Luggage Shipping to North America - What You Need to Know

Travelling to North America from the UK can be an exciting adventure, whether you’re moving abroad, studying, working, or just holidaying. But getting your belongings there doesn’t have to be stressful. Instead of worrying about airline luggage limits and excess baggage fees, many travellers now choose to ship their luggage ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about shipping luggage to North America.

Why Ship Your Luggage Instead of Taking It on the Plane?

Flying with extra bags can quickly become expensive and complicated. Airlines flying between the UK and the USA or Canada often charge high fees for additional or overweight luggage, sometimes more than the flight itself.

Shipping your luggage ahead lets you travel lighter, skip the baggage queues, and take more of what you need with you without airline restrictions. It’s especially useful if you’re relocating, heading to university, or planning a long-term stay.

How Luggage Shipping Works

Shipping luggage overseas is simpler than you might think. Here’s how it works with Send My Bag:

1. Book Your Shipment

You can book online in just a few minutes, adding details like the size and weight of your bags, and the addresses for collection and delivery.

2. Pack and Prepare Your Items

Use sturdy luggage and pack carefully. Fragile suitcase shells are more likely to get damaged in transit and any 'send at your own risk' items should be packaged thoroughly.  Make sure flammable liquids such as perfume and other restricted items are left out.

3. Collection from Your Door

We’ll pick up your bags from your home, office, university, or hotel on the day you choose, so you don’t have to worry about getting them to the airport.

4. Tracking and Delivery

Once your bags are on their way, you can track them online at every step. When they arrive in North America, once they've cleared customs we'll deliver them to your chosen address.

Why Customs Matters

Shipping luggage internationally involves customs, so it’s worth being prepared. You will need to complete a brief overview list of the contents and provide some additional information to allow us to apply to customs for duty-free clearance on your behalf.  You might also be asked to upload a copy of your passport. Shipping to some Canadian provinces comes with additional customs considerations and 'self-clearance' steps which you can read more about on our shipping to Canada information page. 

Checking the latest customs requirements for your exact destination in Canada or the USA before shipping can help avoid delays.

Tips to Make Your Shipping Experience Smoother

Book Early

Don’t leave it to the last minute. Peak travel times can get busy, and customs processing can vary. Booking ahead increases the chances your bags arrive when you need them.

Label Everything Clearly

Secure and accurate labels help prevent delays.

Check Weight and Size Limits

Make sure your luggage falls within the allowed limits to avoid extra charges at pickup or delivery.

Prepare a Contents List

Customs requires an overview list of what’s in each bag. Preparing this in advance can make clearance quicker.

Costs to Expect

Costs vary depending on weight, size, and how quickly you need your luggage delivered. For example, shipping a 30kg suitcase from the UK to the USA with Send My Bag is often cheaper than paying airline excess baggage fees.

Getting a quote in advance ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, and optional insurance or tracking upgrades are available if you’re sending valuable items.

Making Your Move Easier

Shipping luggage to North America takes the hassle out of travelling with lots of bags. Our service provides simple collection, smooth customs support, and reliable delivery, making your move, study stint, or long holiday far easier.

Whether you’re relocating permanently or heading abroad for a few months, shipping your luggage offers flexibility, peace of mind, and better value than airline baggage alone.