As checked baggage fees continue to rise — and with nickel-and-dime carriers beginning to charge for carry-ons — it’s becoming more and more popular for air travelers to ship some of their belongings directly to and from their destinations. Now, UPS has taken it to the next level, introducing a cardboard suitcase that gives you the options of checking, carrying-on or shipping.

UPS announced the new Luggage Box yesterday. It comes in two sizes, the smaller of which can be used as a carry-on, is made from corrugated cardboard and comes with a handle.

The shipping company points out that using the Luggage Box to replace your regular suitcase will allow you to pack more for your trip since the cardboard is likely less heavy than your suitcase, giving you an extra few pounds of wiggle room on the airport scale.

Both boxes have a max. weight limit of 55 lbs., but when the larger one is securely taped up, that max. limit increases to 85 lbs. So maybe you check that luggage on your way to visit your uncle in San Francisco and then tape it up for the trip home so you can carry all those Golden Gate Bridge miniatures and boxes of Ghirardelli chocolates you purchased.

Click here to view a PDF with specs and whatnot for the Luggage Box [PDF]

NEW LUGGAGE BOX FROM THE UPS STORE EXPANDS LUGGAGE SHIPPING SOLUTIONS [UPS via Jaunted]

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