Shipping luggage and personal effects from Edinburgh to the USA. Major international student draw is a key factor behind demand on this route — here's exactly how it works, what it costs to ship, and what to expect at the the USA end.
5-10 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers
Air freight to arrival airport in the USA
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
30kg per item — heavier items over 30kg carry a £30.00 heavy-weight handling charge per item
Edinburgh is one of our busiest UK collection points for shipments to the USA, driven by major international student draw. Your luggage is shipped to your arrival airport in the USA, where it is held for collection by you or someone you authorise. Door-to-door delivery is not available to all destinations in the USA and, where available, is confirmed at the time of your quote.
We collect from anywhere in Edinburgh — homes, universities, hotels, and offices — and prepare your UK export documentation for the journey to the USA. See full the USA customs and delivery details →
Who can ship personal effects: Personal effects relief generally applies only where the goods belong to, and are for the personal use of, the traveller or person relocating — typically the named receiver of the shipment. Goods sent on behalf of, or addressed to, a different individual, family member, or business may be treated as commercial goods by destination customs authorities, removing any personal effects duty exemption. This applies equally to air and sea freight, and to both door-to-door (subject to your destination) and arrival-airport collection services.
Fees & charges (indicative only, confirmed at quote): collection, luggage wrap, and security/handling fees apply per item. A heavy item surcharge applies where a single item exceeds 30kg or its combined length, width and height exceeds 200cm. A non-refundable booking deposit is payable to confirm your booking. We offer 7 days free storage from collection; storage fees apply after this period. A cancellation fee applies if a booking is cancelled on or after the day of collection. Congestion zone/ULEZ, waiting time, and multi-floor or no-lift surcharges may also apply where relevant. Call us on 0800 096 38 39 or WhatsApp for current rates specific to your shipment.
Storage charges are payable in addition to standard shipping charges and are not included in arrival airport, seaport, or disposal fees. The company offers 7 days free storage from the date of collection. After 7 days, storage fees apply for any goods not yet shipped. Where storage charges or an outstanding invoice remain unpaid for 30 days from collection, the company reserves the right to dispose of the goods without further notice, unless storage fees have been paid to extend this period. Administration charges apply in addition to any outstanding balance. Door-to-door delivery, where available, is provided to curbside only and is not guaranteed to all destinations; availability is confirmed at the time of quote. If a customer fails to collect their shipment on arrival, or otherwise abandons it, the customer remains liable for all charges incurred, including storage and administration charges, regardless of the goods being abandoned. Customs rules, duty-free allowances, prohibited and restricted item lists, and documentation requirements for the USA can and do change at any time, without notice, and may also vary depending on individual circumstances. Excess Luggage Co. and Excess Luggage Ltd accept no liability for any loss, delay, additional cost, confiscation, or other consequence arising from a change in destination customs regulations, or from a customer's reliance on the information provided on this page. It remains the customer's responsibility to independently verify current customs requirements directly with the relevant customs authority, or a suitably qualified adviser, before shipping any unaccompanied baggage or personal effects. This is a summary for general guidance only and does not replace the full Terms and Conditions of Excess Luggage Ltd, which take precedence in the event of any conflict.
If you’re facing airline excess baggage charges from Edinburgh to USA, shipping is often better value — and far less hassle at the airport. Here’s how they compare:
| Factor | Excess Baggage Fees | Ship with Us |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for 2+ bags | Often £150–500+ per extra bag | Usually works out cheaper |
| Size limits | Strict airline limits; oversized bags rejected | We can ship boxes, crates, odd shapes |
| Pickup | You carry to airport; pay at check-in | We collect from your door, UK-wide |
| Delivery | Airport baggage claim only | Door delivery or airport, your choice |
| Timing | Arrives with your flight | Can arrive before or after you |
| Fragile items | Airline handling; damage common | Professional packing; insurable |
Get a quote in minutes, or call our UK-based team on 0800 096 38 39.