There’s no getting around it: rising tariffs on freight shipped from other countries are a fact of life for importers these days. All the more reason for you to explore international shipping tips that can reduce your total landed costs.

There’s no getting around it: rising tariffs on freight shipped from other countries are a fact of life for importers these days. All the more reason for you to explore international shipping tips that can reduce your total landed costs.
So you’ve decided it’s time to pick up stakes and transplant from the good old USA to a new home over the water. Maybe it’s to fulfill a lifelong dream to relocate to your country of origin in retirement, or you’re following a golden business opportunity. Whatever the case, as you make your plans you want to keep costs as low as possible. So let’s look at the cheapest way to ship your personal belongings overseas.
As a small business that’s importing goods into the U.S., where do customs brokerage services come into the picture?
In the world of cross-border commerce, it’s important to note that different parties have clearly defined roles to expedite the process and manage the many important details. This ensures that there is as little friction as possible during an international shipment. The role of the exporter of record is certainly key in the shipping and customs process, so we’ll take some time to break it down.
For shippers of air freight, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) runs a program called the Known Shipper Management System (KSMS), commonly known as the TSA Known Shipper program. We’ve pulled together brief answers to the questions we get most often about the program.
When exporting goods from the U.S., there are two main Transportation Security Administration (TSA) cargo screening programs set up to ensure the security and safety of air cargo. A separate program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in conjunction with TSA, handles security and screening for imported cargo arriving in the U.S.
Importers talk a lot about “managing tariffs,” but many are not actively managing tariff exemptions. That’s a costly oversight in an environment where duty rates on some products can reach 50%-60%.
Shipping personal effects from the USA to the UK can seem like a daunting task, but with proper planning and knowledge of the process, it can be a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Whether you are relocating, sending gifts or returning home, let this be your guide – from packing to delivery.
Court rulings, executive actions, shifting percentages, and administrative bottlenecks caused by the tariff situation are creating real operational and financial consequences for importers across industries.
Mark Ling
For and on behalf of:
I.C.E. Transport Co., Inc.
Ipswich, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 787 204 6939