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Frequently asked  

Green Leaves Logistics Birmingham FAQs

Moving your products around the world can be a daunting and very complex task. Green Leaves Logistics can take the load off your shoulders.

We’ve put together this section to answer some of the questions to help you sending us the right information to move your freight.

Getting started

What information do I need to provide to receive a quote?

To provide you with an accurate transport quotation, we will initially need the following information:

  • The shipment origin and destination
  • Shipment size, including: Number of pieces
  • Weight
  • Dimensions
  • A description of the goods being shipped
  • Whether the goods are classed as dangerous or require special handling
  • Your preferred mode of transport (air, sea or road)
  • The Incoterms agreed

You can request a quote here or email your enquiry to uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com

Alternatively, you can call a member of our friendly team on +44 (0)121 361 0333, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

What do I need to begin exporting goods from the United Kingdom?

Register your business

We work exclusively with businesses, so you will first need to be registered as a business before using our services. 

For information on how to register visit the gov.uk website.

Get an EORI number

You will need an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) to export goods from the United Kingdom. UK EORI numbers begin with the letters ‘GB’ and are followed by a 12-digit number, usually the trader’s VAT number.

We will need your EORI number to make customs declarations to HMRC on your behalf.

To apply for your EORI number visit the gov.uk website.

Meet the basic requirements

Before you begin exporting goods from the UK, you should ensure the following essentials are in place:

  • Agree on the appropriate Incoterms with your buyer.
  • Check whether your goods require any export licences, permits, or additional documentation.
  • Correctly classify your goods using the relevant commodity codes.
  • Produce a clear and detailed commercial invoice.
  • Ensure your goods are securely packed and suitable for transportation.

Depending on the nature of your goods and the countries involved, additional requirements may apply but our team will be happy to guide you through the process every step of the way.

    What do I need to begin importing goods into the United Kingdom?

    Register your business

    We work exclusively with businesses, so you will first need to be registered as a business before using our services.

    For information on how to register visit the gov.uk website.

    Get an EORI number

    You will need an EORI number (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) to move goods into the United Kingdom. UK EORI numbers begin with the letters ‘GB’ and are followed by a 12-digit number, usually the trader’s VAT number.

    We will need your EORI number to make customs declarations to HMRC on your behalf.

    To apply for your EORI number visit the gov.uk website.

    Deferment account

    If you are planning to regularly import into the United Kingdom, a deferment account with HMRC is useful. With a HMRC deferment account, you can defer payment of import duty and VAT and make one payment a month, instead of paying for individual consignments. When your deferment account has been approved by HMRC you will receive a deferment approval number.

    If you would like your import consignments applied to a deferment account, then we will need your deferment approval number.

    To apply for a deferment account visit the gov.uk website.

    Meet the basic requirements

    Before you begin importing goods into the UK, you should ensure the following essentials are in place:

    • Agree on the appropriate Incoterms with your seller.
    • Check whether your goods require any import licences, permits, or additional documentation.
    • Correctly classify your goods using the relevant commodity codes.
    • Obtain a clear and detailed commercial invoice.
    • Ensure your goods are securely packed and suitable for transportation.

    Depending on the nature of your goods and the countries involved, additional requirements may apply but our team will be happy to guide you through the process every step of the way.

      How do I open an account with Green Leaves Logistics?

      Before we can begin handling your imports and exports, you will need to complete our customer registration forms. Once we have received your completed and signed forms, our team will review the information provided and confirm the successful registration of your business along with confirmation of your payment terms.

      To request your customer registration forms, please email uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com

      International Transportation

      How do I know which shipping method is best for my shipment?

      The most suitable method of transport will depend on several factors, including your delivery timeframe, shipment size, destination, and budget.

      For example:

      Air freight is typically the best option for smaller, time-sensitive shipments that need to arrive quickly.
      Sea freight is generally more cost-effective for larger shipments or goods with longer lead times.
      Road freight can provide a flexible and efficient solution for UK and European movements.

      At Green Leaves Logistics, we take the time to understand your specific requirements and recommend the most efficient and cost-effective shipping solution for your business.

      Where more than one mode of transport may be suitable, we can provide a service comparison to help you make an informed decision based on cost, service availability, routing options, and transit times.

      Email our friendly team at uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com or call +44 (0)121 361 0333.

      Can you arrange shipments to & from countries outside of the UK?

      Yes.

      We have a trusted global network partners in over 170 countries, allowing us to efficiently manage shipments between countries worldwide, even when the goods do not physically move through the United Kingdom.

      What is the difference between FCL & LCL shipping?

      FCL (Full Container Load) means you have exclusive use of an entire shipping container. Your goods are loaded into the container, sealed, and typically remain unopened until they reach their final destination. FCL is often the preferred option for larger shipments, improved security, and faster transit through ports.

      LCL (Less than Container Load) means your goods share container space with cargo from other shippers moving to the same destination. Your shipment is consolidated at origin and deconsolidated at destination before final delivery. LCL can be a cost-effective solution for smaller consignments that do not require a full container. However, due to the additional handling and consolidation processes at both origin and destination, transit times can sometimes be longer than FCL shipments.means that your goods share space in a container with other goods going to the same destination.  Goods would be collected and loaded into the container at a consolidation centre.  Once the container arrives at the destination port, it is taken to a warehouse for the goods to be cleared and unloaded ready for onward delivery.  This is cost-effective for smaller consignments but can take longer due to the additional handling at both ports.

      Cargo Insurance

      Do I need cargo insurance for my shipment?

      While every effort is made to ensure your goods arrive safely, international shipping involves a number of inherent risks and, unfortunately, things can sometimes go wrong. Freight forwarders and carriers operate under limited liability conventions, meaning that in the event of loss or damage, the compensation payable may not fully cover the value of your goods. For this reason, many importers and exporters choose to arrange transport insurance for additional protection.

      We strongly recommend cargo insurance, particularly where the value of your goods exceeds the maximum liability limits of the carrier or freight forwarder. For your peace of mind, Green Leaves Logistics offers competitive comprehensive cargo insurance cover, with premiums starting from as little as GBP 15.00.

      To provide you with a quote, we will need the following information:

      • Value and type of goods
      • Destination
      • Mode of transport

      Contact us today for your cargo insurance quotation – email uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com or call +44 (0)121 361 0333

      What does cargo insurance cover?

      Cargo insurance is designed to protect your goods against loss or damage during transit and can commonly include cover for:

      1. Loss or damage during transport by sea, air, road, or rail
      2. Loss or damage during loading and unloading operations
      3. Warehouse and storage-related risks, depending on the policy terms

      Insurance policies can also be tailored to suit your individual shipment and business requirements.

      To provide you with a quote, we will need the following information:

      1. Value and type of goods
      2. Destination
      3. Mode of transport

      Contact us today for your cargo insurance quotation – email uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com or call +44 (0)121 361 0333

      Can Green Leaves Logistics arrange cargo insurance for me?

      Yes.

      Green Leaves Logistics can provide a quotation for cargo insurance and, upon written instruction, arrange cover and issue your insurance certificate.

      To provide an insurance quotation, we will require:

      1. The value and type of goods
      2. Destination
      3. Mode of transport

      For a cargo insurance quotation, please email uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com or call +44 (0)121 361 0333

      Customs

      What Documentation will I need?

      For international shipments, you will typically need a Commercial Invoice and Packing List for the goods being shipped. Depending on the destination country, the type of goods, and any applicable trade agreements, additional documentation may also be required, such as a Certificate of Origin, export licences, or customs declarations.

      Our friendly team will guide you through the documentation requirements for your shipment, help identify any additional paperwork needed, and assist with arranging and preparing the necessary documents to ensure a smooth customs clearance process.

      What do I need to provide for Green Leaves Logistics to clear my goods through UK customs?

      In order for Green Leaves Logistics to complete UK customs declarations on your behalf, we are legally required to obtain your formal written authorisation.
      You will therefore need to complete our Direct Representation form, which authorises us to act as your customs intermediary and direct representative for customs clearance purposes.

      A copy of the Direct Representation form is included within our customer registration pack.

      To request a copy, please email uk.sales@greenleaveslogistics.com or contact your Green Leaves representative.

      How long does it take for goods to clear through customs?

      Customs clearance times can vary depending on the type of goods being shipped, and whether all required documentation has been provided correctly. In most cases, UK import customs procedures are more complex than export procedures and may involve multiple government agencies and inspections.

      While clearance timeframes cannot be guaranteed, Green Leaves Logistics works proactively to minimise delays by ensuring all documentation and customs requirements are prepared in advance of your shipment’s arrival. Our team closely monitors and manages the clearance process to help keep your goods moving as quickly and efficiently as possible.

      How much Duty & VAT will I have to pay?

      The amount of Duty and VAT payable depends on several factors, including the type of goods being imported, their country of origin, and the tariff code (commodity code) applied to the shipment.

      Import Duty is typically calculated based on the customs value of the goods, which includes the value of the products plus transport and shipping costs.

      UK import VAT is generally charged at 20% and is calculated on the combined total of:

      • The value of the goods
      • Shipping and transport charges
      • Any applicable import duty

      Green Leaves Logistics can assist with tariff code classification, explain the charges involved, and provide an estimated Duty & VAT calculation prior to shipment arrival to help you plan your import costs more accurately.

      Contact us

      Still not sure?

      Don’t worry! Get in touch and we’ll try to answer to your question.

      Contact us
      Karen French advice