Global support
Supporting over 6,000 customers across 122 countries.
International freight forwarder since 1913
Global Freight Forwarding & Customs Brokerage Built Around Your Goals.
WTA Group helps importers, exporters and procurement teams move goods by sea, air, road and rail with licensed customs brokers and full shipment visibility. Our specialists optimise every lane for speed, cost and carbon, with transparent pricing you can plan around.
6,000+customers supported
122countries served
679active trade lanes
7international offices
110+ yearsFourth-generation family business, founded in 1913 by Ernest Sommer
Trusted worldwide
Working With the Best.
From global FMCG brands to fast-growing manufacturers, these organisations rely on WTA to keep their international supply chains moving.
Freight solutions
We'll Find Your Optimal Freight Solution.
Sea freight: lowest cost and carbon per unit
Ocean freight is generally the most cost-effective way to move volume and has the lowest carbon footprint per tonne. Our sea freight experts guide you from booking to delivery, while the WTA platform gives complete cost and timing transparency.
- FCL and LCL consolidation options on major Asia, Europe and US lanes
- Proactive surcharge, demurrage and detention management
Air freight: speed and certainty
When speed and on-time delivery are critical, air freight is the ideal option. Benefit from predictable booking through our extensive carrier network, with a specialist team protecting the value and safety of your cargo.
- Ideal for urgent, high-value or time-sensitive goods
- IATA-accredited operations with fewer delays and industrial disruption
Road freight: the first and last mile
Freight journeys rarely begin or end at a port. WTA has built an extensive transport network offering scheduled departures, fast transit times and reliability, with full visibility and control through the WTA platform.
- FTL and groupage services, including UK and Europe routes
- Seamless port, airport and rail terminal connections
Rail freight: faster than sea, cheaper than air
If you need to reach market faster but air freight is too costly, consider rail. You can save over 20 days in door-to-door transit compared with some sea routes, often with faster customs clearance.
- A balanced option for China to Europe supply chains
- Lower emissions than air for mid-urgency cargo
Buyer's guide
Sea vs Air vs Rail vs Road: Which Freight Mode Fits Your Shipment?
A practical comparison our freight specialists use when advising international buyers. The right answer depends on cargo value, urgency, volume and sustainability targets, and many supply chains combine several modes.
| Mode | Relative cost | Speed | Carbon footprint | Indicative transit (Asia → Europe) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea freight | Lowest | 30–45 days port to port | High volumes, heavy or bulky goods, cost-sensitive replenishment | ||
| Rail freight | Low | Up to 20+ days faster door to door than some sea routes | Mid-urgency stock, China–Europe lanes, seasonal products | ||
| Air freight | Highest | 3–7 days door to door | Urgent, high-value, perishable or launch-critical cargo | ||
| Road freight | Moderate | 1–5 days within the UK and Europe | Door-to-door delivery, cross-border Europe, first and last mile |
Transit times are indicative only and vary by origin, destination, carrier schedules, season and customs requirements. Speak to our team for lane-specific advice.
Digital logistics Discover the platform
Real-Time Supply Chain Visibility, Free for Every WTA Customer
Know exactly when your goods will arrive. Predict delays from live data feeds and produce ESG reports at the click of a button. The WTA visibility platform puts you in charge of your data, in real time, on desktop and mobile.
Live shipment tracking
Predictive delay alerts
ESG & carbon reporting
Orders & invoices in one place
Why WTA
Getting Your Goods Across the World Is What We Do Best
Holistic supply chain solutions underpinned by the latest technology, AI and one of the most experienced teams in international logistics.
Customer feedback
Net promoter score of 77, with 85% of customers rating us 8/10 or higher for satisfaction.
Visibility platform
A powerful online visibility platform with a mobile app, included free for customers.
Extensive network
Trade lanes supported by a carefully vetted global partner network.
Licensed customs brokers
An international team of licensed brokers, backed by AEO and C-TPAT accreditations.
International offices
Local expertise in the UK, USA, China and UAE, plus further international locations.
Logistics doesn't need to be a maze.
We commit to transparent pricing so you understand the true cost of your logistics upfront. We actively mitigate the factors that quietly inflate costs, such as slow unloading and customs hold-ups, so our quotes stay realistic and often prove cheaper than alternatives over time.
Customer success
What Our Customers Say
David Wood, Customer Support Production Manager, Eaton"The service I receive from WTA is flawless from start to finish… I would give WTA a 10/10 to any of our customers who require a freight forwarding company."
Industry expertise
Sector-Specific Logistics for Complex Supply Chains
Every industry has its own compliance rules, seasonality and handling needs. Our dedicated sector teams bring hands-on experience to each shipment.
Publishing
Publishing logistics
Global book and print logistics, amplified by our specialist publishing team in China.
View sector ManufacturingManufacturing & engineering
Time-sensitive inbound components and outbound goods with the predictability production lines demand.
View sector Food & drinkFood, drink & alcohol
Goods delivered on schedule and in the correct condition, including excise-controlled alcohol shipments.
View sector RetailWholesale & retail
Import supply chains for retailers sourcing from China and Asia, built around sales peaks and promotions.
View sector AutomotiveAutomotive logistics
Custom solutions that maximise reliability and minimise cost for parts, vehicles and aftermarket supply.
View sector ProofReal results, real customers
See how brands like JDE, Zoomo and Butternut Box have strengthened their supply chains with WTA.
Read case studies Global presence
A Global Network With Local Expertise
Headquartered in Manchester, UK, WTA operates in the world's most important trade markets, so your cargo is handled by people who know the local rules.
United Kingdom HQ
The headquarters of our global operation, with world-class infrastructure and expertise to support international supply chains.
United States
Delivering expert customs clearance services into the world's biggest economy since 2007.
China
Local expertise in the world's largest goods-exporting market since 2006, including a specialist publishing team.
United Arab Emirates
Just 30 minutes from Jebel Ali Port, helping businesses unlock trade across the Middle East.
Insight of the week
How to Minimise the Risk of Surcharges in Sea Freight
Book ahead of peak periods
Securing space early before Q4 and Chinese New Year reduces exposure to Peak Season Surcharges (PSS) and rolled bookings.
Submit accurate cargo data
Correct weights, dimensions and HS codes prevent amendment fees, re-weighing charges and customs holds.
Plan collection within free time
Agree container free days in advance and pre-book haulage to avoid demurrage, detention and port storage costs.
Choose the right Incoterms
Clear responsibility for origin and destination charges removes surprise invoices between buyer and seller.
Request an all-in, transparent quote
Ask for BAF, CAF, THC and documentation fees to be itemised upfront so you can compare offers like for like.
FAQ
Freight Forwarding Questions From International Buyers
What freight forwarding services does WTA provide?
WTA provides sea freight (FCL and LCL), air freight, road freight, rail freight, warehousing and customs brokerage, all managed through a free real-time visibility platform for every customer.
How do I choose between sea, air, rail and road freight?
Sea freight is usually the most cost-effective and lowest-carbon option for large volumes. Air freight suits urgent or high-value cargo. Rail freight sits between the two and can save over 20 days door to door compared with some sea routes. Road freight connects ports, airports and rail terminals to your door and covers overland routes such as UK to Europe.
Can WTA handle customs clearance for my imports and exports?
Yes. WTA has an international team of licensed customs brokers and holds recognised trade security accreditations including AEO and C-TPAT, supporting compliant clearance into the UK, USA, Europe, China and the Middle East.
How can I track my shipments with WTA?
Every WTA customer receives free access to the WTA visibility platform and mobile app, which shows real-time shipment status, predicts delays from live data feeds, provides ESG reporting and lets you manage orders and invoices.
How long has WTA been in business?
WTA was founded in 1913 by Ernest Sommer and remains a fourth-generation family business, headquartered in Manchester, UK, with international offices including the USA, China and the UAE.
Which industries does WTA specialise in?
WTA has dedicated expertise in publishing, manufacturing, food and drink (including alcohol), wholesale and retail, and automotive supply chains, plus specialist energy logistics.
Take the Next Step on Your International Journey.
WTA. Here for the journey. Tell us about your cargo, lanes and timelines, and a freight specialist will recommend the right mix of modes and customs support.
