Shipping from UK to Singapore is quite common among both businesses and individuals for various reasons. A retailer may be delivering products to buyers in Singapore or an individual in the UK may be sending a parcel to family members back home.
Furthermore, Singapore has one of the most developed economies in the world and has very diverse trading activities with different countries. This includes trades with the United Kingdom, which comprises four constituent countries – England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
At M&P International Freights, we offer reliable services for shipments from UK to Singapore at competitive prices. Learn more about commonly shipped items, the process of shipment and how costs are calculated here!
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Commonly Shipped Items from UK to Singapore
There are a variety of parcels and larger cargo that are commonly imported into Singapore from the United Kingdom, including:
- Machinery and transport equipment
- Food products
- Retail merchandise (e.g. clothes, books, electronic devices)
- Manufactured goods
- Dangerous goods (e.g. chemicals, explosives)
- Luggage from international students or people who are relocating
Shipping Procedure from UK to Singapore
1. Contact a Shipping Company
First, reach out to a service provider like a shipping company or a freight forwarder like M&P International Freights. It would be helpful to include the following information:
- Items you will be shipping
- Size and weight measurements of your goods
- Address or general location of pick up and drop off sites
- Expected dates of delivery
You may then receive an initial quotation for the shipment and begin making your arrangements with the company. Be sure to arrange for pick up and last mile delivery services if it is not provided by your selected company.
2. Preparation of Documents
Depending on the goods you are shipping, you may then have to prepare the relevant documents for import and export, such as:
- Bill of Lading (BoL)
- Customs permit
- Certificate of origin
- Commercial invoice
- Packing slip
Most freight forwarders are able to handle these documents for you and advise you on any other necessary administrative actions.
3. Packing
Be sure to keep your service provider updated when you are packing your goods into parcels, boxes or shipping containers. This is to ensure that you do not pack in a way that incurs additional costs from space constraints onboard the carrier.
Certain carriers and forwarders may also provide you with boxes to pack with, or offer packing services for large or fragile items.
4. Pick Up and Transit
Depending on your selected provider, pick up services (e.g. trucking) may be arranged for certain goods or you may drop them off at a predetermined location. Your goods will then be handled and transported by shipping professionals.
Once it reaches Singapore, it will have to be cleared by customs before being allowed into the country.
5. Last Mile Delivery
Once cleared, your goods may then be transported to its final destination in Singapore, where your appointed consignee will receive it.
How Long Does It Take to Ship from UK to Singapore?
Shipping duration from United Kingdom to Singapore is based on different factors, mainly:
- The mode and cost of transportation
- The urgency of the delivery
Normally, shipping by sea takes almost a month with most freight companies quoting roughly 19 to 24 days.
However, if the goods are urgent it would take between 1 and 3 days to ship the goods via air freight. This would be more costly compared to shipping by sea.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship from UK to Singapore?
Sending a 1kg parcel from the UK to Singapore typically costs between $19 to $40 (about £12 to £25). However, the price for shipping may also be affected by factors like:
- Mode of transport
- Handling and storage fees
- Cargo insurance
- Carrier base rates
- Type of shipment chosen (e.g. express shipping, consolidated freight)
Shipping fees for air freight and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments via sea are typically calculated based on the chargeable weight of your cargo.
What is Chargeable Weight?
Chargeable weight is the greater of these two:
- Actual weight – The actual weight of cargo, measured on a weighing scale
- Volumetric weight – The product of multiplying your cargo’s length, height and weight (and a density ratio for air freight)
For example, assume you are shipping 4 boxes that weigh 10kg and measure 45cm by 45cm by 45cm each. Here is how you would calculate chargeable weight for air freight and LCL shipments via sea freight.
| Sea freight (LCL shipping) | Air freight | |
|---|---|---|
| Actual weight | Total weight on scale measured in CBM (1000kg = 1 ton = 1 CBM). 40kg = 0.04 ton = 0.04 CBM Actual weight = 0.04 CBM | Total weight on scale measured in kg. Actual weight = 40kg |
| Volumetric weight | Length x width x height (metres) = Volumetric weight (CBM) 4 x 0.45m x 0.45m x 0.45m = 0.365 CBM Volumetric weight = 0.365 CBM | A density ratio of 1:6 is typically applied. Length x width x height (cm) / 6000 = Volumetric weight (kg) (4 x 45cm x 45cm x 45cm) / 6000 = 60.75kg Volumetric weight = 60.75kg |
| Chargeable weight | Volumetric weight > actual weight Chargeable weight = 0.365 CBM | Volumetric weight > actual weight Chargeable weight = 60.75kg |
Carriers typically calculate shipping fees by multiplying your cargo’s chargeable weight by their base rate.
Prohibited Items for Import Into Singapore
Every county has a mandate to safeguard the welfare of its own citizens and this ensures that there is a consistent and stable economic growth. To achieve this, there are certain items that are prohibited for import into Singapore, including those listed below.
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Benefits of Engaging a Freight Forwarder to Ship Your Items
There are various benefits that are associated with hiring a freight forwarder, including:
Better Rates and Routes
Freight forwarders often offer better quotes as compared to self-sourced freight carriers.
Experienced forwarders with well-established global networks are able to negotiate for the best prices and fastest routes in the market.
Great for Cargo of All Sizes
They are typically well-equipped to provide advice for freight of all sizes, given their deep knowledge of the industry.
This may be helpful when deciding on the best ways to ship small parcels, heavy luggage or LCL or full container loads of merchandise.
Wide Range of Services
They offer a full suite of services like warehousing (storage, handling, packing), distribution and door to door sea freight.
This can be beneficial for both businesses and individuals looking for one-stop solutions for moving and storing their goods and belongings.
Handles Shipping Documents
There are many documents required for international shipping, like BoLs and customs permits. Forwarders are equipped to handle these documents so you can focus on packing or other administrative aspects of your business.
They can also help speed up customs clearance processes by ensuring all paperwork is in order.
Why Choose M&P International Freights?
Experts in International Shipping
We are well-informed about the current trends and challenges in the market, allowing us to offer quality services to our clients decisively.
Our years of experience in the industry allows us to guide our clients in selecting the best solutions for speedy, affordable and safely-handled shipments.
Dependable and Proficient
With our unwavering record of outstanding services for over 10 years, we have been able to exceed our customer’s expectations with ease.
M&P’s dedicated freight agents ensure you get timely updates on your shipments, and services tailored to your needs.
Extensive Global Network
We have an extensive network within the industry, giving us access to choice routes and rates from carriers worldwide.
This global network also allows us to navigate the ins and outs of international freight forwarding with ease.
FAQs About Shipping from UK to Singapore
What is the cheapest way to ship items from UK to Singapore?
The cheapest way to ship items from UK to Singapore is typically via sea freight. However, shipments may take up to a month to be delivered. Prices may also vary depending on the size of your items and availability of space onboard carriers.
A freight forwarder like M&P International Freights may be able to help you plan the fastest route from UK to Singapore at the cheapest prices. Contact us for a quote today!
How can international students ship items from UK to Singapore?
International students looking to ship heavy luggage or boxes of their belongings and textbooks can do so through:
- Sea or air carrier companies
Students typically need to contact these companies with details and measurements of their baggage, UK and Singapore address details and expected shipment dates. They will then need to ensure all shipping documents are in order and that transportation to their place of accommodation has been arranged.
- Freight forwarders
After contacting the company with the necessary details, students may make arrangements to ensure all other aspects of their shipment is handled by the forwarder.
Freight forwarders like M&P International Freights make international shipments easy, while finding the best prices and fastest delivery routes. Contact us to enquire about our services!
What are the necessary documents for shipments from UK to Singapore?
Some important documents for shipping from UK to Singapore include the Bill of Lading (BoL), customs permit, certificate of origin, commercial invoice and packing slip. Ensuring these documents are in order often allows for a speedier, less costly customs clearance process.