The United Kingdom:
Driving Global Trade, End to End
Headquartered in Ipswich, Suffolk with regional offices in London and Glasgow, and a national team across the UK, MSC is committed to delivering customer excellence and finding the best solution for your cargo. Trust MSC in the UK to handle your logistics needs, a family business with traditional values delivered in a modern way.
« The reliability and efficiency of MSC's services have been a major advantage. They have consistently delivered on their promises,ensuring that my shipments arrive on time and in optimal condition. This level of dependability has instilled trust in both my customers and me, establishing MSC as a carrier I can rely on. »
« There is a sense of family that feeds into everything MSC do. Building, developing, and harnessing positive relationships with customers and colleagues alike is at the very heart of what they do best. Committed to delivering world-class customer service, the team at MSC UK will always seek to go that extra mile for you, taking an active interest in you and your business. »
With multiple sailings from UK ports every week and extensive regional feeder connections from Liverpool, Portbury, Teesport, Tilbury, Grangemouth, and Greenock, our nationwide coverage provides true door-to-door solutions to anywhere in the world via rail, road and sea.
Things you Need to Know
Customs Clearance
Hazardous Cargo
When you have completed loading of your Export Hazardous cargo please send us a copy of the completed DGN. Please note, it MUST be signed in boxes 15 & 17 with the container number clearly in Box 16. Please include this on an email with your booking reference and planned export vessel within the subject line.
Please make sure your container has had the correct placards applied to it as per IMDG and ADR to ensure acceptance into the terminal of export.
VGM Receiving Policy in the UK
What is VGM?
Verified Gross Mass or VGM refers to the exact, verified weight of a packed container. For safety reasons, vessel operators can only load a container if its weight has been verified.
Government approval status
In the UK the regulating body, Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), will allow for +/- 5% or 500kg whichever is greater. The MCA have the right to impose a fine or penalty for any misdeclared VGM information. If you intend on obtaining your VGM by using Method 2, you will need approval from the MCA. Further information about application can be found here.
What to include in your VGM instructions
The following items are mandatory and must be included on all VGM instructions:
- Booking or Bill of Lading number
- VGM weight (cargo weight + container weight)
- Authorised person’s signatory (submitter of the VGM who may be authorised to act on behalf of shippers)
- Responsible party name
How to submit your VGM instructions
- Directly into the port systems (Destin8 / CNS)
- myMSC
- EDI (via INTTRA / GT NEXUS / Cargo Smart)
Deadlines for sending your VGM instructions
To avoid additional weighing charges from the port, please submit your VGM declaration to the port authorities before their cut off, 24 hours prior to vessel arrival. If you require MSC to arrange for the terminal to weight the container(s) on your behalf, we require this 48 hours prior to the ETA of the vessel.
Contact information
For more details, please email us or call our office: +44 (0)1473 954484
Prohibited Cargo
- Military cargo, weapons, munitions, illegal drugs/ narcotics
- Used refrigerators without valid de-gassing certificate Southampton - Containers with Flexi bags installed are not permitted via this port
Please note:
- Any used cars for export must provide chassis number / VIN and registration
- Used tyres are subject to management approval
Shipping Instruction Cut-offs
Following Brexit, we are required to submit advance European Security Manifests. To comply with this requirement, we will need to be in possession of the final shipping instructions in advance of the vessel's arrival. This requirement will affect all services departing the UK, therefore we feel it is important we provide you with a guide to avoid the deadline being missed, which could result in a delay to the exportation of your shipment.
Documentation (Final Shipping Instruction) Cut-Off Guide
Shipping instructions will be required 6 hours prior to the vessel's arrival at the port of loading. Exceptions are as follows
Please note, late instructions (received after cut-offs) are at risk of short shipment and additional costs
Shipping Instruction Amendments
For USA, Canada, China, Japan and South Africa, amendments need to be received 36 hours (excluding weekend hours) prior to the vessel arrival at the port of loading to avoid correction fees. For all other destinations amendments must be received 24 hours prior to the vessel departure to avoid correction fees. For vessels departing at the weekend/Monday morning, amendments are required by 1200hrs on the Friday before.
Please note, failure to comply with the above may result in a correction fee of $60 USD
Additional Information
We aim to process instructions / amendment(s) and return a draft bill within 24 hours (excluding weekends). Destination charges will be registered as collect unless your instructions clearly state prepaid. The only exception will be for countries that do not accept collect charges.
Contact Information
If you have any further questions, please contact our local team using the information below.
Ipswich: Documentation | 01473 277777
Ipswich: Customer Service | 01473 277777
Glasgow: Documentation | 01413 339100
How to Find Cut-Offs on myMSC
Cut-offs can also be found on our e-business platform myMSC.
1. Navigate in the menu on the left to Schedules & Cut-offs
2. Click on 'By Booking' if you want to retrieve the information for a specific booking or click on 'By Port' if you want to retrieve the information for a particular port pair
« In customer service, we’re committed to a friendly, flexible and
customer-focused approach. Operating out of our UK offices in Ipswich, London and Glasgow our people truly make a difference, providing global and local solutions to our customers. »
At MSC UK, we are committed to making your import process as smooth and efficient as possible. Our local team of seven specialised import trade teams understand the complexities of moving goods into the UK and are dedicated to ensuring your cargo arrives safely and on schedule.
With a global presence in over 120 countries, we offer unparalleled expertise and connectivity, bringing your imported goods from around the world to your doorstep.
Things you need to know
Customs Clearance
MSC Inland Transport
Please note that deliveries will be in a standard 20ft/40ft container, on a standard trailer and heavy goods vehicle. If you require a delivery with special requirements, such as Tipper Chassis, Genset or, if your cargo is out of gauge, please email your usual Customer Service representative or call us on +44 1473 277777.
To ensure that we meet your delivery requirements, please note the following.
- Customs Clearance: Container(s) must be cleared and landed in time for delivery. If the container(s) cannot be delivered as a result, wasted journey charges may apply.
- Documentation: Please ensure that all relevant documentation such as Agent to Agent release, Telex and Express Support Letters and, Original BL's is in place before the delivery.
- Quay rent & demurrage: Please endeavour to book your delivery for a date within your free time agreement to avoid quay rent and/or demurrage charges.
- Road restrictions – If there are any weight or height restrictions on the approach route or surrounding area of the delivery site, please include these in the special instructions area of your booking.
- Cancellations: Cancellations are free of charge up to 1200hrs one working day before the booked delivery date. Any cancellations made after this time will incur charges.
For full terms and conditions and to view our availability, please click here. For import haulage availability, please click here.
Merchant Owned Haulage Releases
To help our team action your request as efficiently as possible for you, please see our full MOH release instructions regarding time frames and important information to include.
Merchant Owned Haulage (MOH) release requests
Please email us or call +44 (0)1473 277777, and a member of staff will be more than happy to assist you.
Merchant Owned Haulage (MOH) restitution note
Please take the following action to arrange restitution of empty containers
Please remember
- All drivers must wear high visibility clothing and safety footwear when reporting to depots/terminals
- Any driver without correct attire could be turned away
Condition and location of returned containers
We would like to remind customers that containers should be returned to MSC in a clean condition, free of all packing, dunnage or traces of cargo (as per terms and conditions of the Bill of Lading / Contract of Carriage). Customers are liable for any costs incurred for the cleaning of containers along with any associated penalties or fines (such as Customs fines or, in some cases, shipping costs back to the UK).
« Our frequent arrivals at key UK ports, supported by extensive feeder networks and inland connections, provide flexible and reliable import solutions. With decades of experience and a customer-centric approach, MSC delivers excellence in every shipment. Our trade specific experts, dedicated reefer specialists, and sales managers ensure a personalised service. We also handle project cargo, including out-of-gauge items and yachts, with a human touch and approachability. »
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MSC UK Legal Disclosures
Gender Pay Gap
What is the Gender Pay Gap?
At MSC UK, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. As part of this commitment and in accordance with UK government regulations, we publish our annual Gender Pay Gap Reports. These reports provide transparency on the gender pay gap within our organisation and outline the steps we are taking to promote equality and close any disparities.
You can view our latest reports below:
Gender Pay Gap Report 2024-2025
Gender Pay Gap Report 2023-2024
Gender Pay Gap Report 2022-2023
UK Tax Strategy
Read more here: MSC UK Tax Strategy