Lee Anne I suppose it depends what you are shipping. Have shipped home a rug from Morroco because I had to have it. An oil painting from Giverny ( ditto).. reputable companies will have all the info and handle everything without a problem. Check your prices on rugs before you go.
While in Amalfi this summer I almost had the most gorgeous hand painted ceramic table and chairs sent home ( but got talked out of it by DH.. sorry now)..
Our friends just receieved 2 chairs shipped to their home from their trip in Italy- of course the door to their home had to be enlarged to get the chairs into their home ( lol).. so another thing.. measurements would be a good thing to have also.