Sending luggage ahead when moving abroad

[BackforGood]

Two friends are moving to China for a year - to a job, all arranged, but not getting a great deal of support with the practicalities ahead of time.

Obviously, on the plane they will have a luggage limit (and, from what I've heard, will want to take things to do and to eat whilst in quarantine on arrival - so that's going to take up a proportion of each suitcase).
Can anyone help with how they can send a box or packing case or what have you with some more of their things in it please ?

Sending stuff UK to China is cheaper than the other way round I was told. As they send us more than we send them in containers.
We used a container service to move countries. (not asia) Start researching the companies and reading reviews.
I got a lot of information on britishexpats.com/forum/ they have sections for each area of the world.

When I did it, I just posted big boxes through the normal post. I wouldn't recommend this as it's going to be more expensive than specialist couriers (I was just too lazy to shop around and happy to pay more for a little less hassle). Looking at getting quotes from international couriers (think UPS, DHL, others). I have also shipped big things in a container. There are companies where you can hired all or a portion of a shipping container (which goes on a boat). This is slower, but would be more cost effective if it's a lot of stuff. I can't help with recommendations though as I was moving to the UK and not from, so used companies local to me in the country I was living in.

Alternatively, they might find that it's worth paying the extra baggage charges. If they aren't moving furniture, the extra baggage fees may be cheaper than paying to ship things. I did this for a few high value items that I didn't feel safe shipping because I was worried they'd go missing. Then you also get your things right away.

Look at companies that deal with student removals, there's also one that used to be called excess baggage (think now split into 2 companies) who were based in the main airports and stations. I used them a couple of times for international moves. Some airlines will also let you send unaccompanied baggage (need to check with individual airlines for info).
The biggest problem is the paperwork involved for customs clearance. Depending on who they are working for there may be someone to help... but will probably need copies of passport and visa and an address.

Ooh, thank you for that link @FedUpAtHomeTroels.

Thanks @mindutopia too. No, they are only going for a year (or possibly two) and will be living in a rented apartment, but will need things like sports kit as well as usual clothes etc. (and chocolate and treats, they have been told ) so I think they were thinking about something like a removal company packing box type size, rather than having to accommodate furnishings.

We used an international removals company. They shipped our stuff in boxes to our new address. It took 2 months to arrive! That was 30+ years ago, so hopefully it's a bit faster now.

There are a few options:

1. Book excess luggage in advance - this is always cheaper than paying on the day but depends on the airline.

1. Unaccompanied bag - some airlines allow you to book a suitcase unaccompanied, it is cheaper than excess. Alternatively, a service like ‘send my bag’ - this is reasonable and I know people who have used it.

1. Air freight - a relocation company can air freight. This is fast but more costly. You can look at companies like Santa Fe, Asian Tigers, Crown

1. Sea freight - as mentioned above by a PP...it is actually really very expensive (because of covid) and still very slow. My shipment should leave next month and will take 2 months minimum. Then it needs to clear customs. The chocolate will melt.

1. Have your friends look for migrant worker Facebook groups at their destination - often called ‘expats in XYZ’ (and often full of awful people but can be very handy). People there will have a way of getting stuff in. There are many ‘enterprising’ individuals navigating the import and customs processes around the world to send shipments to migrant workers.

Backforgood... are they teachers by any chance? If so, they should be able to get in touch with current teachers for advice.
If they aren't taking much then the normal shipping companies won't be suitable as even part container will be too large (and expensive).
Depending on finances, could they upgrade to Business class as there's usually a much better allowance (I've done this a couple of times).
If there's a uni near them see if there is a Chinese students organisation as they will have loads of info.

Several choices, and the best value changes by the weight or volume (depending on method) of stuff sent. Some I know of are:
Excess baggage. Cost depends on airline.

Courier - DHL or similar, but use a company to evaluate who is best. My friend runs such a company and gets business rates. Happy to PM you her details if you want. Sendmybag is also worth looking into.

International movers - as a family of 4 we airfreighted 9 boxes (plus 8 cases on the plane - one each and one excess baggage each). They will also sea freight for you, but generally that is for taking furniture and the like.

This is great information - thanks everyone