Sea and air freight
Sea freight, ocean freight and air cargo worldwide
We arrange ocean and air freight worldwide, full and shared container loads by sea and consolidation or full loads by air, through partner agents globally. Our in-house customs team handles the UK clearance and arranges clearance at destination through those agents, so your cargo keeps moving.
Ocean freight: FCL and LCL
- FCL (Full Container Load): you take the whole container, best for larger volumes or when you'd rather your goods travelled on their own.
- LCL (Less than Container Load): your cargo shares a container with other shippers, so you only pay for the space you use. Also called consolidation or groupage, it's the cost-effective route for smaller volumes.
We arrange both through a network of freight agents globally.
Air freight: consolidation and full loads
When speed matters, we arrange air freight: air consolidation, where your cargo shares a consolidated air consignment to keep the per-kilo cost down, or a full load for time-critical or high-value goods.
Sea or air: which fits
Sea freight is the cheaper option for most cargo and suits larger or non-urgent volumes; air freight costs more but moves in days rather than weeks, and suits perishable, high-value or time-critical goods. Tell us the volume, the deadline and the budget, and we'll recommend the route that fits.
Customs handled at both ends
Sea and air shipments need clearing at export and import. Our in-house customs team handles the UK declarations, and destination clearance is arranged through our partner agents, so your cargo isn't held at the port or airport waiting on a separate broker. See our customs clearance service. To organise the whole door-to-door journey, see our freight forwarding service.
What you’ll need to book
The goods description and commodity code, origin and destination, volume and weight, your EORI number (your customs ID for moving goods in or out of the UK), the Incoterm and the date you need delivery. Not sure on any of it? Tell us what you've got and we'll guide you.
Why Sims
We've moved freight since 1973, through long-term partner agents globally, so you get worldwide reach handled by people who know your account. We're members of BIFA (the British International Freight Association) and the RHA (Road Haulage Association), FORS accredited and ISO 9001 certified, and you get a dedicated contact who knows your account.
1973
Moving freight since
Global
Partner-agent network
2
Modes: sea and air
Questions, answered
- What’s the difference between FCL and LCL?
FCL (Full Container Load) means you take the whole container. LCL (Less than Container Load) means your cargo shares a container with other shippers and you pay only for the space you use. FCL suits larger volumes; LCL suits smaller ones.
- What is air consolidation?
Your cargo shares an aircraft consignment with other shipments, which brings the per-kilo cost down compared with a full charter, while still moving by air.
- How long does sea or air freight take?
Sea freight typically takes three to six weeks depending on the ports of loading and discharge; air freight moves in two to five working days for most routes. Tell us your route and we'll give you a specific estimate.
- Should I choose sea or air?
Sea is cheaper and suits larger or non-urgent cargo; air is faster and suits time-critical, perishable or high-value goods. Tell us the volume and deadline and we'll advise.
- Which countries do you cover?
We arrange sea and air freight through partner agents globally. Tell us your route and we'll confirm.
- Do you handle the customs too?
Yes, our in-house customs team clears your shipment at both ends. See our customs clearance service.
- What documents do I need?
A commercial invoice and packing list, with the commodity code, values, EORI number and Incoterm. We'll tell you exactly what's needed for your shipment.
Ship by sea or air with the customs handled
Tell us what you’re moving and where, and we’ll arrange the route and the clearance.