Shipping large and heavy parcels: how to proceed?

Tips and tricks for shipping large parcels

Measuring the dimensions of a parcel

Every express courier has criteria for measuring parcels. It is very useful to know them before requesting a quote. This is why the size of a parcel affects the cost.

The report weight/volume is a widely used parameter in logistics. It is used to calculate freight rates. Consequently, this ratio is expressed in kg/m3 or as a proportion between volume and weight. In this way, the unit of measurement is avoided.
In fact, even express couriers use the so-called volumetric weight to determine how much space a parcel will occupy on their means of transport. This is how volumetric weight is calculated:
^{(depth × length × width)} ⁄ _coefficient

i.e. the volume of the pack (obtained by multiplying its depth by its length x its width), divided by the coefficient of the express courier to whom he is entrusting the shipment.

The coefficient may vary for each express courier, but is generally equal to 5.000. Therefore, you must first pack your parcel and then measure it in centimetres:

• the longer side;
• the shorter side;
• the depth.

Finally, we advise you to weigh your parcel. It is essential to weigh and measure your parcel correctly. Otherwise, the express courier may charge you a surcharge.

Volumetric weight or real weight?

To determine the cost of shipping large parcels, the express courier can use the actual weight. This happens if the real weight exceeds the volumetric weight.

Volumetric weight applies when shipping large but light parcels. These are those parcels that are bulky but not too heavy. In doing so, they estimate the space that the parcel (or pallet) occupies on the truck, plane or cargo.

How should a large parcel shipment be handled?

Shipments of large parcels containing goods are almost always classified as bulky. So are shipments of furniture and large objects. This is how a bulky or large shipment is generally characterised.

• the European Union defines the shipping of large and heavy parcels over 25 kg as “heavy”;
• each express courier applies surcharges and limitations that depend on its commercial strategy. Thus, rates vary depending on the weight and size of the shipment;
• it is possible to transport large parcels with a variety of means:
  • road transport (by truck);
  • by air;
  • maritime transport;
  • rail transport.
• almost always the express courier requires the use of pallet for shipping large parcels. Similarly, the use of pallets is required to ship a large parcel with a volumetric weight exceeding 70 kg;
• when the shipment consists of several parcels, the use of pallets is recommended. In cases like this, we also speak of shipping large or bulky parcels.

Solutions for shipping large parcels

If you have to send heavy and/or bulky parcels, you have several solutions at your disposal. Some are, however, more valid than others. Let's see them together!

Do-it-yourself large parcel shipping

Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from hiring a van. In this way you can carry out your own transport of heavy goods. This solution is, however, strongly discouraged for the following reasons:

• the goods are not insuredBy handling your shipment yourself, your goods will not be covered by insurance. In fact, when you ship with a express courier your goods are, by law, covered by insurance. That is, the law provides for a refund of 1€/kg of goods, up to 80€, in case of loss or damage. You can also purchase a’supplementary insurance;
• vehicle rental: this shipping may seem cheaper than shipping with express courier. However, you will have to take into account the cost of hiring the van or means of transport of your choice;
• difficulty in moving really heavy packages: a express courier employs transport professionals who can effectively move large packages. Conversely, it may be difficult to move bulky or heavy items alone;
• ineffective for long distancesThis option is impractical for shipping goods abroad or more than a couple of hours away from you.

Postal Services

For shipping large parcels the postage traditional are not recommended. Here are the main reasons:

• not suitable for heavy packagesTraditional postal services are not suitable for sending large and heavy parcels. In fact, postal services allow parcels weighing less than 30 kg to be sent. In the case of a large volume shipment, the sum of the three sides cannot exceed 220 centimetres;
• delivery timestraditional postal delivery times are longer than those of the express courier. The post office can employ up to 4 days to deliver a parcel in Italy. To send a parcel abroad, the minimum delivery time starts at 48 hours.

Express courier

Express courier is undoubtedly the most suitable solution when the issue at hand is the shipment of large parcels.

• insured shippingWhen shipping a parcel, there is a statutory insurance that reimburses damaged or lost parcels. The expected reimbursement is 1€/kg of shipped goods. The statutory reimbursement cannot exceed 80€. However, the express courier typically offers additional insurance cover to cover the value of the goods or merchandise;
• professionalism and reliabilityThe best express couriers, such as DHL, UPS and TNT, have experience in transporting heavy goods. They offer reliable services dedicated exclusively to shipping large parcels and heavy goods;
• speed of dispatchexpress couriers can handle heavy and bulky shipments worldwide with delivery times from 24 hours.

Step by step for shipping large parcels

In many ways, shipping large parcels is similar to a traditional one. However, additional precautions are necessary. This is especially true if you need to send a bulky parcel, perhaps containing particularly fragile goods.

Below you will find directions for organising your shipment.

Step 1: Get a quote

Before choosing a corriere express, a quote should be obtained. This is because a heavy and/or bulky shipment can be expensive.

Weight (or volumetric weight) is one of the main factors determining the cost of shipping. In fact, each express courier applies increased rates if the shipment exceeds a certain weight. Therefore, comparing offers from different companies will help you find the best price.

ShippingComoda.co.uk sends parcels by large dimensions all over the world. In fact we are able to guarantee the fast dispatch of large packages at competitive rates. And this is thanks to collaboration with the best couriers in Italy and abroad.

Below you will find the estimated cost of our shipping services for large parcels. These prices are current as of 17 March 2020 and may change in the future.

Sending large parcels to Europe

Large and/or heavy parcels can be shipped throughout Europe from 24 hours. However, there are differences in price and delivery times. The cost of shipping to the same destination varies depending on the express courier.

This depends above all on the means of transport used. Air shipments are naturally faster, while road shipments can take longer. The latter are, however, generally cheaper.

The estimates refer to a large parcel shipment of 40 kg and dimensions of 120 x 100 x 50 centimetres. If the parcel has a side length of more than 150 centimetres, a surcharge will be charged.

Shipping large parcels to the rest of the world

Shipment of large, bulky or heavy parcels even outside Europe takes place in a very short time. Thanks to the different means of transport available, you can choose between different delivery times and prices.

Below you will find estimates for shipping large parcels measuring 120 x 100 x 50 centimetres and weighing 40 kg.

Step 2: choose an express courier and agree on a pick-up

After choosing which express courier entrusted to you, you will have to agree on the collection of the shipment. There are generally two methods of collection:

• home collection: we advise you to choose this mode for dispatch large parcels. The express courier can pick up your parcel directly to your office or home. Given the bulkiness of this type of shipment, this option is ideal. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the packaging of the shipment or its contents. SpedizioneComoda.co.uk allows you to take advantage of this service. The express courier of your choice will collect the shipment at the address of your choice.
• delivery on siteIf you select this method, you will first have to locate the express courier company nearest to you. You will then have to go there in person to deliver the shipment. As mentioned, this option is not recommended when shipping large packages that are heavy or bulky and difficult to handle.

Step 3: Prepare your shipment

The packaging of a shipment is essential. First of all, it protects the shipped goods from damage during transport. It also prevents your shipment from damaging other packages. If the packaging is well done, it prevents the goods from leaking.

Each express courier provides specific guidance on how to pack a parcel. In general, however, you can follow the following directions to prepare your parcel.

1. Check that your shipment can travel without pallets

With rare exceptions, the express courier requires the use of pallets for shipments weighing more than 70 kg volumetric weight. If you have to ship several items whose total weight exceeds 70 kg, you may still need a pallet. In this case, you will have to follow special packing instructions for your large parcel shipment.

2. Adapt the packaging to the contents of the shipment

Different types of goods require different types of packaging. Packaging must suit the type of goods. This is very important for shipping fragile or irregularly shaped goods. See our detailed instructions on how to pack a parcel.

3. Label your parcel correctly

Before sending your parcel, you must print out the shipping labels. Follow the instructions of the express courier of your choice. Pay attention to the label that must remain visible during shipping. In other cases, specific labels may be required:

• all parcels weighing more than 25 kg must be labelled “.“heavy”. This is a regulation that applies within the European Union;
• if your parcel contains fragile goods, you must use the special label “'.“fragile”.

4. Prepare the necessary documentation

The shipment of large parcels must also be accompanied by appropriate documentation. The same applies to the shipment of smaller parcels. This applies especially when the shipment is destined for a country outside the European Union. See the page on shipping a parcel to a non-EC country.

Step 4: Ship and monitor shipment

Once the shipment has been delivered to you, all you have to do is track it. SpedizioneComoda.co.uk allows you to track your shipment for free.

Thus, by contacting the express courier's customer service you can check the progress of your shipment in real time. Alternatively, you can reply to the dispatch confirmation e-mail. In both cases you can check in real time:

• the departure of the expedition;
• the progress of the shipment. In the case of international shipments you will know when your parcel leaves Italy or arrives in the country of destination;
• the delivery of the parcel: the express courier sends an automatic notification when the parcel has been delivered.

The tracking of the shipping by large packs is important. Especially for destinations outside the European Union. In fact, in this case you can also monitor customs clearance. Thus, you will know whether your parcel proceeds to its final destination or if it is detained at customs.

Mistakes to avoid when shipping large parcels

For dispatch a parcel rules must be followed to avoid problems with the express courier. So be careful not to make the following mistakes.

1. do not fill the packaging beyond its capacity: when packing your goods, be careful not to choose a box that is too small. This may cause it to break during shipment. As a rule, each box has the maximum weight it can support;
2. protect your shipment: if you have to ship large packages, make sure you fill all spaces between the packaging and the goods. To do this, use protective material such as polystyrene, bubble wrap or foam rubber;
3. Do not box certain objects: some objects, such as liquids or food, cannot be boxed. Electronic items can be stored in boxes with appropriate care;
4. use new boxes: we advise against using recycled boxes to pack a parcel, especially a large or bulky one. And this despite the fact that it can save you money. In fact, used boxes are often the cause of broken packaging resulting in damage to the goods and delays in delivery;
5. Lift correctly: when lifting your heavy packages, use your leg muscles. Lifting loads from the back can cause injuries.

The solution for sending large parcels

If you need to send large, perhaps even bulky or bulky parcels, you have a variety of solutions at your disposal. In fact, you can choose between different types of transport and their rates. Preparing your shipment will not be complicated. You will, however, have to be careful to pack the goods correctly.

SpedizioneComoda.co.uk can help you with shipment of parcels large or bulky. So you can locate the express courier best suited to your needs and ship with peace of mind. Not only that, because you will also have the convenience of home collection and a professional service at your disposal.