Browse our Solutions

Inland Transport Read more
Customs Clearance Read more
Short Sea Read more

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.

View all solutions

Your Shipping Needs Met

Automotive Read more

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

Have a question? Contact us

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

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.

  • 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.

Read our Latest News

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

We're here to help

Use the form below to submit your enquiry
LOCAL OFFICES INFORMATION