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Business Travel: A Guide to Luggage Delivery Services

Have your luggage shipped instead of checking it in on your next flight

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Last year, 3.1 million pieces of luggage were reported lost, delayed, or damaged. Perhaps that explains why, regardless of the recession, sales are still strong at luggage delivery firms. If you are toting a golf bag or heavy suitcase, or just want to avoid baggage check-in, luggage delivery may be worth the (rather hefty) price.

Luggage Concierge

Schedule a domestic pickup by noon one business day before you leave. Call 10 days to 14 days ahead for international travel.
COST: Ship a 40-pound bag overnight from New York to Los Angeles for $325; three-day shipping is $178. The price includes $1,500 of insurance; more coverage is available for purchase.

Luggage Free

Leaving today for an emergency business trip? If you live in New York, Luggage Free can pick up your bag within six hours. Anywhere else, it needs 24 hours' notice.
COST: Ship a 40-pound bag overnight from New York to Los Angeles for $226. Three-day shipping is $148. The price includes $1,000 of insurance; more is available for purchase.

The Post Office

The U.S. Postal Service offers a cheaper way to ship your bags. But if you want your bag picked up, you have to put it in a box, weigh it, and pay for postage online. (The other services weigh the bags and bill you later.) Schedule the pickup online, by 2 a.m. on the day you want the mail carrier to come.
COST: Ship 40 pounds overnight from New York to Los Angeles for $144. That gets you $100 of insurance, with more available for purchase. Two-day service costs $75, with insurance available for purchase.

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