Business Details
28 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Freight Forwarding Partner in Basildon
Established in 1998, Brunel Shipping has built a reputation as one of the UK's leading freight forwarding companies. Our expertise spans air, sea, road, and rail logistics, supported by a global network covering 188 countries through partnerships like the World Cargo Alliance. We prioritise flexibility and reliability, offering tailored solutions for industries ranging from automotive to healthcare. Our dedicated teams in European, air cargo, and project cargo divisions ensure specialist knowledge across sectors including construction, energy, and aerospace. Recognised for excellence, we won the 2021 BIFA Supply Chain Management Award for innovative solutions post-Brexit.Our technology platforms provide real-time shipment visibility, while our in-house customs clearance team handles complex regulations at all UK ports and airports. With over 30 years' experience in sea freight and a focus on sustainability, we combine industry-leading infrastructure with personalised service. Our commitment to community is demonstrated through initiatives like donating storage containers to local groups. Operating 24/7, we offer urgent customs clearance and out-of-hours support for time-critical shipments.
Services
Sea Freight
Air Cargo
Customs Clearance
Road Freight
China Rail Freight
E-commerce Logistics
Warehousing
Project Cargo
ATA Carnet
Temperature-Controlled Transport
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 24/7 customs clearance services at all UK ports
- Our global network covers 188 countries through WCA partnerships
- Award-winning supply chain solutions post-Brexit
- Specialist divisions for project cargo and temperature-controlled shipments
- Over 30 years' experience in deep sea freight operations
Associations and certifications
- BIFA (British International Freight Association)
What people say
Efficient customs processing
Reliable China shipments
Award-winning service
24/7 support available
Seamless Amazon integration
Services
Sea Freight
Brunel Shipping provides comprehensive sea freight services with weekly sailings for FCL and LCL shipments worldwide. Our deep sea expertise covers routes to China, the Middle East, and the USA, with competitive rates and full customs documentation. We handle dangerous goods in compliance with IMDG Code regulations and offer door-to-door solutions across all Incoterms. Our 30+ years' experience ensures reliable supply chain management through strategic partnerships with major shipping lines.
Customs Clearance
Our in-house customs experts manage import/export declarations at all UK ports and airports. Services include T1 transit documents, EORI registration, and post-Brexit compliance. We specialise in foodstuff clearances, ATA Carnets, and urgent documentation with 24/7 out-of-hours support. With AEO approval and BIRDS authority, we ensure HMRC compliance for standard and complex shipments including hazardous materials and project cargo.
China Rail Freight
Brunel pioneered customs clearance for the first China-to-London freight train service. This cost-effective alternative to air freight offers 19-day transit from Chengdu to Felixstowe. We handle 40ft high cube containers with fast customs processing through our proprietary Brunel Smart Clear system. Key routes include China-Poland (19 days) and China-Germany (15 days), with cross-trade opportunities across Eurasia.
E-commerce Logistics
Our Brunel Smart Ecom solution offers end-to-end logistics for B2B and B2C retailers. Services include Amazon FBA compliance, warehouse management, and last-mile delivery through DPD and Palletline networks. We provide daily dispatch, returns management, and seamless integration with Shopify and Amazon platforms. Strategic fulfilment centres at Felixstowe and Heathrow ensure 48-hour delivery to UK Amazon hubs.
Project Cargo
Brunel Project division handles break bulk, out-of-gauge, and heavy lift shipments for construction, energy, and defence sectors. Our team manages temperature-controlled and hazardous cargo with specialist knowledge in oil and gas logistics. We provide full supply chain oversight from origin to destination, including marine insurance and bespoke packaging solutions for oversized or sensitive equipment.
People
Mike White
Group Director
With over 25 years in international logistics, Mike leads Brunel's strategic expansion. He pioneered the China rail freight customs clearance process and oversees operations across 188 countries. His expertise in post-Brexit supply chain solutions earned Brunel the 2021 BIFA award.
Jonty Abbott
European Operator
Jonty manages Brunel's European road freight operations, specialising in LTL and FTL solutions. He ensures compliance with EU transport regulations and optimises routes for temperature-controlled and hazardous cargo. His team handles 98% of UK-EU shipments without delays.
Lucy Bull
Customs Specialist
Lucy leads the customs team handling 500+ daily declarations. She implemented Brunel Smart Clear technology for foodstuff imports and manages HMRC compliance for post-Brexit border checks. Her expertise covers CHED applications and DEFRA regulations.
Questions
What customs systems does Brunel Shipping comply with?
We comply with HMRC's Customs Declaration Service (CDS) and maintain AEO status, handling all UK import/export documentation including T1 forms and ATA Carnets.
How quickly can goods be transported from China?
Our rail freight service delivers from Chengdu to UK ports in 19 days, with sea freight options taking 30-45 days depending on origin port.
Do you handle temperature-sensitive shipments?
Yes, our specialist division manages cool chain logistics for foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals with real-time temperature monitoring across all transport modes.
Can you assist with Amazon FBA requirements?
We offer full Amazon compliance including palletisation, barcoding, and guaranteed 48-hour delivery to UK fulfilment centres from Felixstowe or Heathrow.
What happens during UK port disruptions?
Our Smart Clear system automatically reroutes shipments with live status updates. We maintain contingency plans for all major UK ports and terminals.
Are your customs services available outside normal hours?
Yes, we provide 24/7 customs clearance with dedicated out-of-hours brokers for urgent shipments at all UK airports and seaports.
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