Sea cargo is the right choice when your shipment is large and you are not in a hurry. It is materially cheaper per kilogram than air, and it takes considerably longer.
Sea works best above a certain consignment size, so it suits commercial cargo, household consignments and anyone relocating rather than one-off parcels. Below that threshold, air is usually both faster and cheaper once handling is accounted for.
How it works
- Tell us roughly what you are sending and how much of it — sea works on volume as much as weight.
- Your cargo comes to our Ikorodu office, or we collect it.
- It is consolidated into a groupage container with other UK-bound freight.
- The container sails, then clears UK customs on arrival.
- We arrange delivery to your recipient, or collection in Dagenham.
Is this the right service for you?
Yes, if
- You are relocating, or sending a household worth of goods
- You are shipping commercial stock or anything heavy and bulky
- Cost per kilogram matters far more than speed
- You can plan months rather than weeks ahead
Probably not, if
- Food parcels — nobody wants dried fish arriving two months later
- Anything needed for a specific date, including a September term start, unless sent very early
- Small shipments, which usually fall below the minimum and are cheaper by air
What's included
- Lower cost per kg than air
- Suitable for relocations and commercial cargo
Packing for this service
Expect a long journey and pack for it
Sea freight on this route typically runs four to six weeks port to port and six to eight door to door, before customs. Anything perishable will not survive it.
Guard against damp
Containers sweat. Line boxes with plastic and seal anything that moisture would ruin.
Make an inventory as you pack
You will need it for the declaration, and a list written afterwards from memory is always wrong.
What it costs
Cargo is priced per kilogram, and the rate falls as the shipment gets heavier. Tell us what you are sending and we confirm the price before anything moves.
Before you send
UK rules on what may be imported from Nigeria are stricter than most senders expect. Meat and dairy are banned outright, dried fish is allowed up to 20kg per person, and most fresh produce needs a plant health certificate.
Check your list on what you can and cannot send, or search any single item on the food cargo page.
Common questions
- How long does sea cargo take from Nigeria to the UK?
- Across this route it typically runs four to six weeks port to port, and six to eight weeks door to door, before any time held at customs. Ask us for our own current timings.
- Is sea cheaper than air?
- Substantially, per kilogram — often less than half. The trade is time, and a minimum consignment size that makes it unsuitable for small shipments.
- What is the minimum for sea cargo?
- Sea only makes sense above a certain size. Ask us before planning around it, because below that threshold air is usually both faster and cheaper once handling is counted.
- Can I send a vehicle?
- We ship cargo, not vehicles. Ask us and we will tell you honestly whether we can help or point you elsewhere.
