Shipping a suitcase can be a cost-effective method for quickly getting it to your destination. However, determining the true cost of shipping luggage isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
In this guide, I’ll break down how much it costs to ship a suitcase using the most common shipping carriers, explain the hidden costs you’ll need to consider, and compare the costs of shipping with alternative options.
As a former Operations Manager, I’ve worked with dozens of carrier companies and organized thousands of shipments for large and bulky items. Whether you’re looking to avoid excess baggage fees on a flight or simply need to ship a suitcase in the most efficient way possible, I’ll help you work out how much it will cost and the best method for you.
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary of typical suitcase shipping costs:
An empty carry-on suitcase costs $19.90 to $89.76 to ship
A 16-lb carry-on suitcase costs $19.90 to $89.76 to ship
An empty large suitcase costs $38.04 to $145.24 to ship
A 50-lb large suitcase costs $42.49 to $167.06 to ship
What you’ll learn:
Suitcase shipping pricing structures for USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
Cost-reduction strategies for shipping suitcases.
When buying a new suitcase in your new destination might be better than shipping existing luggage.
TL:DR:
Key takeaways
The cheapest way to ship a suitcase is with the USPS Ground Advantage service, which costs $18.50 for a local shipment.
The fastest way to ship a suitcase is with an express overnight shipping option (USPS Priority Mail International, FedEx Priority Overnight, or UPS Next Day Air), which costs $27.50–$238.05.
The average cost to ship a carry-on-size suitcase is $47.83.
The average cost to ship a large suitcase is $91.39.
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Enter Red Stag Fulfillment. With our volume-based carrier discounts and smart dimensional weight strategies, we’ll help trim those bloated shipping costs down to carry-on size. Ready to make shipping hassles a thing of the past? Let’s map out your journey to smoother fulfillment with a custom quote.
Is it worth it to ship a suitcase?
Before you decide to ship your suitcase, let’s work out whether it’s worth the time and money compared with alternative options, such as:
Paying for additional luggage (if you’re flying to your destination)
Purchasing a new suitcase at your destination (if you’re relocating)
Here’s a quick cost comparison to determine if it’s worth shipping luggage. These shipping costs were calculated using the following specifications:
Local shipment is within Los Angeles
Interstate shipment is from California to Colorado
International shipment is from Los Angeles to Vancouver, BC, Canada
A carry-on-size suitcase is 22” X 14” X 9”
A large suitcase is 30” X 19” X 11”
An empty carry-on-size suitcase weighs 5lbs
An empty large suitcase weighs 10lbs
| Suitcase Type | Average price new suitcase* | Average airline baggage fees | Average local shipping cost | Average interstate shipping cost | Average international shipping cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empty Carry-On Suitcase | $110.00 | $40.99 | $19.90 | $32.36 | $89.76 |
| 16lb Carry-On Suitcase | $110.00 | $40.99 | $19.90 | $35.33 | $89.76 |
| Empty Suitcase (Large) | $195.00 | $40.99 | $38.04 | $71.76 | $145.24 |
| 50lb Empty Suitcase (Large) | $195.00 | $40.99 | $42.59 | $83.64 | $167.06 |
Remember to add additional costs, such as packaging and collection costs, when deciding whether to ship a suitcase using a carrier.
Other factors that can affect your shipping cost:
Distance
Insurance
Customs and handling fees
Time sensitivity
Weight and dimensions
Tracking and protection fees
NOTE: Because of its considerable size, a suitcase’s dimensional weight—the length, width, and height—is often used to determine shipping cost rather than weight. To work out the dimensional weight of your suitcase, use our free dimensional weight calculator.
Suitcase shipping cost essentials
It typically costs $61.94 to $83.33 to ship a suitcase.
This is not inclusive of additional costs, such as expedited services, customs clearance, and insurance.
| Carrier | Average cost to ship a suitcase |
|---|---|
| USPS | $83.33 |
| UPS | $61.94 |
| FedEx | $63.57 |
Be mindful that these prices only cover the basic cost of shipping a suitcase. You’ll also need to factor in additional costs, such as:
Collection fees
Expedited shipping fees
Special handling fees
Customs fees
Carrier shipping costs comparison
| Carrier | Empty carry-on-size suitcase | 16lb cabin-size suitcase | Empty large luggage suitcase | 50lb large suitcase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS
USPS Ground Advantage-Retail Zone 1 / Zone 5 / Priority Mail International |
Local: $18.50 Interstate: $27.50 International: $117.80 | Local: $18.50 Interstate: $27.50 International: $117.80 | Local: $38.45 Interstate: $72.80 International: $187.30 | Local: $46.15 Interstate: $89.65 International: $238.05 |
| FedEx
FedEx Ground / Home Delivery / International Ground |
Local: $20.71 Interstate: $37.10 International: $78.10 | Local: $20.71 Interstate: $37.10 International: $78.10 | Local: $38.27 Interstate: $74.46 International: $126.50 | Local: $39.55 Interstate: $78.37 International: $133.83 |
| UPS UPS Ground / UPS Standard | Local: $20.48 Interstate: $32.49 International: $73.39 | Local: $20.48 Interstate: $41.40 International: $73.39 | Local: $37.41 Interstate: $68.01 International: $121.93 | Local: $42.08 Interstate: $82.91 International: $129.29 |
Many factors can influence the cost of shipping luggage. Different carriers may charge additional fees for services such as handling, insurance, and dimensional weight.
Key factors affecting carrier costs:
Distance and zones
Service speed options
Package size and weight
Suitcase dimensions
Declared value
Number of shipments
Peak season surcharges
Special handling fees
To find your exact luggage shipping cost, check out these carrier websites:
Additional costs to consider when shipping luggage
On top of the direct cost to ship your suitcase, it’s important to understand the indirect costs that will contribute to the bottom line.
Packing materials
Although most suitcases are designed to endure rough handling, it can pay to invest in protective packaging materials—especially if you’re shipping a brand-new product.
Packing materials to consider:
Cardboard corners
Foam edging
Packing tape
Carton
Shipping labels
Special handling stickers
You can source these products from your local shipping store, , stationery shop, or online distributors such as ULINE and Grainger.
Alternatively, these items can usually be purchased directly from your carrier’s website:
Insurance
For valuable goods and long-distance shipping, it’s a good idea to purchase insurance in case of loss or damage during transit.
While most carrier options include some level of basic insurance, this isn’t always enough to cover the cost of replacing high-value goods. However, you can purchase additional coverage if the provided insurance does not cover the full value of your suitcase and its contents.
Alternatively, you can purchase your insurance from a third-party provider.
Third-party insurance vs. carrier coverage
Carrier coverage is usually more convenient than third-party insurance because it can mean a faster claims process and be added while you’re booking your shipment. Keep in mind that carrier options may be limited for high-value items and coverage could be denied if your packaging does not meet the carrier’s specifications.
Third-party insurance, on the other hand, is typically less expensive and offers broader coverage options. However, this option may require additional steps when applying for and claiming your insurance.
Special handling
Additional services can help ensure your shipment arrives on time and undamaged.
Special handling services include:
Extra care during transit
Careful handling when loading/unloading
Safe handling of fragile items
White glove services
Inside pick-up/drop-off
Remember to calculate the sum of any special handling costs and add it to the base shipping rate to determine your total cost to ship a suitcase.
How to reduce luggage shipping costs
You can reduce how much it costs to ship a suitcase by leveraging various strategies and optimizing your parcel for delivery.
Here are some useful techniques for minimizing suitcase shipping costs:
01
Apply shipping discounts. Carrier discounts can help you save money on your base delivery fee. These can often be attained by creating an account on the carrier’s website, applying a promo code at checkout, or joining a partner organization.
02
Optimize suitcase packaging. If you’re shipping luggage inside a carton, opt for the smallest usable size to avoid paying more than necessary.
03
Avoid peak seasons and book in advance. Timing can play a big part in the cost of shipping your suitcase. If possible,ship outside of busy periods (such as the winter holidays) and book your shipment as early as you can.
04
Opt for the cheapest shipping option. Ground shipping options are typically much cheaper than expedited and air freight. Unless your shipment is time-sensitive, aim for the most inexpensive option when shipping your suitcase.
05
Compare shipping prices online. Carriers are always updating their prices, so it pays to visit their websites to compare the most up-to-date pricing options. You can also use third-party platforms like ParcelMonkey and Shippo to compare different carriers online.
Mitigating shipping risk to optimize costs
Invest in secure packaging that meets the standards of your insurance provider to reduce the risk of damaged goods or denied insurance claims. Likewise, document the condition of your suitcase and its contents before shipping.
Adding special handling stickers to your shipment or paying for extra care during transit means higher upfront costs, but both can minimize the risks of having to repair or replace a damaged or lost suitcase.
