Customs Clearance Explained
Customs Clearance Explained: What Every Importer And Exporter Should Know Customs clearance is the process of getting goods approved by customs authorities so they can legally enter or leave a…
Universal Shipping & Logistics Inc. (USL) is a freight forwarding company Chicago businesses use to move cargo across ocean, air and ground. Our carrier network reaches 60+ countries, we hold a 96.6% on time performance record, and every shipment is handled by our own operations team from booking through final delivery, with no minimum shipment volume required.
Get a Free Freight Quote
WHO WE ARE
A Freight Forwarding Company Chicago Businesses Actually Talk To
Universal Shipping & Logistics Inc. (USL) is a Chicago, Illinois-based freight forwarder that has coordinated freight for businesses of every size since 2021, with no minimum shipment volume required to get started. USL is a non-asset-based freight forwarder. It does not own ships, aircraft, trucks, or containers, so our operations team compares options across our vendor network and builds each shipment around price, service, and transit time rather than one fixed carrier or route.
From booking and documentation to customs clearance, transportation and final delivery, USL’s own operations team manages the full freight process for you. Whether your business ships one pallet a month or moves freight across multiple countries, that same team stays with your account as it grows.
96.6
%
On-time performance over the past 5 years
60
+
Countries Delivered Worldwide
1140
+
Deliveries booked through USL
OUR SERVICES
Freight Services Sized to Your Business,
Not the Other Way Around
USL coordinates freight across every major mode, matched to whatever your shipment actually needs, whether that is a single pallet
or a multi-country supply chain. No service tier is gated behind a minimum volume.
Our Network
A Global Network Managed By
USL’s Own Operations Team
USL works with established carriers, ports and logistics partners across major trade lanes, so your freight has coverage wherever your business takes it. A larger network gives
USL’s operations team more options to build a plan around your specific shipment.
WHY USL?
Why Businesses Choose USL for Freight Forwarding
These are the differences that show up once your shipment is actually moving, not just in a sales pitch.
Transparent
Pricing
No hidden fees or surprise charges. You get a clear quote upfront so you can plan your shipping costs with confidence.
Real Time
Tracking
Follow your cargo from pickup to final delivery with live updates so you always know where your shipment stands.
Secure Cargo
Handling
Every shipment is handled with strict safety protocols to protect your cargo from origin to destination.
Flexible
Payment Options
Choose a payment method that works for your business without adding friction to the booking process.
24/7 Customer
Support
Our team is available around the clock so you can get answers and updates whenever you need them.
Fast and
Efficient Delivery
A wide carrier network and strong on time performance mean your cargo moves without unnecessary delays.
Industries
Freight Experience Across
Every Sector
USL coordinates freight for a wide range of industries, each with its own timing, handling and documentation needs. The same in-house
operations team manages every account, whatever the industry.
Medical
Time critical and temperature sensitive medical shipments handled with the compliance and care your supply chain requires.
Construction
Heavy and oversized freight for construction materials and equipment moved on schedule to keep your project on track.
Manufacturing
Raw materials and finished goods shipped reliably to keep your production line and delivery schedule running smoothly.
Automotive
Parts vehicles and components shipped domestically and internationally with the precision automotive supply chains demand.
Electronics
Secure handling for high value and sensitive electronics with careful packaging and tracking from origin to delivery.
Consumer Goods
Flexible shipping solutions for retail and consumer product businesses moving inventory across borders and distribution channels.
Chemicals
Compliant transportation for chemical shipments with full attention to documentation regulation and safe handling.
Textiles
Cost effective freight solutions for textile and apparel businesses managing high volume shipments on tight timelines.
Oil & Gas
Specialized logistics support for oil and gas shipments including equipment and materials moved to remote or complex locations.
Client Stories
What Businesses Say
About Shipping With USL
“Made international shipping simple”
Customs used to be the most stressful part of our supply chain. USL handles our documentation and clearance without a single missed deadline. It has taken a real weight off our team.
Sarah Mitchell
“Dependable from start to finish”
We switched to USL after ongoing delays with our previous provider and the difference was immediate. Our shipments now arrive on schedule and their team communicates every step of the way.
Michael Carter
“Great rates and even better service”
USL found us a shipping solution that fit our budget without cutting corners on reliability. Their support team answers quickly and always follows through.
Lisa Tanaka
Ready for a Freight Forwarder Who Answers When You Call
Share your shipment’s origin, destination and timeline, and USL’s operations team will put together a freight plan and a clear quote, whether you are shipping one pallet or coordinating freight across multiple countries.
FAQS
Freight Forwarding Questions
We Get Asked Often
What Does A Freight Forwarder Actually Do?
A freight forwarder arranges the movement of your cargo from origin to destination. USL handles booking, carrier selection, documentation, customs clearance and coordination across ocean, air and ground so you do not have to manage each piece yourself.
Where Is Universal Shipping & Logistics Inc. Located?
Universal Shipping & Logistics Inc. (USL) is based in Chicago, Illinois. From here, our team coordinates freight movement for businesses shipping domestically and internationally.
What Freight Forwarding Services Does USL Provide?
USL provides ocean freight, air freight, land transport, customs clearance, project cargo logistics, warehousing and distribution, multimodal transportation and specialized logistics. We coordinate each service through our vendor network to match your shipment’s needs.
Does USL Handle Both Ocean And Air Freight?
Yes. USL coordinates ocean freight for cargo moving by sea and air freight for time-sensitive shipments that need to move faster. Our team helps determine which option, or combination of both, fits your shipment.
Can USL Help With Customs Coordination?
Yes. Customs Clearance is one of USL’s core services, covering the coordination and documentation your shipment needs to clear customs at origin and destination.
Who Can Use USL's Freight Forwarding Services?
USL works with businesses of any size, from companies shipping a single pallet occasionally to those managing freight across multiple countries. Our support scales to match how your business ships.
How Can A Business Request A Freight Quote?
A business can request a freight quote directly through our website or by sharing shipment details such as cargo type, origin, and destination directly to the provided email. Our team reviews the information and responds with a tailored quote.
Blogs
Freight Guides & Industry Updates
FCL vs LCL Shipping
FCL vs LCL Shipping
FCL vs LCL Shipping: How To Choose The Right Ocean Freight Option When shipping cargo by sea, businesses generally choose between two options: FCL, or full container load, and LCL,…
What Is Freight Forwarding?
What Is Freight Forwarding?
What Is Freight Forwarding? A Simple Guide for Businesses New to Shipping Freight forwarding is the process of arranging the movement of goods from one location to another on behalf…