Holger Hesse
Sales
+49 (0) 203 468 0040
hhesse@seaconlogistics.com
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United States
Transport United States with Seacon Logistics
Seacon Logistics is your logistics service provider and central point of contact for transport to and from United States (US). From strategic locations and together with our worldwide network of agents and partners, we quickly, smoothly and cost-effectively take care of your transport. From full loads (FTL), part loads (LTL), pallets, intermodal to special transport.
Despite the emerging competition, the United States of America (USA) is still one of the world's largest economic powers. They embody the model of the free-market economy like no other. It is therefore not surprising that the USA is one of the most creditworthy countries with an AA+ credit rating. As a result, the country is attractive industrially and financially, offering attractive investment conditions for both small and large businesses.
The United States covers an area of almost ten million square kilometres and has 50 states. The states mainly trade with Western countries. Important trading partners are Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and Great Britain. Despite the tense trade relationship, China has become a more important trading partner in recent decades. Trade goods mainly consist of machinery, petroleum, electronics, chemical products, vehicles and other industrial equipment.
Thanks to investments in its own economy and the undisputed importance of the US dollar, the US has the highest gross domestic product (GDP) in the world (from about USD 15 trillion in 2010 to over USD 20 trillion). High birth rates, a large influx of migrants and labour productivity promise good development for the future.
For US transport, it is only logical for you as a company – together with Seacon as your professional partner – to take your logistics to a higher level. On this page, you can read more about our transport solutions for the US.
Key transportation routes United States and your benefits
The United States is very important for Dutch and German exports, both economically and in terms of transport. Besides the deep-sea ports on the east coast and the international cargo airports, which are important for Europe, road transport is still the most important means of transport in the country.
The US has the longest road network in the world, with a length of about 6.5 million kilometres. According to the American Trucking Association, 11.84 billion tons of goods were transported on US roads in 2019 alone. This accounts for 72.5% of the total cargo volume. Despite the important role of the road network, congestion, roadworks and road damage unfortunately result in an above-average number of lost hours.
As a result of this and increasing goals to reduce CO2 emissions, more climate-friendly rail transport has become the second most important mode of transport for freight (10%) in recent years. In the land of unlimited possibilities, great competition has arisen between railway companies, from which we benefit in your cost advantage. This form of transport is ideal for the transport of containers, voluminous and heavy industrial products, and rubble and bulk goods.
The shipping lanes in the US are mainly used for freight and cargo transport. A total length of 40,000 kilometres connects 41 of the 50 states. The largest cargo ports are located in New York/New Jersey, Charleston, Baltimore, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles and Louisiana. The ports on the east coast of the country play a particularly important role for sea freight transport with Europe.
Due to the large volume of trade between the US, Europe, China and neighbouring countries Canada and Mexico, air freight also plays a very important role. With the major international airports in Memphis, Louisville, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, New York City (JFK), Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Dallas, a logistics hub has been created for global freight transport.
Important cities for cargo transportation in the United States
The United States' trade relations are especially important to its two neighbouring countries of Mexico and Canada. But third countries in Europe and Asia also benefit from supply relations with the US. Below we list a selection of the most important international transhipment points.
Two of the ten largest hubs for foreign trade are located in the US. Laredo is located directly on the border with Mexico, as is Detroit, which directly borders Canada. Furthermore, the ports of New York, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Houston are particularly important for the import and export of goods. The main airports are: JFK International Airport (New York), O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) and Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles).
Transport solutions from Seacon Logistics
We offer different types of transport to and from the US. Whether it concerns general cargo, less-than-truckload or full-truckload shipping, air freight, sea freight or freight transport – we will ensure that your goods arrive at their destination safely and on time. Below you will find our transport solutions to and from the US:
- Groupage transport to United States
- Pallet shipment
- Partial loads (LTL / LCL)
- Full loads (FCL / FTL)
- Rail transport
- Deliveries in the city centre
- Delivery with tailboard
- Express delivery to United States
Groupage United States - LCL and LTL
The term LTL (Less Than Truck Load) is used in freight transport to indicate that only part of the available cargo space of the truck is filled. In the logistics industry, it is therefore common to combine several partial loads at one loading point or to add a partial load. In short, groupage or LTL is therefore the merging of several smaller loads into one larger load. This optimises the use of the freight container during road freight.
The abbreviation LCL stands for Less than Container Load and in sea freight refers to shipments that do not fill an entire container and are combined with other general cargo in a consolidated container. LCL transport mainly offers price advantages and some benefits in practical handling and stowage. For general cargo, only proportionate transport costs are incurred for the use of the container volume.
Full loads United States - FCL or FTL
The abbreviation FCL (Full Container Load) is used in sea freight for full container loads. Unlike LCL: a load that only partially fills a container. With FCL loads, the container is loaded by a shipper and unloaded at the destination by a consignee.
With an FTL delivery (Full Truck Load), the shipment fills the entire available cargo space. The truck transports this shipment to its destination without reloading. This is for one recipient. This completely utilises the truck’s transport capacity.
Fast delivery is the main advantage of FTL. This is because there is no need for transhipment or extra route planning to different recipients. The truck drives directly to one destination. It is the most effective method of transporting goods by road to a final destination.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO REQUEST A PRICE INDICATION OR DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION?
Special transport United States
In our wide range of transport services, we also offer special transport to and from United States. This is the worldwide transport of long, high and heavy goods that do not fit in a container or truck. We believe it is important to comply with all international regulations and guidelines in this type of transport. Especially when transporting dangerous goods, regardless of whether they are transported to or from United States to abroad. Below you will find an overview of all goods that Seacon Logistics transports:
- Long goods
- Dangerous goods (ADR)
- Boxes (KTN)
- Boxes (BOX)
- Bundles
- Heavy load
- Pallets (PLT)
- Gitter boxes (GIBO)
- Barrels (FSS)
- Other loose goods
Transport options United States: to and from Asia, America, Europe and Africa
At Seacon Logistics we understand that, in addition to the quality of your products, fast shipping and associated satisfied customers are of great importance. That is why we facilitate the worldwide transport of your goods in all aspects. Goods transport within Europe is usually handled via road freight, but for shipments to and from Asia, America and Africa, we of course also have sea freight and air freight at your disposal.
From our locations at strategically located terminals, we supply all major consumer markets. By outsourcing your transport to and from United States to Seacon Logistics, you benefit from the advantage that you do not have to worry about complicated coordination across different continents and time zones. With us, you are guaranteed – partly thanks to the excellent cooperation with our partner network – a fast, efficient and well-organised shipment.
Transit and delivery times for transport to United States
To satisfy you and meet all your requirements, reliability and speed are paramount at Seacon Logistics. That is why we work closely with a worldwide partner network and can plan, execute and organise your transport efficiently.
It is also possible to send express shipments, we arrange this in collaboration with our network. Fast transport services and our in-house customs clearance ensure that your transport from United States arrives at your customer faster than usual.
For daily updated information and reliable transport planning, please contact us directly. Our specialists are always ready to help you.
Customs: the correct import and export documents
Our focus is always on the entire logistics chain. To serve you even better, our in-house customs department takes care of the necessary import and export documents and transport certificates. Our Compliance Desk checks whether your goods comply with all guidelines and sanction regulations at the place of destination. This way you will not be faced with unpleasant surprises and you can concentrate on your core business. Thanks to our status as Authorised Economic Operator (previously AEO-certified) and 'preferred supplier', we can minimise delays. An important advantage for you as a customer.
Want to know more about how we unburden you in terms of customs and customs declarations?
Incoterms®: Protect your international trade with United States
As a global logistics chain director, Seacon Logistics deals a lot with Incoterms®. Although we are not involved in the commercial agreements between buyer and seller, we are often consulted about the dangers and consequences of the various Incoterms® before a transaction is concluded. In practice, many companies still underestimate the risks.
To ensure that contractual formulas in the trade of goods are interpreted equally by buyer and seller, we have created a white paper and an infographic.
Important additional information: Public holidays, driving bans and local details
Trade with the US is significantly more bureaucratic than European trade conditions. It is based on various agreements and drawing up individual contracts. Below, we further explain some issues, particularly regarding customs conditions:
- NAFTA free-trade zone: Even if there was no free trade agreement between the EU and the US, goods may be traded duty-free within the NAFTA free-trade zone once they have already been imported into the US. Contact us for more information about NAFTA.
- Transport times in the US: Road transport has by far the largest share in the US. Due to heavy traffic, construction work, and the enormous size of the country, longer delivery times should be taken into account.
- Investment-friendly location: With one of the most liberal economic systems in the world, the US is ideal for both small and large companies. This allows you to benefit from tax competition between states and ideal conditions for your business.
If you have more detailed questions about the specifics or rules in the US, please feel free to contact our team. In a joint logistic analysis, we examine which aspects are relevant for your goods transport.
The strength of Seacon: logistics at its heart since 1985
Since the establishment of Seacon Logistics, we have been building our organisation as a leading logistics chain director. Today, Seacon Logistics has over 700 employees at various strategic locations throughout Europe. Yet the origins of the family business can still be felt in our organisation. And that is precisely where our strength lies. Logistic services from the heart, that's what we are all about.
With a strong we-feeling, we take on logistical challenges and work together to serve you as our customer in the best possible way. With innovative and efficient solutions, we take your logistics to a new level. Transparent communication, personal approach and entrepreneurship are the basis of our customers' trust.
Are you interested in a transport solution to a country other than United States? Then take a look at one of our many other partner countries:
Would you like to receive a quote or do you have other questions?
Then please do not hesitate to contact us. We know the logistical challenges of our customers and have been optimising their logistics chains for decades. No distance is too far or challenge too great. Are you ready to take your logistics chain to the next level? Then be sure to get in touch with us.