international shipping uk

How Long Does International Shipping Take From The UK?

Blerton Gerguri
Senior Operations Manager

How long international shipping takes from the UK depends on the destination. It can take as little as a few days to European destinations or up to several weeks for further continents like Asia or Australasia.  

The duration of time it takes for international shipping will also depend on the shipping method and the chosen delivery company. For example, standard mail is a slower option than paying for express delivery and sea freight is a significantly slower shipping method than air freight.

Whether you’re an international student looking to send luggage back home or moving homes, we know that the priority is making international shipping as easy as possible. That’s why we don’t believe in complicated shipping forms.

If you’re looking for simple international shipping from the UK, why not get in touch with The Box Co.? We can collect your belongings directly from your door in the UK and deliver to over 150 countries worldwide. Get in touch today for a free quote.

 

How Long Does International Shipping Take from the UK (By Destination) 

 

The duration of shipping time from the UK depends on where you’re shipping to. 

 

UK to Europe Shipping

Standard delivery: 3-5 working days

Express delivery: 2-5 days

Air freight: 1-4+ days

Sea freight: 5-20 days

 

UK to USA or Canada Shipping

Standard delivery: Up to 6 weeks

Express delivery: 2-5 days

Air freight: 4-11 days

Sea freight: 20-55 days

 

UK to Australia Shipping

Standard delivery: Up to 12 weeks

Express delivery: 3-7 days

Air freight: 7-14 days

Sea freight: 40-70 days


UK to China Shipping

Standard delivery: 6-7 working days

Express delivery: 3-7 days

Air freight: 5-10 days

Sea freight: 30-60 days

 

UK to Middle East Shipping

Standard delivery: 5-7 working days

Express delivery: 2-5 days 

Air freight: 3-7 days

Sea freight: 20-40 days

 

 

What Factors Impact International Shipping Time from the UK? 

 

Distance: The further the distance, the longer it will take to ship items internationally from the UK to the destination. 

Shipping method: Air freight is a faster mode of international shipping but it is also more expensive. Sea freight is significantly slower but costs less. 

International customs: In certain destinations, customs and import procedures could cause delays and make the international shipping process longer. 

Carrier: Different carriers will offer delivery times depending on their processes.

Unexpected events: Though less frequent, unusual weather or sudden events could also impact delivery times.

 

How Can I Get Faster International Shipping From The UK? 

 

 

There are certain tips for faster international shipping, including: 

Opt for express - Choosing express shipping offers the fastest delivery times, usually for an additional price. 

Accurate customs information - Prevent delays at customs by making sure forms are properly filled out

Choose a reliable international shipping company - Choosing a trusted company for your international shipping will make the process as smooth and quick as possible.


How Does International Shipping from the UK Work?

 

With a standard international shipping company, the shipping process would start with finding a courier.

Then you need to pack up your stuff and take it to a drop-off point. You’ll also need to fill out any required shipping forms - these need to be filled out as accurately as possible for an efficient process and to prevent your items from being sent back to you.

International shipping with The Box Co. works a little differently.

Here, we collect boxes straight from your UK address (or from our secure storage facilities if you’re already storing items with us). From there we can ship them to over 150 countries around the world. There’s no need to find a courier or bring your stuff to us. We’ll even handle the shipping forms for you!

Our process works in 3 simple steps. 

 

Get a free quote

With our free online tool, you can get a quote in a matter of minutes. Just tell us how many boxes you need to ship and their final destination. 

We show clear prices with no hidden fees so you know upfront how much your international shipping will cost.


Box Collection

Next, we’ll come and collect your boxes. Let us know your address - whether it’s home, uni halls or your place of work - and we’ll come and get your packed boxes on the date of your choice. Are your boxes already in storage with us? There’s no need to take them out of storage. We can do pick-ups straight from our storage facilities too.


Shipping and Delivery

Let us know where you want your boxes to end up - we ship to over 150 countries around the world. 

We’ll handle everything - from the customs forms to delivery right to the door. Whether you’re sending one box or all your belongings, we’ll make sure everything gets where it needs to as quickly and securely as possible.

 

Ship Internationally with The Box Co. 

 

If you’re heading abroad, or heading back home from the UK, you want to get your stuff to its destination as simply as possible.

Whether you’re moving back from university, relocating for work or simply shipping some items to friends or family overseas, The Box Co. offers affordable and efficient solutions. 

From collecting your items right from your door to handling customs forms, we make the process as seamless as we can. With shipping to over 150 countries around the globe, we can get your items where they need to be. 

Ready to get started? Use our quick quote tool or contact our team today to discuss your international shipping needs.

Back to blog

Storage with collection & delivery

We’ll pick up your items from any location, securely store them, and return when you’re ready.

The Box CO Hero ImageMoving Van

Storage with collection & delivery

We’ll pick up your items from any location, securely store them, and return when you’re ready.

I need help with...