The Benefits of Transatlantic Shipping for Your Business

How familiar are you and your business with transatlantic shipping? Are you hoping to ship your products between the the UK and the US in the near future? The UK is a massive asset to any US based business, it’s currently its 7th largest goods trading partner worth over $100 billion in total two-way goods trade. And looking at it from a UK business perspective, the US is the largest export and import market for goods outside of the EU. There’s massive market potential if you can trade across both countries.

The US and UK is widely known to have a ‘Special Relationship’ – an unofficial term first used by Winston Churchill. Bilateral cooperation between the two likely reflects the common language, ideals, and democratic practices of the two nations. Trade has and will always be an intrinsic part of keeping that special relationship strong.

In this post we’re going to take a closer look at the benefits of transatlantic shipping for your business, as well as some tips for success and how to get started.

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The Benefits of Transatlantic Shipping for Your Business

Benefits of Transatlantic Shipping

The opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic are enormous. Both the UK and US have connections all over the world and by harnessing the power of the other, you can increase your access to further markets. Here are just a few of the benefits your business could gain through transatlantic cooperation:-

  • New customers. It’s a given that opening up your business to a new country will expand your customer base and increase your revenue. Exploring a new market is a smart development step for your business.
  • It’s practical to move goods between them. Relatively short transit times in both sea and air make transatlantic trade a realistic and practical option.
  • Navigating the seasons. Depending on your product, you might find that your sales increase around the holidays. By taking advantage of transatlantic shipping you’ll be able to increase your holiday sales throughout the year.

Before the pandemic, sea freight rates often held quarterly validity periods, helping you to plan the cost of your goods – this will hopefully return to the Transatlantic sea freight marketplace when things settle down post-pandemic.

Tips for Success With Transatlantic Shipping

Doing transatlantic business can seem a long way from doing business in your home country. There are a few things you can do to ensure an easy experience with Transatlantic shipping including:-

  • Prepare a Transatlantic Business Plan – create a business plan to evaluate your needs and set goals. It’s essential to assess the preparation needed and commitment to grow internationally before you get started.
  • Packaging materials – US Customs are cracking down on import packaging. Packing in appropriately treated materials like ISPM15 may initially come at an extra cost but will result in savings down the line. ISPM15 is the preferred material used by all credible export packing providers.
  • Ship as early as possible – COVID has had a huge impact on the airline industry meaning shipping has taken longer than usual. Ship as soon as you can to avoid possible delays.
  • Trans-loads – having a warehouse near the East Coast seaports allows your US-based forwarders to expedite imports and exports. There is an upfront cost, but Trans-loading can cut transit times on the rail by weeks.
  • Know your Incoterms – not fully understand Incoterms can harm your profitability if your don’t understand what terms of sale you’re agreeing to. In-depth advice from an experienced and credible freight forwarder can help you to navigate this. Read more about Incoterms here. 

How to get started

When exporting or importing to a new country or region, it may be smart to employ the support of a credible international freight forwarder. If you’re looking at transatlantic imports/exports look for someone who has proven experience and an established transatlatic network.

You can check if a freight forwarder is credible by doing some research on their website. Look how long they’ve been established and if they hold assurances like IATA (UK), ISO 9001 (UK), BIFA (UK), FIATA (US), FMC (US). 

Turn to at Pinnacle Freight. With almost half a century of experience behind them, they’re well placed to handle your Transatlantic shipping needs. You can call them on 0845 621 611 or email them at enquiry@pif.co.uk.