What Is the Difference Between HHG and UB?

When relocating or traveling internationally, deciding how to transport your belongings can be crucial.

Generally, two main options are available - household goods (HHG) shipping and unaccompanied baggage (UB) shipping. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your specific needs and situation.

This post will explore the key differences between HHG and UB shipping, including definitions, use cases, costs, insurance requirements, and tips for using each option effectively.

Explanation of the acronyms HHG and UB

HHG, or household goods, refers to the furnishings and effects of your home. This includes furniture, appliances, kitchen items, linens, clothing, and more.

UB, or unaccompanied baggage, refers to personal luggage and items transported separately from the traveler rather than accompanying them in the plane or vehicle.

What Is HHG? HHG involves the shipping of more oversized household items. This usually requires a full container load or less than container load (LCL) shipments worldwide. HHG is best suited for permanent relocations where you take most or all of your belongings. It lets you transport items like sofas, dining tables, mattresses, appliances, bookshelves, and more.

Some key advantages of HHG include shipping a large volume and weight of items internationally. It's very convenient for packing up an entire home.

HHG also tends to have relatively reasonable costs for large shipments compared to shipping items individually.

One disadvantage is that delivery takes longer (4-6 weeks) than air freight. There are also restrictions on electronics and fragile items. The process can be complex to

arrange, and you need to plan for booking space on cargo vessels. Insurance is also usually required, which adds to the costs.

What Is UB?

UB involves shipping personal luggage or individual items independently ahead of your travel to your destination. It is well suited for temporary relocations, short trips, or shipping only a few select items overseas.

Everyday UB items include things like suitcases, sports equipment, musical instruments, smaller, expensive electronics, and sentimental or irreplaceable belongings.

Some advantages are that UB delivery is much faster at around 3-5 days versus 4-6 weeks for HHG. It has greater flexibility by shipping items individually on an as-needed basis. The process is also more straightforward to arrange compared to a complete HHG shipment.

Disadvantages include higher per-kilogram costs compared to HHG. Also, strict size and weight restrictions (usually 32 kg max) are unsuitable for moving many household items. Items may experience more handling during transit as well. Insurance is still required for high-value items.

Comparison of HHG and UB

Some critical differences between HHG and UB include:

1. Volume/Weight: HHG allows shipping full loads of furniture and other heavy/bulky items in larger volumes and weights (often 1000s of kg). UB is strictly limited to individual items/suitcases below 32 kilograms each.
2. Delivery Time: HHG takes 4-6 weeks on average, while UB is 3-5 business days on average due to traveling as air cargo.
3. Flexibility: UB offers flexibility to ship items individually as needed. HHG requires the booking of vessel space for set departure/arrival dates.
4. Suitable Use: HHG is best for permanent moves/relocations. UB works well for trips, temporary relocations, or shipping to select higher-value/minor items.
5. Costs: HHG has lower per kg costs for large volumes but high minimum costs. UB has higher per kg rates but no minimum fees.
6. Process: HHG requires more coordination/paperwork. UB is more straightforward in arranging shipping for individual items.

HHG would be preferable for a permanent relocation involving many household goods. UB makes more sense for trips or temporary moves when only shipping a few smaller/more precious belongings internationally ahead of travel plans.

Differences in Insurance Needs for HHG and UB

Proper insurance is crucial when shipping household items internationally, especially high-value electronics or sentimental belongings.

HHG shipments generally require declared value insurance coverage through the shipping company. Rates are based on the total declared value of the shipment. Coverage is comprehensive for loss/damage in transit. However, some items like electronics have sub-limits on payouts. UB shipments also need declared value insurance, usually purchased separately through the shipping provider. Rates are based on the value/weight of individual items rather than the whole shipment. Coverage specifics may differ depending on the item/provider. HHG insurance offers "blanket" coverage on the entire shipment value, but certain items have caps. UB allows insured items individually at their total value, but coverage details vary more between providers/items. It's essential to understand both options thoroughly before shipping valuable belongings internationally.

Differences in Costs for HHG and UB

Cost is another major factor when choosing between HHG and UB.

For HHG, costs are typically charged per cubic meter or on a hundred-weight basis, as well as other fees. There is often a high minimum charge to secure the cargo space, even for smaller shipments under 3-5 cubic meters. However, costs per unit are relatively lower for large volumes.

Insurance for the total declared value of an HHG shipment adds 1-3% of coverage costs but "blankets" the entire shipment.

UB shipping rates are much higher per kilogram, often $5-10/kg on average, depending on distance/customs regulations.

However, there are no minimum charges. Insurance is purchased separately for individual items rather than the whole shipment.

Overall, HHG charges lower per-unit rates, making it more economical to ship large volumes. Despite higher kg rates, UB may be more cost-effective for smaller or selected items depending on weights/values. Quotes are needed for accurate cost comparisons.

How to Use HHG and UB Effectively

To make the most of HHG and UB shipping, consider the following tips:

Choose based on needs - permanent move vs temporary. HHG better suits complete home relocations.

• Book HHG shipments at least 45-60 days before for best pricing and availability.
• Use UB for higher-value electronics, instruments, or irreplaceable items needing fast delivery.
• Remove/sell bulky furniture to reduce HHG costs/logistics challenges.
• Consider shipping UB versus checking items on flights to avoid delays/damage to bags.
• Declare accurate values and purchase adequate insurance for possessions' true worth.
• Pack and label boxes/items showing contents for easy unpacking abroad.
• Use services from large, reputable HHGs/UB companies for quality control and tracking.

Properly planning shipment types and timing HHG vs UB based on individual situations goes a long way in ensuring a smooth relocation internationally.

Final Thoughts

HHG and UB are the two main options for transporting possessions overseas, either temporarily or permanently.

HHG works best for bulkier, heavier household items during permanent relocations, while UB provides faster delivery over shorter distances for sentient or higher-value items.

Careful consideration of needs, costs, insurance, and timing is required to make the right choice. With the proper planning and execution, relocating household goods abroad becomes much less daunting. Are you relocating your household overseas? Make your move stress-free with A1 Auto Transport. As a full-service international shipping company, we can handle all aspects of transporting household goods - from packing and loading to ocean or air freight shipping and delivery worldwide.

Whether you're moving a few items or an entire home's worth of furniture, we have affordable flat-rate pricing on household goods shipping to virtually any location.

With over 25 years of experience moving customers' belongings, you can trust that your possessions will arrive safely and on time when entrusted to our licensed and insured carriers. We offer flexible shipping options for faster delivery, including containerized or air freight.