The time it takes when shipping goods to USA depends on a few factors. This can include factors such as the size of your load and the type of delivery service you choose. We offer two different speeds of service with different price points, speedier options are a higher price point compared to economy delivery options. We’ve detailed the average UK to USA delivery times below as a guide. Contact our team for more information on times and prices for shipping parcels to the USA.

Express Shipping to the USA:

Fast delivery to USA by air.

3-10 Days

Economy Delivery to USA:

Cost-effective delivery to the United States by sea.

2-10 weeks

PSS always aims to get your parcel delivered on time, every time no matter what size your load is. However, it pays to be aware of American federal holidays when planning your move. You can view upcoming public holidays on the USA government website. You should also be aware of any localised disruptions or conditions that might affect the timing of your parcel delivery.

• Memorial Day – 26th May 2025
• Juneteenth National Independence Day – June 19th 2025
• Independence Day – July 4th 2025
• Labor Day – September 1st 2025
• Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day – 13th October 2025
• Veterans’ Day – 11th November 2025
• Thanksgiving Day – 27th November 2025
• Christmas Day – 25th December 2025
• New Year’s Day – 1st January 2026
• Martin Luther King’s Birthday – 19th January 2026
• Washington’s Birthday – 16th February 2026

If you are thinking of sending a large number of items to the USA such as loads of more than ten boxes that our usual parcel service doesn’t cover, our removals to USA service will better match your needs. Please feel free to contact our team should you not find the transport option you require.

Addressing a package to the USA from the UK is similar to UK formatting but has a few key differences. You’ll need to include:

• Recipient’s full name
• Street address (including apartment or suite number, if applicable)
• City
• State abbreviation
• ZIP code (typically 5 digits, sometimes followed by an additional 4 digits)

Make sure to clearly write “USA” as the country on the final line.

Take a look at this international posting guide for USA for full details on how to label your belongings or talk to one of our team for full advice.

The rules regarding importing goods into the United States of America are strict and uncompromising. You must carefully inspect what you can and cannot import into the country and ensure your shipment fully complies with these regulations, or risk being denied entry.

Restricted Exports to the USA where approval may be required.

• Medicines & therapeutic drugs (must have a prescription and no more than 3-6 months supply)
• Alcohol & wine will require a permit (importation is only allowed to certain states, please check)
• Bamboo, wicker or cane items
• Fishing knives and martial art weapons

Prohibited Exports to the USA:

• Seeds, plants and dried floral arrangements
• Raw untreated wood or bark
• Food and meats
• Endangered animal fur, skins, tusks or ivory
• Firearms (purchased and manufactured outside of the USA will require a firearms permit and CANNOT be shipped with household effects, they must be shipped separately through a firearms dealer)
• Hoverboards

For more information visit the USA Government website.

All goods that arrive in the USA are subject to customs clearance. We will submit all the relevant paperwork required to obtain the release of your goods; this can sometimes take up to 7 days. This may take longer in busier months, but you don’t need to be present or in the country for clearance.

Once your goods have been released by US customs we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery day.

Once we’ve received clearance of your goods we will either deliver your sea freight container directly to your new home or it will be delivered in a separate vehicle. This all depends on the type of shipment you are sending. Our unloading crew will place your items in the rooms of your choice and unwrap and remove the packing material from any furniture.

It is highly advisable to take out shipment protection cover before sending items to the USA. Although problems are unlikely, it is still wise to have cover when sending goods overseas, especially for items of significant financial value.

PSS International offers very flexible Shipment Protection Plans. You can cover your whole shipment or choose the individual items you wish to cover. Your PSS Move Manager can explain the different options available and guide you through completing the Shipment Protection Valuation form.

The best way to keep shipping costs from the UK to the United States down is to choose our cost-effective economy delivery, usually this involves delivery by land or sea and may take more time than express parcel delivery.