Costs depend on pallet size, weight, collection and delivery locations, and whether you choose air or sea freight. Sea freight is usually cheapest for large or heavy shipments, while air freight is faster. Use the Instant Quote Tool to see live rates.

Sea freight (LCL or FCL) is usually the most economical option, especially for heavy or bulky freight. Economy air freight may be competitive for smaller consignments.

Yes. Pallet2Ship offers express and economy air freight as well as sea freight options including LCL (shared container) and FCL (full container).

Yes. Enter pallet dimensions, weight, and route into the Instant Quote Tool. You do not need a Japanese delivery address just to see prices.

Yes, provided weight, dimensions, and shipment details are accurate. Additional charges only apply if details are under-declared or incorrect.

No. All freight charges are displayed before booking. Japanese import duties, taxes, and customs fees are separate and normally payable by the consignee.

Often yes. Combining several pallets into one shipment usually reduces the average cost per pallet.

Yes. Major commercial hubs such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya are usually cheaper than remote or island locations.

Yes. Around major Japanese holidays (New Year, Golden Week, Obon) and global peak seasons, air capacity and sea space can tighten, affecting rates and transit times. Booking early helps.

Payment is made securely online during the booking process.

Typical transit times are:
• Express air freight: 3–5 working days
• Economy air freight: 5–7 working days
• Sea freight: typically 4–6 weeks depending on port pair and inland delivery

Shipments travel either by air freight via international cargo networks or by sea freight from UK ports to major Japanese ports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, and Nagoya.

No. Sea freight shipments can continue inland after arrival, allowing delivery to key commercial regions throughout Japan.

Yes. Remote regions and islands require additional domestic transport or ferry legs, which can increase transit time and cost.

Yes. Major holidays such as New Year, Golden Week, and Obon can slow customs clearance and last-mile deliveries. We recommend booking well in advance around these periods.

Air freight is best for urgent, high-value, or time-critical goods, or when shipments are relatively small. Sea freight is more economical for heavier or non-urgent consignments.

Use a strong pallet, stack goods evenly, secure them with straps, and shrink-wrap from base to top so the wrap binds the goods to the pallet. Label at least three sides and the top. See our Pallet Packing Guide.

Standard UK pallets (120 × 100 cm), Euro pallets (120 × 80 cm), and oversized pallets can all be shipped to Japan.

Air freight typically accepts pallets up to around 1,000 kg. Sea freight can handle up to 1,200 kg or more depending on the service. Pallets over 750 kg usually require forklifts at both collection and delivery.

Forklifts are generally required for pallets above 750 kg or oversized freight that cannot be handled safely by tail-lift.

Yes for UK collections. Japanese delivery arrangements depend on the service and location.

Yes. Oversized or overhanging pallets are accepted when declared accurately. See our Oversized Pallets guide.

Yes. Japan requires ISPM-15-compliant wood packaging. All wooden pallets must be heat-treated and stamped. Non-compliant pallets may be refused entry, re-palletised at additional cost, or cause significant delays.

Yes. Plastic pallets are accepted and do not require ISPM-15 treatment.

Drivers may refuse collection if packaging is unsafe, and carrier liability may not apply if poor packaging causes damage.

Yes. Photos provide evidence in case of claims and help confirm packaging quality.

Measure the loaded pallet including any overhang: length, width, height, and total weight.

You typically need:
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• HS / Commodity Codes per line item
• GB EORI number (exporter)
• Full consignor and consignee details

Yes. UK exporters must hold a valid GB EORI number for customs declarations. See our EORI guide.

HS codes classify goods for customs and determine duty, tax, and regulatory requirements in Japan. Correct codes reduce the risk of delays or unexpected charges. See our Commodity Codes guide.

Common terms include DAP and DDP. See our Incoterms guide.

Under DAP terms, the Japanese consignee pays duties and consumption tax on arrival. Under DDP, the sender pays.

Japan applies customs duties and a national consumption tax based on HS code, customs value, and origin. Rates vary by product category.

Japan uses the yen (JPY).

Yes. If your goods meet rules-of-origin requirements, many UK-origin products can qualify for reduced or zero tariffs under CEPA or CPTPP, provided correct declarations and supporting documents are supplied.

The Importer of Record is the entity in Japan responsible for customs clearance, duties, taxes, and compliance. This is usually your Japanese customer, subsidiary, or appointed import agent.

Most commercial imports require a local customs broker. For many services our carrier network works with brokers, but your consignee must be ready to act as Importer of Record.

Yes. Food, chemicals, medical devices, telecoms equipment, and other regulated categories may require extra permits, licences, or approvals.

Yes. A local contact name and telephone number for the consignee are required for customs queries and delivery arrangements.

Usually 1–3 working days when documentation is correct.

Our team will contact you if additional documentation is required. Holds are usually caused by missing or incorrect paperwork or regulatory requirements.

Provide complete and accurate documentation, correct HS codes, realistic values, and clear product descriptions, and respond quickly to any queries from customs or the broker.

Japan restricts or prohibits items such as narcotics, firearms, explosives, certain agricultural products, endangered species products, and some chemicals. Always check our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide before booking.

No. Pallet2Ship does not handle alcohol shipments on any service.

Some shelf-stable, packaged foods may be allowed, but Japan has strict sanitary and import regulations. Meat, dairy, and many fresh foods are heavily restricted. Check specific requirements before shipping.

Yes, but lithium batteries must follow strict UN, IATA, and carrier rules. Safety documentation and correct packaging are required. See our Dangerous Goods guide.

Yes, on selected services with full documentation and carrier approval. Not all carriers accept dangerous goods.

Yes. Machinery, engines, and car parts must be fully drained of fluids, cleaned, and securely mounted to the pallet.

Yes. Car parts are commonly shipped. Ensure correct HS codes are declared as duty rates vary.

Yes. Personal effects can be shipped via DHL air freight or sea freight services. A detailed inventory list and correct customs documentation are required. All items must be professionally packed and palletised before collection.

New furniture in original manufacturer packaging can be shipped as standard freight. Used furniture is treated as personal effects and must be professionally packed — each item individually protected with bubble wrap and cardboard, corners secured, and the full consignment palletised to a professional standard, ideally by a removal company.

Yes, but professional packaging and insurance are strongly recommended.

Yes. Samples must still be declared with correct customs values and documentation.

Some medicines and cosmetics are tightly controlled and may require local approvals, registrations, or import licences. Contact us before shipping these products.

Goods may be seized, returned, or destroyed by customs, and additional costs can apply. Always declare accurately and check restrictions in advance.

Collections normally take place Monday–Friday between 08:00 and 18:00.

Sometimes, depending on location and booking time.

Yes, across most UK postcodes.

Yes. We deliver to major commercial regions including Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Kobe, Fukuoka, and other main industrial areas. Remote or island locations may require extra time or cost.

Some courier-based services can deliver to residential addresses, but most pallet services focus on business addresses. Additional charges may apply.

Yes. A local contact number is strongly recommended for delivery coordination and customs queries.

Inform us during booking — narrow streets, security requirements, or specific time-slot restrictions — so the correct arrangements can be made.

The carrier will follow local procedures — re-attempt delivery, hold at depot, or return. Storage or redelivery charges may apply.

Timed deliveries may be available on certain premium services or dedicated vehicle arrangements.

Yes. We can collect from multiple UK suppliers and consolidate pallets into a single air or sea shipment to one consignee in Japan.

Yes. Insurance can be added during booking for goods valued between £100 and £50,000. For higher values, contact our team for tailored cover.

Loss or damage during transit when goods are correctly packed and declared.

Coverage for used personal items is limited. See the policy terms on our Insurance page.

Only limited carrier liability applies, calculated per kilogram under international transport conventions. This is usually significantly lower than the value of your goods.

Note any issues on the delivery receipt, take photos, keep all packing materials, and notify us immediately. See our Claims Process page.

Pallet2Ship offers express and economy air freight, sea freight (FCL and LCL), parcel courier services, and tailored solutions for oversized or specialist cargo.

We work with DHL, FedEx, and UPS for air freight and courier services, plus established ocean freight lines for sea shipments.

Yes. 20ft and 40ft container services are available. See our FCL & LCL page.

Yes. LCL allows smaller shipments to share container space and reduce costs.

Generally when shipments exceed approximately 13–15 CBM, FCL becomes more cost-effective per unit than LCL.

Yes. Air freight provides full tracking. Sea freight offers milestone tracking from departure to arrival.

Yes. Pallet2Ship supports both exports and imports. Select Japan as the collection country in the Instant Quote Tool.

Yes. Parcel courier services are available for smaller consignments.

Yes. Your account dashboard allows you to save addresses, view past bookings, check invoice history, store payment details, and re-book quickly.

Enter shipment details in the Instant Quote Tool, select a service, complete documentation, and confirm your booking. For sea freight, tailored quotes can also be requested.

Sometimes, but changes after dispatch may incur delays, fees, and documentation updates.

Cancellation depends on timing and whether collection has occurred. Contact us immediately if needed.

Usually 24–48 hours for air freight. For sea freight, book 5–10 days before the desired sailing date where possible.

No. Each delivery address requires a separate booking.

Return transport and storage charges may apply. For sea freight, port storage or demurrage can build up quickly if goods are not cleared or accepted.

The shipment may be re-rated and additional charges may apply.

Yes, with appropriate insurance and secure packaging.

Yes. Pallet2Ship services support both occasional exporters and regular shippers, with flexible air and sea options.

Yes, if the selected service supports mixed consignments and all items are declared correctly.

Yes. Someone must be available to hand over the goods.

Yes. A representative of the consignee must be available to sign for and receive the goods.

Yes. Multi-pallet bookings are supported and often reduce the per-pallet cost.

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation, incorrect HS codes, missing import permits, lack of a prepared Importer of Record, or congestion around major holidays.

Our UK-based operations team is available before and after booking.