Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about shipping cargo from the UK to India. Comprehensive, honest answers to help you ship with confidence.
Everything you need to know about shipping cargo from the UK to India. Comprehensive, honest answers to help you ship with confidence.
Everything about our transparent pricing, charges, and what's included
Cargo Force charges £4 per kilogram with a minimum charge of £40 for packages up to 10kg. This means if you ship anything between 1kg and 10kg, you pay £40. For heavier shipments, simply multiply the chargeable weight by £4. For example, a 15kg shipment would cost £60 (15 × £4). This is an all-inclusive price with no hidden fees.
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Our £4/kg rate includes everything: free doorstep pickup from anywhere in the UK, air freight to India, customs duty and clearance fees, all handling and documentation charges, fuel surcharges, and door-to-door delivery to any address in India. When we say everything is included, we mean it. You will never receive surprise charges for customs, handling, or any other fees.
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The minimum charge is £40, which covers packages weighing up to 10kg. Even if you send just 1kg, 2kg, or 5kg, you will pay £40. This minimum ensures we can provide the complete door-to-door service including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery. For anything over 10kg, you pay £4 per kg.
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Chargeable weight is the weight you are billed for, and it's the higher of two values: actual weight (what your package weighs on a scale) or volumetric weight (calculated from dimensions). Volumetric weight formula: (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 5000. For example, a box measuring 50cm × 40cm × 30cm would have a volumetric weight of (50 × 40 × 30) ÷ 5000 = 12kg. If this box actually weighs only 8kg, you would be charged for 12kg because the volumetric weight is higher.
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Absolutely not. Our pricing is completely transparent. The £4/kg rate includes customs duty, taxes, pickup, handling, documentation, and delivery. The only additional charges that could apply are: £60 for boxes exceeding 30kg weight, £60 for boxes with any side exceeding 80cm, £15 for suitcases/bags instead of boxes, £25 for locked items, £10 if boxes aren't ready at pickup time, and £50 cancellation fee after pickup. Importantly, the weight and size surcharges are waived if you drop items at our warehouse.
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Airlines and cargo carriers have limited space on their aircraft. Light but bulky items take up valuable cargo space that could be used for heavier items. To ensure fair pricing, the industry uses volumetric weight to account for this space. Think of it this way: a large box of pillows weighing 5kg takes up the same space as a small box of tools weighing 20kg. The volumetric weight calculation ensures both shippers pay fairly for the space their cargo occupies.
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Measure your package in centimetres (Length × Width × Height), then divide by 5000. For example: A box measuring 60cm × 40cm × 40cm = (60 × 40 × 40) ÷ 5000 = 19.2kg volumetric weight. We always round up to the nearest whole kilogram, so this would be 20kg. Compare this with your actual weight, and the higher number is your chargeable weight. Use our online calculator on the Calculate page for instant estimates.
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For home pickup, two surcharges may apply: Heavy Weight Surcharge of £60 per box if any box exceeds 30kg (health and safety regulations for our pickup partners), and Long Length Surcharge of £60 per box if any dimension exceeds 80cm. Both surcharges are completely waived if you drop your boxes at our Wembley warehouse instead of using home pickup.
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We charge £15 extra for suitcases, bags, trolley bags, and shrink-wrapped boxes because our current label loss rate for these items is 60-70%. Labels don't stick well to these surfaces and often fall off during transit, causing delays and potential loss. We strongly recommend using standard cardboard boxes for the safest and most cost-effective shipping experience.
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Yes, customs duty on household and personal effect items (clothes, books, shoes, kitchenware, etc.) is fully included in our £4/kg rate. This is one of our key differentiators - you won't receive any surprise duty bills at delivery. However, this only applies to personal/household items in non-commercial quantities. Items sent in commercial quantities may be subject to additional customs assessment by Indian authorities.
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No, we are unable to provide a separate receipt for the customs duty portion of your payment. The customs duty is bundled into our all-inclusive £4/kg rate. Your invoice from Cargo Force serves as the complete receipt for your shipping payment, which includes all duties and fees.
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Absolutely! Use our online price calculator on the Calculate page to get instant estimates. Simply enter the weight and dimensions of your packages, and you'll see the estimated cost immediately. For more accurate quotes, especially for multiple packages or special items, call us on +44 20 3384 6470 (available 24/7) or message us on WhatsApp. We're happy to discuss your specific requirements.
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How to book, what documents you need, and the complete shipping process
Our booking process is simple: 1) Call us or use WhatsApp to discuss your requirements and get a price estimate. 2) Fill out our online booking form with your shipment details. 3) Pay the deposit (£50 minimum or £10 per box, whichever is higher). 4) We arrange pickup from your UK address. 5) Your package arrives at our warehouse where we verify weight and dimensions. 6) You receive the final invoice and make payment. 7) Your shipment is dispatched to India. We recommend speaking with our team first if you're shipping internationally for the first time.
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You need: 1) Your details - full name, contact number, email, and complete UK pickup address. 2) Receiver's information - recipient's full name, contact details, and a clear copy of their Aadhaar Card. 3) Complete delivery address in India (can be different from Aadhaar address). 4) Detailed packing list with item descriptions, quantities, weights, and dimensions for each package. Having all this ready before filling the form takes about 10 minutes.
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Indian customs requires Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation for all incoming shipments. The Aadhaar Card serves as the receiver's official identification document. We need a clear, legible copy showing the full address and visible photo. Incomplete or unclear copies may cause delays or prevent customs clearance. This is a mandatory requirement set by Indian customs authorities, not a Cargo Force policy.
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A packing list is a detailed declaration of everything in your shipment. It's crucial because: 1) Customs uses it to assess your package. 2) If customs finds undeclared items, additional duties will be charged at the appraised value plus £4/kg extra. 3) Accurate lists avoid delays and unexpected costs. List every item with quantities (e.g., "3 T-shirts, 5 Jackets, 2 Pairs of Shoes, 1 Mixer Grinder"). Yes, it takes time, but it protects you from extra charges.
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The delivery address and item details cannot be changed after submission because they are shared with UK and Indian customs/security authorities for clearance. Please double-check all information before proceeding with your booking. If you need to make changes, contact us immediately before the shipment is processed - but once submitted to customs, changes are not possible.
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Yes, but there's a £50 cancellation fee if you cancel after pickup has occurred. Before pickup, you can cancel without any charge. If you need to cancel, contact us as soon as possible. Your deposit can be applied to a future shipment if you prefer to postpone rather than cancel entirely.
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From booking to delivery: Booking and pickup arrangement takes 1-3 days depending on your location. Once at our warehouse, we process within 1-2 working days. After dispatch, transit time is 14 working days to major Indian cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad) and up to 21 working days for remote areas. Note: Working days exclude weekends and UK/Indian public holidays.
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Yes! Before our driver arrives: 1) Pack all items securely in cardboard boxes (not suitcases). 2) Label each box clearly with your name and mobile number. 3) Have all boxes ready on the ground floor - we do not provide uplift service from upper floors. 4) Ensure boxes don't exceed 30kg each. 5) Follow the preparation instructions in the email we send before collection. Boxes not ready will incur a £10 "Nothing to Collect" charge.
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At our Wembley warehouse: 1) We verify the weight and dimensions of each box. 2) We check labelling and package condition. 3) We generate your final invoice based on actual chargeable weight. 4) You receive the invoice and have 24 hours to pay. 5) After payment, your shipment joins the next dispatch to India. If there are any discrepancies between declared and actual weight/dimensions, we'll contact you before invoicing.
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UK-wide pickup service, what to expect, and how to prepare
Yes! We offer free doorstep pickup from any address in the UK mainland. This includes England, Wales, Scotland (including Scottish Highlands), Northern Ireland, Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey), and Offshore Isles. Pickup is arranged through our carrier partners including DHL, FedEx, DPD, Parcel Force, or UPS, depending on your location. The pickup charge is included in your £4/kg rate.
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No, there is no extra charge for pickup regardless of your location in the UK. Whether you're in central London, the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, or the Channel Islands, the pickup is included in your quoted price. Our all-inclusive pricing means the same £4/kg rate applies everywhere in the UK.
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Before the driver arrives: 1) Pack all items securely in sturdy cardboard boxes. 2) Clearly label each box with your name and mobile number. 3) Place all boxes on the ground floor - drivers will not collect from upper floors unless there's a working elevator. 4) Ensure each box weighs 30kg or less and no side exceeds 80cm. 5) Be available at the address during the pickup window. 6) Have the boxes ready and accessible. We'll email you detailed instructions before collection.
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No, all domestic collections in the UK are made from the ground floor only. We do not provide an uplift service from any other floor unless there is an elevator available and operational. It is your responsibility to ensure all packages are readily available on the ground floor at the time of collection. This is a health and safety policy followed by all our carrier partners.
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If you're not available when the driver arrives, or if the goods are not accessible, a "Nothing to Collect" surcharge of £10 will be applied for each unsuccessful collection attempt. Please ensure you or an authorised person is available at the collection address during the scheduled time. If you know you won't be available, contact us to reschedule before the pickup date.
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Contact us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule. We can usually arrange an alternative pickup date without any charge, provided you notify us before the original pickup date. Call us on +44 20 3384 6470 or message us on WhatsApp. We're available 24/7, so you can reach us anytime to make changes.
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If you schedule a pickup and the driver finds no goods to collect, or the goods aren't ready, a £10 "Nothing to Collect" charge applies for each attempt. To avoid this: ensure all packages are packed, labelled, and placed on the ground floor before the pickup window. If your plans change, contact us in advance to reschedule.
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After booking, you'll receive an email with pickup instructions and a collection window. Depending on the carrier assigned, you may receive a text or email notification on the day of pickup with a more specific time window or driver tracking link. Make sure your phone number is correct in your booking so you don't miss any updates.
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We work with major carrier partners including DHL, FedEx, DPD, Parcel Force, and UPS. The specific carrier depends on your location and shipment size. From pickup until delivery at our Wembley warehouse, the terms and conditions of the pickup carrier apply. You can request this information from us before handing over your goods.
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How to pack your items safely and avoid extra charges
We strongly recommend using sturdy cardboard boxes. Boxes provide the best protection, labels stick securely, and they stack well during transit. Avoid: suitcases (£15 surcharge, 60-70% label loss rate), bags, trolley bags, and shrink-wrapped packages. If you don't have boxes, you can either visit our Wembley warehouse for free packaging materials or have us deliver boxes (£10 charge if boxes aren't ready at pickup).
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Yes! At our Wembley warehouse, we provide completely free: cardboard boxes in various sizes, packing tape, gunny bags for extra protection, shrink wrap, and bubble chips for cushioning fragile items. These materials are for use at the warehouse only - you can come, pack your items, and drop them off in one visit. This is one of the key benefits of using our warehouse drop-off service.
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Suitcases and bags cause significant problems: 1) Labels don't stick well to their surfaces. 2) Our current label loss rate is 60-70% for these items. 3) Lost labels can cause your shipment to be delayed or lost. 4) They're harder to stack and protect in cargo holds. 5) A £15 surcharge applies for each suitcase/bag. We strongly recommend repacking items into cardboard boxes. If you must use a suitcase, ensure it's unlocked (locked items incur £25 charge for professional lock cutting).
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For home pickup: Maximum weight is 30kg per box (£60 surcharge if exceeded). Maximum dimension is 80cm on any side (£60 surcharge if exceeded). These limits exist due to health and safety regulations for our pickup partners. If your items exceed these limits, you have two options: drop them at our warehouse (surcharges waived) or split them into multiple smaller packages.
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Label each package clearly with: 1) Your full name. 2) Your mobile phone number. 3) Write or attach labels on multiple sides of the box. 4) Use a permanent marker or printed labels. 5) Cover labels with clear tape to prevent smudging. If your package is lost due to incorrect or insufficient labelling, you cannot make a claim against Cargo Force or our pickup partners. Good labelling is your responsibility and protects your shipment.
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Important: We provide no insurance and no compensation for in-transit damage. If you're sending fragile items, understand this is at your own risk. To protect fragile items: wrap each item individually in bubble wrap, use crumpled paper or bubble chips to fill empty spaces, don't overpack boxes, place heavier items at the bottom, and mark boxes as "FRAGILE". We add two layers of outer protection at no cost, but recommend not sending irreplaceable or highly fragile items.
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Yes, you can send multiple packages in one shipment. Each package should be individually packed, labelled, and listed separately on your booking form with its own weight and dimensions. The total chargeable weight is the sum of all packages' chargeable weights. This is often more economical than sending packages separately as you only pay one minimum charge (£40) for the entire shipment.
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Your packing list should include: Package type (box, etc.), weight in kg, dimensions (L × W × H in cm), and a detailed list of contents. For contents, be specific: instead of "clothes", write "3 T-shirts, 2 jeans, 1 jacket". If customs finds undeclared items, you'll face additional duties at appraised value plus £4/kg extra. Taking time to create an accurate list protects you from unexpected charges.
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Items permitted for UK to India shipping
You can ship most personal and household items including: Clothing and accessories (tops, sweaters, jeans, jackets, suits). Footwear (all types of shoes, boots, sandals). Books and reading materials (books, magazines, documents). Kitchen items (utensils, cookware, glassware, non-electric appliances). Personal items (handbags, scarves, caps, stationery, toiletries without aerosols). Sweets and dry snacks (chocolates, biscuits, food supplements). Electronics without batteries (chargers, kettles, hair straighteners, blenders, mixers).
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Yes, but with important restrictions. You CAN send: Phone chargers, laptop chargers, electric kettles, hair straighteners, hair dryers, blenders, mixers, food processors (without batteries). You CANNOT send: Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, iPads, drones, power banks, cameras with batteries, any battery-powered toys, or anything with built-in batteries. The lithium batteries in these devices are classified as dangerous goods for air transport.
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Yes, you can send: Chocolates and sweets, biscuits and cookies, dry snacks, food supplements and vitamins (in tablet form, not liquids), and other non-perishable dry foods. You CANNOT send: Perishable foods, liquids, homemade foods in containers, fresh fruits or vegetables, meat or dairy products, or any foods requiring refrigeration. All food items must be commercially packaged and sealed.
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Absolutely! Clothing and footwear are among the most common items we ship. You can send: All types of clothing (casual, formal, traditional), shoes and boots of all kinds, accessories like belts, scarves, and hats. These items are considered personal effects and customs duty is included in your rate. Just ensure items are not in commercial quantities (bulk wholesale amounts) or counterfeit branded goods.
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Yes, you can send most kitchen appliances: Blenders and mixers (ensure no battery), food processors, electric kettles, toasters, sandwich makers, and similar items. These should be new or in good condition. Remember to remove any packaging liquids or solutions. The weight of appliances affects your chargeable weight, so consider the volumetric weight of large items.
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Yes, books and documents are permitted: Books (new or used), magazines, educational materials, personal documents (not official government documents or certificates requiring authentication), greeting cards, and printed materials. Books can be heavy, so be mindful of weight. They also make excellent padding for other items in your box.
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Yes, sending gifts is one of the most common reasons people use our service. You can send: Clothing, shoes, chocolates, toys (without batteries), books, kitchenware, accessories, and most household items. Remember: gifts in large quantities may be considered commercial by customs. Keep quantities reasonable for personal use. All items must still comply with prohibited items restrictions.
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Yes, we always recommend contacting us before shipping if you're unsure about any item. Our published lists are not exhaustive. Call us on +44 20 3384 6470 or WhatsApp us before packing to confirm if your specific items can be sent. This simple step can save you from surcharges, delays, or having items removed from your shipment.
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Items that cannot be shipped and why
Prohibited items fall into several categories: 1) Dangerous goods: explosives, flammables, compressed gases, corrosives, toxic substances. 2) Battery items: phones, laptops, tablets, drones, power banks, battery toys. 3) Liquids and aerosols: perfumes, deodorants, sprays, nail polish, shaving gels. 4) Weapons: firearms, knives, ammunition, replicas. 5) Illegal items: drugs, e-cigarettes, counterfeit goods. 6) Restricted items: currency exceeding limits, gold/silver bullion, items made in Pakistan, incorrect maps of India. See our full prohibited items list for complete details.
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Mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and similar devices contain lithium batteries, which are classified as dangerous goods by international aviation authorities (IATA). These batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode under certain conditions during air transport. This is a universal airline safety regulation, not a Cargo Force policy. You can send these devices if the batteries are removed, but most modern devices have non-removable batteries.
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Perfumes and most cosmetics are prohibited because they contain alcohol or are in aerosol form, making them flammable. This includes: perfumes, aftershaves, body sprays, deodorant sprays, hairsprays, and nail polish/removers. Some solid cosmetics like lipsticks and powder makeup may be acceptable - contact us to confirm specific items before packing.
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Several common household items are prohibited: Cleaning products (most contain flammable or corrosive chemicals), air fresheners and room sprays, paint and solvents, lighter fluid, matches, candles with metal wicks, batteries of all types (including alkaline), thermometers containing mercury, and any items with the hazard pictograms (explosive, flammable, oxidising, corrosive, toxic symbols). Check product labels for these symbols before packing.
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If prohibited or dangerous goods are found: 1) The items will be removed and disposed of without prior notice. 2) A £300 penalty applies if you want the items returned. 3) You may face a fine from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 4) Your shipment will be delayed. 5) You could face prosecution for serious violations. All shipments are 100% inspected by both Cargo Force and Indian customs. It's not worth the risk - remove prohibited items before shipping.
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Limited medicines are allowed: Vitamins and supplements in tablet/capsule form (commercially packaged), over-the-counter pills in original packaging. Prohibited: Prescription medicines without proper documentation, liquid medicines (syrups, suspensions), controlled substances, any medicines in bulk quantities. For prescription medicines, you may need separate customs documentation. Contact us for guidance on specific medicines.
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Look for international hazard pictograms on product packaging: Explosive (exploding ball), Flammable (flame), Oxidising (flame over circle), Compressed Gas (gas cylinder), Corrosive (liquids damaging surface/hand), Toxic (skull and crossbones), Harmful (exclamation mark), Health Hazard (person silhouette), Environmental Hazard (dead tree/fish). If any product displays these symbols, remove it from your shipment.
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High-value branded items (Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc.) are in our restricted category. If they're genuine, you may need proof of purchase and they may attract additional customs scrutiny. Counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited and will be confiscated. If sending genuine designer items, keep quantities personal (1-2 items) and be prepared to provide authenticity proof if requested by customs.
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Some items are allowed but ship at your own risk with no compensation guarantee: Plasma/LCD/LED TVs (unless professionally crated), laptops without batteries, mobile phones without batteries, tablets without batteries, games consoles without batteries. For these items, we provide no insurance and no guarantee of safe delivery. We recommend not sending high-value electronics unless absolutely necessary.
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KYC requirements, Aadhaar cards, customs declarations, and clearance
Yes, customs duty on household and personal effect items is fully included in our £4/kg rate. This covers: clothes, shoes, books, kitchenware, personal accessories, chocolates, and similar items for personal use. You won't receive any surprise duty bills at delivery. However, this only applies to items in personal quantities - items in commercial quantities or for resale may attract additional customs assessment.
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Commercial quantities means bulk amounts that appear intended for resale rather than personal use. For example: 50 identical T-shirts, 100 phone cases, large quantities of the same item in different sizes. Indian customs determines what constitutes commercial quantity based on the nature and volume of goods. Items deemed commercial may be confiscated. Our service is strictly for household goods and personal effects, not commercial shipments.
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KYC stands for Know Your Customer. Indian customs requires identification of the receiver for all incoming international shipments. This is a security and regulatory requirement. For shipments to India, we use the Aadhaar Card as the KYC document. This helps customs verify that the receiver is a legitimate person at a valid address and is standard practice for all cargo entering India.
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We need a clear, legible copy of the receiver's Aadhaar Card showing: 1) The full name (exactly as printed). 2) The complete address (visible and readable). 3) The Aadhaar number (12 digits). 4) A clear photo. Both front and back if address is on the back. Blurry, cropped, or incomplete copies will cause delays. The delivery address can be different from the Aadhaar address, but we need to know both.
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The customs declaration is your packing list submitted to UK and Indian customs. It must be 100% accurate. If customs finds items not on your list: additional duties will be charged at the appraised value of the entire shipment plus £4/kg extra. You are liable for any penalties resulting from incorrect or misleading declarations. Take time to list every item accurately - it protects you from unexpected costs.
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The receiver in India must provide an authorization letter permitting customs clearance of the goods. This letter must be signed by the receiver and returned to us to complete customs procedures. We provide the template - the receiver simply needs to sign it. This authorizes our customs agent in India to clear the shipment on behalf of the receiver.
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Customs may hold shipments for: inspection of contents, verification of documentation, assessment of commercial status, or investigation of prohibited items. If this happens, our team will contact you with any additional requirements. Delays can occur due to: incomplete documentation, undeclared items found, items in commercial quantities, or suspicious contents. Accurate declarations and complete documentation minimize hold risk.
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No, for standard personal/household items, all customs duty is included in your prepaid shipping cost. The receiver should not have to pay any duty at delivery. However, if customs determines items are commercial or finds undeclared items, additional charges may apply which the receiver will need to pay. Always declare items accurately to avoid this situation.
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Transit times, delivery areas, tracking, and what to expect
Standard delivery times: 14 working days to major metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune). Up to 21 working days for remote, rural, or tier-2/tier-3 cities. Working days exclude: weekends, UK public holidays, and Indian public holidays. The transit time starts from the next working day after we receive your payment, not from the pickup date.
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Several factors may extend delivery: 1) Weather conditions affecting flights. 2) Customs clearance delays (documentation issues, inspections). 3) Flight schedule changes or cancellations. 4) Public holidays in UK or India. 5) Remote delivery locations. 6) Incomplete receiver documentation. 7) Receiver unavailability for delivery. 8) Unforeseen circumstances like airline strikes or natural events. We'll keep you informed of any significant delays.
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Yes, we provide door-to-door delivery to any address in India. This includes: all major cities, small towns, rural villages, and remote areas. Delivery to remote areas may take longer (up to 21 working days vs 14 for metros) but there's no extra charge. The receiver's address from your booking is where we'll deliver - ensure it's complete and accurate.
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After your package is dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive tracking information via WhatsApp or email. You can: contact our team on WhatsApp for real-time updates, call us anytime (we're available 24/7), or use the tracking number provided with our carrier partners' tracking systems. We proactively update you at key milestones: dispatch, customs clearance, and out-for-delivery.
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When your shipment reaches India: 1) It goes through customs clearance (using the documentation we've prepared). 2) Once cleared, it's transferred to our local delivery partner. 3) The delivery partner contacts the receiver to arrange delivery. 4) The package is delivered to the door. 5) The receiver signs acknowledging receipt. The receiver should check the package condition before signing and take photos/video at delivery.
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The delivery partner will attempt redelivery, usually the next working day. They may contact the receiver to arrange a suitable time. If multiple attempts fail, the package may be held at a local depot for collection. It's important that the receiver's phone number is correct and they're available to coordinate. Storage charges may apply for extended holding periods.
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Yes, another person at the delivery address can receive the package, but they must sign for it. The signature serves as acknowledgment of receipt in good condition. We recommend the named receiver be present if possible, especially for valuable shipments. Whoever receives should check the package condition and take photos before signing.
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The transit time (14 working days) starts from the next working day after we receive your full payment, not from when you book or when we pick up. For example: if you pay on Friday afternoon, the clock starts Monday. This ensures your shipment is prioritized and dispatched promptly once payment is confirmed.
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What's covered, what's not, and how to protect your shipment
No, there is no insurance coverage included with our standard service. Our maximum liability is $50 (USD) per box/suitcase for lost or undeliverable shipments only. There is no compensation for in-transit damage, breakage, or missing items. If you require insurance, you must arrange it separately through a third-party insurance provider before shipping.
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We regret that there is no compensation and no guarantee against damage or breakage during transit. This is clearly stated in our terms. We provide two layers of outer protection at no extra cost, but this service is not suitable for fragile items or items prone to breakage. If you're sending fragile or valuable items, understand you're doing so at your own risk.
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When receiving your package: 1) Check the outer packaging for visible damage BEFORE signing. 2) If damage is visible, note it on the delivery receipt. 3) Take photos and video of the package before opening. 4) Open carefully and document contents. 5) If items inside are damaged, report immediately with photos. The signed receipt is prima facie evidence that cargo was received in good condition. After signing, no claims can be made.
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Our maximum liability is $50 USD per box/suitcase per shipment. This applies ONLY to completely lost or undeliverable shipments. It does NOT cover: damaged items, partial loss, delayed delivery, or any other claims. As a cargo company, this limited liability is standard in the industry. For higher value items, we strongly recommend third-party insurance.
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If goods are lost in transit due to incorrect or insufficient labelling by you after pickup, the responsibility lies solely with you. No claims can be made against Cargo Force or our pickup partners. This is why proper labelling is crucial: write your name and phone number clearly on multiple sides of each box, and cover labels with clear tape to prevent smudging.
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If you're shipping items of significant value (over $50) or irreplaceable items, yes - we recommend arranging third-party cargo insurance before shipping. You can obtain this from: specialist cargo insurance brokers, some home insurance policies (check if they cover goods in transit internationally), or online shipping insurance providers. This is the only way to have full protection for valuable shipments.
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While we don't offer insurance, we do provide two layers of outer protection at no extra cost. This typically includes outer wrapping and protective covering to help prevent external damage. However, this doesn't protect against: crushing, water damage, rough handling by carriers, or internal movement during transit. Pack fragile items with plenty of internal cushioning.
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Benefits of using our Wembley warehouse for drop-off
Dropping items at our Wembley warehouse offers significant benefits: 1) £60 heavy weight surcharge waived (for boxes over 30kg). 2) £60 long length surcharge waived (for sides over 80cm). 3) Free packaging materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, shrink wrap). 4) Pack your items on-site with our help. 5) Immediate weight and dimension verification. 6) 24/7 access - drop off anytime. For heavy or oversized shipments, warehouse drop-off can save you £120+ per box.
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We provide completely free: cardboard boxes in multiple sizes, packing tape (regular and heavy-duty), gunny bags for extra outer protection, shrink wrap for weather protection, and bubble chips/paper for cushioning. You can use as much as you need to pack your items properly. Our team can also help you pack if needed. These materials are only available for use at the warehouse.
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Our warehouse is at: Unit K, East Lane Business Park, 9 Osram Road, Wembley, HA9 7NG, UK. It's easily accessible from North Wembley and has parking available. We're open 24/7 for drop-offs, so you can come at any time that suits you - early morning, evening, weekends, whenever is convenient for you.
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Our warehouse is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can drop off your packages at any time - we understand that people have busy schedules and can't always visit during traditional business hours. Whether it's 2am or 2pm, Sunday or Wednesday, you're welcome to come and drop off your shipment.
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Yes! Many customers bring their items unpacked and use our free materials to pack on-site. This is especially useful if you're unsure about box sizes or want help packing fragile items. Our team can guide you on best packing practices. You can take your time - there's no rush. This is one of the most popular benefits of our warehouse drop-off service.
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Yes, there is parking available at East Lane Business Park where our warehouse is located. You can park close to the unit to easily unload your packages. If you're bringing large or heavy items, you can pull up directly to the loading area. The address for sat-nav is: Unit K, East Lane Business Park, 9 Osram Road, Wembley HA9 7NG.
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How to pay, when to pay, and billing questions
A deposit is required before we schedule your pickup. The deposit amount is: £50 minimum, or £10 per box if you're sending more than 5 boxes (whichever is higher). For example: 3 boxes = £50 deposit, 8 boxes = £80 deposit. This deposit is deducted from your final invoice. The deposit confirms your booking and ensures we can arrange pickup.
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After your shipment arrives at our warehouse and we verify the weight and dimensions, we generate your final invoice. You must pay within 24 hours of receiving this invoice. If payment is not received within 24 hours, storage charges of £8.50 plus VAT per shipment per day will apply. Your deposit is deducted from this final amount.
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We accept: Bank transfer in the UK (preferred), bank transfer in India (before dispatch), UPI or Google Pay for payments made in India. We do NOT accept: Cash payments in UK or India, credit/debit card payments, PayPal, or any other payment methods. For payments made in India, 18% GST is applicable.
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Yes, you can pay via bank transfer to our Indian account or through UPI/Google Pay before the shipment is dispatched. However, for payments made in India, an 18% GST is applicable. For example: if your invoice is £100, add £18 GST for a total of £118, then convert to INR at the current exchange rate. We'll provide the exact INR amount when you request to pay in India.
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If payment is not received within 24 hours of the final invoice: Storage charges of £8.50 plus VAT per shipment per day begin. If payment is not received within 10 days: the package will be disposed of, and we will not be held liable for any loss. No insurance or claims will be accepted once disposal is initiated. Please pay promptly to avoid these charges and ensure timely dispatch.
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Yes, you'll receive: a deposit confirmation when you pay the deposit, a final invoice showing total charges (chargeable weight × £4/kg), and a payment confirmation once paid. These documents serve as your receipt. Note: we cannot provide a separate receipt for the customs duty portion as it's bundled into the all-inclusive rate.
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This is common and expected. At our warehouse, we professionally weigh and measure every package. If the actual chargeable weight differs from your estimate, your final invoice will reflect the accurate amount. If it's less than estimated, you pay less. If it's more, you pay the difference. We always charge based on actual verified weight and dimensions, not estimates.
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24/7 availability, how to reach us, and getting help
You can reach us through multiple channels: Phone: +44 20 3384 6470 (available 24/7). WhatsApp: Message us at +44 20 3384 6470 (24/7 support). In person: Visit our warehouse at Unit K, East Lane Business Park, 9 Osram Road, Wembley HA9 7NG (open 24/7). We're always available to answer questions, provide quotes, or help with your shipment.
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Yes! Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call us at +44 20 3384 6470 anytime - day or night - and speak directly to our team. Our WhatsApp is also monitored 24/7 for messages. Our Wembley warehouse is open 24/7 for drop-offs. We understand shipping needs don't follow a 9-5 schedule, so we're always here to help.
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Our team can assist you in: English, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, and Tamil. We serve a diverse community and want everyone to feel comfortable discussing their shipping needs. If you prefer communicating in one of these languages, just let us know when you call or message.
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We highly recommend calling us first, especially if you're shipping internationally for the first time. Speaking with our team helps you: understand how chargeable weight works (actual vs volumetric), get an accurate price estimate, confirm your items can be shipped, understand the complete process, and ask any questions. This 5-10 minute call can save confusion later. Call +44 20 3384 6470 anytime.
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The easiest way is WhatsApp. Message us at +44 20 3384 6470 with your name or booking reference, and our team will provide real-time updates on your shipment status. We proactively update you at key milestones: when your package arrives at our warehouse, when it's dispatched, when it clears customs, and when it's out for delivery. You can also call us 24/7.
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We take all feedback seriously. To raise a complaint: call us on +44 20 3384 6470 and ask to speak to a manager, or send a detailed message via WhatsApp. Please include your booking reference, the issue, and any supporting information (photos, dates, etc.). We aim to respond to all complaints within 24 hours and resolve issues as quickly as possible.
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Our team is here to help. Call us anytime or send a message on WhatsApp — we typically respond within minutes.