Shipping a Container to the USA from the UK

How Long Does it Take to Ship a Container to the USA?

Are you planning a move to the USA? Get dates and port to port transit times for each vessel departing from the UK to the USA.

Short Answer: Port to port transit times to the States vary from between 10 to 30 days depending on your destination port. For more detailed times for each port/vessel please see our table below.

Container Tracking

Once your goods have been loaded you will receive a unique container number. We offer a container tracking service through trace-track.com, allowing you to track your container in real-time. Simply enter your container number to get the latest information about your shipment:

Shipping container tracking

Restricted and Prohibited Items for Shipping to the USA

Moving to the USA comes with its unique set of rules regarding what can and cannot be shipped. Understanding these restrictions will save you time and prevent possible complications during customs clearance.

Prohibited Items

Here's a list of items you are not allowed to ship into the USA:

• Food and drinks
• Narcotics and certain other medications
• Absinthe (unless thujone free)
• Plants, seeds, vegetables, and fruits
• Soil, livestock, or animal pests
• Biological cultures and specimens (permit required)
• Dog and cat fur
• Fish, fish eggs, and certain other wildlife products
• Endangered wildlife species or products
• Gold from specific countries including Cuba, Sudan, Iran, and Burma (Myanmar)
• Certain cultural artefacts and property
• Items infringing trade and copyright regulations
• Certain firearms
• Photographic film containing prohibited material
• Traitorous material
• Hazardous articles and substances

A few items are not completely prohibited but do have certain restrictions. These include firearms, expensive jewellery, and large amounts of cash. You'll also need to be aware of items subject to duty or taxes. To prevent any hold-ups with your shipment, ensure that all recently purchased items are removed from their packaging to avoid any confusion about their intended use.

Paperwork and Customs Declarations

As part of your shipping process, you'll need to complete a packing list, which we will assist you with, ensuring that every item you're shipping is properly documented. You'll also need to fill out and sign a customs declaration form. Fortunately, this form can be completed prior to shipping.

Maintaining copies of all forms and paperwork throughout your shipping process is highly recommended for peace of mind. The originals will be necessary for clearing customs, but copies serve as a backup to ensure you have all you need for a smooth customs experience.

At 1st Move International, we provide the support you need to ship your belongings to the USA with confidence. We're here to make your international move easier, with the lowest insurance claims record in the UK. If you're ready to start your international move, get in touch or get a moving quote today.

Main Container Shipping Ports in the USA

Numerous influential ports scattered across the USA function as key centres for container shipping. Their pivotal role in national trade and commerce is emphasized by the annual handling of millions of Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs).

• Port of Los Angeles, California: This is the busiest port in the USA by container volume and cargo value. In 2022, it handled 9.9 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), demonstrating its significant role in international trade.
• Port of Long Beach, California: Adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Long Beach is another crucial gateway for trans-Pacific trade. Each year, the port handles more than 9 million TEUs, solidifying its spot as one of the busiest ports in the USA.
• Port of New York and New Jersey: This is the busiest port on the East Coast, serving as the primary delivery point for goods coming to the Eastern US. In 2022, it handled a yearly record of 9.5 million TEUs.
• Port of Savannah, Georgia: Known as the fastest-growing port in the USA, Savannah handled close to 6 million TEUs in 2022 and is set to increase to 9 million by 2025. It has a strategic location with excellent rail and road links to major US markets.
• Port of Houston, Texas: The largest container port in the Gulf Coast, handling 73% of US Gult Coast container traffic, Houston is known for its energy, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries. In 2022, it handled close to 4 million TEUs.
• Port of Miami, Florida: Known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," the Port of Miami also plays a crucial role in container shipping, particularly for trade with Latin America and the Caribbean. In the fiscal year 2022, it handled over 1.25 million TEUs. Technological advancements and deepening projects enable it to accommodate the world's largest container vessels.

Trust Us with Your Move to the USA

With over 25 years of experience in container shipping & international removals from the UK to the USA, and offering unbeatable packing and shipping services tailored to your needs, 1st Move International is the perfect choice for shipping personal effects, household goods and furniture to America.

We're proud to offer faster shipping and safer packing and we handle every item with utmost care, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home in the USA. As members of the British International Freight Association (BIFA) and the British Association of Removers (BAR), we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism in every move.

Get a free, no-obligation quote for our removal services to the USA today.