The Complete Guide → London
The Complete Guide to London removals. Fully insured, fixed price.
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The Complete Guide
Shipping to USA from the UK is straightforward when you know the rules. This guide covers everything: customs paperwork, prohibited items, delivery timescales, duties, and how to pick the right courier. If you are sending a single parcel or a pallet load, Giant Van handles collections across the UK and delivers door-to-door across all 50 US states. Call us on 020 3129 6180 for an instant quote.
Local Expert Answer
Quick AnswerGiant Van ships parcels and freight to all 50 US states and US territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the US Virgin Islands. Popular destinations include New York (NY), Los Angeles (CA), Chicago (IL), Houston (TX), Phoenix (AZ), Philadelphia (PA), San Antonio (TX), San Diego (CA), Dallas (TX), and San Jose (CA). Deliveries to Alaska and Hawaii are available on express services but may take one additional working day compared to the contiguous 48 states. Remote area surcharges apply to certain rural ZIP codes in states such as Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Alaska. Call 020 3129 6180 to confirm transit times and any applicable surcharges for your specific US destination ZIP code before booking.
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Same DayAvailability
Typical Properties in The Complete Guide
Understanding the property mix helps us plan the right crew size, van, and equipment for your move.
Semi-Detached
28%
Terraced Houses
26%
Flats & Apartments
22%
Detached Houses
18%
Bungalows
6%
Average Property Era: Mixed stock
Can You Ship to the USA from the UK?
Yes. You can ship to the USA from the UK using international courier services, freight forwarders, or specialist parcel brokers like Giant Van. The UK and USA have no trade embargo, so almost all everyday goods are permitted. Delivery takes between 2 and 7 working days depending on the service tier you choose. Express air freight reaches most US destinations within 2 to 3 working days. Standard economy services run 5 to 7 working days. Road-and-sea freight is slower but cheaper for heavy or bulky consignments.
The key requirements are a completed customs declaration (CN22 for low-value items, CN23 or a commercial invoice for items over £270), an accurate description of the contents, and the correct Harmonised System (HS) tariff code for each product. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processes all inbound shipments, and the courier you use will act as the importer of record or guide you through the process.
Giant Van works with DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT to give you competitive rates on both express and economy lanes. You book online or by phone, and we handle the label generation, customs documentation, and tracking from UK collection to US delivery.
Shipping to USA: Costs, Timescales, and Weight Bands Explained
The cost to ship to USA depends on four factors: parcel weight, dimensions (couriers apply a volumetric weight formula), the service speed you select, and the destination ZIP code.
Deliveries to major metro areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston are typically cheapest. Rural ZIP codes attract a remote area surcharge.
As a guide, a 1 kg parcel sent on an economy service costs around £25 to £35.
A 5 kg parcel ranges from £45 to £75. A 10 kg parcel sits between £70 and £120. These prices include basic fuel surcharges but exclude remote area fees and duties. Volumetric weight is calculated as (length cm x width cm x height cm) divided by 5,000. If your box measures 50 x 40 x 30 cm, the volumetric weight is 12 kg. Whichever figure is higher, actual or volumetric, is the billable weight.
Timescales by service tier: - Express (DHL Express, FedEx International Priority, UPS Express): 2 to 3 working days - Economy Express (DHL Economy Select, FedEx International Economy): 4 to 6 working days - Standard (road-and-air consolidation): 6 to 10 working days
Fuel surcharges fluctuate monthly.
Giant Van locks in the rate shown at booking time, so the price you see is the price you pay. For freight over 30 kg, contact us directly for a pallet or groupage quote.
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Giant Van Shipping to USA: Indicative Rate Guide
The table below shows indicative prices for shipping to USA from a standard UK postcode. All prices include fuel surcharge and are subject to volumetric weight rules. Remote area surcharges apply to certain US ZIP codes. Prices are updated regularly and the exact rate is confirmed at booking. Parcel weight 0.5 kg: Express from £22, Economy from £18. Parcel weight 1 kg: Express from £28, Economy from £24. Parcel weight 2 kg: Express from £38, Economy from £32. Parcel weight 5 kg: Express from £55, Economy from £46. Parcel weight 10 kg: Express from £85, Economy from £70. Parcel weight 20 kg: Express from £145, Economy from £118. Parcel weight 30 kg: Express from £195, Economy from £160. For parcels over 30 kg or consignments on pallets, contact the Giant Van freight team directly on 020 3129 6180. We offer groupage (part-load) and full-trailer options for large commercial shipments. Document-only envelopes are available from £18 on express services. All bookings include end-to-end tracking and basic transit cover. Additional insurance is available at checkout for declared values above £100.
Property SizeStarting Price
Studio / 1-bed flatFrom £149
2-bed houseFrom £249Most Popular
3-bed houseFrom £399
4-bed houseFrom £549
Man and van (hourly)From £39/hr
All prices include a fully insured crew, van, and moving blankets. Packing services available as add-ons.
Get your exact price10 Tips for Shipping to USA Without Delays
28 Tips
How Removals in The Complete Guide Work
- 01
Tell us about your move
Enter your collection and delivery addresses, select your property size, and list any large items. See a fixed price in under 60 seconds.
- 02
Choose your moving day
Pick a date and time slot that works for you. Add packing materials or extra helpers if you need them.
- 03
Relax while we move you in
A fully insured crew arrives on time, wraps and loads your belongings, and delivers everything to your new home.
All Included
Pre-Shipment Checklist: Everything You Need Before Sending
Use this checklist before handing your parcel to the courier.
Missing even one item can cause a 5 to 10 day delay at CBP.
Paperwork: - Commercial invoice (3 copies for B2B) - CN23 customs declaration form or courier's electronic customs data - Packing list for multi-item consignments - Certificate of Origin if the goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment under any applicable trade agreement - CITES permit for shipments containing wildlife products, antiques, or certain plant derivatives Parcel preparation: - Strong double-wall cardboard box rated for the consignment weight - Minimum 5 cm of cushioning material on all sides for fragile goods - Inner packaging sealed separately inside the outer box - Label printed in high-contrast black ink, minimum 12-point font - Return address on both the outside label and inside the parcel - No branded carrier tape from a different courier on the outer box Information required at booking: - Full sender name and UK address including postcode - Full recipient name and US address including ZIP code and state - Recipient phone number (CBP may contact for duty payment) - Accurate weight and dimensions - Contents description and declared value in GBP Double-check this list before drop-off or collection.
Giant Van's booking system prompts you for all mandatory fields, reducing the risk of error at the point of customs entry.
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DIY Move vs Professional Removal
DIY Move
- Van hire: £80–200 per day plus fuel
- No transit insurance for belongings
- Physical effort and injury risk
- Friends needed — plans fall through
- Multiple trips if van too small
Professional Removal
- Fixed price — no surprise charges
- £10,000 goods-in-transit insurance
- Trained crew handles heavy items
- Right-sized van every time
- Furniture blankets and straps provided
Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Parcel to the USA with Giant Van
01
Sending a parcel to the USA through Giant Van takes around 10 minutes from start to booking confirmation.
Here is exactly what happens at each stage.
02
Get a quote.
Enter your parcel weight, dimensions, collection postcode, and destination ZIP code on the Giant Van website or call . Prices from multiple carriers appear instantly.
03
Choose your service.
Select express, economy express, or standard based on your delivery deadline and budget. Add transit insurance if the value exceeds £100.
04
Enter shipment details.
Provide sender and recipient addresses, a full goods description, the HS tariff code, and the declared value. The system generates your customs documentation automatically.
05
Pay and print.
Complete payment online. Print your shipping label and customs invoice. The system sends a PDF to your email address.
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What UK Senders Need to Know About US Customs Rules
Since the UK left the EU, it operates under its own export regulations, and the USA applies its own import rules independently.
UK senders should understand both sides.
UK export requirements: Most goods leaving the UK for the USA do not require an export licence.
However, military goods, dual-use technology (items with both civilian and military applications), and certain chemicals do require a licence from the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU). Check the ECJU's online tool before shipping anything that could conceivably have defence applications.
US import rules: CBP enforces the Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
All commercial imports must be declared. The de minimis threshold of $800 USD means most personal and low-value commercial shipments attract no duty and no formal entry filing. Above $800, an informal or formal entry is required. Duty rates vary from 0% for many goods to 37.5% for some textiles and footwear categories.
Restricted items: The following require special permits, are subject to inspection delays, or are outright prohibited.
Firearms and ammunition, tobacco products, alcohol, fresh or unprocessed food, soil and plant material, endangered species products, and counterfeit goods are all subject to additional controls or outright bans.
Food and USDA rules: Commercially packaged, shelf-stable food products are generally permitted if properly labelled.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy products from the UK are prohibited without prior approval from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Always declare food products. Undeclared food at the border risks seizure and a civil penalty of up to $10,000 USD per incident.
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What Our Customers Say
Smooth move from start to finish
VerifiedBooked online in under a minute and the crew turned up right on time. Everything was wrapped carefully and nothing was damaged. Genuinely the easiest move I've had.
JT
James T.Fixed price — no nasty surprises
VerifiedThe quote I got online was exactly what I paid. No hidden fees, no extra charges on the day. The two-man crew were professional, fast, and really friendly.
SK
Sarah K.Same-day booking saved our move
VerifiedOur original movers cancelled last minute. Giant Van had a crew available the same day. They handled a full 2-bed flat and had us settled in by evening.
DM
David M.
A Note From Our The Complete Guide Team
Verified DriverThe Complete Guide Operations
We know The Complete Guide well. Our drivers navigate the local streets daily, handling everything from narrow terraced house access to large detached properties. Every move is treated with care because our reputation in The Complete Guide depends on it.
The Complete Guide Operations, Giant Van Driver
Why UK Businesses and Individuals Choose Giant Van to Ship to USA
Giant Van has been arranging international shipments for UK customers for over a decade. Here is what makes us different from booking direct with a carrier.
Multi-carrier access: We compare rates across DHL, FedEx, UPS, and TNT in real time. You get the best available price for your specific weight, size, and destination without approaching four companies separately. Savings of 40% to 60% against walk-in retail rates are common.
Customs expertise: Our team understands CBP requirements, HS code classification, and the documentation needed for both B2C gifts and B2B commercial invoices. We flag potential issues before your parcel is collected, not after it has been held at JFK or LAX.
Dedicated support: Call to speak directly with a shipment specialist. We do not route you through an overseas call centre. If your parcel is held at customs, we liaise with the carrier on your behalf.
UK-wide collection: Giant Van arranges collections from any UK address, including Northern Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. Drop-off points are available in most towns and cities.
Transparent pricing: No hidden surcharges appear after booking. The fuel surcharge, residential delivery fee, and any applicable remote area charge are included in the price displayed at checkout.
Claims handling: In the event of loss or damage, we manage the claim process with the carrier. You do not need to navigate the carrier's claims portal alone. Average claim resolution time is 14 to 21 days for most carriers.
If you are a private individual sending a birthday gift, an e-commerce retailer fulfilling US orders, or a business sending samples or documents, Giant Van provides the same quality of service at competitive rates.
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When Is the Best Time to Move?
UK moving demand follows seasonal patterns. Off-peak months typically offer lower prices and more crew availability.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season (higher demand, book early)
Off-Peak (better availability, lower prices)
Common Questions About Shipping to USA from the UK
3 Tips
Giant Van vs Booking Direct with a Carrier
7 Tips
Here is an honest comparison.
Walk-in or online retail rates from major carriers are typically 40% to 60% higher than the rates available through Giant Van. A 2 kg express parcel to New York that costs £65 direct with DHL Express retail may cost £38 through Giant Van.
Booking through Giant Van gives you access to four or more carriers on a single platform, with one tracking number and one point of contact for support.
Giant Van provides a team you can call or email. When CBP holds a shipment, you want someone who knows the process and can escalate within the carrier network, not a web FAQ.
Giant Van manages this on your behalf, reducing the administrative burden and improving outcomes.
Booking direct locks you into one network.
For most private and small-business customers, Giant Van delivers better value.
Shipping to USA does not need to be complicated.
The process follows a clear sequence: choose your carrier, complete your customs documentation accurately, pack to the required standard, and hand over to the courier.
Giant Van handles the carrier selection and documentation steps, leaving you to focus on packing and handing over the parcel.
Most UK-to-USA parcels clear customs without any intervention from the recipient, particularly when the declared value is below the $800 de minimis threshold.
For e-commerce sellers, shipping to the USA represents one of the largest cross-border opportunities available to UK businesses.
US consumers spent over $1.1 trillion online in 2023, and a significant portion of that spending goes to international retailers.
Competitive shipping rates, reliable transit times, and professional customs handling are the three factors that convert US browsers into repeat buyers.
Giant Van supports e-commerce fulfilment with API integration, bulk booking discounts, and dedicated account management.
Call 020 3129 6180 to discuss a volume agreement.
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- Live GPS tracking on every move
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- Manage bookings on the go
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The Complete Guide — FAQs
How long does it take to ship to USA from the UK?
Express services such as DHL Express and FedEx International Priority deliver to most US addresses in 2 to 3 working days from UK collection. Economy express services take 4 to 6 working days. Standard consolidated services take 6 to 10 working days. Transit times exclude weekends and US federal holidays. Remote US ZIP codes may add one extra working day.
Do I need to pay customs duty when shipping to the USA?
The USA applies a de minimis threshold of $800 USD. Shipments with a declared value below $800 are duty-free for most product categories and do not require a formal customs entry. Above $800, duty applies at rates set by the HTSUS. The recipient is responsible for paying any applicable duty. Rates range from 0% to 37.5% depending on the product classification.
What documents do I need to ship a parcel to the USA?
For personal gifts and low-value items, a completed CN23 customs declaration form is usually sufficient. For commercial shipments, you need a commercial invoice in triplicate, a packing list for multiple items, and the correct HS tariff code for each product. Giant Van's booking system generates these documents automatically based on the information you enter at checkout.
Can I ship food to the USA from the UK?
Commercially packaged, shelf-stable foods such as biscuits, tea, confectionery, and tinned goods are generally permitted. Fresh produce, meat, dairy, and plant material are prohibited without prior USDA approval, which is rarely granted for individual shipments. Always declare food contents accurately on the customs form. Undeclared food can result in seizure and a civil fine of up to $10,000 USD.
What items are prohibited when shipping to USA from the UK?
Prohibited or heavily restricted items include firearms and their components, ammunition, certain chemicals and pesticides, counterfeit goods, merchandise from embargoed countries, and products made from endangered species. Tobacco and alcohol require specific import licences. Prescription medicines require documentation. Always check with the carrier and CBP before shipping anything you are unsure about to avoid seizure or penalties.
How do I calculate the shipping cost to the USA?
Carriers charge on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher. Volumetric weight equals length in cm multiplied by width multiplied by height, divided by 5,000. Enter your parcel's actual weight and dimensions into the Giant Van quoting tool to see live prices across multiple carriers. The quote includes fuel surcharge but excludes remote area fees for rural US ZIP codes.
Does Giant Van offer business accounts for regular US shipments?
Yes. Giant Van offers volume-based pricing agreements for businesses that ship to the USA regularly. Account customers receive dedicated account management, consolidated invoicing, API access for label generation, and priority customer support. Discounts increase with monthly shipment volume. Contact the Giant Van business team on or submit an enquiry online to discuss your requirements and receive a tailored rate card.
What happens if my parcel is held at US customs?
CBP may hold a shipment for inspection, additional documentation, or duty payment. The most common causes are incomplete or inaccurate customs declarations, prohibited or restricted items, and shipments above the $800 de minimis threshold requiring formal entry. Giant Van monitors shipment status and will contact you if action is required. In most cases, providing a copy of the invoice resolves the hold within 2 to 3 working days.
Reviewed by Aqib Hassan, CTO & Co-founder at Giant Van — The Complete Guide operations
Last updated: June 2026Verified pricing
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