Track and Understand Your Shipments with PiggyShip
PiggyShip is a freight forwarding and package consolidation service that helps international shoppers save on shipping costs. Operating primarily as a mail forwarding platform, the service provides customers with warehouse addresses in multiple countries, allowing them to shop from local stores and consolidate multiple parcels into one shipment. This approach significantly reduces international shipping expenses, especially for customers ordering from retailers that don't ship abroad.
The company serves customers worldwide, with warehouse locations strategically positioned in major shopping markets including the United States, United Kingdom, China, and several European countries. By receiving packages at these local addresses, users can combine multiple purchases and ship them internationally as a single package, often saving 50-70% on shipping costs compared to individual shipments.
Tip: Always verify the correct warehouse address for your destination country before placing orders with online retailers.How PiggyShip Package Consolidation Works
The process starts when you register for an account and receive unique warehouse addresses in your chosen countries. When shopping online, you use these addresses as your delivery destination. Once your packages arrive at the warehouse, PiggyShip staff photograph and catalog each item, allowing you to review what's been received through your online dashboard.
You then have the option to consolidate multiple packages, request repackaging to reduce dimensional weight, or ship items individually. The platform offers various shipping methods from economy to express, with delivery times ranging from 7-30 days depending on your selected service level and destination. International shipping typically takes 10-15 business days for standard services, while express options can deliver within 5-7 days.
Tracking Your Consolidated Shipments
After your consolidated package ships, tracking numbers are typically provided within 24-48 hours. These tracking codes allow you to monitor your shipment's journey from the warehouse to your doorstep. Enter your shipment code in the tracking tool above to get real-time updates on your parcel's location and estimated delivery date.
The tracking system provides detailed information at each stage of transit, including customs clearance status for international shipments. Most users find that tracking updates occur every 24-36 hours as packages move through different sorting facilities and customs checkpoints. Sometimes tracking may appear static for several days during customs processing, which is completely normal for international freight.
Services and Features Offered
Beyond basic package forwarding, the service offers several value-added features. Free storage is typically provided for 30-90 days, giving you time to accumulate multiple purchases before shipping. The repackaging service removes unnecessary retail packaging and boxes, often reducing shipping weight by 20-40%. This can translate to substantial cost savings, especially when shipping heavy items like books or electronics.
Photography services let you verify package contents before shipping, which helps catch any retailer errors or damaged items early. Some warehouse locations also offer inspection services, where staff can check product authenticity or functionality for an additional fee. These features provide peace of mind when ordering expensive items from unfamiliar retailers.
International Shipping Documentation
For shipments crossing international borders, proper documentation is essential. The platform assists with completing commercial invoices and customs declarations, which are required for clearing customs in your destination country. Accurate product descriptions and declared values help prevent delays during customs inspection. Learn more about customs procedures to ensure smooth delivery.
Different countries have varying import restrictions and duty thresholds. Items like electronics, cosmetics, and supplements may require special permits or documentation. The customer service team can provide guidance on specific country requirements, though ultimately it's your responsibility to ensure compliance with local import regulations.
Pricing and Cost Calculation
Shipping costs are calculated based on either actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is greater. Dimensional weight is determined by the package's volume using the formula: (Length × Width × Height) / dimensional divisor. This is why repackaging services can significantly reduce costs for bulky but lightweight items.
Additional fees may include handling charges for consolidation, insurance for high-value items, and customs duties imposed by your country. The platform's shipping calculator provides estimates before you commit to shipping, allowing you to compare different service levels and make informed decisions. Currency exchange rates are typically updated daily, so final costs in your local currency may vary slightly from initial quotes.
Tip: Request removal of shoe boxes and retail packaging to minimize dimensional weight charges on your consolidated shipments.Understanding PiggyShip Shipment Statuses
Your consolidated package displays different tracking statuses as it moves through the international shipping network:
Info Received: PiggyShip has created the shipping label and transmitted tracking information to the carrier, but the physical package hasn't been picked up yet. This initial status typically lasts 12-24 hours.
Processing: Your consolidated package is being prepared at the PiggyShip warehouse. Staff are combining your items, removing excess packaging, and securing the shipment for international transit.
In Transit: The parcel is moving through the carrier's network toward your country. International shipments may show this status for 5-10 days as packages travel by air or sea freight between continents.
Customs Clearance: Your PiggyShip package is being inspected and processed by customs authorities in your destination country. This stage typically takes 1-3 business days but can extend to a week during peak periods.
Arrived at Local Facility: After clearing customs, the package has reached a domestic sorting facility in your country. From here, it will be forwarded to your local delivery office within 24-48 hours.
Out for Delivery: A courier has your PiggyShip package and is making delivery rounds in your area today. Expect delivery within normal business hours, though some carriers deliver as late as 8 PM.
Delivered: The package has been successfully handed over. If you didn't receive it but tracking shows delivered, check with neighbors, building management, or any alternative delivery locations you specified.
For detailed explanations of all possible tracking statuses, visit our comprehensive delivery status reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help? Contact PiggyShip directly
To resolve any issues with your PiggyShip delivery or to ask about a specific status, you can reach their team through these official contact methods:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PiggyShip store my packages before I need to ship them?
Most PiggyShip warehouse locations offer free storage for 30-90 days depending on your membership level. After this period, storage fees typically apply at $1-2 per package per day. You can view your storage timeline in your dashboard, which shows arrival dates and remaining free storage days for each package.
What is PiggyShip's tracking number format and where do I find it?
After your consolidated package ships, you'll receive a tracking number via email within 24-48 hours. The format varies depending on which carrier PiggyShip uses for your shipment - it could be a standard postal tracking number, a courier tracking code, or a freight tracking reference. All tracking numbers are also accessible through your account dashboard under "My Shipments."
Does PiggyShip ship to all countries worldwide?
PiggyShip delivers to over 200 countries and territories globally, though some destinations have restrictions on certain product categories. Countries under trade sanctions or with limited postal infrastructure may not be available. You can check if your country is supported and view estimated delivery times during the shipping quote process before finalizing your consolidation request.
What happens if my consolidated package is damaged or items are missing?
If you notice damage or missing items, contact PiggyShip customer support within 7 days of delivery with photos and your tracking number. The pre-shipment photography service helps verify what was packed, making claims easier to process. Insurance coverage (if purchased) typically reimburses up to the declared value, though certain items like jewelry or cash may have coverage limits.
Can I track multiple consolidated shipments at once?
Yes, your PiggyShip account dashboard displays all active shipments with their current tracking statuses. You can monitor multiple packages simultaneously, view estimated delivery dates, and receive email notifications when tracking statuses change. Each shipment has its own unique tracking number that you can also monitor independently using the tracking tool above.