Can i ship my large luggage moving

Quick options and ballpark costs: domestic ground freight for a single bulky piece typically runs $60–$400 depending on distance and weight; commercial airfreight for one heavy item often starts at $200 and can exceed $1,200 for urgent service; consolidated ocean LCL is usually $150–$800 per cubic meter but requires 2–8 weeks transit. Airlines charge excess baggage fees of roughly $75–$300 per extra piece; most passenger carriers set a hard per-piece limit near 32 kg / 70 lb.

Packing and measurement rules: measure length × width × height and calculate dimensional weight with a common divisor of 5,000 (cm). If dim weight > actual weight, carriers bill by dim weight. For items over 32 kg / 70 lb or fragile goods, crate in plywood or a rigid case, pad with foam, secure loose parts, and label with contact info. Remove or properly isolate lithium cells: spare lithium batteries are not accepted in checked consignments by air; installed batteries must meet IATA watt-hour limits and be protected against short circuit.

Customs and documentation: for international relocations collect a copy of passport, detailed inventory with declared values, packing list, and a commercial invoice if items are new or for resale. Used household effects may be duty-exempt in many countries after owner residency proof (typically 6–12 months); timelines and allowances vary by destination–hire a customs broker to avoid delays. Expect customs clearance to add 1–5 days unless documentation is incomplete.

Transit choices, timing and insurance: choose between door-to-door (higher cost, minimal handling), terminal-to-terminal (cheaper, you handle pickups), or airport/port-to-door. Typical transit: domestic ground 1–7 days, air 2–10 days, sea 4–8 weeks. Buy transit insurance that covers replacement value; carrier liability is often limited (for example, low per‑kg caps), so declared-value coverage at ~0.5–2% of item value is common from insurers.

Action checklist before booking: 1) weigh and measure each item and photograph it; 2) list prohibited materials (aerosols, fuel, certain batteries); 3) get written door-to-door quotes from 3 providers including pickup/delivery windows and handling fees; 4) confirm packing requirements and liability limits in writing; 5) schedule pickup 10–30 days ahead for international moves and keep tracking and customs paperwork accessible.

Transporting Oversized Suitcases During Relocation

Recommendation: book LTL freight or a specialist courier with oversized-item handling when a single suitcase exceeds 32 kg (70 lb) or 158 cm (62 in) linear measurement; palletize multiple cases to reduce per-piece surcharges.

Packaging and preparation

Use a hard-shell case or double-boxing: place items in the suitcase, surround with foam or bubble wrap, close zipper with a fabric flap, then place the case in a corrugated outer box with 5 cm (2 in) foam all around. Secure with steel or polyester strapping and apply at least two corner protectors. For pallet shipments, fasten to a two-way entry wooden pallet and shrink-wrap 3–4 layers; add a top sheet and edge protectors.

Declare and remove spare lithium batteries: loose lithium-ion cells and spare power banks must travel in carry-on in most regimes; include installed batteries in devices but tape terminals and isolate switches. Remove aerosols, flammable liquids, and pressurized containers; firearms require permits and specific crate construction.

Label each piece with full consignee and consignor details, phone numbers, final address, weight (kg and lb) and precise dimensions (L×W×H in cm and in). Attach a detailed packing list inside a waterproof pouch on the crate.

Costs, transit times and insurance

Typical thresholds and fees: domestic ground LTL for a single oversized case often starts at USD 75–250 depending on distance; courier oversized surcharge may add USD 50–300; air freight pricing is based on dimensional weight and frequently exceeds ground cost for long distances. Transit estimates: domestic LTL 2–7 business days; expedited air freight 1–3 days; ocean FCL/LCL 2–8 weeks for international routes.

Purchase declared-value coverage that equals replacement value; carrier liability is commonly limited (often USD 100 per item) unless higher value is declared and paid for. Third-party transit insurance often offers broader coverage for household goods and antiques–request a written quote and list serial numbers.

For international moves include: passport copy, itemized inventory with values, commercial invoice when required, and customs power of attorney if using a broker. Use HS codes for items of higher value or restricted status. Hire a customs broker for shipments crossing borders to reduce clearance delays and unexpected duties.

Which carriers treat an item as oversized or freight and their size/weight limits

Parcel carriers (typical consumer thresholds)

Use parcel services (UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL) only when a suitcase fits standard parcel limits: UPS and FedEx accept packages up to 150 lb (68 kg) per piece and up to 108 in (274 cm) length; both apply extra-handling fees for pieces over 70 lb (32 kg) or with any dimension over 48 in (122 cm). FedEx/UPS consider a package oversized if length plus girth (length + 2×(width+height)) exceeds 165 in (419 cm) and will require freight service beyond that. USPS limits consumer parcels to 70 lb (32 kg) and a combined length plus girth no greater than 108 in (274 cm) for most domestic services. DHL Express generally limits a single piece to 70 kg (154 lb) and maximum length around 3 m (118 in) depending on origin/destination rules.

LTL / freight carriers (when parcel rules are exceeded)

Choose LTL freight carriers (Estes, Old Dominion/ODFL, YRC Freight, ABF Freight, XPO, R+L Carriers) for items heavier than parcel caps or with oversized dimensions. Common practical thresholds that push a shipment to freight: weight over 150 lb (68 kg), any single dimension exceeding ~108 in (274 cm), or length+girth above ~165 in (419 cm). LTL carriers accept palletized pieces and offer per-piece maximums that vary by carrier and service: many allow single-piece weights from a few thousand pounds up to 10,000 lb for special handling; maximum lengths frequently run from 12 ft to 24 ft depending on equipment and route. Obtain a formal quote and request piece-limit specs from the chosen carrier before transport.

Actionable steps: measure L×W×H and compute length+girth, weigh the item on a calibrated scale, compare against the thresholds above, and select parcel or LTL accordingly. Palletize fragile or heavy items for freight and request lift-gate or inside delivery if required by size/weight. Always verify carrier-specific policies and surcharges (oversize, extra handling, residential, lift-gate) before booking.

Measure and weigh oversized baggage precisely before booking transport

Immediate recommendation

Measure and weigh the item fully packed; record external Length × Width × Height and gross mass, calculate volumetric mass, then use the greater of the two figures when requesting rates.

Tools and preparatory checks

Required: rigid tape (metric and imperial markings), digital hanging scale (rated to 100 kg/220 lb) or floor/pallet scale for heavier goods, packing materials, straps, marker, smartphone for photos. Place protective packing, skid or pallet exactly as it will travel and include those materials in measurements. For cleaning dirty surfaces prior to measuring, see how to make coconut coir scrubber.

Document condition with dated photos showing the tape measure against each dimension and a picture of the scale display next to the item.

Allow a 2–3 cm allowance per side for packing irregularities (add to each dimension) rather than trying to squeeze dimensions tight; carriers bill on packed size.

Step-by-step measurement and weighing procedure

1) Place the packed unit on a flat surface. Measure the longest point for Length, the widest point for Width and the highest point for Height. Include handles, wheels, protrusions and pallet overhang in each measurement. Record in centimetres and inches.

2) Round each linear measurement up to the next whole centimetre (or 1/2″ if using imperial). Record gross mass on a scale with the item fully packed and secured; round up to the next whole kilogram (or pound) for quoting purposes.

3) Calculate volumetric mass with common industry divisors:

Air/express example divisor: Volumetric kg = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5,000.

Road/freight example divisor: Volumetric kg = (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 6,000.

Example: 120 × 60 × 40 cm → (120×60×40)÷5,000 = 57.6 kg volumetric. If the scale shows 30 kg gross, billable mass = 57.6 kg (use the higher value).

4) For irregular or elongated items: place the item in a marked shipping crate or secure to a pallet and measure the crate/pallet outer dimensions; treat the crate as the unit for both volumetric and gross mass calculations.

5) For items above 70–100 kg or awkward items that cannot be handled manually, use a certified pallet scale or arrange a weighment at a freight terminal. When palletizing, include pallet tare weight and any blocking/strapping in the gross mass.

6) Keep a measuring checklist: L, W, H (cm & in), gross mass (kg & lb), volumetric mass (kg), photos, packing description and date. Present these figures to carriers when requesting quotes to avoid surprises and reweigh/remeasure charges.

What packaging, crating, and protection methods prevent damage in transit?

Use a rigid wooden crate for fragile or bulky suitcases and gear: 3/4″ (18 mm) exterior-grade plywood over a 2×4 internal frame, mounted on a 4-way pallet base, fastened with 3″ (75 mm) coated screws at 150 mm (6″) spacing and secured to the pallet with 5/16″ (8 mm) carriage bolts plus washers and nyloc nuts.

Recommended materials and minimum specs

• Wooden crate: 18 mm exterior plywood panels; internal 2×4 frame members; pressure-treated skid runners for export cases.
• Corrugated alternatives: double-wall (equivalent to 44 ECT) for medium-weight parcels; triple-wall for repeated forklift handling or very heavy gear.
• Interior foam: cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) or high-density polyurethane, 25–50 mm (1–2″) thickness for shock absorption; higher-density pads (≥80 kg/m³) for concentrated loads.
• Surface protection: 2–3 layers of small-bubble wrap (3/16″, 5 mm) for delicate finishes; large-bubble (1/2″, 12 mm) for shock-prone zones.
• Void-fill: polyethylene foam blocks, corrugated inserts, kraft paper or inflatable air cushions sized to eliminate all movement.
• Strapping and securement: polyester (PET) strap 13–19 mm (1/2″–3/4″) with buckles or seals; target break strength 900–2,000 lb (4–9 kN) depending on load.
• Fasteners: 3″ exterior screws for plywood-to-frame; ring-shank nails or structural screws for skid attachment.
• Moisture control: VCI film for metal components; silica gel packets (10–50 g) sized by internal volume.

Crating and packing procedure (step-by-step)

1. Inspect item and document condition with timestamped photos and video before packing.
2. Apply surface protection: wrap polished or soft surfaces with 2 layers of cling-free plastic, then 2 layers of small-bubble wrap; secure with polyester tape that won’t leave residue.
3. Build a cradle inside the crate: cut foam blocks to match item contours and lock the object so it cannot move in any axis; leave 25–50 mm foam gap on all sides as shock buffer.
4. Block and brace: fit wooden cleats or foam blocks against the object and anchor them to the crate floor using screws/bolts. Use a minimum of four braces for tall items to prevent tipping.
5. Fill remaining voids with polyethylene foam or kraft-wrapped paper to prevent compression and shifting; avoid over-tight packing that loads the object directly.
6. Install vibration damping layers under and above the item for sensitive electronics: 10–25 mm of XLPE plus an air gap where possible.
7. Close and secure crate: use screws, not nails, for repeatable integrity; apply edge guards and corner protectors externally; wrap entire crate with 6–8 mil stretch film for weather resistance.
8. Label and mark: display weight, center-of-gravity arrow, lifting points, and handling symbols (fragile, do not stack) on all four sides; include a packing list inside a weatherproof envelope.

• For palletized crates: allow 50 mm clearance between pallet top and crate base for forklift tines; use four-way pallet and secure vertical loads with corner posts and strap through pallet slots.
• For delicate finishes: add 3–5 mm foam-faced cardboard between wrap and final plywood to prevent indentations from strapping.
• Testing: pre-shipment shake test on a bench (manual jostle) to confirm no movement; re-tighten braces if any shift is detected.
• Documentation: keep a schematic of internal packing positions and materials used; photograph internal layout for claims support if damage occurs.

How to compare costs: freight forwarder, white‑glove movers, and parcel carriers for bulky items

Recommendation: Use parcel carriers for single pieces below ~70 lb and modest dimensions; choose LTL freight for items over 150 lb or palletized shipments; reserve white‑glove when inside placement, assembly, or extra handling is required despite higher fees.

Parcel carriers (USPS / UPS / FedEx): common hard limits – USPS max weight 70 lb and length+girth ≤ ~108 in; UPS/FedEx typical max weight 150 lb and length+girth ≤ ~165 in. Typical ground pricing ranges: short regional parcels $30–$150, long‑haul/domestic $100–$400 for overweight/oversize packages. Extra surcharges (oversize, overweight, residential, signature) add about $30–$200 per package. Use parcel when the piece fits carrier limits and you accept limited white‑glove style handling.

LTL freight / freight forwarders: pricing driven by weight, density (class), dimensions, lanes, and accessorials. Expect a single pallet (300–500 lb) to cost roughly $200–$900 regionally and $400–$1,600 cross‑country. Add common accessorials: liftgate $75–$150, residential delivery $50–$150, inside delivery $100–$300. Declared value/insurance typically charged as a percentage or flat fee. LTL becomes cost‑efficient when consolidated weight exceeds ~150–200 lb or when palletizing increases density.

White‑glove providers: pricing models: hourly crews or per‑piece quotes. Hourly rates commonly $150–$400 per hour depending on crew size and location; per‑piece delivery/setup for an oversized, fragile article often runs $500–$2,500 including pickup, protection, inside placement, and basic assembly. Add crating (if required) $200–$1,200 and premium valuation coverage for high‑value items. Choose white‑glove when handling complexity or service level outweighs cost.

Practical decision thresholds: if a piece is under 70 lb and fits standard dims, prioritize parcel carriers for lowest door‑to‑door rate; if between 70–150 lb check parcel overweight fees versus LTL quotes – obtain both; if over 150 lb, irregular shape, or requires palletization, collect multiple LTL bids and include accessorials; if you require inside delivery, placement, unpacking, or installation, obtain white‑glove estimates and compare total landed cost (service + crating + valuation).

Cost example comparisons (approximate): a 75 lb item 48×20×20 – parcel: $80–$300; LTL: $150–$600 (after palletization may rise); white‑glove: $400–$1,200 with inside delivery. A 350 lb, 80×40×40 awkward crate – parcel: not allowed; LTL: $400–$1,600; white‑glove: $900–$3,000 with stair carry and setup. Request itemized quotes and insist on written accessorial and valuation line items.

How to get accurate quotes: provide exact weight, exterior dimensions, pickup/delivery ZIPs, and service needs (liftgate, residential, inside). Ask freight brokers for both LTL and truckload options, request parcel carrier rate estimates including oversize/overweight surcharges, and get white‑glove firms to list hourly or per‑piece charges plus crating and insurance. Compare final landed cost, not just base freight.

To reduce pieces you must transport, consider high‑utility carry items such as a best travel convertible tote backpack to move essential gear personally rather than adding freight or white‑glove line items.