Reliable International Sea Freight Services in the UK

ARC Forwarding provides dependable and cost-effective sea freight services in the UK, supporting businesses with international shipping solutions for large, heavy, or non-urgent cargo.

Whether you are importing or exporting, our experienced team manages the entire ocean freight process from booking to final delivery, ensuring your goods move safely, compliantly, and on schedule.

If you’re looking for a trusted UK sea freight forwarder, ARC Forwarding delivers practical solutions that keep your supply chain moving.

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Why Choose Sea Freight for International Shipping?

Sea freight is the most economical method of transporting goods internationally and is widely used for high-volume, heavy, or cost-sensitive shipments.

Choosing sea freight allows businesses to:

✔ Move large or bulky cargo efficiently

✔ Reduce transportation costs compared to air freight

✔ Ship full containers or share space through consolidation

✔ Plan shipments for non-urgent or scheduled delivery windows

While transit times are longer than air freight, sea freight offers unmatched value for commercial shipments and global trade.

As an experienced sea freight company in the UK, ARC Forwarding works with a global network of shipping lines and overseas partners to secure reliable sailings, competitive rates, and smooth cargo movement worldwide.

A large container ship loaded with multicolored shipping containers, with a focus on yellow, blue, red, and green containers bearing various company logos, docked at a port.

Sea Freight Services We Offer

Comprehensive ocean freight solutions tailored to your business needs, from full containers to consolidated cargo.

  • Outline icon of a cargo ship with containers and a control tower.

    International Sea Freight

    Import and export sea freight services worldwide, with full coordination between shipping lines, ports, and customs authorities.

  • A graphic of a dump truck with a container and a crane hook lifting a container.

    Full Container Load (FCL)

    Dedicated containers for larger shipments, providing greater security, reduced handling, and predictable transit schedules.

    Learn about FCL

  • Isometric illustration of stacked shipping containers in various shades of blue and green.

    Less than Container (LCL)

    Cost-effective solution for smaller shipments, where your cargo is consolidated with other consignments.

    Learn about LCL

  • Door next to stacked boxes with labels.

    Door-to-Door

    A fully managed service including collection, ocean freight, customs clearance, and final delivery.

  • Icon of a boat being lifted out of water by a crane.

    Port-to-Port Shipping

    We manage the ocean freight movement while you arrange collection and delivery at origin and destination.

  • Icon of three overlapping documents with lines of text, some in blue, on a white background.

    Customs Clearance & Documentation

    Full support with import and export customs declarations, documentation, and compliance requirements.

    Customs Services

Our Sea Freight Process

A streamlined approach from initial quote to final delivery, ensuring your cargo moves safely and on schedule.

1

Quote & Assessment

Review cargo details and provide tailored quotation.

2

Booking & Planning

Book space, confirm container and sailing schedule.

3

Documentation

Prepare all paperwork, Bills of Lading, and customs information.

4

Ocean Transport

Cargo loaded and shipped according to agreed schedule.

5

Clearance & Delivery

Customs clearance and final delivery to destination.

What Our Clients Say

  • Paul

    MANAGING DIRECTOR
    SERVICE USED: SEA FREIGHT

    “We have worked with Arc forwarding for a number of years now. Their team is extremely helpful with navigating the ever changing world of logistics. They are just a phone call away from an enquiry and ensure all container deliveries are received on time. Highly recommend."

  • Andrew

    HEAD OF COMMERCIAL
    SERVICE USED: AIR & SEA FREIGHT

    "Arc is a dependable and efficient freight forwarder who consistently goes above and beyond. Their service, communication, and attention to detail make them a trusted logistics partner for us."

  • Anna

    TECHNICAL MANAGER
    SERVICE USED: CUSTOMS

    "We have worked with ARC Forwarding for nearly six years, and our experience with them has been consistently exceptional. Their team is available around the clock and remains professional, efficient, and approachable when supporting us with any import or export enquiries. Their regular news bulletins keep us informed of relevant legislative changes, and they work closely with our company to ensure all updates are implemented smoothly and effectively."

  • Damien

    HEAD OF PROCUREMENT
    SERVICE USED: AIR & SEA FREIGHT

    "We consistently receive excellent service from the team at Arc Forwarding. The communication is always clear, timely, and proactive, ensuring smooth deliveries and reliable support throughout the process. A highly dependable partner for our supply chain."

  • Jane

    DIRECTOR
    SERVICE USED: CUSTOMS

    "We have dealt with Arc Forwarding for over 5 years and they have always provided a very professional service. All members of their team are polite and helpful and are always willing to provide extra support and help when needed."

What Industries Do We Work With?

  • A semi-truck with an open trailer loaded with shipping containers and a large wooden crate, parked on a highway with clear blue skies.

    Manufacturing Equipment

    Managing the transportation of machinery, production equipment, and industrial components worldwide.

  • A delivery truck with its side open, showing pallets stacked with boxes of vegetables inside, parked on the side of a highway.

    Food & Beverage

    Temperature-controlled groupage services for food products across European markets.

  • A delivery person riding a scooter with a cargo box loaded with boxes, parked on a city street in front of a storefront, with cardboard boxes placed on a pallet nearby, and two pedestrians walking on the sidewalk.

    Retail Distribution

    Regular LTL services supporting retail distribution networks throughout the UK.

  • Stacked rolls of fabric or paper in front of industrial printing or processing machinery in a factory setting.

    Textile Production

    Moving raw materials, fabrics, and finished textile products through efficient and reliable global supply chains.

  • A manufacturing machine filling glass vials with liquid.

    Pharmaceuticals

    Providing trusted freight and customs support for pharmaceutical supply chains where accuracy and compliance are essential.

  • Cosmetics - Brushes and makeup Pallets

    Cosmetics

    Supporting cosmetic and personal care brands with flexible logistics solutions tailored to a fast-moving market.

  • Warning sign with red top banner and white background, displaying an exclamation mark icon, the word 'DANGER' in white, and the text 'HAZARDOUS MATERIALS' in black.

    Hazardous Goods

    Specialist expertise in the safe and compliant transportation of dangerous goods across air, sea, and road freight networks.

  • A cozy living room with beige velvet furniture, a round wooden coffee table with a white marble top, and decorative items including grapes and candles. Behind the sofa, there are two open wooden shelves with books and decorative objects. To the right, there's a table lamp with a pink shade and a dark brown base. The room has a patterned wall with abstract shapes and a modern chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

    Furniture & Homeware

    Helping suppliers and retailers move furniture and homeware products efficiently through global supply chains.

  • Three cows standing in a grassy field under a clear blue sky, with a green logo that reads 'We Are A Member Of AIMs, Voice of the Meat Industry'.

    Livestock & Meat Trade

    Managing the movement of chilled, frozen, and processed meat products through carefully coordinated international supply chains.

Request a Sea Freight Quote

If you’re looking for a trusted UK sea freight forwarder to manage your international shipments, ARC Forwarding is here to help. Speak to our team today to discuss your requirements or request a tailored sea freight quote.

Request a Quote
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