Can we send luggage through courier

Use a tracked, insured parcel operator for door-to-door transfer of your bags: for domestic routes choose ground service (typical transit 1–5 business days), for international routes pick express air (typical transit 3–10 business days). Compare prices and transit times online before booking and book at least 48–72 hours ahead for guaranteed pickup windows on busy dates.

Expect carrier limits and pricing rules: most providers set per-item weight limits between 23 kg and 70 kg depending on service; oversized surcharges apply for pieces over ~32 kg or dimensions exceeding 150 cm on longest side. Pricing combines actual and volumetric weight – calculate volumetric weight as (length × width × height) / 5000 when using centimetres to estimate air freight chargeable kilos.

Documentation and value declarations matter for cross-border moves: supply a commercial invoice or pro forma with itemized contents, harmonized codes, and declared value. Customs, duties and brokerage fees can add 5–30% to the landed cost depending on destination and item category; confirm whether the receiver or shipper pays import fees before dispatch.

Packing, prohibited items and liability: use a rigid case or double-box fragile items with 5 cm foam padding, secure seams with heavy tape, and affix a waterproof label with phone and email. Remove or properly prepare lithium batteries, flammable liquids, and controlled substances – many carriers prohibit them or require special handling. Standard carrier liability is often low (e.g., ~$100); buy declared-value coverage if item worth exceeds carrier default. Typical insurance cost runs about $1–$3 per $100 of declared value.

Simple step-by-step: weigh and measure accurately, compare door-to-door vs drop-off quotes, book online and schedule pickup or drop-off, declare value and complete customs paperwork for international moves, photograph items pre-dispatch, and follow tracking until delivery. For high-value pieces consider a specialist freight forwarder with white-glove options and signed delivery confirmation.

Which items delivery providers accept and which are prohibited in baggage consignments

Always declare hazardous goods, remove spare lithium batteries from packed suitcases and place them in hand baggage or follow specific carrier hazardous-goods instructions before shipping.

Accepted with restrictions

Items typically accepted if packed and declared correctly:

Prohibited or highly restricted

Items refused for parcel transport or requiring dangerous-goods paperwork:

Packing rules: use rigid outer containers, absorbent material for liquids, secure sharp points, tape battery terminals, label hazardous contents with UN numbers when required and attach a contact phone and value declaration. For passenger-restricted items such as spare lithium cells, follow IATA packing instructions PI 965–970 when using air freight; ground-only options may permit wider limits but require carrier approval.

Verify carrier policy and customs rules for origin and destination; purchase adequate insurance for valuables and keep originals of prescriptions and ownership documents. For recommended hard cases and hand baggage options consult best luggage carry in the world.

How to measure, weigh and choose a shipping service for oversized or heavy suitcases

Weigh the packed suitcase on a floor scale and measure external dimensions (including wheels and fixed handles) before requesting quotes.

• Precise measuring method
  1. Measure length (longest side), width and height in centimetres; include wheels, side handles and any protrusions.
  2. Round each measurement up to the nearest whole centimetre.
  3. For providers that use length + girth rules, calculate: girth = 2 × (width + height); linear size = length + girth.
  4. Document dimensions with a photo showing the tape measure next to the case.
• Accurate weighing
  1. Weigh the packed piece, not the empty shell. Use a floor scale for heavy items (capacity 150 kg / 330 lb) or a hanging scale for pieces up to ~50 kg (110 lb).
  2. Weigh twice and record the heavier reading; round up to the next 0.1 kg for quoting purposes.
  3. If multiple pieces travel together, weigh and measure each separately and note combined pallet weight if palletising.
• Volumetric weight – how carriers bill
  1. Common formula (express parcel): volumetric weight (kg) = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000.
  2. Air-freight or some freight carriers use divisor 6000; always confirm the divisor with the chosen provider.
  3. Billing weight = the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. Example: 120×50×40 cm → 120×50×40 ÷ 5000 = 48 kg; if actual weight = 35 kg, billed as 48 kg.
• Common carrier size/weight thresholds (use these to shortlist providers)
  • Airline checked-piece limits usually stop at 32 kg (70 lb) per item for passenger baggage.
  • Express parcel companies often cap single-piece weight near 70 kg and maximum linear dimension around 270–300 cm; specialised freight handles larger/heavier items.
  • For door delivery of very heavy pieces expect additional services: liftgate, two-person delivery, residential surcharge, long-carry fees.
• Packing and handling recommendations
  1. Use a hard case or double-box for rigid protection; wrap wheels and handles with corrugated corners and heavy-duty tape.
  2. Fill voids with polyethylene foam or inflatable cushions; secure contents to prevent shifting.
  3. Shrink-wrap the outside, add external corner protectors and strap with at least one steel or polyester band for pieces over 30 kg.
  4. For >70 kg or irregular shapes palletise on a standard 120×80 cm pallet, bolt or strap the case to the pallet, and add fork pockets or skids for forklift handling.
  5. For extremely heavy or fragile items consider a wooden crate with internal blocking and shock indicators.
• How to pick a carrier
  1. Match the piece’s weight and largest dimension to the carrier’s published limits first; remove providers that enforce lower caps.
  2. Request explicit freight class or product code for oversized handling and a written list of surcharges (oversize, overweight, liftgate, residential, long carry, reconsignment).
  3. Compare billing method: per-kg vs per-piece vs pallet rate; run price examples using your measured dimensions converted to volumetric weight.
  4. Check transit time options and whether the provider offers scheduled pickup or only terminal drop-off.
  5. Verify included liability and declared value limits; if declared-value cover is low, arrange additional insurance with a third-party underwriter.
  6. Ask about equipment at origin/destination (tail lift, two-person team, forklift) and mention if stair access or narrow doors apply.
  7. Prefer carriers with photographed proof of condition on pickup/delivery and track & trace with weight/dimension recording.
• Questions to ask before booking
  1. What volumetric divisor will be applied (5000 or 6000)?
  2. What is the maximum allowable weight and longest single dimension?
  3. List of applicable surcharges and unit amounts.
  4. What documentation is required for cross-border movement (commercial invoice, customs codes, ID)?
  5. Do you offer liftgate, two-person delivery, pallet freight, or crating services and at what cost?
• Quick decision flow
  1. If packed weight ≤32 kg and dimensions <150 cm per side: use express parcel product for fastest transit.
  2. If packed weight between 32–70 kg or any dimension 150–270 cm: compare express oversized tariffs and specialist oversized parcel products.
  3. If packed weight >70 kg, any side >270–300 cm, or irregular cargo: use freight forwarder, pallet freight or LTL/FTL service and prepare pallet/crate.

Final checklist: measure and photograph, weigh packed item, calculate volumetric weight, get written surcharge list, arrange appropriate packing (pallet/crate if heavy), declare true value and purchase additional insurance if necessary.

Packing techniques to protect clothes, shoes and fragile souvenirs

Use layered protection: soft items as primary cushion, 3–5 cm shock-absorbing padding around breakables, and rigid outer protection (hard case or double-box) to prevent compression and impacts.

Clothes – crease control and odor protection

Fold structured garments on a flat surface with acid-free tissue between folds; for shirts and knits, roll tightly to save space and reduce creasing. Reserve vacuum-compression sacks for casual cottons only; avoid them for silk, leather, sequined or padded outerwear. Place heavier garments (jeans, sweaters) at the bottom; place delicate items on top inside a packing cube. Insert 1 silica-gel sachet (5–10 g) per 3–5 kg of textiles to limit moisture; replace sachets every 6–8 days in high-humidity transit. Use a thin sheet of corrugated cardboard (A4-size or larger) between stacked suits to preserve shoulder shape.

Shoes and fragile souvenirs – placement, padding and sealing

Stuff shoes with socks or folded tissue to keep shape; wrap each pair in a 3–5 mm foam sheet or two layers of kraft tissue and place them in shoe boxes or dedicated compartments. Position shoes along the sides of the main container so they act as buffers for central items. For ceramics, glass and painted wood: wrap each piece in two layers of bubble wrap (inner tight wrap, outer loose cushion), then place into an inner box with at least 5 cm of foam or crumpled kraft paper on all sides. For multiples, use corrugated dividers to prevent contact. Recommended padding materials: EPE foam 10–15 mm (density ~25–50 kg/m³) for fragile edges, and 3–5 cm loose-fill peanuts or crumpled kraft for void fill.

Liquids: cap seal with tape, place upright in a sealed plastic bag, add an absorbent pad, then surround with cushioning. Fasten inner box lids with tape, then double-box: leave 3–5 cm clearance between inner and outer boxes and fill the gap with foam or paper. Close outer box with 48 mm polypropylene tape in an H-pattern; add polyester strapping for parcels over 15 kg. Affix a clear label listing fragile contents and orientation arrows; photograph item placement before sealing for insurance or claims.

For travel accessories prone to color and material degradation, choose durable finishes and pack separate from porous textiles – example recommendation: best slow fading red umbrellas.

Customs forms, duties and required documents for shipping baggage abroad

Prepare an itemized inventory in English with HS codes, a commercial or pro‑forma invoice, passport copy and proof of ownership before handing baggage to an international carrier.

Mandatory paperwork typically required by customs and carriers: commercial or pro‑forma invoice (currency, itemized values, HS codes), detailed packing list (weights and dimensions per piece), airway bill/consignment note, passport ID page, importer of record (IOR) or recipient tax ID/EORI where applicable, proof of residence or transfer of residence documentation for used household effects, and power of attorney if a broker will clear goods.

Postal operators use CN22 for low‑value small packets and CN23 for higher‑value parcels; express operators (air/road freight) require an airway bill and commercial invoice. Businesses importing regularly must supply an EORI (EU/UK) or equivalent identifier and may use IOSS for distance sales to the EU on consignments ≤€150.

Duty and tax calculation: customs value = cost + insurance + freight (CIF). Duty = tariff rate (based on HS code) × CIF. VAT/GST is commonly applied to (CIF + duty). Example: declared value $500 + freight $50 = CIF $550; duty 4% → $22; VAT 20% on (550+22) → $114.40; total import charges ≈ $136.40. Use the destination country tariff lookup for precise HS‑level duty rates and classify items before booking transport.

Temporary exports or returns of professional equipment: use an ATA Carnet where accepted to avoid import duties; carnet must list items with serial numbers and values. For used personal effects qualifying for transfer‑of‑residence relief, have ownership proofs (old receipts, photographs, utility bills) and evidence of residency change.

Restricted or specially regulated goods require additional documents: pets need veterinary certificates, microchip and rabies proof; plant material requires phytosanitary certificates; food, medicines and certain cultural goods may need import permits or licences; lithium batteries require UN38.3 test reports and the carrier’s dangerous goods declaration (IATA/IMDG packing instructions). If items contain compressed‑air or pneumatic components, review manufacturer guidance such as preventing water from entering your air compressor lines before packing.

Practical clearance steps: 1) classify major items with HS codes and estimate duty/VAT; 2) prepare and sign invoices and packing lists in English; 3) attach passport copy and contact details of recipient/importer; 4) appoint a customs broker for consignments with high value or complex documents; 5) insure declared value against loss and customs fines; 6) retain originals and electronic copies of all paperwork for at least five years for audit or post‑entry queries.

Avoid undervaluation and misclassification: inaccurate declarations trigger delays, fines and potential seizure. If uncertain about tariff codes, permit needs or duty estimates, obtain a pre‑shipment classification ruling from the destination customs authority or consult a licensed customs broker.

FAQ:

Can I send my checked luggage by courier instead of taking it on the plane?

Yes. Many courier and parcel companies will accept suitcases and travel bags as consignments, so you can have your luggage picked up and delivered to your destination. Be aware that courier rules, lead time, and fees differ from airline baggage allowances: couriers often require extra packaging or wrapping, have weight and size limits, and charge based on weight or volume and distance, so compare options before deciding.

What documents and labels are required when sending luggage domestically or abroad?

For domestic shipments you normally need a valid ID for the sender, a completed shipping label with the recipient’s contact details and address, and a consignment note provided by the carrier. For international shipments you also need a customs declaration, a detailed packing list that shows contents and estimated value, and a commercial invoice if any items are new or commercial in nature. Some countries ask for permits for restricted goods (for example certain foods, plants, or animal products), and items with high value may require proof of ownership or purchase receipts. Always check the courier’s checklist and the destination country’s import rules before booking to avoid clearance delays.

How are customs, duties and taxes handled if I send luggage overseas by courier?

When luggage crosses a border it is treated as an import, so customs will inspect the documentation and may charge duties and taxes based on declared value, type of goods and the destination country’s rules. If the contents are used personal effects, mark them clearly as such and include a detailed list and approximate values; some countries grant reduced treatment for used personal items, but that is not universal. Couriers usually offer two options: the shipper or the recipient pays duties and taxes, and many provide customs brokerage as part of the service for an extra fee. Missing or incorrect paperwork, undeclared restricted items, or ambiguous descriptions can cause holds and additional charges, so prepare clear invoices and a complete inventory. For short-term stays it may be possible to use temporary admission procedures in certain countries, but those have strict conditions and often require advance permits or a carnet in specific cases.

How should I prepare and pack a suitcase so it survives courier handling, especially with fragile or valuable items inside?

Start by removing any prohibited or restricted items (liquids above limits, loose lithium batteries, aerosols, perishable food, and weapons) and check the carrier’s list for special rules. Pad fragile contents with bubble wrap, clothing or foam and place them in the center away from seams; if necessary put the suitcase inside a stronger cardboard box (“box-in-case”) and fill gaps with cushioning. Lock the case with a TSA-approved lock if shipping to or through the United States and label the bag with a durable external tag that shows both sender and receiver information. Photograph the packed contents and the external condition before pickup so you have proof in case of loss or damage. For high-value items consider declaring their value and buying additional insurance from the carrier or a third party; keep receipts and serial numbers to speed any claim processing.

How do couriers calculate the price for sending luggage and what can I do to lower the cost?

Pricing typically depends on three factors: chargeable weight (the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight), the distance or service zone, and the delivery speed or service level (express vs economy). Volumetric weight is calculated from package dimensions using the carrier’s divisor, which varies by mode and company, so a light but bulky suitcase can cost more than a heavier compact one. Additional fees can apply for pickup, fuel surcharges, customs clearance, oversized pieces, and liability coverage. To reduce costs compare ground versus air options, request economy or consolidated services, remove nonessential items to reduce weight, use the smallest suitable packing format, get quotes from several carriers or consolidators, and book in advance where possible. Buying basic insurance only for items with real value and consolidating multiple pieces into a single shipment when practical also helps keep the total charge down.