Est. 1996. One contact per shipment, every time.
Est. 1996. One contact per shipment, every time.
UK IMPORT SERVICES
Plexus Freight is a two-generation family-owned one-stop shop for commercial imports into the UK by sea, air, road and rail, operating from Portishead since 1996. We manage your UK import freight and customs documentation through 1 named contact. B2B commercial cargo only. We do not handle personal effects or household moves.
SEA FREIGHT UK IMPORTS
Sea freight is the most cost-effective mode for commercial imports into the UK for FCL and regular volume shipments. Our Portishead team manages FCL, LCL and out-of-gauge sea freight from all major global origins, alongside customs coordination, port drayage and final delivery.
FCL sea freight from major global origins to Portbury, Felixstowe or Southampton. Full door-to-door cost confirmed before your shipment moves.
Pay only for the space your cargo occupies in a shared container. Cost-effective for smaller or irregular import volumes on most global trade lanes.
Our team works directly with Portbury, Felixstowe and Southampton port agents on container releases and drayage. Customs documentation coordinated via our Felixstowe partners.
ALL IMPORT FREIGHT MODES
Whether you are importing from China, the USA, Europe or elsewhere, our Portishead team selects the right freight mode for your cargo, your timeline and your budget. Sea, air, road and rail are all available from a single point of contact, with customs documentation coordinated as part of every movement.
The most cost-effective mode for regular and high-volume commercial imports. FCL and LCL available from all major global origins. Transit times from 10 days for short-haul routes.
Air freight is priced on chargeable weight, the greater of actual gross weight and volumetric weight. The rate we quote is the rate you pay.
FTL, LTL and groupage from 14 European countries. Post-Brexit customs documentation coordinated as standard on every UK import movement from Europe.
CUSTOMS CLEARANCE COORDINATED
Our Portishead team coordinates every CDS entry, duty, and VAT calculation exclusively alongside your physical freight movement. We do not offer standalone customs services.
Import duty rates vary by commodity code and origin. UK import VAT is charged at 20% on the customs value plus duty. Easily estimate your upfront costs using our free online tool.
Every commercial import requires a precise commodity code under the UK Trade Tariff. Our dedicated 3rd party agents at Felixstowe ensure accurate classification to prevent unexpected border delays.
A valid UK EORI number is mandatory before your commercial goods can clear customs. Our team guides new importers through the free HMRC setup requirements.
UK VAT-registered businesses can completely defer import VAT to their standard VAT return. Our Portishead team applies postponed VAT accounting to every eligible consignment we manage.
What to Know
The terms your overseas supplier uses directly affect your freight costs, customs liability and risk exposure in transit.
Under EXW (Ex Works), the buyer controls all freight from the supplier's factory gate, including export customs in the country of origin. Under FOB (Free on Board), the seller delivers to the named departure port and loads the vessel. The buyer controls ocean freight, UK customs and delivery. FOB is the most common Incoterm for sea freight imports and gives UK buyers a clean handover point. Under DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), the seller handles all freight and customs in both directions, removing the buyer's control over UK customs compliance.
DDP shipping appears straightforward because the overseas seller quotes a single all-in price. However, under DDP the seller controls UK customs clearance, removing your visibility over commodity code classification and the declared customs value. Incorrectly declared values or codes can result in HMRC post-clearance audits and additional duty demands against the UK importer of record. Our Portishead team recommends FOB or EXW terms wherever possible, so that UK customs clearance is controlled by a BIFA-accredited freight forwarder accountable to you.
Top 5 Buyer Questions
The cost depends on the freight mode, cargo volume and weight, origin country and port, applicable customs duties and any specialist handling requirements. Our Portishead team provides a full itemised quote within 1 working hour, covering all freight charges, customs coordination costs and delivery.
Transit times depend on the origin and freight mode. Sea freight from China takes 25 to 32 days FCL. Air freight from China or the USA takes 3 to 5 working days. Rail freight from China takes 18 to 25 days. European road freight takes 1 to 7 days depending on origin.
Our Portishead team coordinates all UK import customs clearance exclusively alongside your physical shipment. We coordinate your CDS import entry via our dedicated 3rd party agents at Felixstowe and calculate your exact duty and VAT liability at the quotation stage.
Carrier liability depends on the freight mode. Sea freight is governed by the Hague-Visby Rules. Air freight is governed by the Montreal Convention at 22 SDR per kilogram. In both cases, carrier liability falls well below the commercial value of most cargo. Cargo insurance is strongly recommended.
Yes. Carrier liability limits under the Hague-Visby Rules and the Montreal Convention will not cover the full commercial value of most cargo. All-risks cargo insurance covers the full declared value of your goods in transit. Ask for a quote when you enquire.
Common questions from UK businesses about importing commercial goods into the UK.
Sea, air, road and rail freight are all available for commercial imports into the UK. The right mode depends on your origin, cargo volume, delivery deadline and budget. Our Portishead team advises on the right option for every enquiry.
Yes. A valid UK EORI number is required for any business importing goods commercially into the UK. Without one, your goods will be held at the port or airport of arrival. EORI registration is free and managed by HMRC.
Import duty rates depend on the commodity code and the country of origin under the UK Global Tariff. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty. UK VAT-registered businesses can use postponed VAT accounting to defer import VAT.
Postponed VAT accounting allows UK VAT-registered businesses to account for import VAT on their VAT return rather than paying at the point of importation. Our Portishead team applies PVA to every eligible import consignment we coordinate.
For most UK importers, FOB is preferable to DDP. Under FOB, you control UK customs clearance through a BIFA-accredited freight forwarder, reducing the risk of incorrect declarations and HMRC post-clearance audits.
For time-critical imports, our Portishead team handles same-day quoting and expedited air freight from all major global origins. Do not fill in a form. Call us directly.
FROM THE PLEXUS JOURNAL
Customs updates and trade compliance, written by the Plexus team in Portishead. Practical. No jargon.
