US luggage shipping firm partners with DHL Express
US baggage shipping company Luggage Forward has selected DHL Express as its preferred international carrier. The Boston-based company founded in 2004 specialises in forwarding luggage, sports equipment or family items for travellers, offering a door-to-door service to and from hotels, resorts, cruise ships, golf courses and other vacation destinations.
Partnering DHL would allow Luggage Forward to leverage the integrator’s global shipping network to help travellers with their baggage and equipment flying to any of 220 countries and territories around the world.
The two companies have worked together since 2006, but formalising the relationship meant confirming “the utmost convenience” for Luggage Forward customers travelling abroad, the US company said.
Zeke Adkins, co-founder of Luggage Forward, said: “Our international clients travel with the peace of mind knowing that their luggage is handled by an international specialist like DHL Express that has more experience than any other carrier in moving shipments across borders.”
The Luggage Forward service allows travellers to book shipments online or by phone, with the company selecting carriers automatically.
The company, which has offices in Charlotte, Denver and New York as well as its Boston base, is the exclusive luggage delivery provider for a number of leading travel brands including American Express Vacations, Exclusive Resorts and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
On average, DHL Express said it handles more than 90% of the inbound US luggage shipments for Luggage Forward customers, as well as a majority of shipments to and between international points.
Country-specific shipping and customs documentation for shipments is completed by Luggage Forward, but DHL said its trained team members are then able to expedite luggage shipments through customs, to “greatly” reduce potential delays.
Ian Clough, the DHL Express chief executive, said: “Our global logistics expertise combined with Luggage Forward’s innovative business model affords international travelers the opportunity to enjoy their trip from the minute the plane touches down at their destination.”
