Can FedEx Ship Luggage?

The Short Answer

Yes, FedEx can absolutely ship your luggage. You can send suitcases, duffel bags, golf clubs, ski equipment, and pretty much any travel gear through FedEx domestically or internationally. People do it all the time, whether they're relocating, sending bags ahead to a vacation rental, or just avoiding the hassle of checked bags at the airport.

There are some rules to follow, though. You can't just slap a label on your suitcase and drop it off. FedEx has specific packaging requirements, weight limits, and prohibited items you need to know about before shipping.

FedEx Packaging Requirements for Luggage

Here's the part most people miss: FedEx strongly recommends packing your suitcase inside a cardboard box. Why? Because luggage shipped without outer packaging isn't protected by FedEx's damage claims process. If your suitcase gets scuffed, dented, or a wheel breaks off during transit, FedEx won't cover it unless it was boxed.

If boxing your luggage isn't practical, you can still ship it as-is. You'll need to:

• Attach shipping labels with a tie-on tag rather than sticking them directly to the luggage fabric
• Remove or cover old airline tags and barcodes so they don't confuse FedEx's sorting system
• Secure all zippers and buckles with zip ties or tape so nothing pops open in transit
• Wrap the entire bag in stretch wrap for extra protection (FedEx locations can do this for you)

You can bring your luggage to any FedEx Office or FedEx Ship Center, and they'll help you package it. They sell boxes large enough for most suitcases, though expect to pay $10-25 for the box alone.

Weight and Size Limits

FedEx has clear limits on what they'll accept:

• Domestic shipments: Up to 150 lbs per package
• International shipments: Up to 150 lbs (68 kg), but packages over 75 lbs (34 kg) require a heavyweight label and may incur extra charges
• Maximum dimensions: 108 inches in length, or 165 inches in length plus girth combined

Most standard suitcases fall well within these limits. A typical checked bag weighs 30-50 lbs and measures around 62 linear inches, so you'll be fine.

How Much Does It Cost?

FedEx luggage shipping costs depend on three things: weight (or dimensional weight, whichever is greater), distance, and speed. Here's a rough breakdown for shipping a standard 50-lb suitcase domestically:

• FedEx Ground (3-7 business days): $55-120 depending on distance
• FedEx Express Saver (3 business days): $120-200
• FedEx 2Day: $150-250
• FedEx Priority Overnight: $230-400+

International rates are significantly higher. Shipping a suitcase from the U.S. to Europe via FedEx International Economy can run $200-500+.

One thing to watch out for: FedEx charges based on either actual weight or dimensional (DIM) weight, whichever is greater. Suitcases are bulky, so you'll often get hit with DIM weight pricing even if your bag isn't that heavy. DIM weight is calculated by multiplying length x width x height (in inches) and dividing by 139.

FedEx also applied a 5.9% general rate increase in January, so current prices are slightly higher than what you might find in older guides.

What You Can't Ship in Your Luggage

FedEx has a prohibited items list that overlaps a lot with airline restrictions, but there are some differences:

• No lithium batteries (laptops, power banks, tablets) via FedEx Ground. FedEx Express allows them with restrictions.
• No aerosols including hairspray, sunscreen spray, or deodorant spray
• No lighters or matches
• No nail polish or nail polish remover
• No perfume or cologne in large quantities
• No firearms or ammunition without special authorization

Basically, remove anything flammable, pressurized, or battery-powered before shipping your bag. These items will need to travel with you on the plane.

FedEx vs. UPS vs. USPS for Luggage

FedEx isn't your only option. Here's how the major carriers compare:

UPS

UPS is very similar to FedEx in terms of pricing and service. For a 50-lb suitcase, UPS Ground rates are typically within $5-10 of FedEx Ground. UPS also requires boxing for damage protection and has the same DIM weight pricing structure. Some travelers find UPS has more convenient drop-off locations thanks to The UPS Store network.

USPS

USPS can ship luggage via Retail Ground, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express. For a 50-lb package, USPS Retail Ground costs roughly $105-435 depending on distance and speed. USPS maxes out at 70 lbs per package, which is lower than FedEx's 150-lb limit. The upside? USPS doesn't charge DIM weight on most services, so bulky-but-light bags can be cheaper.

Specialty Luggage Shipping Services

Companies like LugLess, Luggage Free, Luggage Forward, and ShipSticks actually use FedEx and UPS behind the scenes but negotiate volume discounts. They often beat the price you'd get shipping directly, plus they handle the packaging logistics. LugLess sends a shipping label to your phone, and you just drop the bag at a FedEx or UPS location. Prices can be 20-40% lower than going direct.

When Shipping Luggage Makes Sense

Shipping your luggage through FedEx isn't always cheaper than checking a bag. Airlines charge $30-45 for a first checked bag on most domestic flights. FedEx Ground will cost more than that for anything beyond a short-distance shipment.

But shipping makes sense in certain situations:

• You're flying a budget airline that charges $45-65 per checked bag each way
• You have oversized or overweight bags that trigger $100-200 airline surcharges
• You're shipping ahead to a resort, cruise port, or Airbnb and want bags waiting when you arrive
• You're relocating or doing a one-way move and have more bags than you can check
• You want to travel light and skip baggage claim entirely
• You're shipping sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, or surfboards that airlines charge premium fees for

How to Ship Luggage Through FedEx: Step by Step

Here's the process:

• Pack your suitcase and remove any prohibited items. Take out electronics with lithium batteries.
• Box it up if you want damage protection. FedEx Office can help with this.
• Weigh and measure your package to get an accurate quote.
• Create a shipment on fedex.com or at a FedEx location. You'll need the destination address and your contact info.
• Choose your service level based on when you need it to arrive. Build in a buffer, as ground shipping times are estimates, not guarantees.
• Drop it off at a FedEx location, or schedule a pickup for an extra fee (usually $5-10).
• Track your shipment online. FedEx provides tracking updates throughout transit.

Tips for Shipping Luggage Successfully

• Ship 5-7 days before you travel if using FedEx Ground. This gives you a cushion in case of delays.
• Take photos of your packed bag before sealing the box, in case you need to file a damage claim.
• Insure valuable contents. FedEx includes $100 of declared value for free, but you can purchase additional coverage.
• Use a FedEx business account or third-party service for discounted rates. Retail counter prices are the highest.
• Ship to a staffed address when possible. FedEx will leave packages at residential doors, but a hotel front desk or office is safer for expensive luggage.
• Keep essentials in your carry-on. Medications, chargers, a change of clothes, and important documents should always fly with you.

Shipping Luggage Internationally Through FedEx

International luggage shipping adds a few wrinkles. Beyond the higher cost, you need to deal with customs declarations. FedEx will ask you to fill out a commercial invoice listing what's inside, even for personal belongings. Describe items generically ("clothing," "shoes," "toiletries") and mark the shipment as "personal effects" with a low declared value.

Some countries charge import duties on shipped goods, even personal luggage. The U.S., Canada, and most EU countries have exemptions for personal effects being temporarily imported, but the rules vary. If you're shipping to a destination where customs is strict, research duty-free thresholds before you ship.

Delivery times are also less predictable internationally. FedEx International Economy quotes 5-7 business days, but customs clearance can add 1-3 days. FedEx International Priority is faster at 1-3 business days but costs significantly more. Always build extra time into your international shipment schedule.