Calculating shipping costs and choosing the cheapest shipping method can be confusing. Our guides to the cheapest way to ship anything make it easy to compare shipping costs and choose the right method for your cargo, whether you’re shipping common items like boxes or hard-to-transport items like antiques or art.
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1. How much does it cost to send luggage?
We have calculated shipping costs for four common shipping methods: USPS, Parcel Shipping, Consolidated Freight, and Specialty Baggage Carriers
i. usps shipping costs
ii. package shipping costs (for example, ups or fedex)
iii. consolidated freight
iv. specialized baggage carriers
2. frequently asked questions
Get answers to frequently asked questions about shipping luggage.
The most common reason to ship luggage is to eliminate the stress and hassle of traveling with multiple bags, as well as to avoid overweight and extra baggage fees. however, some people may also be looking to ship luggage as part of a long-distance relocation, whether for work, school, or other reasons. in this case, the luggage will probably be full of belongings and other household items.
Regardless of why you’re shipping baggage, there are many special considerations to keep in mind:
- Additional Charges: Some shippers, including package carriers like UPS and FedEx, may add unexpected charges to baggage shipments, such as pickup fees, fuel surcharges, residential delivery and additional handling. If you ship your bags directly to a hotel, some hotels may also charge additional fees to store your luggage.
- Weight: The weight of your packed luggage may have an impact on your shipping costs. Some carriers, such as specialized baggage carriers, charge a flat rate based on bag size and distance, as long as your baggage is under a certain weight. Other carriers, such as package carriers, will price your shipment based on weight, as well as trip size and distance. always be aware of weight limits before shipping.
- Dimensional Weight: Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used in freight transportation. When your package is priced based on dimensional weight, the cost will be based on an estimated weight calculated from the length, width, and height of the package. this means that the density of your package could affect your shipping costs. each carrier values dimensional weight differently, so keep an eye out for something called a “dimensional weight factor” when calculating your baggage shipping costs.
- boxing: always it is better to pack the luggage safely in a box to protect the handles, wheels and zippers, as well as to avoid unexpected charges; some carriers apply additional handling fees to ship luggage that is not packed in a box.
- shipping times: your luggage may take more than five business days to arrive, depending on the chosen shipping method. Be sure to take this transit time into account and allow a day or two as a reserve so your luggage has time to arrive.
how much does it cost to ship luggage, luggage & suitcases?
The cheapest way to ship luggage depends on the size of the bag, the carrier chosen, and the speed and distance of travel. For most standard baggage sizes, specialist baggage carriers will offer the cheapest rates.
Compare rates for shipping large packages using the most common shipping methods:
- usps
- parcel shipping (such as fedex or ups)
- consolidated freight
- special baggage carriers
The estimated shipping costs below will reflect the cost of shipping luggage in a 28″ x 20″ x 14″ box weighing 50 pounds.
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luggage cannot be shipped using usps flat rate pricing, but can be shipped using usps retail ground service, priority mail, and express mail. With these services, the cost of shipping your luggage will depend on the size of the box or boxes, how much they weigh, and the speed and distance of the trip.
usps retail ground is the most economical option, with delivery in 2-9 business days. next day delivery is also available. Regardless of shipping speed, packages can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and girth (the distance around the thickest part).
package delivery (ups or fedex)
Similar to USPS, shipping your luggage through carriers like UPS and FedEx allows you to ship your bags directly to their destination, whether they’re headed to a hotel or to a new home.
Flat rate shipping is not available, but UPS and FedEx offer variable price services for luggage shipping, with multiple delivery speeds, including overnight delivery. for the lowest fares, send your luggage in a box; unboxed baggage may incur additional handling charges. there may also be additional fees for residential pickup or delivery.
consolidated cargo (tsi)
Consolidated freight shipping such as TSI’s Less-than-true-truckload (LTL) shipping is best for shipping luggage as part of a domestic move when you also have other boxes and items to ship. With LTL shipping, your belongings and household items can be easily packed in a suitcase and the suitcase can be packed in a box to be shipped to your new home. however, consolidated freight isn’t ideal for shipping luggage for travel or when you need it to get to its destination quickly.
note: the size of the box does not take into account the price of freight.
special baggage carriers
Luggage shipping companies, such as shipsticks, luggageforward, or lugless, specialize in shipping luggage and other hard-to-transport items like golf clubs. These providers use carriers like UPS and FedEx, but have access to volume discounts that will allow you to get lower prices than if you had shipped the package directly.
Each baggage storage facility has its own pricing structure. shipsticks, for example, can transport three sizes of bags with prices depending on the size of the bag, the origin and the destination. with lugless, on the other hand, shipping costs will depend more on your ship date.
Four-day ground transportation is available, as well as overnight air transportation. simply schedule your shipment online, pack your box, and have a good trip.
28″ x 24″ x 14″ 50lbs
rods: $64.99-$204.99
without lugs: $34.99-$119.99
boats: $74.99-$214.99
without lugs: $132.99-$137.99
rods: $64.99-$204.99
without lugs: $34.99-$119.99
boats: $74.99-$214.99
without lugs: $132.99-$127.99
Note: Shipping cost estimates are calculated using individual carriers’ online cost estimating tools. Details, exact prices and shipping times are not guaranteed.
