Shipping from New Zealand to the USA
Moving to America? Sending excess baggage, moving boxes or personal belongings to the United States?
Send Stuff helps you explore international shipping options from New Zealand to eligible destinations across the USA, with personalised quotations based on your shipment.
Sending Your Belongings to the United States?
Whether you're relocating to the USA, travelling for work, attending university or sending personal belongings to friends and family, Send Stuff can help you assess international shipping arrangements.
Instead of relying entirely on airline baggage allowances, you can enquire about sending eligible suitcases, moving boxes and personal effects separately.
We review the destination, shipment details, packaging and available freight services before providing a personalised quote.
What Can You Send?
- Suitcases and excess baggage
- Moving boxes and personal effects
- Clothing, shoes and household items
- Golf clubs and sports equipment
- Skis, snowboards and surfboards
- Eligible parcels and gifts
All goods are subject to transport acceptance, US import requirements and suitable packaging.
International Shipping Services to the USA
From a single suitcase to multiple cartons, we can assess a range of shipments from New Zealand to America.
Excess Baggage
Shipping additional suitcases and travel belongings to eligible destinations across the United States.
Moving Boxes
Properly packed cartons containing eligible clothing, books and household belongings.
Personal Effects
Personal belongings for people moving between New Zealand and the USA.
Sports Equipment
Golf clubs, skis, snowboards and other eligible equipment, subject to size and handling requirements.
Surfboards
Surfboards and other oversized items can be reviewed for specialist freight arrangements.
Parcels & Gifts
Eligible parcels and personal gifts, subject to US customs and import rules.
Shipping to Cities Across the United States
We can assess shipping enquiries to major American cities and selected regional destinations. Service availability depends on the full delivery address, ZIP code and shipment details.
Los Angeles
California
New York City
New York
San Francisco
California
Chicago
Illinois
Houston
Texas
Miami
Florida
Seattle
Washington
Honolulu
Hawaii
Shipping outside a major city? You can still enquire about regional destinations. Alaska, Hawaii, US territories and remote locations may involve different services, restrictions or surcharges.
How Shipping from NZ to the USA Works
We provide personalised shipping quotations based on your items, destination and available services.
Request a Quote
Provide your New Zealand collection address, USA delivery address and shipment details.
We Review Your Shipment
We assess dimensions, weight, contents, packaging and available services.
Prepare Your Goods
Securely pack your belongings and prepare the required customs documents.
Collection & Shipping
Once arrangements are confirmed, the shipment moves through the selected international service.
Customs & Import Requirements for the USA
Goods entering the United States are subject to US Customs and Border Protection requirements, including used personal belongings and household items.
Depending on the goods, shipment type and import circumstances, customs duties, taxes, clearance charges or other fees may apply.
Certain qualifying household and personal effects may be eligible for duty-free entry, subject to specific US rules and documentation requirements. This is not automatic.
For general guidance, visit our Customs & Import Duties page.
Common Documents & Details
- Sender's name and contact details
- Receiver's full name and contact details
- Complete USA delivery address and ZIP code
- Detailed packing list
- Accurate description and value of goods
- Reason for shipping
- Customs declaration or invoice
- Additional identity, entry or customs forms where required
The exact documents depend on the goods, shipment type and customs clearance arrangements.
What Can't You Ship to the United States?
The USA has strict requirements for certain products. Some items may be prohibited, restricted or require permits, special declarations or regulated transport.
| Item Type | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Food & Agricultural Products | Meat, fruit, plants, seeds and other agricultural goods may be restricted or require inspection or permits. |
| Medicines & Supplements | Import restrictions may apply, including FDA requirements and supporting documentation. |
| Cosmetics & Toiletries | Some products may be restricted for transport due to flammable or pressurised contents. |
| Lithium Batteries | Standalone batteries and some battery-powered equipment require specialist dangerous goods assessment. |
| Aerosols & Chemicals | May be dangerous goods and unsuitable for standard personal effects shipping. |
| Wooden Items & Outdoor Equipment | Clean used equipment and check any applicable agricultural, timber or treatment requirements. |
| Weapons & Controlled Items | May be prohibited or subject to strict licensing, customs and transport requirements. |
Important: An item being legal to own in New Zealand does not mean it can be imported into the United States or transported through a standard international shipping service. Always check before packing.
See our Prohibited & Restricted Items guide for more information.
How Much Does Shipping from NZ to the USA Cost?
The cost of shipping to the United States depends on your collection address, destination, package dimensions, weight and contents.
Freight may be calculated using actual weight or volumetric weight, depending on the selected service's rules.
Send Stuff provides personalised shipping quotes after reviewing your shipment. We don't display automatic guaranteed prices online.
REQUEST YOUR USA QUOTE →What Affects Your Quote?
- New Zealand collection location
- US state, city and ZIP code
- Number of packages
- Actual package weight
- Length, width and height
- Oversized or unusual items
- Packaging and handling requirements
- Available freight services
- Applicable surcharges and customs charges
Learn more in our Shipping Costs Explained guide.
How to Pack Your Belongings for the USA
International shipping involves handling, sorting and customs processing. Suitable packaging helps protect your belongings.
Use Strong Packaging
Use sturdy cartons or suitable luggage. Avoid damaged, weak or overloaded packaging.
Protect Fragile Items
Wrap fragile belongings individually and use sufficient internal cushioning.
Prepare a Packing List
Record the contents of each package, with accurate descriptions and customs values.
Clean Used Equipment
Remove soil, seeds and organic material from outdoor and sporting equipment.
Check Restricted Goods
Review batteries, aerosols, liquids, medicines and other potentially restricted items.
Measure Every Package
Provide accurate weight and external dimensions for every suitcase or carton.
Explore our Packaging Guides for detailed advice on suitcases, moving boxes, sports equipment and fragile items.
Shipping Lithium Batteries or Dangerous Goods to the USA?
Many standard international shipping services won't accept standalone lithium batteries, e-bike batteries, aerosols, chemicals or other dangerous goods.
Our sister company, Dangerous Goods Solutions (DG Solutions), can assess eligible dangerous goods shipments and explore specialist packaging, documentation and international freight arrangements.
Acceptance depends on the product, battery condition, classification, destination and transport regulations.
CONTACT DG SOLUTIONS →How Long Does Shipping from NZ to the USA Take?
Delivery times depend on the selected international freight service, New Zealand collection location, US destination and customs clearance.
Delays may occur due to customs examinations, transport disruptions, weather and other factors outside our control.
Where tracking is available for the selected service, tracking information will be provided after dispatch.
Visit our Delivery Times & Tracking page for more information.
Before Requesting a Quote
- Confirm your USA delivery address
- Include the correct ZIP code
- Check the receiver's contact details
- Measure and weigh every package
- Prepare a detailed contents list
- Identify any restricted items
- Allow time for customs processing
- Advise us of important delivery dates
Delivery timeframes are estimates unless specifically confirmed under the selected shipping service.
Shipping from NZ to the USA FAQs
Can I send a suitcase from New Zealand to the USA?
Eligible suitcases and personal belongings can be considered for international shipping to the USA, subject to packaging, contents and service requirements.
Can I ship moving boxes to America?
Yes, Send Stuff can assess shipments of properly packed moving boxes containing eligible personal belongings and household items.
Do I have to pay customs duty on personal belongings?
Certain qualifying personal and household effects may be eligible for duty-free entry, subject to US customs rules and documentation. Other duties, taxes and charges may apply.
Can I ship from Auckland to Los Angeles?
You can request a quote for shipping eligible goods from Auckland to Los Angeles. Availability and pricing are confirmed after reviewing the shipment details.
Can I ship from Christchurch to New York?
Yes, you can enquire about shipping eligible goods from Christchurch to New York. Collection and delivery options are assessed individually.
Can I send golf clubs or surfboards to the USA?
Eligible sporting equipment can be assessed for shipping. Oversized items may require specialist packaging or freight arrangements.
Can I ship food to the United States?
Some food products may be restricted or require declarations, permits or other documentation under US import rules. Check before packing.
Can I ship an e-bike battery to the USA?
Some eligible e-bike batteries may be transported under specialist dangerous goods arrangements. DG Solutions can assess the battery and available options.
How much does shipping from NZ to the USA cost?
Shipping costs depend on the number of packages, their weight and dimensions, collection and delivery addresses, and available services. We provide personalised quotes.
Can you collect from my home in New Zealand?
Collection options can be assessed using your full New Zealand address. Availability depends on the location and selected shipping service.
Ready to Send Your Stuff to the USA?
Whether you're relocating to America, sending excess baggage or shipping personal belongings, tell us what you're sending and where it's going. We'll assess the available options and provide a personalised shipping quote.
Service information: Shipping services, collection, delivery, transit times and acceptance are subject to individual assessment, transport regulations, US customs requirements and service availability. Import duties, taxes, clearance charges, inspections and other fees may apply. Send Stuff does not provide shipping insurance. Specialist dangerous goods enquiries are referred to Dangerous Goods Solutions.