Guide to Shipping Luggage Overseas Before You Travel

Lost luggage, damaged bags, and delayed suitcases are a traveler’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, with the increasing occurrence of extreme weather coupled with the global airport manpower crunch, this is more common than ever. But there is a silver lining: you can ship luggage abroad in advance thanks to international express shipping.

Why send your luggage abroad before departure?

Using international express shipping services like those offered by DHL Express has numerous benefits: you avoid the risks of luggage delays and eliminate the stress and cost associated with luggage mishaps. 

These services also offer the added advantage of delivering your suitcases directly to your desired international destination, saving precious time waiting at the luggage carousel. And unlike with airlines, the bags you send with DHL Express can be tracked and traced internationally.

Key considerations of luggage shipping

When shipping luggage overseas, there are several things to keep in mind to make sure your suitcase is appropriately handled and arrives where you need it to be on time. 

Ship luggage abroad safely with DHL Express

While packing your luggage carefully can significantly facilitate the shipping process, choosing a trusted logistics partner offers extra assurance that your important belongings arrive at their overseas destination quicker and more safely. As a leading logistics service provider, DHL Express US can offer reliable and cost-effective international shipping solutions such as time-definite delivery services, shipment value protection and more to meet your varied needs.

With an extensive global delivery network and rich industry experience, we can guide you through the entire shipping process, from baggage pick-up to shipping documentation and tracking in real-time. Let your summer vacation or next holiday be stress-free. Create your luggage shipment online now with just a credit card.  You can schedule a pick up when you create the shipment or bring your labeled luggage to one of our DHL Express Service Point locations.

Ready to save time and money by shipping luggage to your destination?

1. What category of shipping does luggage shipping fall under?

   Luggage is classified as personal effects, which are individual property usually worn or carried or has an intimate relation to the individual. Knowing this is essential before you send your suitcase overseas by post, as countries have different regulations for different categories of shipments. For instance, documents such as Form 12B and No Objection Certificate are required when shipping medication to India as personal effects, whereas other documents are necessary for other shipping categories.

   By understanding your shipping category, you can ensure that all the required documents are prepared, avoiding delays caused by customs clearance issues and facilitating a smoother shipping experience.

2. How to pack and secure your luggage for shipping internationally

   With an understanding of your shipping category, the next key consideration is how to pack your luggage securely. Deciding on the best way to do so involves considering the following factors:

   • Type of items in your luggage

     If there are fragile items in your luggage, you will want to wrap them individually with a protective wrap and ensure that all empty spaces in the box containing them are filled with fillers. Meanwhile, if you plan to send musical instruments overseas, storing them inside hard cases is recommended. Like fragile items, filling up all void space is essential to prevent your items from shifting and becoming damaged during transit. To ensure that your baggage is handled with extra care, affixing a ‘fragile’ label on your outer shipping box will be helpful.

   • Mode of luggage shipping

     Apart from the items you intend to send overseas, the shipping method you choose greatly affects how you package your items. If you plan to send your suitcase by sea, it is vital to seal moisture-sensitive items in waterproof bags. For extra protection, fit your luggage in a sturdy outer shipping box, such as a double-walled corrugated cardboard box.

     When air shipping is used, the rate charged per kilogram is generally higher. As such, opting for lighter protective packaging can help keep the shipping cost low. Additionally, suitcases will tilt during the flight take-off and landing. Hence, you should also ensure that liquid items are sealed within leak-proof bags to prevent spillage from damaging other possessions in your luggage.

   • Intended shipping destination of your luggage

     Each country has its parcel labeling requirements. Hence, a best practice is always to research the most recent customs regulations to ensure that your luggage meets the shipping requirements.

   • Weight of your luggage for shipping

     If you are shipping heavy items overseas and your suitcase weighs 10 kilograms and above, a double or triple-walled cardboard box ensures that your parcel will not cave in under the weight of your items. Meanwhile, luggage between 30 to 70 kilograms should use a pallet, crate or a made-to-measure box that is sufficiently sturdy. For pieces weighing above 70 kilograms, consider using a fork-movable crate or loading your luggage onto a pallet, as handling equipment is often required to move them.