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SEA FREIGHT TO THE USA

The USA is one of the world's largest trading partners for European businesses, with major container flows across consumer goods, machinery, retail stock, and industrial equipment. Sea freight is the standard way to move larger volumes cost-effectively across the Atlantic, and FORW coordinates the process in both directions.

FORW handles sea freight to the USA across the full range of cargo, from consolidated LCL and groupage to full container loads. We consolidate your cargo, prepare the documentation, and coordinate the shipment through to destination. We handle imports into the US from any origin and exports out of the US to any destination, for example from Denmark, where FORW is based. One dedicated contact manages the process from booking to arrival.

How Sea Freight to the USA Works

Container shipments to the USA move through major gateway ports such as New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Houston, and Los Angeles/Long Beach, depending on origin and routing. Transit time typically runs several weeks, for example from Denmark, depending on the port pair and whether the cargo moves direct or via transshipment. For urgent cargo, air freight to the USA is available as a faster alternative.

FORW coordinates sea freight to the USA in both directions. We handle imports into the US from any origin and exports out of the US to any destination, with one contact managing the shipment throughout.

LCL and FCL to the USA

You do not need a full container to ship to the USA. With LCL (less than container load), FORW combines your goods with other cargo bound for the same US region, so you pay for the space you use.

This suits smaller or regular shipments, retail and supply goods, and sample orders. For larger volumes, we arrange full container loads (FCL), so the same corridor covers everything from a few pallets to a full container.

What We Ship to the USA

We coordinate a range of cargo on the USA corridor, including:

  • Consumer goods and retail products
  • Machinery and industrial equipment
  • Technical components and electronics
  • Furniture and homeware
  • Project cargo and oversized equipment

FORW moves consolidated retail and supply goods, machinery, and general business cargo to and from the USA. If your cargo has specific handling needs, your dedicated contact will plan the shipment around them.

Customs and Documentation

Shipments to the USA require an Importer Security Filing (ISF), submitted to US Customs and Border Protection before the vessel departs, in addition to the standard commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading.

FORW prepares the documentation and coordinates the ISF filing so your cargo clears without avoidable delays. See our customs clearance page for the wider process.

Handling every type of sea freight to the USA

We combine deep industry knowledge with a proactive, customer-first approach, so you can trust your goods are handled with care and precision.

From small part-load shipments and standard containers to specialized oversized equipment, we ensure your sea freight moves smoothly, securely, and on schedule.

Full and partial container shipments for any cargo size

Regular routes or one-off deliveries

Oversized or specialized cargo handling

Customs clearance and documentation support

Real-time shipment tracking and updates

Sea freight services designed to match your needs

Our sea freight services cover everything from small consignments to full container loads, ensuring your shipments always match your timeline, budget, and cargo requirements. We handle all the planning, documentation, and coordination, so you don’t have to.

Whether you need regular routes or one-off deliveries, our team is here to find the most efficient transport plan for your cargo. And because we’re experienced sea freight forwarders, we know exactly how to navigate international regulations, port schedules, and customs clearance processes. That means fewer delays, predictable costs, and a smoother shipping experience.

A personal contact for seamless sea freight

With FORW, you’re never just a customer. Every client gets a dedicated contact who knows your business, shipments, and priorities. Your contact manages everything from quotes to documentation, proactively handles urgent shipments, and ensures your sea freight forwarding runs smoothly and are handled efficiently every time.

Visibility and control over your cargo

We understand that transparency is key in sea freight. Our advanced tracking tools provide real-time updates throughout the journey, while your personal contact ensures you have both technology and human support to stay informed. This combination gives peace of mind and predictable shipping outcomes for every shipment.

Why choose FORW for your sea freight

FORW is your experienced sea freight partner with deep industry knowledge, so you can trust your goods are handled with care and precision.

We cover everything from small loads to large-scale sea freight shipping.

With us you have one point of contact who knows your business and handles every shipment.

We offer tailored solutions and ensure that every shipment plan is built around your needs.

With our advanced tracking tools you can stay informed at all times.

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