Import Services
Our Import Services at A-Z Cargo are built to simplify your inbound logistics, reduce landed‐costs, and accelerate customs release, so your supply chain remains agile and responsive:
1. Supplier Coordination
We establish direct communication with overseas manufacturers or vendors, confirming packaging standards, INCOTERMS, and lead times. Pre-shipment inspections can be arranged to verify product quality and compliance before goods leave origin.
2. Freight Procurement & Routing
Depending on your timeline and budget, we optimize between cost-efficient ocean freight and expedited air freight. For high-value or time‐critical shipments—such as pharmaceutical products requiring temperature control—we source priority air‐cargo services and secure space on dedicated freighters.
3. Customs Clearance & Duty Optimization
Our in‐house customs brokers classify your goods using the latest UK Trade Tariff, apply preferential duty rates under applicable FTAs, and handle any licence applications (e.g., for controlled chemicals or dual‐use items). Our proactive duty‐engineering strategies can yield significant cost savings on non‐ferrous metals, refined oil, and other tariff‐sensitive commodities.
4. Transport & Last‐Mile Delivery
From port or airport arrival, we arrange onward haulage, whether groupage LCL (less‐than‐container load) consolidation or dedicated FTL (full‐truck load). Our carrier partners cover the entirety of the UK, ensuring your consignment reaches warehouses, distribution hubs, or final destinations promptly.
5. Customs Bond & Deferred Payment Schemes
To improve cash flow, we can store your goods in our bonded facilities—deferring duty and VAT payments until you release stock—while offering streamlined Inward Processing Relief (IPR) and Temporary Admission arrangements where appropriate.
6. Visibility & Reporting
Through our client portal, you access real‐time updates on customs events, cargo positions, and delivery ETA. Detailed post‐import reports break down landed costs, duties paid, and performance metrics, empowering data‐driven decisions for future procurements.
