Connecting the United Kingdom
with the world

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.

Browse our Solutions

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.

Victorian Plumbing James Casey, Director

Your Shipping Needs Met

MSC UK has demonstrated a commitment to long-term
partnerships, excellence in their core services as a carrier, and a strong appreciation for the people within their organisation - values that align closely with our own business principles.

Sandford Freight UK Limited Daniel Walker, General Manager

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. 

Denholm Good Logistics Terry Hibbert, Director of Freight Procurement

Exports at MSC UK

At MSC UK, we have nine dedicated local export trade teams who understand both the export market, and your needs; connecting you with global experts across more than 120 countries to find the best solutions for your cargo.

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.

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.

Donna Chidlow Head of Export Customer Service, MSC UK
  • Excellent UK Port Coverage

  • Long Term Contract Negotiations

  • Strong Road and Rail Links

  • Over 45 Years' Trade Experience

Things you Need to Know

Find out about the specific regulations, rules and up-to-date procedures that need to be followed when shipping out of the United Kingdom.

Customs Clearance

Find everything you need to know about MSC's Customs Clearance solutions on our dedicated webpage: msc.com/customs

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

It is illegal to ship the following items out of the UK: 
  • 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

  • Weekend arrivals: Instructions due by 12:00PM on the Friday (week prior)
  • Monday arrivals: Instructions due by 16:00PM on the Friday (week prior) 
  • USA, Canada, China, Japan and South Africa: Instructions due at least 36 hours (excluding weekend hours) before vessel arrival at the port of loading
  • 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 or at msc.com

    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

    Imports at MSC UK

    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.

    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. 

    Matt Clayton Head of Import Trade, MSC UK
    • Excellent UK Port Coverage and Global Reach

    • Long Term Contract Negotiations

    • UK's Largest Inland Transportation Offering (Road and Rail)

    • Over 45 Years' Trade Experience

    Things you need to know

    Find out about the specific regulations, rules and up-to-date procedures that need to be followed when shipping into the United Kingdom.

    Customs Clearance

    Find everything you need to know about MSC's Customs Clearance solutions on our dedicated webpage: msc.com/customs

    MSC Inland Transport

    Delivery advice to customers

    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.

    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 954498, 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

  • For Felixstowe arrivals please email Felixstowe Empty Returns (Monday to Friday 0700-1800). For assistance with Felixstowe returns, please call or +44 (0)1394 673903
  • For other ports of arrival, please email Container Movements (Monday to Friday 0800-1800). For assistance with all other ports and deports, please call +44 (0)1473 277772

  •  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).

    Prohibited Cargo

    Not all goods can be shipped – some are prohibited, whilst others need licences. Please visit GOV.UK for a full list of cargo that can be imported into the UK, or email us.

    Your Delivery, Your Way

    Explore our import delivery options now!

    Whether you have specific preferences or unique business requirements, our dedicated UK team go above and beyond to accommodate your import haulage needs, ensuring a seamless experience for you. To make your delivery booking via email please contact either GBR-import.deepsea@msc.com / GBR-import.shortsea@msc.com 
    or call +44 (0)1473 277777 and a member of our team will be happy to assist you. 

    Please refresh your browser regularly to ensure you are viewing our up-to-date availability.

    For full terms and conditions, please click here.

    Gender Pay Gap

    What is the Gender Pay Gap?
    The gender pay gap is the difference between the average earnings of men and women, expressed relative to men's earnings. For example, 'women earn 15% less than men per hour.' From 2017 any organisation that has 250 or more employees must publish and report specific figures about their gender pay gap in the UK.

    For more information, we invite you to read MSC UK's Gender Pay Gap documents:
    Gender Pay Gap Report 2023-2024
    Gender Pay Gap Report 2022-2023
    Gender Pay Gap Report 2021-2022
    Gender Pay Gap Report 2020-2021

    UK Tax Strategy

    Our UK tax strategy supports the way we do business, our culture, and how we conduct our own affairs. It underpins our purpose and influences the decisions we make.

    Read more here: 
    MSC UK Tax Strategy

    Read our Latest News

    Here you will find the latest MSC news, service updates and a little more about your local MSC UK team.

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