These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern the shipment and delivery services (“Services”) provided by Excess Baggage South Africa (Pty) Limited (“Excess Baggage”, “we” or “us”) and excessbaggage.co.za (“website”). By scheduling, booking, or tendering any item for shipment through Excess Baggage, the customer (“Customer,” “you”) agrees to be bound by these Terms, and all policies referenced herein, including the Privacy Policy, which is incorporated by reference and forms an integral part of this Agreement.
RATES
Rates generated on the excessbaggage.co.za website or by a Excess Baggage customer service representative are based upon the information provided at the time of inquiry. Final rates will be based upon actual weights and dimensions verified during the shipment process. Actual weights will be generated by the greater of the actual weight OR dimensional weight of each suitcase, box or case (hereinafter "Item”).
The dimensional weight of an Item can be calculated by multiplying L x W x H in centimetres and dividing by 5000 for international shipments. Dimensions are calculated from the widest point of each side. If actual weight or dimensional weight exceeds that of the quoted Item, rates will adjust to reflect the next largest available Item class. If a larger class does not exist, additional charges will be prorated for the weight exceeding the quoted weight allowance. Final charges may differ from quoted prices due to actual weights and dimensions. All services are not available in all areas. Rates are subject to change without notice.
LUGGAGE WEIGHT ALLOWANCES
All luggage items delivered are priced according to the following weight or dimensional weight allowances:
- Small Suitcase: Up to 10 kg
- Carry-on Suitcase: Up to 15 kg
- Medium Suitcase: Up to 20kg
- Large Suitcase: Up to 30 kg
- Sports Bag: Up to 20 kg
- Large Duffel Bag: Up to 25kg
Please note that any item with any one length between 120cm and 240cm may incur a surcharge. For items with any one length greater than 240cm, please contact Excess Baggage prior to shipping as there may be restrictions in the origin and/or destination countries.
OVERWEIGHT CHARGES
If actual weights and/or dimensions exceed either the limits above or the weight and dimensions given to us when you place the order, we may need to adjust the charges accordingly. These prices may vary, and some adjustments may occur retroactively after the order has been completed. All items exceeding these weight allowances are subject to additional charges. The Company reserves the right to alter or amend these charges at any time without prior notification. Any item overweight may be refused for collection or delivery and may cause delays to your order. Each item must be able to be lifted by an individual unless agreed in writing prior to collection.
PACKAGING
All customers are required to adequately package the contents of their shipments with the necessary protective material to prevent damage. Customers may contact Excess Baggage for further information on acceptable tags and packaging guidelines. Alternatively, Excess Baggage also offer the option to select wrapping of baggage. Items shipped in suitcases or purpose-built carrier cases may be shipped without an outer box, provided the case is in good condition and properly secured.
All Items must have a securely affixed luggage tag and shipping label attached to the exterior of the Item, clearly displaying the Customer's full name, delivery address, and contact details. In addition, a duplicate copy of the shipping label and recipient details must be placed inside the Item.
Failure to correctly label or identify an Item may result in delays, misrouting, non-delivery, or loss of the shipment. Excess Baggage shall not be liable for any loss, delay, damage, or additional costs arising from the Customer's failure to comply with these labelling requirements. Non-compliance may also result in the denial of claims and the voiding of any applicable Value Protection, insurance cover, guarantees, or other service commitments.
Prohibited Goods: The Customer shall not tender for shipment any goods that are prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded under Excess Baggage's policies, applicable laws, regulations, or carrier requirements ("Prohibited Goods"). Where a shipment contains Prohibited Goods, whether declared, mis declared, or undeclared, Excess Baggage reserves the right to refuse, suspend, return, destroy, or otherwise dispose of such shipment at the Customer's risk and expense. In such circumstances, all delivery guarantees, liability limitations, protections, reimbursements, insurance benefits, and value protection cover shall be deemed null and void.
Customer Representations: The Customer warrants and represents that all information provided in relation to a shipment, including but not limited to the weight, dimensions, declared value, description, classification, and contents of the goods, is complete, accurate, and truthful. Any misrepresentation, omission, understatement, overstatement, inaccurate declaration, or provision of false or misleading information may result in additional charges, refusal of service, delays, forfeiture of compensation rights, denial of claims, and/or the voiding of any guarantees, protections, or value protection cover.
Documentation: The Customer is solely responsible for providing all documentation required for the transportation, clearance, and delivery of the shipment, including but not limited to customs declarations, permits, licenses, certificates, and supporting documentation where needed. All documentation must be accurate, complete, and submitted within the required timeframes. Failure to provide the required documentation, submission of incomplete or inaccurate documentation, or delays in submission may result in shipment delays, additional costs, customs penalties, refusal of carriage, and the automatic voiding of any delivery guarantees or related service commitments.
LOCKING YOUR ITEMS
Domestic and International Shipments: For all domestic and international shipments, the Customer is required to ensure that all baggage, luggage, cases, and similar items are securely locked prior to collection or acceptance for transport. Failure to secure or lock such items may invalidate the Customer's right to submit any claim for loss, shortage, theft, tampering, or missing contents. Excess Baggage reserves the right to require reasonable proof that the baggage was properly secured and locked before entering transit.
The Customer acknowledges and agrees that baggage may be subject to security screening, inspection, or regulatory examination by Excess Baggage, its agents, carriers, airport authorities, security personnel, customs authorities, or other competent regulatory bodies as required by applicable laws, regulations, or operational requirements. The Customer shall provide access to the contents of the baggage upon request, including the provision of keys, combinations, access codes, or authority to open the baggage.
Where access to the baggage is required for screening, inspection, or regulatory purposes and the Customer fails or is unable to provide such access, Excess Baggage and/or the relevant authority may, at their sole discretion, remove, cut, break, or otherwise compromise any lock, seal, fastening device, or security mechanism necessary to gain access to the baggage. Excess Baggage shall not be liable for any loss, damage, costs, or expenses arising from or related to the opening, inspection, screening, or resecuring of baggage under such circumstances.
Any inspection, screening, or examination conducted pursuant to this clause shall not constitute acceptance of liability by Excess Baggage for the contents of the baggage and shall not affect any exclusions, limitations of liability, or other provisions contained in these Terms and Conditions.
Cancellations
A Customer may cancel a booking at any time prior to collection by providing written notice to Excess Baggage.
Cancellations submitted more than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled collection time shall be eligible for a full refund of all amounts paid.
Cancellations submitted less than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled collection time shall incur a cancellation fee of USD 20.00 (or the South African Rand equivalent), which shall be deducted from any refund due.
Where a booking is cancelled after the driver, courier, or collection agent has been dispatched to the collection address, a cancellation fee of USD 50.00 (or the South African Rand equivalent) shall apply.
Excess Baggage reserves the right to determine, in its sole discretion, whether a driver, courier, or collection agent has been dispatched for purposes of applying the relevant cancellation fee.
Excess Baggage reserves the right to cancel any booking that is reasonably suspected to be fraudulent, unlawful, misleading, or in breach of these Terms and Conditions. In such instances, any refund, credit, or compensation may be withheld, forfeited, or denied, and the Customer's account may be suspended or rendered ineligible for future bookings.
RefundsApproved refunds shall be processed to the original method of payment within ten (10) business days of confirmation of the refund request.
Where a refund request is submitted more than one hundred and twenty (120) days after the original booking date, Excess Baggage reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to issue the refund via an alternative payment method, including but not limited to PayPal, electronic funds transfer, or as a credit to the Customer's account for use against future Excess Baggage services.
Any applicable bank charges, currency conversion fees, payment processing fees, or third-party transaction costs associated with the refund shall be borne by the Customer unless otherwise required by law.
Booking AmendmentsCustomers may request amendments to an existing booking prior to the scheduled collection date and time. Amendments may include, without limitation, changes to collection or delivery addresses, service type, baggage quantity, baggage type, package quantity, dimensions, weight, declared value, value protection, cruise port, destination, origin, or any other shipment-related information.
Any amendment may result in a revised service rate and the Customer shall be liable for any additional charges arising from such changes. Where an amendment results in a lower service rate, any refund shall be subject to Excess Baggage' refund policies and applicable administrative fees.
Excess Baggage reserves the right to determine whether a requested amendment can be accommodated and whether the requested change will affect service availability, transit times, pricing, or service guarantees.
Where amended baggage tags, labels, documentation, or shipping materials must be produced and supplied, Excess Baggage may charge a reprocessing and administration fee of up to USD 25.00 (or the South African Rand equivalent).
Timing of Amendments: Any request to amend a booking, including changes to item type, item quantity, origin, destination, collection details, or delivery details, must be submitted no later than two (2) business days prior to the scheduled collection date and time.
Requests submitted within two (2) business days of the scheduled collection date and time, or after collection has occurred, may not be accepted and may result in:
- The voiding of any service guarantees
- Additional charges, administrative fees, or rate adjustments
- Delays in collection or delivery; and/or
- The Customer becoming ineligible for a refund or credit.
Excess Baggage shall have no liability arising from the Customer's failure to provide timely notice of any required amendment or cancellation.
INDEMNITY
Customer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold Excess Baggage and its owners, officers, directors, shareholders, workers, clients, and agents harmless from all claims, demands, causes of actions, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses, including attorney fees, arising from or related to your acts or omissions in connection with use of this web site or any of Excess Baggage Services, including but not limited to, your shipment of any Disallowed Goods or Prohibited items as defined below. Customer’s indemnification obligations include claims arising from Customer’s provision of information in violation of these Terms of Service and Conditions or the Private Policy, and without limitation, claims arising from or related to the shipment of items belonging to minors, the inclusion of personal information on labels or documentation, or any alleged violation of privacy, child protection, or data protection laws resulting from information supplied by the Customer.
SIGNATURE RELEASE
Excess Baggage allows Items to be delivered without a signature release at the sole discretion of the delivery driver. Excess Baggage is not responsible for any items delivered with or without signature. If a shipment is delivered to a business, and or hotel a signature may be required for delivery. Excess Baggage will not be liable for delayed shipments due to a business being closed, or the absence or refusal of a person to sign for the shipment.
If a delivery signature is desired, it is the responsibility of the client to indicate this at the time of booking. Excess Baggage cannot ship to PO Boxes, airports, and may not be able to deliver to certain APO addresses.
ADDRESS INFORMATION
Excess Baggage is not responsible for delay or loss of any item resulting from incorrect, incomplete or invalid address information provided by the Customer. The Customer will be responsible for any charges associated with correcting or changing address information and/or charges associated with returning undelivered items to the origin address. The Customer will also be responsible for any additional charges with a booking made incorrectly for delivery to or collection from a Cruise port. Excess Baggage cannot ship to Post Office Boxes, airports, and may not be able to deliver to certain APO (Army Post Office) addresses.
PROHIBITED GOODS
Excess Baggage will not ship any of the following:
- Valuables (electronics, jewelry, china, antiques, etc.)
- Explosives, firearms, flammables, tear gas, pepper spray
- Perishables (food, plants, beverages)
- Hazardous materials (lithium batteries, dry ice, poisons)
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or illegal drugs
- Musical instruments or photographic equipment
- Tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, pipes and e-cigarettes
- Food items including spices, oils or any other organic matter or perishable items
- Cash or Negotiable Papers
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind
INSURANCE & WARRANTIES
Insurance Cover and Value Protection:Excess Baggage offers optional luggage insurance underwritten by TTMRISK, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations of the applicable insurance policy.
The maximum indemnity available under this cover is USD 12,200.00 per shipment.
PremiumsThe insurance premium shall be calculated at 1.0% of the total declared value of the insured contents. A minimum premium of USD 25.00 shall apply and must be paid in full prior to collection of the shipment.
Where insurance cover is selected by the Customer, the applicable premium shall be included in the service charges, and no cover shall become effective until full payment has been received by Excess Baggage.
Excesses and Deductibles: In the event of a claim arising from loss of insured contents, the following excesses shall apply:
- General Loss Claims: An excess of 10% of the assessed claim value, subject to a minimum excess of USD 305.00(equivalent in ZAR for domestic South Africa claims as per the rate of exchange at the time)
- Hijacking, Armed Robbery, or Theft of the Entire Shipment: An excess of 20% of the assessed claim value, subject to a minimum excess of USD 610.00 (equivalent in ZAR for domestic South Africa claims as per the rate of exchange at the time)
The applicable excess shall be deducted from any settlement payable under the policy.
Coverage Exclusions: Insurance cover applies solely to the contents of the luggage and does not cover cosmetic or structural damage to luggage, suitcases, trunks, bags, cases, or other travel containers.
- In the event of the total loss of insured luggage and contents, the insurer may, in addition to any approved contents claim, contribute up to USD 30.00strong> towards the replacement of the lost suitcase or luggage item, subject to the insurer's assessment and approval. (equivalent in ZAR for domestic South Africa claims as per the rate of exchange at the time)
Declaration of ContentsAs a condition of cover, the Customer must provide a complete, accurate, and truthful declaration of all contents and their respective replacement values in the section titled
The Customer expressly acknowledges and agrees that:
- Only items specifically declared on the booking form shall be eligible for cover.
- No compensation shall be payable for any item omitted, inaccurately described, undervalued, or otherwise not disclosed at the time of booking.
- The insurer's maximum liability shall be limited to the aggregate declared value stated by the Customer on the booking form, subject to the policy limits, exclusions, and applicable excesses.
- Any misrepresentation, omission, inaccurate declaration, or failure to disclose contents may result in the rejection of a claim and/or the voiding of insurance cover.
All claims shall remain subject to the insurer's policy wording, assessment procedures, supporting documentation requirements, and final approval.
LIMITED GUARANTEE
All Shipments
Packaging Requirement: All Items must be packaged in accordance with Excess Baggage packaging guidelines. Customer must retain all outer packaging used for the shipment in order to submit any damage claim. Failure to comply with packaging requirements or to retain packaging voids all damage claims.
Customer Responsibilities: Customer is responsible for ensuring that all Items are properly prepared, accurately labeled, and available for pickup as scheduled. Customer must comply with all Carrier instructions and ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
No consequential damages: Excess Baggage is not liable for missed cruises, missed flights, hotel costs, lost income, or any consequential losses.
Claims: All claims must be submitted within the applicable deadlines set forth below and in accordance with required procedures. Claims processing timelines may vary depending on the circumstances. Customer may be required to execute a claims release agreement as a condition of receiving any payment.
Final Settlement: Acceptance of any payment, credit, or other compensation from Excess Baggages—whether under Value Protection constitutes a full and final settlement of all claims related to that Item. Customer releases Excess Baggage from any further liability and agrees not to pursue additional claims, chargebacks, or legal action relating to that Item.
Delayed Shipments
In the event that an Item is delayed, Excess Baggage will make commercially reasonable efforts to locate the Item in a timely manner and deliver the Item to its intended destination. Excess Baggage will be in no way responsible for any losses, personal or business related, arising from the delayed Item.
Lost Items
An Item is considered lost if it has not been delivered within ten (10) business days after the delivery date, for reasons outside the control of Excess Baggage or the Customer.
- Search Period: Excess Baggage has ten (10) business days after the scheduled delivery date to attempt to locate the Item.
- Filing Deadlines: Delay claims are void. Lost Items Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the expected delivery date.
- Required Documentation: Failure to provide documentation results in denial. Customer must provide within 30 days: Complete contents list, Proof of purchase, Proof of ownership, Photos and other documentation.
- Maximum Reimbursement: The maximum reimbursement for a lost Item is the purchased Value Protection.
- Recovery After Payment: If the Item is located after claim payment, Customer may be required to repay the claim amount before Excess Baggage returns the Item.
Damage to Items and Contents
Claims for damage to an Item, its container, or its contents must be submitted within fifteen (15) days of the actual delivery date.
Exclusions: Excess Baggage has no liability for: Cosmetic damage (scratches, dents, dirt, stains, scuffs, or residue from tape or labels); Damage to protruding or external parts (wheels, handles, straps, and pockets); Damage caused by inadequate packaging; or Normal wear and tear.
Inspection: Customer must retain the damaged Item and all original packaging for inspection by Excess Baggage the Carrier, or their agents. Failure or refusal to permit inspection may result in denial of the claim.
Damage to Shipping Suitcases and Baggage
Damage to suitcases, bags, or other shipping containers is subject to the following limits:
- Reimbursement is capped at $30 / South African Rand equivalent per container, regardless of any additional Value Protection purchased.
Missing or Damaged Contents: Coverage for missing contents applies only if Customer proves the container was fully secured or locked during transit. Customer must provide both proof of ownership and proof of value. Proof of damage and value must be submitted in the form of photos and receipts. The value used for reimbursement is the actual purchase price, as shown on a receipt or other proof of purchase. Replacement cost or current market value is not used.
Maximum Reimbursement: Reimbursement is limited to the Value Protection amount purchased. Any reimbursement for a Damaged Item counts toward and may not exceed the Value Protection limit.
INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS
Excess Baggage will make all commercially reasonable efforts to maximize the likelihood of a timely Customs clearance process and to minimize duties, taxes or other fees imposed by Customs or similar authorities. Customer is responsible for supplying Excess Baggage with the complete contents of each Item in the shipment. All documents and images provided to Excess Baggage must be clear and legible.
Any duties, taxes or other fees incurred during the Customs process will be passed on to the Customer. Fees may be charged to Customer’s credit card given during booking or may be billed directly from a third party Customs brokerage or shipping company. If an Item is delayed by Customs or similar authority, Excess Baggage will make every possible effort to resolve the issue and have the Item released, yet Customs delays are out of the realm of Excess Baggage's immediate authority. Excess Baggage will not be liable for any losses resulting from delays that occur due to Customs inspections for international shipments. Items delayed due to Customs or similar authorities during international shipments will not be covered under the Delayed Shipments warranty. You acknowledge that any goods shipped by Excess Baggage are subject to confiscation by South African and foreign Customs officials and other similar agencies. Disallowed items vary from country to country, please contact Excess Baggage if you have a question about sending a specific item to a specific country.
RIGHT TO INSPECT
Excess Baggage and its agents reserve the right to inspect and open any Item shipped by Excess Baggage.
WARRANTY AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
Except for the express warranties made to you under the heading above entitled “Warranties”, all information contained on this website and any and all services provided to you by Excess Baggage are provided “as is” and without warranty of any kind. Excess Baggage, its affiliates and/or their respective suppliers hereby disclaim all warranties and conditions with regard to the information on this website and any services provided to you by Excess Baggage, its employees, agents, affiliates or suppliers, including, but not limited to all implied warranties and conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and noninfringement.
The shipping and transportation companies or carriers providing services for and on behalf of Excess Baggage are independent contractors and not agents or employees of Excess Baggage or its affiliates. Excess Baggage and its affiliates are not liable for the acts, errors, omissions, representations, warranties, breaches or negligence of any such shipping or transportation companies or for any personal injuries, death, property damage, or other damages or expenses resulting therefrom. Excess Baggage and its affiliates have no liability and will make no refund in the event of any delay, cancellation, Force Majeure or other causes beyond their direct control, and have no responsibility for any additional expense, omissions, delays, or acts of any government or authority.
In no event shall Excess Baggage, its affiliates, and/or their respective suppliers be liable for any indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, the use of this web site, or for any services obtained through this web site, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability, or otherwise. Excess Baggages’s maximum liability for any item is limited to the lesser of: the purchased value protection amount, or $100 if no protection purchased. Excess Baggage is not liable for: consequential damages, loss of business, missed travel, third-party costs; or emotional or sentimental value.
GENERAL
Governing Law: This Agreement and all disputes, claims, or controversies arising out of or relating to your use of the website or any services provided by Excess Baggage shall be governed exclusively by the laws of the Republic of South Africa without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
Venue for Non-Arbitrable Claims: Except as required to enforce the arbitration provision, Customer consents to exclusive jurisdiction and venue of courts in Cape Town. Use of this website is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that does not give effect to all provisions of these terms and conditions, including, without limitation, this paragraph.
Severability: If any part of this agreement is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law including, but not limited to, the warranty disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and agreement shall continue in effect.
Arbitration Agreement; Class Action Waiver: All disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration administered by South African law. No class actions. No consolidated claims. Arbitration may occur by video conference.
Entire Agreement: This agreement constitutes the entire agreement between you and Excess Baggage with respect to this website and any services provided to you by Excess Baggage and it supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral, or written, between you and Excess Baggage.
Force Majeure: Neither Excess Baggage nor any Affiliate or any of their respective Suppliers shall be deemed to be in default of this Agreement or be liable for any delay or failure in performance resulting directly or indirectly from any act of God, civil or military authority, civil disturbance, war, strike, fire, earthquake or other cause beyond its control.
Carrier Terms and Third-Party Conditions: Customer agrees that Carrier terms and conditions govern all shipments. Carrier decisions regarding liability, packaging, and delay are binding.
Use of Minor-Related Information: Any information relating to a minor provided in connection with a shipment is processed solely to facilitate the Services. Excess Baggage does not use such information for marketing, profiling, or advertising purposes and makes no representations regarding the practices of third-party Carriers or facilities after delivery is completed.
You further agree that you have read and agree to be bound by the additional terms contained in Excess Baggages’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy which may be found on Excess Baggages’s website and that you will comply with all applicable laws, statues, ordinances and regulations regarding your use of Excess Baggages’s services. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.
CHANGES TO THESE TERMS
From time to time, we may update these Terms of Service or Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our business, services, or the law. Continued use of the Services after such updates constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms and/or Privacy Policy, except where additional notice or consent is required by applicable law.
If a change is material, meaning it affects your rights or obligations, we’ll give you reasonable notice, such as an email to your registered address or a notice on our website. By continuing to use our services after the new Terms take effect, you agree to the updated version. Excess Baggage may immediately suspend or terminate Services for fraud, misuse, or shipping prohibited items. Continued use of the website after any change constitutes acceptance of updated Terms. Customer is responsible for regularly reviewing these Terms.