What is the best way to ship cargo to Asia from the UK or Ireland?

TCB Group offer customers a number of shipping options from the UK & ROI to Asia and vice versa. The best answer to suit your needs depends on how urgent and important your cargo is and how much you are prepared to spend.

For example if your cargo is small but you need to send it urgently, then AIR FREIGHT would be the best option. If however you have a large shipment then SEA FREIGHT or a combination of SEA & ROAD (or RAIL) would most likely work best for you.

TCB Group have operational hubs in the UK, Ireland and Singapore. We manage cargo shipments for a variety of organisations – each with different needs, budgets etc…

To find out how we can add value to your supply chain or offer you advice on the best method of shipping please get in touch with one of our operators by [email protected] or call 028 9560 8444


What is the difference in Air, Sea and Road Shipping?

Which method transport you chose is usually influenced not only by the type, size and weight of cargo to be shipped but also your budget and urgency.

Air Freight is the fastest option but usually the most costly restrictive when it comes to size. It’s important to note that not all types of cargo are permitted via Air freight. Any benefits to airfreight are offset against the significant carbon footprint.

Sea Freight is a more cost effective method of shipping and allows for the transportation of larger cargo. The main downside is the time typically required to ship and those unexpected delays which can be experienced due to unforeseen circumstances – the recent Suez blockage being the most recent and unfortunate example.

Road / Rail Freight is a highly efficient and effective method particularly for shipping over short distances. Cargo size is restricted to the size of vehicle used but is ideal for door to door services.

For more information or to speak to one of our experienced operatives please email [email protected] or call 028 9560 8444


How much does it cost to ship by air?

There are many factors influencing the cost of air shipping – size, weight, destination and timing will all have an impact on the cost of Air Freight. A good estimated cost would be £3 / KG but for a more accurate price, please get in touch with one of our operatives on 028 9560 8444


How much does it cost to ship by sea?

Over the last 2 years the cost of sea freight has been impacted by the COVID pandemic, availability of containers and by a surge in demand. Costs of shipping rom China into Europe have anecdotally increased from $2,000 – $16,000. Ultimately the real cost will also be impacted by the frequency of shipping required and the route taken.

For a no-obligation consultation and quotation and some expert advice from our operatives, please call 028 9560 8444


How much does it cost to ship by road?

For a no-obligation consultation and quotation and some expert advice from our operatives, please call 028 9560 8444

Costs of shipping by rail or road are influenced by a number of factors including the route, the size of cargo and the urgency of delivery. For many routes a combination of rail and road shipping can be the best option.


What does LCL mean?

LCL is the acronym for ‘Less than container load’ which is used to describe the transportation of small ocean-freight shipments, which do not require the full capacity of a container. LCL is often referred to as a consolidated shipment – your cargo will share space with other shapes, sizes and weights of freight.


What does FCL mean?

FCL is the acronym for ‘Full Container Load which essential means that the container is full of cargo from one shipper.


What is the difference between LCL and FCL?

Both LCL and FCL have pros and cons and it is important to take into account all factors in particular cost and timescale.

As a general rule, LCL is considered to be very flexible and can be cost effective if you are shipping smaller items. The downside with LCL is that it can take much longer and the cargo will be handled more often and by more people, which in itself brings unwanted risk.

FCL can be delivered quicker and can work out cheaper than LCL. Less people are handling the goods which reduces the risk of damage and theft. This is balanced against more restricted delivery options and that the cargo will take longer to unload.

There is no real winner or looser – the right option for you will depend on a number of factors including, size of cargo, urgency, budget and destination.

If you need any additional information please get in touch with one of our operatives by emailing [email protected] or calling 028 9560 8444


What is a bill of lading?

A bill of lading (BL or BoL) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. A bill of lading also serves as a shipment receipt when the carrier delivers the goods at a predetermined destination.


Can you look after my shipping for me?

TCB Group are one of the leading shipping and freight forwarding companies working with a diverse range of organisations across the globe. We manage the shipping for multi-nationals as well as for individuals who might ship less cargo but have the same exacting demands.

We offer a single point of contact for customers through a team of skilled operatives who manage all administration and any documentation for customs clearance.

In addition to the shipping and freight forwarding services we offer 3 warehouse hubs in Belfast Liverpool and Singapore where we manage the storage and fulfilment needs for businesses and organisations.

For more information on your specific needs and to find out how we can help you manage your shipping needs, email [email protected] or call 028 9560 8444


Can you ship cargo door-to-door?

Yes, you can ship your cargo door-to-door but it depends on the size and weight of your cargo and the ultimate destination. Typically we offer road and rail services for door-to-door shipping throughout the UK and Ireland and into Europe.

For more information on your specific needs and to find out how we can help you manage your shipping needs, email [email protected] or call 028 9560 8444


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