The shipping price is based on the chargeable weight, which is the higher of the actual weight and the volumetric weight. That's why the space a parcel takes up matters as much as how much it weighs.
Why does a suitcase cost more?
- An empty suitcase usually weighs several kilos, and you pay for those too.
- It has to go inside a box, so the parcel ends up bigger than the suitcase.
- Its shape leaves empty space, which increases the volumetric weight.
- If it's sent without a box, even wrapped in bubble wrap, a packaging surcharge applies.
Same clothes, two ways
- Suitcase inside a box · 80 × 55 × 35 cm, 22.5 kg
- Volumetric 154,000 ÷ 5000 → 30.8 kg · **31 kg** charged
- Clothes straight in a box · 60 × 40 × 40 cm, 18.5 kg
- Volumetric 96,000 ÷ 5000 → 19.2 kg · **19.5 kg** charged
How can I make it cheaper?
- Pack your clothes straight into a sturdy box that fits the contents.
- Compress soft clothes so there's no empty space.
- If you have a lot, split them across several boxes. We recommend keeping each box under 25 kg.
- Measure and weigh each box after sealing it, then enter the details when booking.
When a suitcase makes sense
When you want to send the suitcase itself as well. In that case, put it inside a box to avoid a packaging surcharge. See how shipping a suitcase works.