Shipping from United Kingdom to United States: times, customs & tracking
How long parcels take, what customs expects, and how to track every step of the journey.
Typical delivery times
| Service | Working days |
|---|---|
| Postal (Royal Mail → USPS) | 5–15 |
| Express (DHL, FedEx, UPS) | 2–5 |
| Parcel networks (Evri, Yodel) | 5–10 |
| Heavy / freight | 6–15 |
Customs & duties
US imports enjoy a high de minimis: shipments up to USD 800 enter duty-free, so most personal parcels clear without charges. Commercial shipments need an HTS classification and may require a customs broker.
Tracking tips
After leaving the UK, the parcel goes quiet until USPS scans it at an ISC (usually JFK, Newark or Chicago) — 2–5 silent days are normal. The USPS number then takes over the story.
FAQs — United Kingdom to United States
How long does UK to US shipping take?
Postal 5–15 days; express 2–5; parcel networks 5–10.
Do I pay US customs on a gift from the UK?
Up to USD 800 declared value, no duties apply to most personal shipments. Above that, duties and fees are billed before delivery.
Who delivers in the US after customs?
USPS for postal mail (Royal Mail's partner); UPS, FedEx or DHL for express consignments.