Shipping luggage? These 6 services make traveling easier

Shipping luggage makes domestic and international travel much easier — Photo courtesy of Kyryl Gorlov / iStock Via Getty Images

As a travel journalist who travels one or two weeks every month, I jump at any chance to make schlepping around airports easier and more efficient. While pet carriers and weekender bags are fine for carry-on, when my friend mentioned shipping luggage via a delivery service, I decided to try it.

Through research, I was pleasantly surprised to find a handful of boutique companies specializing in picking up your luggage and delivering it to your destination. No more waiting at the baggage carousel or hoisting heavy suitcases in and out of the car. And no excess baggage fees when you pack too much! Some companies even ship gear, like sending golf clubs to the course or shipping skis and snowboards to the mountain.

Here’s the lowdown on finding the best service for shipping luggage.

Luggage Forward

Shipping luggage directly to your cruise ship is efficient and effortless — Photo courtesy of oatawa / iStock Via Getty Images

Boston-based Luggage Forward makes travelers feel like VIPs. The white-glove service picks up your luggage or sporting equipment (think skis, snowboards, bikes, etc.) from your doorstep and delivers it to your destination. Since 2004, the company has shipped luggage to and from more than 150 countries and territories, including every zip code in the U.S.

I found shipping luggage from Hawaii to Florida and back to Hawaii was a breeze with Luggage Forward. I packed my suitcase and attached tags (one for the outside of the suitcase and one to go inside), and someone picked up my bag and delivered it to Florida a few days later.

Going on a cruise? Luggage Forward partners with Holland America, Oceania Cruises, Cunard, and more to have your bags waiting for you inside your cabin when you board. See the complete partner list here. Luggage Forward includes $500 of value-protection coverage per suitcase shipped and offers 24-hour phone support. The company also partners with ski resorts, golf courses, and travel operators.

Pricing: The cost for shipping a 25-pound carry-on suitcase in the U.S. starts at $99, and international shipping starts at $134.

Lugless

Shipping luggage or boxes is a breeze with companies like Lugless — Photo courtesy of Kyryl Gorlov / iStock Via Getty Images

LugLess, a famous company from “Shark Tank,” finds the cheapest option for shipping luggage and lets you choose what extras you need, like additional coverage, door-to-door service, and phone support. When I shipped luggage with Lugless, I dropped my suitcase off at UPS rather than having a doorstep pickup.

Because airlines often increase fees for checked baggage, shipping boxes through Lugless can also be cheaper. This is especially helpful if your child’s moving into a dorm room or if you’re moving abroad. The company provides luggage delivery service in all 50 states; it doesn’t ship internationally. You can reach the company via live chat or email during business hours.

Pricing: The cost begins at $25 and increases depending on various factors, including timing, shipping destinations, bag sizes, etc.

My Baggage

Some luggage delivery services ship suitcases but also bulky golf, ski, and snowboard equipment — Photo courtesy of Dragos Condrea / iStock Via Getty Images

One of the biggest perks of shipping with My Baggage, a UK-based company, is that it simplifies customs for folks shipping luggage abroad. After placing an order and answering a few questions, My Baggage generates the customs forms and other relevant documents. You complete the forms online, and My Baggage submits them to the customs authority.

The door-to-door luggage delivery service benefits people relocating to a new country because you can ship multiple items, such as suitcases, boxes, or sports equipment, to any destination worldwide without leaving your house. The company provides shipping labels, tracking, and insurance.

My Baggage ships to 200 countries and territories, offers shipping services in the U.S., and provides a $100 free compensation cover. Customer support is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Pricing: Domestic shipping starts at $109 for up to 66 pounds; U.S. to Europe shipping starts at $154; U.S. to Australia shipping starts at $285; within Europe shipping starts at $23.

SendMyBag

This luggage shipping service is excellent for those relocating or going on vacation, but it’s also helpful for pro athletes who need to ship bulky sports gear — SendMyBag ships to more than 175 countries worldwide. The company ensures your precious cargo gets through customs by providing you with all the necessary forms and information beforehand, and it offers complimentary insurance of up to $200 for every piece you ship.

Pricing: Sending from Hawaii to Florida starts at $117 for up to 66 pounds, the bracket that most people would fall into. Shipping from the U.S. to Italy, for example, starts at $104 for up to 33 pounds.

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Ship & Play

Extra insurance benefits shipping high-ticket items like expensive sports equipment — Photo courtesy of standret / iStock Via Getty Images

Based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Ship & Play ships to 180 countries worldwide. The company handles everything, from shipping luggage to golf clubs, ski gear, and school supplies. For international shipments, Ship & Play takes care of all customs paperwork and clearance for the customer.

The company offers $500 complimentary insurance for all domestic and international luggage shipments. Consumers can insure up to $4,000 for a nominal cost. For higher-value specialty items like golf clubs, the company offers $1,000 complimentary insurance.

Pricing: Costs vary depending on selected services, weight, and distance. For example, a bag weighing less than 25 pounds shipped from New York City to Los Angeles costs $65, and a 50-pound suitcase shipped from Miami to Rome costs $254.

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UPS, FedEx, DHL, and USPS

Of course, you can ship luggage and other items with UPS, FedEx, DHL, and the U.S. Postal Service. However, you must drop off your items at a shipping center or schedule a pickup from your house several days before departure.

With the UPS Store Pack & Ship Guarantee option, an employee packs the item with materials purchased at the store; if the item is damaged or lost in transit, you’ll be reimbursed for its value.

Pricing: The costs for shipping luggage depend on the dimensions and weight of the bags or boxes, the requested delivery speed, and the destination.