There can be situations when you need to carry luggage that is more than the standard airline baggage allowance. During this situation, travelers find themselves encountering a hefty fee because of this excess baggage. And if you are traveling internationally, then the graph can immediately go up, and even a few extra kgs can make a significant add-up cost. A solution to this universal problem can be excess baggage shipping which lets you send your excess luggage via third-party courier services rather than carrying it with you on your flight.
However, it is also important to make sure that you keep your distance from making mistakes during this process because this may lead to additional fees, delay in receiving the shipment, and even seizing of your items at customs. With this detailed guide, you will be able to understand what this shipment is and how you can avoid these eight common excess baggage shipping mistakes.
What is Excess Baggage Shipping?
Excess baggage shipping lets travelers send their additional items separately from their airline luggage with the help of specialized service provider courier companies. These companies provide services specially tailored to meet travelers’ needs, unlike airport services. If you arrange your shipment in advance, you will be able to avoid high excess baggage shipping charges. Whether you’re shipping your excess baggage to UK, India, excess baggage to France or elsewhere, knowing the ins and outs can make a huge difference.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid For Excess Baggage Shipping
Mistake 1: Not Weighing Excess Baggage Accurately
Your shipping costs directly depend on the weight of your luggage. Thus, it is critical to measure the weight of your baggage accurately. However, some travelers estimate their baggage weight instead of accurately measuring it, which further leads to additional costs and sometimes even delays in shipment. If you don’t want to get surprised by the unexpected costs, then use a reliable scale to weigh the baggage beforehand. You may use a digital scale to measure your luggage accurately, and this will decide your shipping costs.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Country-Specific Customs Regulations
Every country has its own customs regulations regarding items that are allowed to be imported or not in that specific nation. These rules are also applied to the luggage shipped to that country as well. Ignoring these customs rules can be a mistake during your excess baggage shipment. If you are sending your excess baggage to India, then there will be different guidelines from those of other countries. We can see how UK customs regulation may also vary from the rest. Thus, to avoid any kind of fines or confiscation of items by customs authorities, it is important that you research the customs regulations of the countries you are shipping to. Whether it is electronics, food, or antique items, do check if particular permission or documentation is required for that.
Mistake 3: Failing to Compare Excess Baggage Services
It is extremely important that you choose the right excess baggage shipping provider to get the best rates, policies, and service quality. Never go for the first provider you find if you don’t wish to be stuck with higher shipping costs and poor services. If you fail to compare these excess baggage services, then you may not get specialized services or a great discount offered by some service providers. So when you are shipping excess baggage internationally, don’t forget to compare these service providers while prioritizing reliability, shipping costs, delivery times, and more. Do read reviews and recommendations for clear ideas.
Mistake 4: Packing Restricted or Prohibited Items
As we discussed above, every country has its own customs regulations, and there are specified items that can be imported to that country and some that cannot. Possessing such items that are not allowed in that destination country would surely be a problem. Packing these prohibited items may result in penalties, delays, and sometimes even confiscated luggage. Items like flammable materials, sharp objects, and certain electronics are universally restricted. Some items like food products or specific electronic devices are allowed only in specific locations. You should always check with your shipping provider and research your destination’s restricted item list.
Mistake 5: Not Safekeeping Valuable Items
This is one of the most important tips for international baggage shipping. There are situations when your excess baggage is delivered safely by the shipping companies to the desired location; however, due to not packing the valuable items correctly, the items get broken during the journey. Shipping companies do take care of your baggage, but there are some items that require an extra level of protection, so avoiding this can lead to destroyed packages or broken items. So keep your valuable items safe by learning how to pack fragile items so that they reach the location the way they left.
Mistake 6: Delaying Bookings Until the Last Minute
Excess baggage shipment can be beneficial and help cut extra costs, but you need to book your shipment early. We have seen cases where a number of travelers delay their bookings until the last minute in hopes of getting quick service. However, this often leads to higher rates and limited service options. There are quite a few shipping companies that offer discounts if you make an early booking. Also, early booking may give you some extra time to prepare paperwork, weigh your baggage accurately, and pack appropriately. Avoid excess baggage fees by booking your shipment at the earliest possible.
Mistake 7: Ignoring Additional Fees and Hidden Charges
When you try to get a shipping quote from a courier company, it may not include all possible fees, and you might be surprised by the final bill. There are companies that have hidden charges for handling, fuel surcharges, and destination-specific fees. Travelers make the mistake of overlooking these additional charges, which is a common mistake that can turn an affordable option into a costly one. Before confirming your shipment booking, it is important that you communicate clearly with the service provider and learn about all the charges available.
Mistake 8: Failing to Properly Label Baggage
Proper labeling is extremely important to ensure that your baggage reaches the desired location without any complexities. It is common to see travelers failing to label their items clearly. If this is your first time, then learning how to label your luggage for shipping is necessary. This leads to an increased risk of loss or delivery delays. Every item of your baggage should have a label with your name, contact information, and the destination address. And if you’re shipping excess baggage internationally to a location where there can be issues with language, it would be helpful to include additional information, like a secondary contact person or hotel address. Many of the shipping providers also offer tracking tags for added reassurance.
Conclusion
Shipping ahead of your excess baggage can be an efficient and, many times, a cost-effective way to manage extra baggage while on international trips. If you avoid the above-mentioned mistakes in shipping your excess baggage, like not weighing baggage accurately, avoiding country-specific customs, failing to compare providers, and using restricted items in your baggage, you can save yourself time, money, and complexities. Proper planning and attention to detail—from early booking to clear labeling will help you avoid excess baggage fees and ensure that your belongings arrive safely.
