How to Ship from the US to the UK: An Ultimate Guide

So you want to ship from the US to the UK, but where do you begin? The United States and the United Kingdom have a very strong and long-standing connection, with strong commercial, economic, social, and cultural connections. As a result of this, and the fact that both countries have among the largest markets in the world, it’s no surprise that tens of thousands of shipments cross the border daily. Shipments can be sent from the United States to the United Kingdom fast and efficiently due to the excellent shipping services available from various carriers. Usually, shipping carriers will deliver from the United States to the United Kingdom in three days or less.

Given the huge distance between the United States and the United Kingdom, shipping carriers are very well equipped, and packages can be shipped between the two countries in no time. If you are a business owner in the United States wishing to expand into the UK market, or if you just want to send a care package to a loved one, this article will assist you in determining the best options for shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom. 

How long does it take for packages to arrive in the United Kingdom?

Regardless of whether you choose a low-cost shipping service or a more expensive choice, knowing how long your package will take to reach its destination is critical. The type of shipping or courier service you choose determines the turnaround time for delivery services to the UK. Priority delivery options, for example, can get shipments to the UK in one or two working days. Even though the average time for standard shipping to the UK is around a week, delivery timeframes can go up to two weeks or more for those shipping under standard or economy delivery service.

How Much Does it Cost to Ship from the US to the UK?

Like all shipments everywhere, the cost of shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom is mainly determined by the dimensional weight and your desired delivery timeframe. The lower the dimensional weight and the longer the delivery period, the lower the shipping cost.

UK Customs

You must be aware of the customs clearances while shipping a parcel from the United States to the United Kingdom. Any shipments delivered to the UK from outside the EU must be accompanied by documentation that specifies what is being delivered and how much it costs. The good news is that any item under £135 shipped to the UK is exempt from customs charges. Shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom can be costly due to the fees connected with international delivery and trade agreements. For certain items, the Value Added Tax (VAT) can be as high as 20%.

Packaging and Labelling requirements

1. Packaging Guidelines for International Shipments

Proper packaging helps protect your goods from damage, delays, and loss. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Use strong, corrugated boxes: Preferably new or in excellent condition. Double-walled boxes are ideal for heavier items.

• Cushion the contents: Use bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts to prevent movement. Fragile items should be wrapped individually.

• Fill voids: Ensure there’s no empty space inside the box to avoid crushing or shifting.

• Seal securely: Use strong packing tape (preferably pressure-sensitive plastic tape, at least 2 inches wide). Avoid masking tape or string.

• Avoid branded or reused boxes: Especially those with brand names or labels that may confuse customs.

2. Labeling Essentials

Clear and correct labeling is crucial for customs clearance and smooth delivery. Make sure you include the following:

• Shipping label: Includes sender and recipient name, address, contact number, and tracking barcode. Ensure the label is visible and not wrinkled or covered.

• Customs documents:

  • Customs declaration (CN22 or CN23) – for USPS

  • Commercial invoice – required by most carriers

  • Any applicable certificates/licenses – for restricted items

• Return address: Mandatory for international shipping; place it in the top left or on the back of the parcel.

• “This Way Up” or “Fragile” stickers: Use where needed to inform handlers.

3. Tips for Secure Packaging to Withstand Long Transit

• Double-box for fragile or expensive items: Use an inner box surrounded by cushioning inside an outer box.

• Use edge and corner protectors: Particularly for heavy or sensitive items.

• Waterproof when needed: If shipping liquids or products prone to moisture damage, wrap items in leak-proof bags or plastic.

• Avoid overhanging labels or tape: These can get caught and damage the box during automated sorting.

• Take photos before sealing: Useful for insurance claims or customer communication in case of damage.

 When you ship from the US to the UK, accurate paperwork is an essential for custom clearance,

Carriers that ship from the United States to the United Kingdom

The top four carriers that ship from the US to the UK are USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL, although there are many other options to choose from. The differences in service types for shipping to the UK, as well as costs and delivery timeframes for the carriers, are outlined below. So, whether you want super fast delivery and do not mind spending a bit more for the expedited service, or perhaps the most inexpensive delivery service as the speed of delivery is not a priority for you, there will always be a service to meet your budget and requirements. Here are some of the popular courier services that are available:

USPS Priority Mail Express International takes three to five business days for delivery.

USPS Priority Mail International takes six to ten business days for delivery.

USPS First-Class International Service delivers in two to three weeks

UPS Worldwide Expedited delivers packages in two to five business days.

UPS Worldwide Saver typically delivers within six to ten business days.

FedEx International Priority takes three to five business days to deliver.

FedEx International Economy takes six to ten business days to deliver.

DHL International Express delivers packages in three to six business days.

USPS

Being one of the pioneers of the shipping industry, USPS has post offices and shipping zones on a large global level that works to its advantage. Plus being a federal entity, the shipping costs are comparatively less which makes USPS an amazing shipping option. Because of its flat rate postage, USPS is a wonderful alternative for UK shipping because it allows you to forecast the cost of shipping.

USPS shipping costs are based on the weight of the shipment and the delivery date, just like other carriers. One big disadvantage of choosing USPS to ship to the UK is that tracking items once they leave the United States is no longer possible. Once packages arrive in the UK, they are handed to Royal Mail. This can result in delivery times being pushed back by a few hours, days, or even weeks.

UPS

UPS’s global logistics network makes it a perfect alternative for shipping to the United Kingdom. Packages can be picked up in the United States and delivered in the United Kingdom in as quick as two to three days. Also, unlike the USPS, UPS’s tracking system allows you to trace your items from pickup to delivery. The only drawback is that if you are sending heavy packages, UPS can be a pricey carrier.

UPS’s more extensive international network is most likely the primary reason for its ability to provide speedier shipping solutions for routes outside of the United States. UPS is frequently the best choice for urgent shipments, same-day pickups, and moving large products in spite of the higher shipping costs. Shipping companies who frequently need to deliver goods overseas, as well as small firms planning to expand globally, will benefit from their global reach.

FedEx

Another option for delivery to the United Kingdom is FedEx. They also pick up parcels in the United States and deliver them in as little as three days to destinations in the United Kingdom. FedEx is normally more expensive than the USPS, but if you’re sending a significant number of packages, FedEx is a smart choice as you can get a decent deal for bulk shipments.

DHL

DHL has a massive global footprint in around 220 countries and is well-known for its worldwide shipping capabilities. Their air and sea delivery systems are both efficient and cost-effective and they have the ability to ship large items at a low cost and charge no extra pickup fees. However, in comparison to UPS and FedEx, DHL has a smaller presence in the United States, so you may have to go out of your way to find a DHL facility to drop off parcels. Due to some increased fees, shipping expenses can become fairly expensive.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Shipping internationally comes with strict regulations and the UK is no exception. Before you ship from the US to the UK, it’s crucial to know what items are prohibited (completely banned) and which are restricted (require special handling, licenses, or permissions).

1. Common Items You Can’t Ship to the UK

The following items are prohibited from being imported into the UK via mail or courier:

• Weapons and firearms (including replicas and stun guns)

• Explosives and fireworks

• Controlled drugs and narcotics

• Indecent or obscene materials

• Endangered animal products (ivory, certain furs, etc.)

• Counterfeit goods or unlicensed branded items

• Self-defense sprays (e.g., pepper spray, tear gas)

• Live animals and certain animal products

• Pesticides and harmful chemicals

• Rough diamonds (without Kimberley Process certification)

Sending these items can result in customs confiscation, legal penalties, or return to sender.

2. How to Handle Restricted Items Legally

If you’re shipping items that are restricted, such as:

• Alcohol

• Cosmetics or medicines

• Batteries and electronics

• Food products

• Plants or seeds

Here’s how to ship them correctly:

• Obtain proper licenses or permits from UK authorities or regulatory bodies.

• Declare the contents accurately on customs forms (use clear descriptions and correct HS codes).

• Use appropriate packaging (e.g., leak-proof containers for liquids).

• Choose a carrier experienced with restricted items, as they often provide additional support for compliance.

What’s the Best Shipping Option from the US to the UK?

There are several things you may do to cut shipping costs if you’re headquartered in the United States and need to deliver items to customers in the United Kingdom. You can use a shipping rate calculator like ReachShip to find the best shipping service deal to ship to the United Kingdom. You’ll be able to compare the rates charged by different shipping services with the help of this approach. Other than getting live shipping rates from UPS, USPS, FedEx, and DHL, you can also compare estimated delivery dates, generate shipments, purchase postage, print shipping labels, and track your shipments, all from one spot. ReachShip takes care of your entire shipping workflow for you.

To begin, you’ll need to enter your origin and destination addresses and the package weight and dimensions. You can then use our free shipping calculator to get a quote for shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom. The best part is that you won’t just get one rate, you’ll get to compare and select from the various available services, each with a different rate and estimated delivery time so you can compare services and pick the one that best meets your requirements. After you’ve chosen your service, the rest is simple – just follow the guidelines on the shipment creation page.

Conclusion

Having a solid shipping strategy in place is the first step to assuring international shipping success. Shipping from the US to the UK does not have to be difficult, especially if you work with a shipping solution like ReachShip. We hope this article gave you a better idea about shipping from the United States to the United Kingdom. If you have any questions regarding international shipping with ReachShip, please let us know in the comments section below.

FAQs

Yes. When you ship from the US to the UK, the recipient is usually responsible for VAT and customs duties based on the item’s value and category—unless you use a service with Delivered Duty Paid (DDP).

2. What’s the cheapest way to ship from the US to the UK?

The most affordable way to ship from the US to the UK for lightweight items is often USPS First-Class International. For heavier packages, look into economy options from DHL, UPS, or FedEx.

3. How do I handle returns when I ship from the US to the UK?

To simplify returns, include a prepaid return label in the original package or use a carrier that offers international return services. Return-friendly policies are crucial when you ship from the US to the UK for eCommerce or gifts.

4. Is insurance necessary when I ship from the US to the UK?

While not mandatory, shipping insurance is highly recommended especially for valuable or fragile items. It protects you from loss or damage during transit when you ship from the US to the UK.

5. Can I ship from the US to the UK using Amazon or eBay sellers?

Yes. Many Amazon.com and eBay US sellers offer international shipping. Just confirm that they ship from the US to the UK, and check if import fees are included at checkout.

Further Reading

4 Best Options to Ship from the USA to India

Which is the Best Shipping Carrier? USPS vs UPS vs FedEx