• Personal Belongings and Air Transport


    Watch this video and find out all you need to know about shipping your personal belongings by airplane.

    Whether you are planning a family move to another country, an overseas job contract, an international study project, or to ship second-hand goods abroad, at Cargolution the personal belongings transportation service is carried by air only. To prepare your shipment according to the current standards and regulations, please refer to the following:

    The shipping rates for personal belongings depend on their chargeable weight. As the chargeable weight equals the volume of the shipping goods, taking accurate measurements is important.

    How to accurately measure a suitcase?

    Measure the length, width, height (including wheels and handle).
    *Tips: if possible, remove the wheels and lower the handle when taking measurements and during transport.

    personal belongings transport

    Then, apply the following math formula to calculate the chargeable weight of your shipment:
    Length x width x height (in cm) / 6000 = the chargeable weight (in kg).

    Here is the math to perform to find out the chargeable weight of this suitcase:
    50 x 25 x 70 (in cm) = 87 500/ 6000 = 14.58 kg = 15 kg.

    What if your package has an irregular shape?

    1. Once packed, place the object in a corner of a room to take its regular measurements.
    2. Then, measure the irregular side by holding a straight ruler at 90º to the wall.
    3. Use the math formula with your measurements to find out the chargeable

    Chargeable weight VS. actual weight?

    For instance, the actual weight of the surfboard is 2.7 kg. According to the math formula, its chargeable weight is 3 kg. In this case, the chargeable weight is higher than its actual weight. Therefore, the transportation rates will be based on its chargeable weight of 3 kg, instead if its actual of 2.7 kg.

    personal belongings transport measures

    What types of packaging can you use for your air parcel?

    • Cardboard box
    • Plastic or metal container
    • Suitcases and fabric bags

    Dangerous goods

    Some goods are considered dangerous, so they are prohibited from flight in the luggage hold. If they are not excluded, they may compromise your shipment.

    What goods are prohibited by airlines?

    Electronic devices with lithium batteries:
    • Cellphone
    • Laptop
    • Electronic tablet
    • Camera

    Pressurized containers:
    • Aerosols
    • Camping gear

    Flammable liquids:
    • Perfume
    • Essential oils
    • Nail polish
    • Household cleaning products
    • Paint

    Precious goods

    If you are shipping valuable goods, you must declare them.
    If any of the shipped items has a value of $500 or more, you must mention it to your Cargolution specialist. Make sure this item is easily accessible in your package because we must validate its presence before accepting it at our drop-off location.

  • Pay your invoice and the transportation fees


    When and how do I pay my invoice for the transportation of my personal belongings?

    To confirm your transportation request, a deposit of 50% of the total fees will be required in order to open the file. The full payment will be required once the final invoice is provided. Payment can be made by: Canadian credit cards, Interac transfer and back transfer.

  • Transit time


    What will be the transit time for my personal belongings shipment?

    The transit time will depend on the flight and space availability at the time of booking. The number of layovers during the journey can also influence the transit time of your personal belongings.

  • Cost of personal belongings transportation


    How much does it cost to ship personal effects abroad?

    There are several factors influencing the price of a shipment.

    In order to advise you on the best logistics option and provide you a price adapted to your needs; you must know at least the following information:

    • The weight of your parcel.
    • Its dimension, which is the length, the width, the height (in centimetres or inches).
    • The destination.
    • The means of transportation you want to use.

    Make sure you have this information handy when contacting us for a quote.

  • Declaration of Personal Effects


    Did you know that you have to make a declaration for your unaccompanied goods upon arrival in Canada?

    Even if you have no goods with you on arrival, you must give your list of goods to the border services officer at your first point of entry in Canada. Based on the list of goods you submit, the officer will complete Form BSF186, Personal Effects Accounting Document, assign a file number to it, and give you a copy of the completed form as a receipt.

    You will need to present your copy of this form to claim free importation of your unaccompanied goods when they arrive. Goods to follow may be subject to import restrictions before you can import them.

    To facilitate the clearance process, you can complete Form BSF186 before your arrival in Canada.

    Reference : Canada Border Services Agency 1