International Shipping for Large, Valuable and Difficult Items
UK COLLECTION. WORLDWIDE COORDINATION
Choosing a route is not simply a choice between the fastest and cheapest service. Dimensions, weight, fragility, destination, customs requirements, handling exposure and deadline all matter. ShipLink coordinates collection, protective packing, freight and shipment documentation through one managed process.
UK COLLECTION
EXPORT PACKING
AIR FREIGHT
SEA FREIGHT & ROAD FREIGHT
CUSTOMS COORDINATION
The Right Route Balances Time, Cost and Handling Risk
Air freight can suit urgent or high-value consignments, but chargeable weight and acceptance restrictions matter. Sea freight can be economical for bulky or heavy goods, but involves longer schedules and port processes. Road freight is practical across the UK and Europe, with groupage or dedicated options. We recommend a route only after understanding the actual shipment.
What ShipLink can coordinate
Collection from UK businesses, auction houses, suppliers, homes and storage facilities
Professional packing, palletisation and bespoke export crating
Air-freight solutions for accepted time-sensitive or valuable cargo
Sea freight, including consolidated or full-container options where suitable
Road groupage, dedicated vehicle and specialist European movements
Export documentation and customs coordination for shipments we manage
Destination delivery options subject to local capability, access and quotation scope
Progress communication through the coordinated movement
Typical shipments
Every category of object presents its own physical challenges, from vulnerable surfaces and delicate structural points to complex internal mechanisms. ShipLink provides tailored protection and handling strategies configured specifically for the unique requirements of each item.
- Artwork
- Antiques
- Furniture
- Machinery
- Commercial equipment
- Exhibition materials
- Laboratory instruments
- Prototypes
- Personal effects where accepted
- Consolidated consignments
- Other large, fragile or non-standard goods.
How The Services Works
Different industries bring different risks, handling requirements, and deadlines. We assess the item, value, destination, and delivery conditions before recommending a solution—never a one-size-fits-all service.
Send details
Send item details, photographs, dimensions, weight, value, locations, destination contact and deadline.
Review options
We compare realistic route and packing options, including handling and documentation requirements.
Receive quotation
Your quotation states the service basis, assumptions, estimated schedule, exclusions and destination scope.
Coordinate movement
We coordinate the booked movement and communicate material updates or required actions.
Our Projects
International shipping projects
Why Choose Shiplink Ltd?
Accountable Contact
One accountable contact across packing and transport.
Object-Specific Design
Protection designed around the individual object
Custom Crating
Custom crating available for large, fragile and high-value works
Sector Experience
Experience coordinating galleries, auction purchases and private collections
Risk Management
Route selection based on handling risk as well as cost and urgency
Clear communication
Real people, practical advice and progress updates throughout the shipment
UK Collection, Worldwide Delivery
ShipLink coordinates collections from London, East Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Surrey and locations where service is available. Domestic and international delivery options depend on the item, access, carrier acceptance and destination. Confirm the collection scope in every quotation rather than implying unrestricted nationwide availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use air freight or sea freight?
Air is generally faster; sea can be more economical for bulky or heavy consignments. The right choice depends on dimensions, chargeable weight, urgency, value, route and destination charges.
Can you provide door-to-door international delivery?
Door-to-door options may be available, but the exact scope must be confirmed. Duties, taxes, customs examinations, difficult access and services beyond the vehicle can affect the destination arrangement.
How long will international shipping take?
Transit estimates depend on route, mode, capacity, customs, weather and destination delivery. We provide an estimate, not an unconditional arrival guarantee, unless a carrier service expressly offers one.
What documents will I need?
Common requirements include a commercial invoice and packing list, with additional declarations, licences or certificates depending on goods and destination. We explain the information needed for shipments we manage.
Can you ship a single large item overseas?
Yes. A single painting, item of furniture, machine or other accepted object can be collected, packed and routed as a tailored international shipment.
Are duties and taxes included?
Only if the quotation explicitly says so. Import duties, taxes and government charges are normally determined by destination authorities and may be payable by the nominated party.
Not sure how to ship it?
That's exactly where we can help.
Tell us what you need to move and where it needs to go. Our specialists will recommend the right packing and shipping solution.