The company started trading in 1997, bringing together a unique blend of experience from diverse fields of freight forwarding and general shipping, worldwide.


The founders, Linda Payne and Alan Biggs had worked together for a number years and had developed skills and experience in import and export freight forwarding, Customs clearance, exhibition forwarding and the rapidly developing world of motor vehicle imports, especially from Japan.

Linda had been in at the outset of the trade in ‘grey imports’ of motor vehicles handling a diverse range of vehicles not generally available in the UK car market. Over the past 20 years it has developed into a major trade in which Penguin Shipping still leads. The importation of American cars had been an important element in Alan’s early career having handled the Customs clearance of used American cars and with a previous company became the Customs clearance agent in the UK for American Motors which owned the Jeep Corporation.

Alan had become involved in Exhibition Freight Forwarding prior to forming Penguin Shipping. Over a period of time the work developed principally for the marine equipment manufacturers and suppliers which were clustered around Southampton in the nearby yachting hubs of Hamble and Lymington. This business has continued from 1997 and is today an important part of the Penguin Shipping portfolio providing dedicated services for the exhibitors to many marine equipment exhibitions and boat shows around Europe and further afield, throughout the world.

Linda sadly passed away in June 2017, just prior to the 20 year anniversary but her legacy will continue through the Penguin Shipping team that has expanded over the years with each person bringing their own knowledge and skills from their previous roles. The expertise in import & export Customs formalities has become a major attraction for importers and exporters who rely on the skills of the personnel.

Many freight forwarders and Customs clearance agents also use the services of Penguin Shipping.