FAQS

Less than Container Load, or LCL, is used to describe cargo that would not fill a full container load (FCL). LCL consignments would be combined/ consolidated with other parties’ cargo at the loading warehouse to create a Full Container.

Full Container Load, or FCL, is used to describe larger cargoes loaded by the manufacturer into either a 20ft (28 cbm) or 40ft (58cbm) container. The doors would be sealed upon loading.   

Unsworth currently covers most destinations throughout the Far East, Middle East, Australasia and the Americas.

For an export enquiry, go to the Cargocost home page: select the shipping method you require and enter the relevant details. You can then view the freight cost, inclusive of collection, Freight On Board (FOB) details and vessel information.

Unsworth currently covers most origins throughout the Far East, Indian Sub-continent, Middle East, Australasia and the Americas.

For an import enquiry, go to the Cargocost home page: select the shipping method you require and enter the relevant details. You can then view the cost of importing the freight, inclusive of delivery and UK charges.

Freight forwarders are people or companies which act as third-party logistics providers, organising the safe, efficient and cost-effective transport of goods.

Freight forwarding services guarantee that products will get to the proper destination by an agreed upon date, and in good condition. The freight forwarding service utilizes established relationships with carriers of all kinds, from air freighters and trucking companies, to rail freighters and ocean liners. Freight forwarding services negotiate the best possible price to move the product along the most economical route by working out various bids and choosing the one that best balances speed, cost and reliability.

VAT in the UK is currently 17.5%. Duty is set at various rates depending on the type of product imported. All duty rates are set by Brussels for the EU, and are payable upon free circulation within the EU. Confirmation of the duty rate for your products can be obtained from us and on receipt of specific information we can help classify your products into a particular ‘commodity code’. This code will apply for your product and will determine how much you will pay in percentage, based on the value of the product.

Customs Clearance is required for all products which are entering or leaving the EU. Customs clearance is the process for HM Customs & Excise to account for any charges due and to check for documentation and conformity to EU law. Customs also provide agency services to various other government departments for border checks, such as The Forestry Commission for instance.

The time taken for Customs clearance can vary from 10 minutes to a few days. The length of time taken depends on the type of product being handled. Customs recognise that some products require further documentation checks and in some cases actual physical examination to ensure that declarations are correct, on average the service takes 12 hours but most commonly only a few hours and sometimes minutes.

Whenever goods move, they are subject to risk and their value may be partially or totally lost due to a whole range of reasons. This can be critical to your business. Whenever you use Unsworth UK, which is a wise move for most exporters or Importers, we will take a lot of headaches away. Comprehensive insurance is something that we can offer you as standard.