How To Ship Bulky Packages

Picture heavy boxes waiting to be shipped. Your buyers expect safe arrivals and fair rates, which can feel daunting. Shipping large items often triggers unique hurdles: higher packing costs, slower transit, customs red tape, and more. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a handy guide on how to get started shipping large items.

Standard Shipping vs Freight Shipping

Moving big goods involves two main routes: standard and freight. Each path suits a different need.

Standard Shipping Basics

Packages below 150 pounds often travel with UPS, FedEx, or DHL. This option suits mini-fridges, smaller exercise machines, or large electronics under weight thresholds. You get familiar with tracking tools. Service speeds vary from ground (a few days) to overnight.

Heavier loads may still ship via standard channels if they meet size rules. However, surcharges might apply when dimensions exceed carrier limits. Standard shipping usually involves more straightforward paperwork. Most carriers only require a basic shipping label and a commercial invoice for cross-border moves.

Freight Shipping Basics 

Freight shipping covers larger quantities or single pieces too big for standard handling. It often moves on pallets. Items like sectional sofas or complete gym sets work well here. You can select partial container (LTL) or full container (FTL) service.

Documentation is more detailed. You need a bill of lading that identifies the shipment and its terms. A packing list may detail each item on the pallet. Customs documents can vary by country. The advantage? Bundling items into one pallet can reduce per-unit shipping costs.

How to Select a Carrier for Bulky Packages

Picking a carrier is more than just picking the lowest rate. You want reliable service, flexible pickup options, and robust support channels.

Carrier Evaluation Steps

First, check weight and size limits. UPS allows up to 150 pounds, while USPS caps at 70 pounds. DHL might allow slightly larger dimensions for global routes. Next, read about accessorial fees. These fees pop up for handling oversized boxes or delivering to remote areas.

Also, review their tracking platforms. Some carriers offer real-time web dashboards, while others add phone or email updates. If quick updates matter to your customers, that’s a key factor. Finally, check if the carrier offers packaging materials or tips for shipping large items.

Examples of Carriers and Their Strengths 

• UPS: Well-known ground network across the US, plus dependable air options.
• FedEx: Varied speed selections, from economical ground to same-day.
• DHL: Wide international reach, especially for cross-border e-commerce.
• USPS: Economical for packages under 70 pounds, with flat-rate boxes.

Finding Hidden Discounts (2 paragraphs)
Carriers often offer seasonal promotions around major holidays. For instance, FedEx might reduce rates on specific routes during year-end shopping peaks, and UPS may offer summer deals for shipments to tourist-heavy areas. Ask local carrier reps about upcoming campaigns; they don’t constantly broadcast them widely.

If you ship a large volume, inquire about contract pricing. Carriers sometimes offer a monthly shipping allowance or discount tier, which can lower your per-package cost. Negotiating requires open communication, so call sales reps and share your forecasted shipping volume.

Best Carriers for Shipping Large Items: Deep Look

Carriers vary in handling oversized freight, tracking packages, and providing support. Let’s see who excels in each area.

UPS

UPS has a strong US ground network. Its online portal shows detailed tracking, including departure and arrival scans. You might get discounts or scheduled pickups if you send bulky items weekly. In remote zones, watch for extended area surcharges.

Support channels include phone lines, chat features, and dedicated account managers for high-volume shippers. These help if you encounter lost packages or complex returns. UPS capitalizes on air shipments for urgent deliveries, though rates can climb quickly for heavier packages.

FedEx

FedEx stands out for speed choices. You can choose overnight, two-day, or ground. Shipping large items with FedEx might involve FedEx Freight if the weight hits 150 pounds or more. This can handle items like treadmills or large exercise bikes.

Their tracking app updates in real-time. You can request text alerts about movement, arrival, or customs holds. Support includes phone help and an online knowledge base. FedEx Freight might provide customized quotes for more oversized shipments if you call directly.

DHL 

DHL offers standard service for parcels up to around 154 pounds. The brand also provides DHL Freight, which excels in cross-border shipping. It has local staff in many nations who understand regional import laws, which is vital for heavy shipments with complex paperwork.

Customers receive advanced tracking links via email or text. For help, they can contact DHL by phone or their web portal. DHL can handle land, air, and sea freight. Its multi-modal network opens options for shipping large items to faraway destinations.

USPS 

USPS remains popular for domestic shipments under 70 pounds. Its flat-rate offerings are practical for smaller but dense products. That can apply to certain electronics or tools. If your package is big, but under 70 pounds, you might still face balloon pricing.

Tracking is decent but not always as detailed as that of private carriers. Support is available through phone or local post offices, though large shipments might not have the same dedicated lines as commercial carriers. If you’re shipping large items overseas, USPS relies on international postal agreements, which can mean variable times.

Pricing Guide for Shipping Large Items

Costs can spike when volume or weight rises. Knowing how carriers calculate fees helps you plan.

Dimensional Weight

Dimensional weight, or DIM weight, is the carrier’s calculation of how much space a box occupies in a truck or plane. They multiply length, width, and height, then divide by a factor (often 139 or 166) to get a billing weight. You pay for that higher figure if that is bigger than the actual weight.

Example: A box measuring 20 x 20 x 20 inches has a volume of 8,000 cubic inches. If the DIM divisor is 139, the billable weight is around 57 pounds (8,000 / 139). If the actual weight is 40 pounds, you pay for 57 pounds.

Oversize Surcharges 

Carriers often add a fee for packages passing certain length or girth limits. For instance, if your box is over 48 inches on one side, you might pay $15 extra. For something over 90 inches, that fee might double. Check each carrier’s chart because these rules differ.

Seasonal peak surcharges also appear, often near holidays. Carriers manage extra labor or shipping constraints. Large boxes can face more prominent peaks, so plan for that in your pricing. Some carriers post these surcharges around October or November each year.

Different Types of Bulky Items for Dropshipping Worldwide

Bulky items, such as furniture sets, workout gear, significant electronics, or large décor pieces, can take many forms. Each group requires unique packaging and route planning.

Furniture: Interior and Exterior 

Tables, chairs, and bed frames can be heavy or awkwardly shaped. Outdoor sets, such as patio chairs or loungers, might require water-resistant packaging. Some sellers choose partial assembly to fit items into smaller boxes. That lowers shipping costs but means the end user does some assembly.

Neglecting strong packaging can lead to damaged corners or scratched surfaces. A dropshipper once shipped dining sets without corner protectors. Many sets arrived with chipped legs. Refunds are profits. Lesson: invest in foam padding and corner braces.

Exercise Equipment

Treadmills, ellipticals, and weight machines often weigh over 100 pounds. Freight shipping is standard. Bolting parts to pallets can prevent toppling in transit. A sturdy shrink-wrap layer keeps everything snug.

Testing local carriers can help. Some specialize in “white-glove” delivery for big fitness gear. Buyers appreciate having heavy boxes placed in a preferred room, and premium shipping can enhance customer satisfaction.

Large Electronics

Big TVs, gaming monitors, and extensive sound systems fit standard shipping if they weigh under 150 pounds. But measure carefully. A 60-inch TV in a thick crate can push the dimensional weight beyond thresholds.

Double-boxing is common. This approach involves wrapping a foam layer around the product box and packing it in a second box. It guards screens from cracks.

Shipping Large Items with Spocket 

Spocket provides a link to top US and EU suppliers. That includes bulky product ranges. Verified suppliers handle packaging so goods travel securely. You get real-time stock info, plus the option to print custom invoices.

Spocket’s 24/7 VIP support covers shipping queries. If you want furniture sets or big electronics, you can cross-list them on platforms like Wix, WooCommerce, or eBay. Spocket’s system automates inventory tracking, keeping updates accurate.

POD Options for Large Packages

Print-on-demand isn’t just for T-shirts. Print large wall art, blankets, bean bag chairs, or big custom pillows. These items may weigh less than heavy furniture, but dimensions still matter.

Preparing POD Shipments

When shipping large items in the POD space, double-check dimension data from your supplier. Oversized wall prints might travel in tubes to save space. Foam boards or framed canvases need sturdy corners and bubble wrap.

Add a note on your store about extended lead times. Production plus shipping can take longer for large custom products. Provide an order-tracking link so buyers stay informed.

Items You Should Avoid

Not all bulky products are wise to ship. Dangerous or highly fragile goods might cause more trouble than profit.

• Large batteries, chemicals, or pressurized containers require special handling. You might need hazmat documentation, plus route approvals. Mistakes can cause customs seizures. Unless you specialize, skip these items.
• Fresh produce or chilled products often need temperature-controlled transit, which can be expensive. Dry ice, gel packs, or special containers might be required. Without consistent cold chain solutions, you risk spoilage and refunds.
• Giant mirrors or glass table tops can crack with minor jolts. The packaging is complicated and pricey. Shipping large items made of glass might wipe out profits if breakage is frequent. Some sellers drop these products altogether.

Legal Aspects, Customs, and Taxes

Cross-border rules can be intimidating when shipping large items. Knowing them can help you avoid fines or delays.

Required Documentation

A commercial invoice shows product descriptions, declared values, and exporter/importer info. Customs agents use it to apply duties. Mark each line item accurately. If you list “sofa” without a proper commodity code, clearance might stall.

Include the currency, country of origin, and total purchase amount. Keep copies in digital format. This will help if you need to reprint or answer customs queries.

Packing List

This document outlines the contents of the package, including weights, dimensions, and quantities. Freight carriers often require it for pallet shipments, and customs might cross-reference it against the invoice.

Certificates or Licenses

Some countries require special permits for shipments like electronics or medical supplies. If you send 300-pound gym equipment, check if the destination enforces safety certifications.

Duties and Taxes

Let’s say you ship a sizeable elliptical machine to Canada. If the declared value is $800, the import duty might be around 8% or 10%, depending on the tariff code. Then, the buyer might pay GST or HST on top, often 5% to 15%.

Shipping a big piece of furniture to the UK might incur a customs duty of around 2% to 8% if valued above a threshold. Plus, you’ll see a VAT charge near 20%. If the declared value is £500, that’s around £100 in VAT alone.

Some destinations grant duty exemptions if the declared value is below a small threshold. For example, although GST can still apply, Australia waives duty under specific amounts. Each country sets its own rules.

Calculating Taxes

Research the Harmonized System (HS) code for your item. Tariff databases or carrier tools can give approximate rates. Then multiply the item value by the duty percentage. Add any sales tax or VAT if it applies.

If you can’t pinpoint rates, consult a customs broker or the online resource from that country’s government site. They often have duty calculators.

Record-Keeping Tips

Scan your invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading. Store them in a secure cloud folder named by date or shipment ID. This will help you retrieve proof if questions arise. Also, keep digital backups on external drives.

Tracking numbers, shipping receipts, and tax payments should link to each order in your accounting system. Tools like QuickBooks or Xero let you attach PDFs to transactions. That way, you avoid frantic searches when auditing happens.

Hiring a Customs Agent

Freight forwarders or specialized import/export agencies provide customs brokerage services. You can find them by searching “customs broker + your region” or visiting your local chamber of commerce website.

Request quotes from multiple brokers. Some charge a flat fee, while others charge per shipment or by the hour. Look for brokers with experience in your product category, especially if you’re shipping large items like furniture or electronics.

A dedicated agent helps you classify goods under the correct HS codes. That can reduce duty rates if your item qualifies for a specific category. They also liaise with customs officials on your behalf, which can cut delays.

How to Speed Up Bulky Shipping

Moving big boxes fast can be challenging. Yet specific steps can reduce transit time.

• Opt for air freight instead of sea if the budget allows. Air cargo speeds up global deliveries, though costs can be higher. Major carriers provide express freight options, often with guaranteed timelines.
• Attach shipping labels and documents before your pickup date. If the carrier needs to re-label items, that will add delays. Create a clear “ship to” mark on all boxes. For bulk pallets, print large, visible labels.
• Storing stock in regional fulfillment centers cuts final transit distances. This strategy is popular with big marketplace sellers who want 2-day shipping to key markets. If you can’t open multiple warehouses, pick the region with the most significant buyer base.

Realistic Promotions and Seasonal Deals

Promotions can offset high freight costs. But they aren’t always advertised.

Seasonal Rate Adjustments

Carriers might lower rates after the busy holiday rush, often in January or February. FedEx or UPS sometimes push promotional codes for large shipments to stimulate volume in quieter months. Watch for announcements on their websites or consult your account manager.

Unique discount windows can be created for holidays like Father’s Day or Independence Day. If you anticipate a surge in orders, align shipments with these periods. This might trim your average shipping cost per package.

Cross-Selling and Bundles

Consider bundling smaller items with large products. A store offering a home gym set can add workout mats, water bottles, or resistance bands. That approach increases cart value, letting you absorb shipping costs.

Spocket helps you find complementary goods. You can cross-list phone accessories with more oversized tech shipments. That synergy can boost profitability.

Extra Tips for Shipping Large Items

A few action steps can safeguard your goods and reputation.

• Large items have a higher total value, so shipping insurance is essential. Carriers offer coverage, but you can also buy third-party plans. Premiums are minimal compared to the total loss if a forklift damages your pallet.
• Pack a sample box, then simulate rough handling. Drop it from a short height. Shake it. If anything inside shifts or breaks, your packaging needs upgrades. This test can save you from repeated claims later.
• Ask customers about their delivery experience. Did the item arrive intact? Was the driver helpful? If frequent complaints appear, collect data and update your processes. This will help you refine packaging or switch carriers if necessary.

Conclusion

Shipping large items can be a rewarding way to expand your reach. Planning each step—carrier choice, packaging, taxes, and more—helps avoid breakage and hidden fees. Record-keeping, reliable customs support and strong packaging build a rock-solid shipping system. If your volume is high, look for promotions or freight discounts. 

The tips shared here aim to boost your confidence in handling bulky loads. Don’t forget to try Spocket for shipping large items!