Business Details
35 Years
experience
Global Freight Forwarding Solutions
Established in 1991, Mercator Cargo Systems has built a reputation as a trusted UK-based freight forwarding specialist. Our family-run business combines decades of industry expertise with a global network spanning over 350 offices across 95 countries, enabling us to deliver tailored shipping solutions for complex cargo requirements. We prioritise direct collaboration with clients, leveraging our Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status and advanced customs clearance systems to ensure compliance and efficiency. Our team's collective experience exceeding 100 years, coupled with strategic partnerships like MarcoPoloLine, allows us to handle over 20,000 UK exports and 40,000 imports annually.We maintain rigorous quality control through continuous staff training and investment in cutting-edge logistics technology. Our commitment to transparency is demonstrated through clear pricing structures and comprehensive documentation support. By maintaining a lean operational structure, we eliminate corporate bureaucracy while preserving the reliability of a well-established industry leader. Our clients benefit from direct access to senior personnel, including founders who continue to oversee quality assurance. This combination of heritage expertise and agile service delivery has sustained long-term client relationships, with our first customer still active after three decades.
Services
Sea Freight
Road Haulage
Air Freight
Project Cargo
Customs Clearance
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Global network covering 95 countries through 350+ partner offices
- AEO-certified customs clearance specialists with HMRC-approved systems
- 30+ years' experience handling 65,000+ UK imports/exports
- Family-run business with direct access to senior management
- Specialist expertise in complex cargo and regulatory compliance
Associations and certifications
- BIFA
- Authorised Economic Operator
- MarcoPoloLine
- Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
What people say
Friendly and efficient
Great value
First rate service
Faultless delivery
Highly recommended
Services
Sea Freight
Mercator Cargo Systems offers comprehensive sea freight services for UK imports and exports. Our expertise covers full container load (FCL) and less than container load (LCL) shipments. We manage documentation, customs clearance, and onward transportation through our global network. With direct port links and AEO certification, we ensure efficient cargo handling and regulatory compliance.
Air Freight
Our air freight solutions provide rapid global transportation for time-sensitive shipments. We coordinate door-to-door delivery with major airlines and destination partners. Services include temperature-controlled transport, hazardous goods handling, and real-time tracking systems. Our team optimises routing to balance speed and cost-effectiveness for urgent consignments.
Road Haulage
Mercator Cargo Systems arranges national and international road freight services across Europe and beyond. We handle full truckload and part-load shipments with temperature-controlled and specialist vehicle options. Our network ensures reliable cross-border transit with customs documentation support and real-time shipment monitoring throughout the journey.
Project Cargo
We manage complex project cargo shipments requiring specialist handling. Our services include route planning, multi-modal transport coordination, and customs compliance for oversized or high-value consignments. With global contacts and technical expertise, we handle engineering equipment, industrial machinery, and other challenging cargo types.
Customs Clearance
As AEO-certified specialists, we handle UK import and export customs procedures. Services include HMRC submissions, duty/VAT calculations, and documentation preparation. Our direct port links enable rapid clearance for sea, air, and road freight. We provide EORI registration support and maintain compliance with changing trade regulations.
People
George Goehlert
Business Development & Director
Joined Mercator Cargo Systems in 2010 after global travel experience. Oversees business development and international operations with MarcoPoloLine partners. Specialises in client relationship management and strategic growth initiatives.
Mark Randall
General Manager
With 17 years' service, manages UK import operations and client accounts. Expert in dry goods, furniture, and carpet shipments. Leads import department since 2018, ensuring efficient customs clearance processes.
Sophie Milnes
Finance Director
Responsible for financial management and compliance since 2012. Oversees customs charge processing and HMRC payments. Also manages marketing and HR functions for the organisation.
Paul Goehlert
Founder & Consultant
Established Mercator Cargo Systems in 1991 with shipping industry experience dating to the 1970s. Provides strategic guidance and quality assurance. Maintains oversight of operational standards and complex shipment solutions.
Julie Goehlert
Finance Consultant
Co-founder with extensive financial systems expertise. Provides advisory support to finance department. Instrumental in establishing customs compliance procedures and quality control frameworks.
Questions
What countries do you ship to?
We operate in over 95 countries through our MarcoPoloLine network, covering major trade routes across all continents.
Do you handle customs documentation?
Yes, as AEO-certified specialists we manage complete customs clearance for imports and exports across all transport modes.
Can you handle complex cargo shipments?
Our project cargo team specialises in oversized, high-value, and technically challenging consignments worldwide.
How quickly can you process customs clearance?
With direct port links and AEO status, most clearances complete within hours when documentation is complete.
What documentation is required for shipping?
We need transport documents, commercial invoices with commodity codes, routing details, and EORI numbers for UK shipments.
Do you offer cargo insurance?
Yes, we can arrange insurance coverage calculated based on goods value and freight costs.
