Shipping luggage domestically within the United States does not need to break the bank if you know which shipping options offer the most affordable rates. There are several economical choices for sending suitcases, duffel bags and other travel essentials from one domestic location to another.
For the cheapest rates, many travelers opt to ship via ground transportation providers like UPS or FedEx since surface shipping is often more cost-effective than air transport. Rate quotes should also be obtained from national/regional moving companies that bring shipments by truck.
For those in less of a rush, discounted ground rates are available through parcel shipping services if you don’t mind the items taking a few extra days to arrive. No matter which affordable carrier you select, always ask about deals for multiple luggage or large package shipping to maximize your savings.
Why Sending Your Luggage Ahead is the Better Choice
Traveling light can make your trip more enjoyable and reduce stress, which is why sending your luggage ahead is often the smarter option. When your bags are shipped separately from your flight, you won’t have to worry about exceeding stringent airline baggage restrictions or paying expensive excess baggage fees.
You’ll be able to more easily navigate airports and public transportation with just a carry-on bag. On arrival at your destination, your luggage will already be there waiting for you rather than lost or delayed by an airline. Shipping your bags gives you greater peace of mind during your travels, so you can fully focus on the trip itself rather than the logistics of hauling every item with you. It’s worth paying a little extra to travel lighter and arrive bag-free.
Read More: How to Pack Sunscreen in Checked Luggage
How much does it cost to ship luggage, baggage, & suitcases?
The cheapest way to ship luggage depends on several factors, including bag size, carrier choice, and travel speed and distance. Specialty luggage shippers often offer the most competitive rates for standard-sized bags. When comparing options for oversized packages, get quotes from USPS, parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx, consolidated freight companies, and luggage-specific shippers. Estimated costs are provided for a 50lb, 28″x20″x14″ box.
Although USPS doesn’t offer flat-rate pricing for luggage, you can use Retail Ground, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express. Price is determined by box size/weight and travel time/distance. Retail Ground has 2-9 business day delivery and is the most affordable. Packages under 130 total inches and up to 70lbs qualify for next-day Priority Mail or Express delivery as well.
Ground Shipping with Major Carriers
Ground shipping via major carriers like UPS and FedEx can be one of the most cost-effective ways to ship luggage domestically. These carriers specialize in surface transportation of packages via their extensive ground networks.
Shipping by ground is often cheaper than air transportation for bulky and heavier baggage. UPS Ground and FedEx Ground shipping rates are openly published online, allowing comparison shopping across distances.
Both carriers offer discounted rates for multiple package shipments on the same door-to-door route. The trade-off for lower ground rates is longer transit times, usually 3-5 business days between major cities. However, for non-urgent baggage moving, ground shipping through major carriers is a budget-friendly solution.
Parcel Shipping Services
- Offer discounted USPS commercial rates on priority mail and other classes of service.
- Additional savings potential over USPS retail rates for things like dimensional weight pricing.
- Handle all aspects of the job from drop off to delivery and provide online package tracking.
- Regional parcel chains exist as alternatives to national brands for shorter distances.
- The consultant helps with addressing, packaging, and insurance to ensure compliance with USPS rules.
- Parcel lockers and carrier pickups as convenient options for sending/receiving packages.
- Multi-package deals and commercial account volumes lead to even lower postage prices.
- Preferred by some small businesses due to benefits like prepaid postage and supplies.
- Standard delivery times are typically 1-3 days between most domestic locations.
- Liability coverage included in most services protects against loss or damage in transit.
Most Popular Destinations to Ship Luggage Domestically
When it comes to shipping luggage within the United States, some routes see higher volume than others due to regular travel and relocation patterns. Coast-to-coast moves between cities like New York and Los Angeles are perpetually heavily trafficked lanes for baggage hauling.
Moving vans and freight carriers stay busy transporting items between major metro hubs like Chicago, Miami, Atlanta and Seattle as well. University towns experience seasonal surges during student move-in and move-out cycles at the start and end of semesters.
Vacation destinations like Florida, Hawaii and warm weather cities in the Southwest also rank amongst the most popular destinations to send luggage ahead to domestically. Understanding traditional flow patterns can help track down better rates.
Specialty luggage shippers
Luggage shipping companies like ShipSticks, LuggageForward and LugLess specialize in transporting suitcases and bulky items using carriers like UPS and FedEx. Through volume discounts, they offer lower prices than direct parcel shipping. Each company has different pricing – ShipSticks prices vary by bag size and location, while LugL5ess pricing depends more on shipping dates. Ground or air options are available, allowing you to conveniently schedule and send luggage online.
Factors to Consider for Cheapest Rates
- Timing of shipment (standard vs expedited service)
- Package weight and dimensions (size matters for pricing)
- Consolidating multiple packages for volume discounts
- Departure and delivery locations (rural vs urban zones)
- Day of the week (ship earlier in the week to save)
- Time of year (peak seasons cost more)
- Commercial vs residential delivery rates
- Delivery confirmation requirements
- Insurance and declared value limits
- Special equipment needs (pallets, liftgate, etc)
- Carrier/service type selected (ground vs air, courier vs freight)
- Dimensions and weight guidelines met properly
- Online quotes vs calling customer service
- Coupons, discounts or loyalty program eligibility
- Payment methods (credit cards often waive fees)
FAQ’s
What is the most affordable service for shipping luggage within the US?
Ground shipping via UPS or FedEx Ground is generally the cheapest option for luggage shipping domestically.
What’s an important factor in keeping luggage shipping costs low?
Packing luggage flat in cardboard boxes, without wheels or straps exposed, helps qualify it for lower ground rates.
Is insured shipping necessary for luggage?
Insured shipping offers protection if luggage is lost or damaged, but isn’t always required depending on the distance.
Does the time of year impact luggage shipping rates?
Holiday and peak seasons around major travel times may lead to slightly higher rates compared to non-peak times.
What documents are needed to ship luggage domestically?
Basic information like your name, address, and package dimensions are typically required for domestic luggage shipping within the United States.
Conclusion
The most affordable option for shipping luggage within the United States is ground shipping services provided by major carriers like UPS and FedEx. Using their basic ground rates provides the lowest cost, especially when luggage is properly packaged in cardboard without wheels or straps exposed.
While insured shipping offers advantages, it isn’t always necessary depending on shipment distance and value. Looking to ship during non-peak seasons can also help reduce rates. Overall, domestic luggage shipping is a reliable and cost-effective solution when moving or traveling within the country.
By providing basic information, packing luggage flat instead of oversized items, and being aware of insurance needs and seasonal pricing, travelers can take advantage of convenient luggage delivery while keeping costs as low as possible. Ground services from major carriers establish the baseline for the cheapest domestic luggage shipping costs in the USA.
