm Selection: Opting for DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) adds responsibility (and possibly cost) for customs clearance and duties on the sender.

The Most Cost-Effective Way to Ship From the US to the UK

If you're looking to minimize your international shipping expenses, there are several budget-friendly options for sending packages from the US to the UK—some even coming in under the $50 mark. Among the most affordable choices are FedEx International Economy, UPS Worldwide Expedited, and DHL eCommerce Parcel Direct.

  • Of these, FedEx International Economy tends to offer the lowest base rate, with recent pricing starting at around $42.82. It’s a solid option for businesses that can afford slightly longer delivery windows in exchange for lower costs.

However, while choosing a cheaper carrier is a great starting point, don’t forget the added layers of international shipping. You’ll still need to factor in customs declarations, potential import taxes and duties, and whether you're using an Incoterm like DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)—which shifts cost and responsibility onto the sender. These elements can all affect your final cost and delivery time.

If you're just starting to ship internationally, it's worth reviewing the full picture—not just the shipping rate—so your pricing and fulfillment stay profitable and stress-free.

How Long Does It Take to Ship From the US to the UK?

Delivery times between the US and the UK can vary widely based on the shipping method you choose. For most standard international courier services, you can expect transit times to range from 2 to 11 business days. Faster air freight options typically fall on the shorter end of that range, while economy services tend to take longer.

If you're using sea freight, be prepared for a much longer lead time—usually somewhere between 25 and 55 days, depending on port schedules, customs processing, and inland transportation once the shipment arrives in the UK.

When deciding which shipping method is right for your business, it's important to consider factors like:

  1. How fast your customers expect delivery
  2. The type and size of products you're sending
  3. Whether you’re maintaining a safety stock in the UK
  4. Your budget for shipping and warehousing
  • If customer satisfaction hinges on fast delivery, keeping inventory in a UK-based fulfillment center like ours can help you avoid long wait times entirely and offer next-day shipping instead.

What to Watch Out for When Shipping From the US to the UK

Expanding your business into the UK comes with real opportunities—but it’s also important to be aware of the potential challenges. Like any form of international shipping, sending goods overseas introduces more complexity and room for unexpected issues. 

Below are five key factors you should consider before shipping from the US to the UK:

  1. Higher Shipping Costs
    Sending parcels across the Atlantic isn't cheap—especially if you’re fulfilling individual orders rather than shipping in bulk. International delivery over long distances drives up logistics costs, and premium services for faster delivery add to the expense. If you don’t plan for this, margins can shrink quickly.
  2. Import Taxes and Duties
    In addition to shipping fees, you’ll need to account for import duties and UK VAT. These costs can add up, and if not properly factored into your pricing strategy, they can eat into your profits—or lead to pricing that puts you at a disadvantage compared to local competitors.
  3. Customs Delays
    Customs processing in the UK can occasionally cause delays, especially if documentation isn’t accurate or complete. USPS shipments, in particular, may face longer handover times, since packages are transferred to Royal Mail for final delivery. If Royal Mail is backed up or dealing with volume spikes, parcels may sit in processing for days.
  4. Limited Tracking Visibility
    Some shipping providers—especially lower-cost options—offer limited tracking once your goods leave the US. This can make it harder to keep customers informed about the status of their order, which can negatively affect the post-purchase experience. Choosing carriers with end-to-end tracking is worth the extra investment in many cases.
  5. More Operational Complexity
    Selling internationally means navigating foreign regulations, adapting your customer support, handling currency conversion, and sometimes even adjusting return policies. All of this adds operational overhead. While manageable, it requires preparation and the right tools or partners to streamline the process.
     

The Smarter Way to Handle UK Orders

Shipping from the US to the UK doesn't have to be a logistical maze. One of the most effective ways to simplify international fulfillment is by working with a 3PL partner that already has infrastructure on both sides of the Atlantic. That’s where a provider like Quivo comes in!

  • With fulfillment centers in Maidenhead, just outside London, and Pennsylvania in the US, Quivo is positioned to help you serve customers efficiently in both markets—without the usual cross-border complications.
     

Here’s how partnering with Quivo can make UK shipping smoother, faster, and more cost-effective:

  • Lower Costs With Bulk Imports
    When you ship individual orders overseas, you're paying duties and international shipping fees on every parcel. By storing your products in our UK facility, you can bulk ship inventory to the UK once, reduce per-unit costs, and avoid repeated customs charges.
  • Deliver Like a Local
    UK consumers have high expectations when it comes to delivery speed. With stock already on the ground in the UK, you can offer next-day shipping across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—meeting those expectations and boosting customer satisfaction.
  • Save Time and Focus on Growth
    Order fulfillment can quickly become a full-time job. Quivo handles the heavy lifting: from picking and packing to shipping and returns. That gives you more time to focus on the parts of your business that actually move the needle—product development, customer relationships, and growth strategy.
  • Expert Guidance for Cross-Border Selling
    Expanding into a new market comes with questions. That’s why Quivo’s logistics specialists are on hand to support you with customs processes, VAT requirements, and smart ways to manage cross-border stock. We’ll help you stay compliant and competitive.
  • Smooth Onboarding, No Guesswork
    We make it easy to get started. Our onboarding process is designed to get your products into our system and out to your customers as quickly as possible—with clear guidance at every step.
     

With fulfillment centers on both sides of the Atlantic, Quivo helps you scale your brand internationally—without scaling your workload. Just write to us and we will streamline your logistics together!

 

Sources

The Benefits of 3PL and Outsourcing Logistics in the UK: https://quivo.co/uk/order-fulfilment-centres-uk-benefits/ 

The Top 10 Shipping Companies in the USA for 2025: https://quivo.co/us/best-shipping-companies-in-the-usa/

A comprehensive list of the best delivery companies in the UK: https://quivo.co/uk/list-of-delivery-companies-uk-guide/

What are Incoterms: https://quivo.co/us/what-are-incoterms-2024-simply-explained/

DDP vs DAP: The meaning of DDP and DAP shipping: https://quivo.co/us/the-meaning-of-ddp-and-dap-shipping/

Pictures: Canva, Quivo © 2025

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