Luggage Forward
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Shipping, Logistics |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Aaron Kirley, Zeke Adkins |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | Worldwide (more than 200 countries and territories) |
| Products | Door-to-door luggage and sports gear shipping services |
Luggage Forward is a company that provides door-to-door shipping services for luggage and sports gear, delivering to more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.
History
Established in 2004 by Aaron Kirley and Zeke Adkins, Luggage Forward collaborates with prominent carriers such as Federal Express, UPS, and DHL to facilitate both domestic and international shipment of luggage. The rise of airline baggage fees led to a surge in demand, resulting in the company’s business volume doubling. Since then, Luggage Forward has emerged as a prominent leader in the luggage shipping industry.
Shipping Services
The company offers convenient pickup directly from customers’ locations with delivery to destinations including hotels, rental properties, cruise terminals, or golf resorts. There is no requirement for customers to provide additional packaging. Pricing is determined by factors such as the size and number of bags, along with the desired delivery speed. Their comprehensive pricing structure includes all costs upfront, covering taxes, pickup fees, handling expenses, and fuel surcharges.
Partnerships
Luggage Forward maintains extensive collaborations within the travel sector and serves as the exclusive luggage delivery partner for Seabourn Cruise Line's Personal ValetSM service. Additionally, it operates the Luggage Liaison initiative for The Luxury Collection, improving luggage management for guests at luxury hotels.
Acquisitions
The company expanded its reach in 2009 by acquiring competitors Baggage Quest and Sports Express, which included brands such as Luggage Express, Virtual Bellhop, and Luggage Advance. Further growth occurred with the 2011 purchases of Ship Luggage and The Luggage Club based in Wisconsin. In 2014, Luggage Forward strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of LugLess.
Awards
Luggage Forward has been repeatedly recognized among rapidly expanding companies within the travel industry.
Inc. 5000
Featured on the Inc. 5000 list for four years running, the company exhibited significant growth:
- 2011 – Ranked 12th fastest growing Travel company with a three-year growth rate of 172%.
- 2012 – Ranked 9th fastest growing Travel company with a three-year growth rate of 126%.
- 2013 – Ranked 34th fastest growing Travel & Hospitality company with a three-year growth rate of 97%.
- 2014 – Ranked 48th fastest growing Travel & Hospitality company with a three-year growth rate of 61%.
Inner City 100
Included twice on the Inner City 100 list highlighting the fastest growing inner city businesses compiled by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City:
- 2012 – Positioned as the 21st fastest growing inner city company with a five-year CAGR of 55%.
- 2013 – Positioned as the 30th fastest growing inner city company with a five-year CAGR of 36%.
- 2014 – Positioned as the 77th fastest growing inner city company with a five-year CAGR of 130.7%.