INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING INFORMATION
Shipping Costs Explained
Understand what affects the cost of shipping luggage, personal belongings and specialist equipment internationally from New Zealand, and how to prepare for an accurate quote.
International shipping costs depend on several factors, including where your goods are going, how much they weigh, how much space they occupy and the services required to transport them.
At Send Stuff, we provide personalised shipping quotes rather than displaying fixed prices online. This allows us to review the details of your shipment and assess the available shipping options.
This guide explains how international shipping charges are commonly determined, what additional costs may apply and what information helps us prepare your quote.
What Affects International Shipping Costs?
International freight is not usually priced using weight alone. Carriers assess several characteristics of a shipment to determine the space, handling and transport resources it requires.
Two shipments with the same weight can have different shipping costs if their dimensions, destinations or handling requirements differ.
| Factor | How It Can Affect Your Quote |
|---|---|
| Destination Country | International transport routes, local delivery networks and destination requirements vary. |
| Package Weight | Heavier shipments may require additional handling and transport capacity. |
| Package Dimensions | Large or bulky items can occupy more transport space, even if they are relatively lightweight. |
| Collection & Delivery | The origin and final delivery location may affect the available services and applicable charges. |
| Contents | Fragile, unusual or restricted items may require additional packaging, checks or handling. |
| Service Requirements | Different transport arrangements and service levels may have different pricing structures. |
Why we request package details: Knowing the weight, dimensions, contents and destination helps us assess the shipment more accurately before providing a quote.
Actual Weight vs Volumetric Weight
One of the most important concepts in international shipping is chargeable weight. This is the weight figure used by the carrier to calculate freight charges under its pricing rules.
Depending on the service, carriers may compare the package's physical weight with its volumetric weight and charge based on the greater figure.
Actual Weight
The physical weight of the fully packed item, including the box, suitcase, protective materials and contents.
Volumetric Weight
A calculated weight based on the amount of space your packed item occupies during transport.
How Is Volumetric Weight Calculated?
Volumetric weight is commonly calculated using the length, width and height of the packed item, divided by a conversion factor specified by the carrier or freight service.
General formula: Length × Width × Height ÷ Carrier's Volumetric Conversion Factor
Measurements are usually supplied in centimetres, but the exact formula and conversion factor depend on the carrier and service.
Example: A Lightweight but Bulky Parcel
Imagine shipping a large carton containing lightweight clothing or bedding. Although the parcel may not weigh very much, its overall dimensions mean it occupies considerable space. The carrier may therefore calculate freight using volumetric weight rather than actual weight.
For this reason, providing packed dimensions is just as important as providing the weight of your shipment.
How Destination & Location Affect Pricing
International shipping charges vary depending on where goods are collected and where they need to be delivered.
Freight networks, international transport connections and local delivery arrangements differ between destinations.
Destination Considerations
- Country: Different countries have different freight networks, regulations and import processing requirements.
- City or Region: Delivery to a major metropolitan area may involve different arrangements from delivery to a remote location.
- Postcode: Accurate postcodes help identify the applicable delivery area and available services.
- Origin Location: Collection requirements within New Zealand can also affect the overall shipping arrangement.
Helpful tip: When requesting a quote, provide the collection suburb or postcode in New Zealand and the destination city and postcode overseas.
Packaging, Dimensions & Oversized Items
The size and shape of your shipment can affect both the available shipping options and how freight charges are calculated.
Standard cartons and suitcases are generally easier to assess than irregularly shaped or oversized items. Specialist equipment may also require additional protection.
Examples of Items Requiring Extra Attention
- Golf Clubs: Golf travel bags and hard cases may have long dimensions that affect carrier acceptance.
- Surfboards: Board length, width, thickness and protective packaging are important considerations.
- Skis & Snowboards: Long packages may be subject to size restrictions or additional handling requirements.
- Large Personal Effects Cartons: Oversized cartons can have higher volumetric weight relative to their contents.
Measure your shipment after packing. Freight charges are based on the final package, not simply the dimensions of the item inside. Packaging can increase the overall length, width, height and weight.
Where applicable, carriers may also apply additional handling or oversized package charges. Acceptance depends on the carrier, route and package characteristics.
Visit our Packaging Guidelines for more information about preparing your items for international transport.
Collection, Delivery & Other Possible Charges
The main international freight charge may not be the only component of a shipment's overall cost. Additional services or charges can apply depending on the arrangements required.
| Service or Charge | When It May Apply |
|---|---|
| Collection | When goods need to be collected from a residential or commercial address. |
| Remote Area Delivery | When the destination falls outside standard carrier delivery areas. |
| Additional Handling | When package dimensions, weight, shape or packaging require special processing. |
| Packaging Materials | When suitable cartons, protective materials or specialist packaging are required. |
| Customs Processing | When clearance, brokerage or documentation services incur additional fees. |
| Storage or Re-Delivery | When a shipment cannot be delivered or released as originally arranged. |
Not every charge will apply to every shipment. We recommend reviewing your quotation carefully to understand the services included and any exclusions or conditions.
Customs Duties, Taxes & Clearance Fees
International shipping charges and destination import charges are separate considerations.
Depending on the destination, the nature of the goods and their declared value, customs authorities may assess import duties, GST, VAT or other applicable taxes.
Carriers or customs brokers may also charge processing or clearance fees.
Important: Import duties, taxes and destination customs charges should not be assumed to be included in your freight quote unless expressly stated. These charges may be payable by the recipient or another responsible party under the agreed shipment terms.
Used personal belongings are not automatically exempt from import charges. Some destinations offer concessions for qualifying personal effects or household goods, subject to their specific requirements.
Read our Customs & Import Duties Guide for a more detailed explanation.
How to Get an Accurate Shipping Quote
Providing complete and accurate shipment information helps us assess the available freight arrangements and prepare a more reliable quotation.
Information to Have Ready
- Collection suburb and postcode within New Zealand.
- Destination country, city and postcode.
- Number of suitcases, cartons or other packages.
- Actual packed weight of each package.
- Length, width and height of each packed package.
- Description of the contents of each package.
- Any unusual, fragile, oversized or regulated items.
- Whether collection is required or drop-off is preferred.
Why Final Measurements Matter
A quote prepared using estimated weights and dimensions may need to be reviewed if the final shipment differs from the information originally supplied.
Carriers may verify the weight and dimensions of packages during transport. If the measured details differ from those declared, additional freight charges may arise.
Our quoting approach: Send Stuff reviews each enquiry individually. We provide personalised quotations rather than automatically generated online freight prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does international shipping cost?
Shipping costs vary depending on your destination, package weight, dimensions, contents and required services. Send Stuff provides personalised quotes based on the details of each enquiry.
Is shipping based on weight or size?
Both can matter. Depending on the freight service, carriers may calculate charges using the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight.
Is it cheaper to send one large box or several smaller boxes?
It depends on the total chargeable weight, number of packages, dimensions and carrier pricing rules. One large carton is not automatically more economical than several smaller ones.
Does packaging affect shipping costs?
Yes. Packaging contributes to the final weight and dimensions of the shipment. Larger packaging may increase volumetric weight, while certain items may require additional protection.
Are collection and delivery included?
This depends on the services included in your quotation. Collection and delivery arrangements are assessed according to the shipment and relevant locations.
Are customs duties and taxes included?
Not unless expressly stated in your quote. Import duties, taxes and customs processing charges may be payable separately.
Can my shipping price change after I receive a quote?
A quotation may need to be revised if shipment details change, measurements are inaccurate, additional services are required or other stated quotation conditions apply. Review the terms and validity of your quote before proceeding.
Do you provide instant online shipping prices?
No. Send Stuff provides personalised shipping quotations so we can assess the individual requirements of each shipment.
Want to Know What Your Shipment Will Cost?
Tell us what you're sending, where it's going and the approximate packed weight and dimensions. We'll review your requirements and provide a personalised international shipping quote.
GET A FREE SHIPPING QUOTE →Please note: This guide provides general information about international shipping costs. Actual charges, service availability and quotation conditions depend on the shipment and the selected transport arrangements. No freight prices or services are guaranteed by this guide.