🍁 GuideCAN Quick Answer
For door to door luggage shipping, compare Send My Bag, My Baggage and Luggage Forward on your exact origin, destination, weight and timing. There is no universal winner. The best quote is the one that clearly includes pickup, delivery, customs paperwork support, remote area charges and protection for the items you are actually allowed to send. Also compare the same bag with your airline extra baggage fee before booking.
Luggage shipping services to compare
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Service | Useful for | Verify before payment |
|---|---|---|
| Send My Bag | Suitcases and boxes on supported international routes | Canada self clearance instructions, local processing fees and prohibited items |
| My Baggage | Door to door luggage, boxes, bikes and student shipments | Customs documents, compensation limits and courier handoffs |
| Luggage Forward | Travellers who want a specialist luggage service and scheduled delivery | Route availability, guaranteed delivery terms and included protection |
| Airline extra baggage | Bags that fit airline size and weight rules and are needed immediately | Per segment fees, connection rules, oversize charges and airport transport |
Compare the complete cost, not the first quote
A shipping price can change when the address is outside the standard service area, the suitcase exceeds a size limit, customs requires extra handling or delivery is attempted when nobody is present. Enter the real postal code, dimensions and packed weight. Look for collection charges, fuel or remote area surcharges, customs brokerage or processing costs, duties, taxes, storage after a delay, return fees and currency conversion. Then price the same bag through the airline and include the cost of carrying it between the airport and your accommodation.
Customs comes before convenience
A suitcase sent separately is a shipment, not ordinary accompanied baggage. You need an accurate packing list and may need personal effects forms. CBSA says a person moving or returning to Canada should provide a list of goods arriving now and goods to follow at the first point of entry. The officer completes the Personal Effects Accounting Document, and the stamped copy is used when unaccompanied goods arrive. A courier label does not replace this border declaration.
Keep the original stamped customs record with you. Do not pack it inside the shipment that requires the record for release.
What each service should explain clearly
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| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Who collects and delivers the bag? | A booking company may use courier partners with separate pickup and delivery practices |
| What is prohibited or excluded from compensation? | Electronics, jewellery, documents, liquids and fragile items may have special restrictions |
| Who handles customs contact? | You may need to submit documents, pay a fee or attend a customs office yourself |
| Is transit time guaranteed? | Estimated delivery may exclude customs delays, weekends and remote areas |
| How is loss or damage valued? | Included protection may be limited and may not equal replacement cost |
Pack for a courier network
A suitcase may travel on belts, trucks and sorting equipment. Use a sturdy case in good condition, secure zippers as the carrier permits and place a second address label inside. Photograph the empty case, the packed contents and the closed package. Weigh and measure it after packing. Do not rely on delicate wheels or handles as the only lifting point. If the service recommends a protective box or wrap, follow its instructions without hiding required labels.
Keep essential items with you
Carry your passport, immigration documents, prescription information, devices needed for account access, keys, valuables and enough clothing for a delay. A shipment can be held for inspection even when the paperwork is correct. New arrivals should also keep proof of accommodation, contact details and the stamped goods list accessible. GuideCAN Preparing for Canada can bring those arrival tasks into one checklist.
A practical booking sequence
First, reduce the shipment to items worth transporting. Second, compare airline and shipping quotes using identical dimensions and weight. Third, read the route specific customs and prohibited item pages. Fourth, arrange a delivery address where a trusted adult can receive the shipment. Fifth, prepare the inventory and goods to follow declaration. Finally, save the quote, terms, tracking number, photos and every customs message until delivery is complete.
When a luggage service is the wrong tool
Use a full international mover when you have furniture, many cartons, fragile household goods or need professional packing and destination delivery. Use airline baggage when you need the item immediately and the airline fee is competitive. Consider buying inexpensive bulky items after arrival when shipping costs exceed replacement value. The cheapest move often begins with a careful keep, sell, donate and replace decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to ship luggage or pay for an extra airline bag?
It depends on the route, bag weight, airline allowance, pickup address and customs handling. Compare the complete shipping quote with the airline fee for the same weight and dimensions. Include local transport and the value of travelling without the bag.
Do I have to declare luggage shipped separately to Canada?
Yes. Unaccompanied personal effects must be described for customs. A person moving to Canada should give CBSA a goods to follow list at the first point of entry and keep the stamped accounting document for later clearance.
Can I ship medication, liquids or food in my suitcase?
Do not assume so. Carrier prohibited item rules and Canadian import rules both apply. Many luggage services restrict medication, liquids, aerosols and food. Check the exact route rules before packing.
Should I put my passport or immigration papers in shipped luggage?
No. Keep passports, permits, identity documents, essential medication, valuables and the records needed at the border in your cabin baggage.
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Affiliate disclosure: GuideCAN links to official company and government pages in this guide. Some provider links may become affiliate links, which means GuideCAN may earn compensation at no extra cost to you. Compensation does not decide the comparison criteria or make a service suitable for every move.
Written and reviewed by the GuideCAN Editorial Team
Last reviewed
Next review planned
Editorially reviewed for clarity, practical usefulness and alignment with the official starting points listed below.
Official sources
- CBSA moving or returning to Canada
- CBSA Personal Effects Accounting Document
- Send My Bag Canada
- My Baggage shipping service
- Luggage Forward
Official rules, fees, deadlines and program availability can change. Confirm the current details before acting.