After your online order arrives at a package forwarding address, have you ever wondered what happens next? A lot of individuals believe that their products are shipped out right away, however that isn’t always the case. Some packages remain in transit for a while, awaiting customs documentation, consolidation, or the customer’s next action. This raises an often asked question: is storage included in the price of a typical forwarding service? Customers are frequently perplexed by this subject, particularly if they are utilizing a USA package forwarding company for the first time.
The Basics of Package Forwarding
Package forwarding companies receive your online orders at a U.S. address and then ship them overseas. You get your own suite or mailbox number, and from there, the forwarding process begins. While the main service is sending your parcel, many users don’t know what happens in the window between arrival and shipment.
What Happens After Your Package Arrives?
Once your item reaches the forwarding company’s warehouse, it’s scanned, checked in, and logged under your account. You might get a photo, weight estimate, and shipping options. But the box doesn’t leave right away. The package often sits there until you request shipping. That delay makes people wonder—where does the box go in the meantime? And is storage part of the original service?
Short-Term Storage: Common but Limited
Most forwarding services offer short-term storage at no extra charge. This period usually lasts between 7 to 30 days. It gives you time to consolidate multiple orders or decide on the best shipping method. That buffer helps you save money and reduces the number of shipments.
This type of storage is temporary, though. Companies don’t run massive warehouses to hold your stuff forever. Their job is to keep things moving. So, while short-term holding is often part of the deal, anything longer usually comes with added fees.
Long-Term Storage: Not Always Free
Letting a package sit for weeks or months can quickly rack up costs. Once your free window ends, most companies start charging per day or week. The rates may not seem high, but over time, they add up. Long-term storage is not the core business of most forwarding companies. Their goal is to move parcels out, not hold them in a warehouse for extended periods.
Some businesses do offer premium plans that provide extended storage, but those often come with monthly fees or higher shipping rates. So it’s smart to plan your shipments and avoid letting items sit too long.
Why Do Forwarding Companies Charge for Storage?
Warehouses have limited space. Every box that sits around takes up room meant for new arrivals. Holding on to too many packages slows down operations and increases labor. So, forwarding companies add storage fees to encourage faster shipping decisions. It also prevents their facilities from getting overwhelmed.
Can You Request Extra Storage Time?
In most cases, yes. You can ask for more time, but you’ll probably have to pay for it. Some companies offer storage plans where you pay a monthly rate for more space or extended holding. That’s helpful if you’re waiting on multiple items or planning to consolidate orders from several stores.
Just make sure to check the rates and read the terms carefully. Not every plan is cost-effective. And if you’re not careful, you might end up paying more in storage than shipping.
Is Storage Automatically Included in the Price?
Only to a point. Basic plans almost always come with some free storage. But once you pass that time limit, the fees kick in. Don’t assume everything is covered just because you paid for forwarding. It’s smart to keep track of your package dates and know when storage charges might begin.
If you’re not sure how long your package has been sitting, check your forwarding account. Most companies show arrival dates, countdowns, or storage meters on your dashboard.
How to Avoid Storage Charge
The easiest way is to ship your items as soon as they arrive. If you’re expecting multiple packages, set alerts or reminders to act fast once they’re delivered. Some companies let you set auto-ship rules—your items will automatically get sent once everything arrives or after a certain date.
Another trick is to keep your shipping account active and check it regularly. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of racking up storage fees.
Are There Forwarding Services With Free Extended Storage?
There are a few companies that offer longer storage periods without fees—usually up to 45 days. But that benefit often comes with higher shipping costs or limited shipping options. It’s a tradeoff. You save on storage but might pay more elsewhere. So be sure to compare total costs, not just one part of the service.
Final Thought
While storage is offered with most forwarding companies, it’s usually only free for a short time. After that, you’re paying for the space. That’s fair—warehouses need to move packages quickly to stay efficient. The best approach? Keep an eye on your delivery dates and don’t wait too long to ship. That way, you avoid surprise charges and keep your shipping budget in check.