Gaining popularity all over the world, shipping suitcases prior to your departure is a great way to streamline your traveling experience. This method is getting more common by the day and it allows passengers to go through the airport smoothly without having to worry about their luggage.
Suppose you are just as wary of airport baggage as us then this article will offer a perfect alternative. However, you need to remember that despite its convenience and cost-effectiveness, shipping a suitcase requires careful consideration. Let’s discuss how you can perform this task properly and gain the most benefit out of it!
What are The Advantages of Shipping a Suitcase
There are numerous benefits of shipping your luggage before departure, ranging from personal convenience to affordability.
Peace of mind
Most people employ this method for personal convenience. Rather than carrying your bag through the airport, standing in long lines, getting everything tagged, and going through the (already) stressful boarding process with the constant stress about your luggage, it’s much more suitable to ship them beforehand. With transfer services, your suitcases will be delivered to the final destination and you’ll avoid all the trouble. Most services even allow you to track your luggage throughout and contact customer support if you have any queries. For instance, fedex customers are especially happy with their dedicated customer service team.
Fewer restrictions
Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, you could be carrying a large number of bags. Unlike airlines, international luggage shipping companies rarely impose limitations and you can pack as much stuff and personal belongings as you want.
Less risk
Another main benefit is the reduced risk of losing your luggage or having it damaged. Transfer companies take full responsibility for your baggage and ensure that everything is safe and protected. As for the risk of losing suitcases, it’s really low and you can easily track your luggage.
Cost-effective
Shipping suitcases is a much more affordable and cost-effective method. Most airlines charge atrocious amounts for more than one piece of luggage and some even charge you for carry-ons. You can avoid all of that by accessing the much better alternative option. Here’s a rough overview of current rates.
| Destination | First bag | Second bag | Third bag |
| Europe, Oceania, Middle East, South America | $70 | $100 | $150-200 |
| North America | $30-40 | $40-45 | $150-200 |
In addition to this, there are separate fees levied on oversized items and overweight luggage. These estimates are drawn from some of the major airlines in the United States.
How to Prepare Your Suitcase For Shipping
Now that you have familiarised yourself with some of the benefits of utilizing this method, let’s discuss the proper way of doing it! Remember that it’s important to ship your suitcase properly and follow the steps listed below.
Choose the right suitcase.
The first and most important step in preparing your luggage is choosing the right medium i.e. suitcase. While the final decision should depend on the mode of transportation (sea, air, road), you should choose a sturdy piece of luggage regardless. Make sure that your suitcase is not only durable but suitable for shipping. Some things to look for are reinforced corners, good zippers, and hard-shell exteriors. These qualities will ensure that your suitcase is protected against any impact.
Inspect your luggage
Before you ship the suitcase off, inspect the luggage properly and look for any damage. If something needs to be fixed or changed, repair it before the shipping process.
Protective material
While packing your suitcase, use protective materials to ensure the highest level of protection. There are various packing techniques but you can use bubble wrap, padding, and packing paper to secure fragile items. Some people go to the extent of packing peanuts.
Maintain the balance
It is also important to distribute the weight accordingly. You can do so by packing the light items at the top with heavy ones on the surface level.
Labeling the luggage
You should use shipping labels and mark your luggage with proper attention. Clear identification and handling instructions should be provided. Make sure to write your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and destination address.
Securing your suitcase
You can employ more protective measures by using straps and locks on the suitcase. Certify that your suitcase is sealed by using packing tape, checking locks, and double-checking all the zippers.
What Are The Shipping Options
There are various shipping options available for different circumstances and preferences. Depending on your personal choice, you can find one that fits your needs. Usually, a person should consider factors such as budget, delivery time, worldwide shipping services offered (if any), and a particular country.
- Parcel carriers
One of the most common ways to employ a shipping carrier. Companies like USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL are great for shipping your suitcases to other destinations. Not only do they offer the lowest rates (compared to excess baggage fees of airlines), but they are also reliable. DHL even allows its users to track the luggage and trace its location at any given time. FedEx and USPS, on the other hand, are preceded by their prestigious reputation and white-glove service. You can compare the quick quotes of each service and see if it aligns with your budget. You can also compare the availability of complimentary insurance services and delivery time to make a well-informed decision.
- Specialized luggage shipment
Another option is using specialized luggage shipping services. There are various options like sending my bag and luggage free that offer a high level of convenience. Complete with doorstep pickup, luggage shipping companies are truly specialized in the field. You can always check reviews and testimonials to judge your reputation.
Generally speaking, luggage is supposedly valuable. Hence, you should pay ample attention to this step and choose the right shipping service. While traditional shipping companies are recognized globally, their rates have skyrocketed over the past few years. You need to choose a company that doesn’t overcharge, ships the suitcase in an acceptable time frame, and offers reliability overall. A simple search and comparison can help you make a decision.
How to Ship Luggage: step-by-step guide
- Labeling: once you have properly prepared and packed your suitcase, make sure to label it. A label must include all of your shipping information including name, address, and contact information. For additional safety standards, you should put one inside the suitcase in case the outside one gets damaged. Labeling is important because it guarantees that your luggage reaches its destination and is trackable throughout the journey.
- Documentation: the next step is to prepare the necessary documentation. This is especially an important step when international shipping is concerned. You may need to prepare additional documents regarding customs forms, insurance, and the company’s required papers.
- Weighing and measuring: it is necessary to weigh your suitcase to evaluate whether it fits within the predetermined requirements. Extra weight means extra charges. You can do so by using tapes and scale measures.
- Payment: the next step is to pay the owed fee to the transfer company. Generally, there are various payment methods such as credit cards and bank transfers.
- Consider all the factors: if you are shipping your suitcase to international destinations, make sure it complies with all the customs duties and other rules. Check the destination country’s regulations and remove any damaged goods or items that are prohibited there. Other than that, consider the time it will take for your luggage to arrive at an international destination.
- Provide special instructions: if there are any special instructions regarding drop-off, door-to-door luggage delivery services, or pick-up, make sure to notify the company beforehand. You can ask them about delivery options and choose the one that fits your needs.
- Avoid common mistakes: lastly, avoid common mistakes such as overpacking, not insuring valuable items, and not complying with customs regulations (with international shipments). These problems can incur additional fees or confiscation of items.
Conclusion
In light of all the relevant aspects, it is safe to say that shipping a piece of luggage is an easy and convenient task. Even though it requires special consideration and care, it’s a much better alternative to typical airline baggage claims. You can access this method to improve overall reliability.
We hope this comprehensive guide helped you understand how to ship a suitcase. If you have further questions, feel free to ask us and we’d be happy to help! This is undoubtedly one of the best ways.
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