Air express shipping from and to United Kingdom provides one of the fastest and most dependable ways to move parcels, documents, and ecommerce goods across the globe.
With world-class air cargo infrastructure - including London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Manchester Airport (MAN) - express shipments typically reach Europe and North America within 1-3 business days and Asia or Oceania within 3-6 business days.
Whether you're an individual sending important documents, a company shipping samples, or an ecommerce retailer fulfilling international orders, air express in the UK ensures door-to-door delivery, real-time tracking, and streamlined customs handling.
Air Express Services
Air express shipping connects senders with global courier networks. Parcels are picked up from your location, processed through export customs, flown to destination hubs, and delivered directly to the recipient - typically within days.
While air freight is ideal for large cargo, air express provides priority handling, door-to-door delivery, and real-time tracking. It's the preferred method for smaller, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments that require faster customs clearance.
Air express pricing is determined by volumetric (dimensional) weight. Compact, protective packaging helps lower costs and minimize customs inspection time.
During peak seasons - Christmas, Black Friday, Easter, and Cyber Week - rates may temporarily increase due to high demand. Booking ahead helps ensure priority service at stable prices.
Since Brexit, all imports and exports are regulated by HMRC and UK Border Force.
Shipments handled by iContainers are pre-cleared through the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) for faster customs release.
Use durable packaging with inner cushioning and weather-resistant sealing. Clearly label sender and recipient information and attach commercial invoices externally for quicker inspection.
The UK restricts or prohibits the shipment of weapons, narcotics, live animals, perishables, cash, and counterfeit goods. Certain electronics and medicines may require import or export licensing.
The UK's ecommerce ecosystem - led by Amazon UK, ASOS, Argos, and eBay UK - depends on reliable international delivery. iContainers helps online retailers expand globally through integrated express solutions and automated customs compliance.
Our express platform provides real-time parcel tracking, automated VAT processing, and simplified export documentation, aligned with post-Brexit trade and EORI requirements.
Usually 1-5 business days, depending on destination and customs procedures.
Most carriers accept up to 70 kg per piece and 120 cm in length.
London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), and East Midlands (EMA).
Air Waybill, Commercial Invoice, and Packing List are standard; customs declarations via CDS are required for non-UK destinations.
Weapons, narcotics, perishable foods, live animals, and counterfeit goods are prohibited.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) - Import & Export Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/topic/business-tax/import-export
UK Border Force - Customs & Security Regulations
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/border-force
UK - Import Requirements and Documentation (Trade.gov)
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/united-kingdom-import-requirements-and-documentation
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) - Cargo Operations
https://www.heathrow.com/company/business/cargo
PwC United Kingdom - VAT Overview
https://taxsummaries.pwc.com/united-kingdom
UK Government - Customs Declaration Service (CDS)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-access-to-the-customs-declaration-service
Statista - Ecommerce Market in the United Kingdom
https://www.statista.com/topics/2333/e-commerce-in-the-united-kingdom/
Royal Mail Group - Export and Parcel Services
https://www.royalmail.com/