What Is Considered a Large Package for Courier Companies?
TL;DR
- A large package is generally one exceeding 120-175 cm in size or 30-70 kg in weight.
- Each courier has different size and weight limits for what they consider a large package.
- Large parcels may incur extra surcharges or require special services like freight shipping.
- Eurosender helps find affordable shipping solutions for large or heavy parcels.
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What do courier companies consider a large package?
In today’s bustling world of online shopping and international shipping, knowing the ins and outs of parcel sizes can save you a lot of hassle and money. Specifically, understanding what counts as a large parcel can be crucial, whether you’re a business sending stock or simply sending a gift to a relative overseas. So, what is considered a large parcel? Simply put, a large parcel is one that exceeds the standard size dimensions set by courier companies.
The definition of “what is a large parcel” can vary significantly from one courier to another, affecting your shipping options and costs. Understanding the specifics of what a large parcel is for each courier is essential in order to make the best shipping decisions. In this article, we explore what a large parcel means for major courier companies like DHL, DPD, FedEx, UPS, Evri, GLS and Royal Mail.
Jump to:
- What is considered a large package for DHL?
- What does DPD consider as a large parcel?
- What is a large parcel for FedEx?
- What is considered a large package for UPS?
- How large can a parcel be when shipping with Evri?
- What is a large package for Royal Mail?
- What is considered a large package for GLS?
- How does Eurosender define a large parcel?
- Cheapest way to send a large parcel
What is a large parcel, and why does knowing the size limit matter?
Before diving into what the specific courier companies consider a large package, it is important to highlight what classifies as a large parcel in general. A parcel is considered large by couriers if it surpasses standard size limits defined by the courier, usually when one size exceeds 120 cm or 175 cm.
It is important to note that some courier companies will charge you additional surcharges for shipping large or heavy parcels to cover the costs related to handling and transport, while others may offer you a different service altogether for shipping large packages.
Understanding these dimensions and weight limits is not just about compliance; it’s about making informed choices that save time and money, ensuring your parcels arrive safely and on time, wherever their destination may be.
What is considered a large package for DHL?
DHL considers a large package one that exceeds their standard dimensions but can still be handled without needing a freight shipping service.
For DHL, a parcel is large if it weighs up to 70 kg, with a maximum length of 120 cm and a girth (width + height) that doesn’t exceed 300 cm.
These dimensions ensure that while your package is large, it remains manageable within their regular shipping solutions.
What is considered a large package for DPD?
DPD considers a large parcel to be the one that pushes the limits of its standard parcel dimensions. Standard shipping with DPD is limited to parcels of up to 30 kg. Specifically, DPD considers a parcel to be large if it is over 70 cm in length, with a maximum weight limit of 30 kg.
The longest side of a large parcel shouldn’t be more than 175 cm. The total dimensions (length + width + height) should not exceed 300 cm.
Understanding these limits is crucial for those looking to ship bulky items within the UK or internationally. Furthermore, if the parcel is oversized or overweight, you may need to pay DPD surcharges for it to be processed or returned to your address.
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What is considered a large package for FedEx?
FedEx categorises a large package as one that exceeds its standard parcel dimensions but falls under their “Oversize” category.
A large package for FedEx can weigh up to 68 kg, with a length of no more than 274 cm and a girth (length + (2 x width) + (2 x height)) of up to 419 cm.
These specifications cater to those needing to ship particularly large items that require special handling.
What is considered a large package for UPS?
UPS has a specific definition of a large package.
A large package for UPS is one whose length exceeds 121 cm or whose length plus girth (2 x width) + (2 x height) exceeds 300 cm. UPS allows shipping of parcels that are up to 274 cm long or have up to 400 cm in length and girth combined.
The maximum weight for a large package with UPS is 70 kg. For larger shipments, weighing over 70 kg, they offer freight shipping services. Knowing these dimensions helps when planning to ship larger items that need careful handling.
Read more about:
- How to calculate the girth of a package
- How to calculate the volumetric weight
- Surcharges for shipping services
What is considered a large package for Evri (Hermes)?
Evri, previously known as Hermes, considers a large parcel as one that measures up to 120 cm in length and can weigh up to 15 kg.
For Evri, a large parcel has a maximum dimension of 245 cm when adding the length and the circumference together. Evri’s service is tailored for C2C transactions, making it a popular choice for large but not excessively heavy parcels.
What is considered a large package for Royal Mail?
Royal Mail’s threshold for a large parcel is somewhat smaller than other couriers.
A large parcel with Royal Mail can be measured up to 150 cm for the longest side (girth shouldn’t exceed 300 cm), and weigh up to 30 kg.
This service is ideal for larger domestic shipments that don’t fit into the standard letter or small parcel categories.
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What is considered a large package for GLS?
GLS considers large parcels those that are longer than 120 cm. The girth of a large parcel shouldn’t exceed 300 cm.
The weight limit for shipping large parcels with GLS is 40 kg, however, they allow parcels weighing up to 50 kg for Express international deliveries. If your parcel is non-conveyable, GLS will charge you extra to cover additional work and handling for your bulky shipment.
What is considered a large package for Eurosender?
At Eurosender, a large parcel is any shipment that weighs above 30 kg. Furthermore, if your large parcel exceeds 70 kg in weight, it is typically classified as “freight” rather than a standard parcel.
Eurosender offers a unique advantage by aggregating shipping options, allowing you to find the most cost-effective solution for sending a large or heavy parcel. By providing the exact dimensions and weight of your large parcel, we match you with the perfect shipping service for your needs and the courier company that can carry out the large parcel collection and delivery.
Cheapest way to send a large parcel with Eurosender
For parcels weighing up to 70 kg, the cheapest way to a large parcel is with our Package service. For large parcels weighing over 70 kg, we offer freight services, such as Pallet shipping or a dedicated Van delivery service. We recommend quoting the price with both services before shipping to see which one is more affordable for heavy parcel delivery.
We strongly recommend checking with your courier service or shipping provider beforehand to ensure that you understand their policies regarding heavy parcel deliveries.
Still have questions?
Check our delivery guides for more information.
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About the author
Marcel Nahtigal is Head of Marketing at Eurosender, specializing in digital strategies to enhance customer connections in logistics.
