United Kingdom
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Southampton
Southampton is a major UK container and vehicle port, about an hour from Heathrow.
Services in Southampton
- Air freight in SouthamptonAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in SouthamptonFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in SouthamptonImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Southampton
- AirportSouthampton
SOU - AirportHeathrow
LHR - SeaportPort of Southampton
The Port of Southampton is the city's defining freight gateway: one of the UK's main container ports, with deep-sea services to Asia, and a major vehicle-handling port for imports and exports. Southampton Airport (SOU) is mainly a passenger airport with limited cargo, so air freight is normally routed via London Heathrow (LHR), reached along the M3. Gatwick is an alternative for some destinations.
The M3 links Southampton with London and Heathrow, the M27 runs along the south coast towards Portsmouth and the New Forest, and the A34 leads north to Oxford and the Midlands. The port is rail-connected, with container trains running to inland terminals across the UK. Solent Freeport includes customs sites in the area. We arrange pick-up and delivery across Southampton, Hampshire and the Solent region.
Industries in Southampton and how we support them
Southampton's economy is built around the port: vehicle exports and imports, container logistics and cruise operations. The wider Solent region has a marine and maritime cluster, including boatbuilding, marine engineering and equipment suppliers, and the Fawley refinery and petrochemical complex is located on Southampton Water. Ziem Logistics supports these businesses with sea freight FCL and LCL through Southampton, air freight via Heathrow under our own air waybills, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for marine spare parts and vessel equipment, and in-house customs clearance for imports and exports through the port.
Operational logistics facts for Southampton
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Southampton container terminal | Deep-sea services, especially Asia | Container port on the south coast with direct rail links inland |
| Southampton vehicle terminals | Car imports and exports | One of the UK's main ports for vehicle shipments |
| Solent marine cluster | Boatbuilding, marine engineering | Urgent spares by NFO or OBC to yards and vessels |
| London Heathrow (LHR) | Long-haul air freight | Intercontinental capacity reached via the M3 |
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
Which airport do you use for air freight from Southampton?
Usually London Heathrow (LHR), reached via the M3. Southampton Airport (SOU) handles mainly passenger traffic with limited cargo. Gatwick or Stansted are used when they offer a better routing. We confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Can you get marine spare parts to a vessel or yard quickly?
Yes. For urgent marine spares we use Next Flight Out or an On-Board Courier, depending on size and destination. We coordinate delivery to the yard, agent or port where the vessel is located and check any dangerous-goods restrictions in advance.
Can you combine sea and air for shipments via Southampton?
Yes. Part of an order can move by sea through the Port of Southampton while urgent items fly via Heathrow under our own air waybills. Both legs are managed in one shipment file so you have a single overview.
Can you clear containers arriving at the Port of Southampton?
Yes. Our own customs team files the import declaration with HMRC through CDS and coordinates release with the terminal. We need your GB EORI number, commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, then arrange haulage or rail onward.
Do you handle customs for vehicle imports and exports?
Yes. Vehicles require accurate classification and, for imports, duty and VAT based on their customs value and origin. We prepare the declaration in-house and work with you on any additional registration or conformity documents that the vehicle needs.
What is Solent Freeport and can I use it?
Solent Freeport includes designated customs sites where goods can be held with customs duties suspended, subject to HMRC authorisation. Using it requires an authorised operator and the correct procedures. We can prepare the declarations once the arrangement is in place.