Logistics & Transportation

Shipping Guide

Your comprehensive guide to shipping from UK to USA

This guide provides essential information about shipping requirements and procedures to ensure your antiques and collectables reach home safely and efficiently. While shipping company requirements vary, these guidelines will help streamline the process.

Your Shipping Journey

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1

Before Departure

Before You Leave USA

  • Contact your chosen shipper before leaving the USA to inform them of your intention to use their services
  • Purchase a triplicate book to record all purchases in the UK. Include: description (e.g., "antique chest of drawers"), material (e.g., "Pine"), and cost (e.g., "100 pounds")
  • Purchase stickers or tags with your business or personal name to attach to all items. Available on Amazon as pre-printed labels, stamps, or blank labels. Including your shipper's contact number is recommended for easy tracking

Step 2

During Your Trip

When You Start to Buy in UK

  • Number all items sequentially starting with #1. Add the number to each sticker or tag to maintain a logical order of purchases
  • Keep packing lists continuous - if you buy items 1-29 on day one, day two begins with #30. Use a new triplicate page for each day while maintaining continuous numbering
  • Large items - Contact your shipper immediately to arrange collection (typically within 1 week). This will be added to your total shipment at shipper-dependent costs
  • Small items - Take these with you on the day of purchase. You can offload them to your shipper at Lincoln or Newark antique fairs
  • Fair purchases - Items purchased while your shipper is on-site will likely be collected the same day. Inform them of the item's location on the fair site. Shippers expect smaller items to be brought to them
  • Carts available - Most shippers provide carts at antique fairs. Contact your shipper in advance to request this service

Step 3

Final Arrangements

At the End of Your Buying Trip

  • Final collection - Your shipper will collect any remaining items left for collection
  • Packing options - Your shipper will determine the most cost-effective solution: standard boxes, purpose-built shipping crates, or large shipping containers. Containers can be shared with colleagues or friends to reduce costs
  • Packing timeline - Allow approximately 4 weeks after leaving the UK for safe packing and booking collection
  • Transit time - Crates and containers take 4-6 weeks to arrive in the USA
  • Insurance - While every care is taken, items can be damaged in transit. Consult your shipper about insurance coverage options
  • Import tax - Items arriving in the USA are subject to import tax, collected before customs release
  • Final delivery - After customs clearance, items will be delivered to your home or business address
Total Timeline

Expected Delivery Timeframe

12-16 Weeks

Total delivery time from purchase to arrival at your door

Timeline may vary depending on your shipping choices and customs processing

Questions About Shipping?

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