If you have never shipped luggage or personal effects internationally before, this guide walks you through the entire process from first quote to destination collection. Excess Luggage Co. has handled since 1998, and the questions first-time shippers ask are remarkably consistent. Here is everything you need to know.
The one-sentence version: you get a quote, we collect from your UK door, we prepare all the documentation, your luggage flies as air cargo from Heathrow, and you collect it from the cargo warehouse at your destination airport with your passport.
1. Get your quote. Call 0800 096 38 39 or use the online quote form. Tell us what you are shipping (number of items, approximate sizes and weights) and the destination. You receive a clear quote, not an estimate.
2. Book your collection. Choose your collection date. Collections need 48-72 hours notice. A 75 pound deposit secures your slot, offset against your total price. Within the M25 we collect Within M25: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:00 • Outside M25: Mon–Fri 10:00–17:00.
3. Pack properly. Suitcases, holdalls and boxes all ship. 30kg per item standard, surcharge if heavier. No lithium batteries, aerosols or perfumes. Batteries can be packed and exported as declared dangerous goods — ask us. See our packing guide and prohibited items list.
4. Prepare your packing list. An itemised list of contents with approximate values. This becomes part of your customs declaration. Accuracy matters: it speeds clearance and avoids holds.
5. We collect and process. Our driver collects from your door. Your items go to our Heathrow facility where we prepare the Air Waybill and export documentation.
6. Your luggage flies. Air freight takes 4-10 working days from collection to destination arrival airport, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers. You receive your Air Waybill reference for tracking.
7. Collect at destination. Take your passport and Air Waybill reference to the destination airport cargo warehouse (not the passenger terminal). Pay any destination customs charges. Collect your luggage.
In the UK: your confirmed quote covers collection, documentation and international freight. A 75 pound non-refundable deposit at booking, balance before the day of collection. We accept credit cards, debit cards, cash and bank transfer. Please note when payment is made by credit card an account administration fee is applicable.
At the destination: customs duty and taxes (if applicable), plus destination terminal handling fees. These are charged by the destination country and airport, not by us. Used personal effects attract low or zero duty to many destinations. We advise what to expect for your specific destination at booking.
What is NOT included anywhere: nothing hidden. The single most common reason customers choose us over competitors is that our price is confirmed before we collect anything. See our price guide for typical costs by destination.
1. Booking too late. Collections need 48-72 hours notice, and peak periods (summer, Christmas, end of university term) book out. Book at least a week ahead.
2. Packing prohibited items. Aerosols, perfumes, lithium batteries and liquids over limits are the items most commonly removed at screening. Check the prohibited list before packing.
3. Vague packing lists. A packing list saying "personal items" causes customs queries. "12 shirts, 4 pairs shoes, 20 books, bedding" clears smoothly.
4. Expecting doorstep delivery abroad. Standard service is to the destination airport cargo warehouse. Door delivery at destination is available for many countries as an extra. Know which service you have booked.
5. Sender and receiver mismatch. The sender and receiver must be the same person for personal effects shipments. You cannot ship your luggage to a friend to collect.