Travelling for Vacation? – Ship Your Luggage – save time, money.
No “checked bag” fees -- Many airlines charge for each checked bag, and some are charging for carry-on bags so, travelers are looking for more convenient, cost effective ways to get luggage to its destination. By shipping luggage ahead to your destination, you take the “lug” out of luggage, eliminate your luggage being lost or damaged, have the ability to track your package along the way, and know when your luggage has arrived and who signed for it.
Also, make it easier in the airport by not “LUG"ging your luggage through the airport check-in, baggage check, or baggage claim. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your destination.
No suitcase – If the suitcase is not necessary, ship your belongings in just a box lined with a plastic bag (to keep moisture from your clothing), so you will not have to pay for the extra size and weight of the suitcase itself.
Return service – Before you leave on your trip, be sure to include a pre-paid return label, packaging tape, and possibly an extra box to send your belongings back home or to your next destination. The UPS Stores can help with this added service.
Additional label – Be sure to add an additional label inside the box in case the outer label becomes destroyed or unreadable.
Contact your destination – Before you ship your belongings, be sure to contact the destination (hotel, resort, relatives, etc.) to be sure that they will accept the package for you and how long will they hold it. Also, find out how they would prefer to have the package properly addressed for your arrival.
Watch the Hazmat – Shipping your package also has restrictions on the type of contents that may be shipped, such as lotions, colognes, perfumes, shampoos, aerosol sprays, nail polish, cigarettes, matches, lighters, alcohol, etc. Be sure to check with the local The UPS Store, or carrier to be sure of the restrictions.
International: Due to the international custom’s charging of duties and taxes with international shipments, The UPS Store does not recommend shipping luggage internationally.
Other questions, comments or concerns, please check with us – 417-886-2455.
Packing and Shipping Tips
Pack it tight – Many hands, machines and conveyor belts handle your package before it reaches the final destination. Sorted by ZIP code and size, it is loaded on a truck. Rattling or shifting means there’s extra room in the box and it may collapse, the items may become damaged inside, or the larger items in your box may crush the smaller items.
Use a sturdy box without brown paper or string. A good rule of thumb is 2 inches of peanuts and or bubble around fragile items. Keep fragile items away from the sides and other items in your box. Newspaper is a poor shipping/packaging material, as it crushes and does not absorb compression and vibration, like packing peanuts.
Limitations – Most carriers won’t ship alcohol, tobacco or anything flammable, nor will they ship anything in an alcohol, tobacco or hazardous labeled box, regardless of what's in the box. Since 9/11/2001, the shipping of alcohol, tobacco, or firearms is strictly forbidden and carry stiff penalties through the A.T.F, F.B.I., FAA and/or Homeland Security.
Size Matters – Extra packing is necessary for fragile items and may increase the size of your shipping box. Shipping prices vary by size, weight and destination, and each carrier has their own guideline as far as weight and size limitations.
Ship early – Shipping early gives you the most shipping options and helps you avoid long lines and saves money.
Peace of mind – Most carriers offer protection for loss or replacement value. Some offer it automatically and some for a nominal fee. Not all items are covered so you should check the rules of your carrier and if a package is not sufficiently packed, a claim may be denied. Therefore, it’s important to spend the extra time or money on proper packaging.
Tracking – On-Line Tracking is offered by most carriers. Some offer it standard and some add it for a fee. By tracking on-line, allows you to see when it was delivered and who accepted it or signed for. Track your package through www.ups.com