Less than container load, LCL, from China to the UK is a popular option for shipments which do not require a full dedicated shipping container due to the size and are not urgent enough to warrant the cost of air freight. Port to port transit times for sea freight from China to the UK is typically around 50 days currently due to the diversions around the Cape of Good Hope.
Mercator recently handled this LCL from China to UK shipment on behalf of the UK importer. The UK importer purchased the goods on CFR incoterm (cost and freight) and therefore was responsible for arranging and paying for the shipment from the port in the UK to their door. Our import team therefore took care of the UK landing charges, import customs clearance, payment to HMRC for import VAT and duty, and delivery to door.
A CFR incoterm means that the shipper (the seller in China) arranges for the shipment to the port in the UK. This is a good option for a FCL shipment if their rates for sea freight are competitive, however when it comes to LCL from China, we do recommend that our customers avoid allowing origin to handle the sea freight. This is because we do not have any control over the UK landing charges if we do not book the sea freight ourselves. Often upon arrival in the UK of a pre-paid sea freight LCL from China, there are unexpected, and often inflated charges to settle.
If you are looking for a UK freight forwarder to handle your shipment of LCL from China to the UK, get in touch with our team to request a quote. We have a reliable partner agent in China who we have been working with for a number of years, so we are able to handle any incoterm from EXW through to DAP. Our strong connections in China, teamed with our AEO status, providing our customers with compliant and efficient UK customs clearances, makes Mercator a wise choice for LCL from China shipping. To get in touch with the team, you can call us on (+44) 02392 756 575, email sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or complete the form below and we will be in touch.
