London, United Kingdom
Air freight in London
Ziem Logistics books air freight to and from London via Heathrow (LHR). We arrange pick-up and delivery in the London area and prepare the customs entries before the cargo flies. For air freight to and from the United Kingdom we issue our own air waybills.
Airports, seaports and connections in London
- AirportHeathrow
LHR - AirportStansted
STN - SeaportLondon Gateway, Felixstowe and Tilbury
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the UK's largest cargo airport. Most of its freight travels in the bellies of long-haul passenger aircraft, which gives London shippers a wide choice of direct routes to North America, the Middle East and Asia. London Stansted (STN), north-east of the city, handles dedicated freighter and express operations, and London Gatwick (LGW) adds further belly capacity to the south. For sea freight, the Thames estuary offers two deep-sea options, London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury, while Felixstowe in Suffolk remains the UK's main container port and is commonly used for London-bound FCL.
The M25 orbital motorway ties the airports and ports together: the M4 and M23 serve Heathrow and Gatwick, the M11 runs to Stansted, and the A13 links central and east London with Tilbury and London Gateway. Felixstowe is reached via the A12 and A14. London Gateway and Tilbury are both rail-connected, so containers can move inland by rail as well as by truck. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Greater London and the Home Counties.
Operational logistics facts for London
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) cargo area | Long-haul belly capacity, pharma, high-value goods | Direct passenger-aircraft routes to most intercontinental markets without a European transfer |
| London Stansted (STN) | Freighter and express operations | Main-deck capacity for oversized or freighter-only cargo close to the capital |
| London Gateway and Port of Tilbury | Deep-sea and short-sea container traffic on the Thames | Sea freight landed directly at London's doorstep with rail options inland |
| Port of Felixstowe | FCL/LCL from Asia and other deep-sea trades | The UK's main container port, reached via the A14 and A12 |
Industries in London and how we support them
London's demand is shaped by finance, professional services and a large consumer market. Banks and data centres import IT hardware and replacement components; the pharma and life-science sector around the capital ships samples, clinical trial material and temperature-sensitive products; fashion houses, jewellers in Hatton Garden and art dealers move high-value consignments; and e-commerce sellers need regular imports for fulfilment centres around the M25. Ziem Logistics supports these flows with air freight under our own air waybills from Heathrow and Stansted, Next Flight Out for urgent replacement parts, On-Board Courier for documents, samples or valuables that must stay hand-carried, and in-house UK customs clearance for both imports and exports.
Time-critical air freight in London
For time-critical shipments we compare two options: Next Flight Out via Heathrow (LHR) on the first suitable flight, or an On-Board Courier who hand-carries the goods to the London area. In both cases the customs entries are prepared in advance.
Our own air waybills in the United Kingdom
We issue our own air waybills for shipments to and from the United Kingdom. We book directly with the airline, control the shipment data and can make changes without waiting for a third party.
Customs clearance in the United Kingdom
In-house customs team
Customs clearance in the United Kingdom is handled by our own in-house customs team.
For air freight to and from the United Kingdom we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in the United Kingdom need a GB EORI number issued by HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
Should urgent freight from London go via Heathrow or Stansted?
It depends on the cargo. Heathrow (LHR) offers the widest choice of long-haul passenger flights and suits most general and pharma shipments. Stansted (STN) is the better choice when a consignment needs freighter main-deck capacity because of its size or dangerous-goods class. We check both options and confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Can you arrange an On-Board Courier from central London?
Yes. For documents, prototypes, samples or high-value items that must not leave a person's hands, we arrange an On-Board Courier who collects in London, carries the goods on the next suitable passenger flight and delivers them door to door at destination. The route and courier are confirmed with you before collection.
Do you ship temperature-sensitive pharma out of Heathrow?
Yes. We book temperature-controlled solutions with airlines that handle pharma at Heathrow, prepare the documentation the product requires and agree packaging, temperature range and handover point with you in advance. Air freight runs under our own air waybills, so the booking and its handling instructions stay in one file.
How do I get a quote for air freight to or from London?
Send us the origin, destination, goods description, weight and dimensions. Our operations desk replies with a routing via Heathrow (LHR) and an itemised quote.