Exporting to the US is straightforward by sea, with frequent sailings and relatively short transit times to the East Coast. Where UK exporters run into trouble is on the US side: filings that have to be made before the container is even loaded, tariff rates that have changed several times since 2025, and agencies that regulate particular goods.
Transit times from the UK to the USA
| US destination | Ports | Typical transit |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | New York / New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston | 10–14 days |
| Mid-Atlantic | Baltimore, Norfolk (Virginia) | 11–15 days |
| Southeast | Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville | 12–17 days |
| Gulf | Houston, New Orleans, Mobile | 17–24 days |
| West Coast (via Panama) | Los Angeles / Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle / Tacoma | 25–32 days |
Indicative ranges for direct or single-transhipment services. Many inland US destinations, such as Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas, are reached by rail or truck from an East Coast or Gulf port.
US customs filings you can't skip
| Requirement | Who files | When |
|---|---|---|
| Importer Security Filing (ISF, '10+2') | The US importer or their customs broker | At least 24 hours before the container is loaded at the UK port |
| Carrier manifest (AMS) | The carrier or forwarder | At least 24 hours before loading |
| US customs entry | A licensed US customs broker | Before or on arrival |
| Customs bond | The US importer of record | Needed for most commercial imports |
Late or inaccurate ISF filings can lead to penalties and holds. The ISF needs details from the UK shipper, including the seller, the manufacturer, the container stuffing location and the commodity codes, so have them ready when you book.
US tariffs on UK goods
US tariffs on goods from the UK have changed several times since 2025. A baseline tariff applies to most UK goods, with separate arrangements for some sectors, such as cars, steel and aluminium, under the UK–US Economic Prosperity Deal. Rates and exemptions continue to change, so check the current rate for your product's US tariff (HTS) code before you agree a price, especially if you're selling on DDP terms and paying the US duty yourself.
Other US agencies
- FDA: food, drink, cosmetics, medical devices and some other goods need FDA registration and, for food, prior notice before arrival.
- USDA / APHIS: wood packaging must be ISPM 15 treated and stamped. Plants, animal products and some food have extra rules.
- CPSC: consumer products, especially children's products, must meet US safety standards.
- Export controls: some UK goods, such as dual-use items, need a UK export licence before they leave.
UK export paperwork
- UK export declaration, made through HMRC's Customs Declaration Service
- Your GB EORI number
- Commercial invoice and packing list, with US HTS codes where you can
- Bill of lading
- Any export licence or certificates your goods need
Choosing the right Incoterm
Many US buyers prefer to buy FOB or FCA and handle the US import themselves, using their own customs broker. If you sell DDP, you become responsible for US duties and taxes, so you'll need a US importer of record arrangement and a clear view of the tariff on your goods. Read which Incoterm to use.
- Collection and UK export declaration
- Week 1
- ISF filed by the US broker, container loaded at Felixstowe or Southampton
- Week 1
- Ocean transit to Savannah
- About 12–16 days
- US customs entry and delivery to Atlanta by truck
- 2–4 days after arrival
- Collection to delivery
- about 3–4 weeks
Indicative timeline. Allow extra time for FDA-regulated goods or if a US customs examination is selected.
How we help UK exporters
We book space on direct services from UK ports, arrange collection from your site through our UK haulage service, lodge the UK export declaration in-house, and make sure the ISF and US entry are filed on time. We also handle imports from the US into the UK.
Written by the 365 Freight team · Last reviewed . Rates, rules and schedules change, so we'll confirm the details for your shipment when we quote.