Shipping Heavy + Big Items: How To

If you are a business (or even a person) who has sent enormous things previously, you are presumably acquainted with how costly it may be. A few distinct components can cause the transportation costs for oversized items to be very high, which can be disappointing, particularly for organizations working inside strict spending edges.

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Huge bundles and more extensive than usual delivery can appear to be an agony and a half. However, many transporters offer quick and simple transportation of even the greatest and bulkiest things or an entrepreneur's genuine feelings of serenity.

What is an Oversize Package?

An oversize package is a parcel that exceeds the maximum size or weight restrictions set by the carrier. The most common maximums are set by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and are as follows:

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USPS - Maximum combined length and girth of 108 inches (274 cm)

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FedEx - Maximum length of 82 inches (208 cm), maximum width of chest and hips together of 54 inches (137 cm), maximum weight of 150 pounds (68 kg)

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UPS - Maximum length, width, and height of each side must not exceed126 inches(320 cm), total weight must not exceed 150 pounds(68 kg)

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Shipping Heavy and Big Items- Tips Before Shipping and The Best Shipping Plans

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Factors to Consider Before Shipping

There are a few different criteria that transportation organizations consider while deciding the cost of delivery.

Weight Density and Cost

When searching for a modest method to dispatch big things, it's fundamental that clients see the weight thickness of their bundle means for the cost of transport.

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Previously, transporting organizations zeroed in on weight when giving quotes to their customers. In any case, this made an issue—huge things, yet light started to go through space, costing shipping organizations more cash. These organizations chose to change their methodology for transportation enormous things to address the issue, figuring in thickness just as weight. Dimensional weight valuing is controlled by computing the cubic size of a bundle. It is accomplished by increasing its length, width, and tallness.

Because of how much volumetric space your bundle involves, they will ascertain the amount it would weigh by applying for their base thickness number and afterward charge you for whichever is most costly (the accurate weight or dimensional weight). It is critical to remember whether your bundles weigh not exactly the dimensional weight. You will need to get cites from organizations to discover the actual expense instead of computation dependent on the accurate weight.

Custom Cost

Numerous clients ignore this critical factor when searching out the least expensive approach to send enormous bundles, possibly to get a lofty receipt when their thing arrives at a global boundary. Consequently, it is critical to consistently keep customs costs top of mind.

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Every nation has its strategies for computing customs costs. Variables like the kind of products your shipment contains, how costly they are, and whether the getting nation has guidelines set up for your particular thing will all become possibly the essential factor. It is additionally critical to be forthright and legit in all desk work related to your shipment. Suppose a nation presumes you have underestimated the products in your shipment or are attempting to trick the framework in any capacity. In that case, you could be given a heavy fine, and your bundle could be denied.

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Care for Fragile Items

Another delivery tip is that if your thing is sensitive and needs additional consideration, you might need to pick a transporter that highly esteems dealing with delicate shipments instead of zeroing in on quicker travel times that may hurt package dispatching.

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Location of the Package

Regardless of how big your bundle is, transporters will utilize the source and destination of the pile to ascertain which delivery zone you are transporting to — the further away it is, the higher the zone, and the higher the area, the higher the expense of transportation.

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Shipping Plans for Heavy and Big Items

Many well-known shipping companies do shipping of large and heavy items, and some of the best are as follows:

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FedEx

Each shipper has some different rules and regulation you have to follow; FedEx works on factors written below:

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Weight limits

FedEx Home Delivery ships bundles as much as 70 pounds. Piles heavier than this are considered "weighty" and might be delivered through FedEx Ground if they are under 150 pounds. For things over 150 pounds, consider utilizing FedEx Express Freight or FedEx Freight all things considered — these administrations acknowledge shipments that are as much as 20,000 pounds.

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Packaging

Utilize folded cardboard for the external box and bundle non-rigid boxes inside instead of delivering these containers all alone. You also have to use separate inner packages to protect your item from any damage.

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Pricing

Your delivery charges at FedEx depending on weight, the FedEx service ad plan you pick, and the destination.

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DHL

DHL gives us an option of transportation like:

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Airship cargo

DHL claims, co-possesses, or collaborates with a few unique aircrafts throughout the world. It offers an airship cargo administration in which your cargo gets added to different flights that are booked along with significant courses. It offers house-to-house conveyance (in addition to air terminal to-entryway or entryway to-air terminal).

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Like any remaining transporters, it offers alternatives for how quickly you need your cargo conveyed, from Urgent Air Freight (1-2 days) to Air Economic (5-7 days). It even offers choices for uncommon payload temperature-controlled conditions and day-distinct global shipments.

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Sea cargo

DHL offers a sea cargo option that conveys cargo abroad to different sea transporters. They offer Full Container (FCL) and Less Than Container (LCL) and a comparative assortment of uncommon alternatives, similar to temperature-controlled territories and even transportation of fluids.

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Most importantly, cargo alternatives are when your freight is excessively hefty and enormous to get a decent value transporting its bundle. It bodes well to dispatch its holder since you'll improve cost and administration.

USPS

USPS is also a well-known transporter who provides the option of delivering overnight.

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Size

The most bundle size for UPS is 165 crawls in both length and circumference. Cargo Services may consider more significant maximums, so it's great to discover what precise necessities apply to what in particular you're dispatching and where you're delivering it.

Mail Express USPS

Mail Express is an incredible choice if you need to get your bundle to its destination as fast as could be expected. Piles under 70 pounds transport are beginning at $22.50 that is the cost for the level rate delivering envelope, so it just goes up from that point. If your thing is hefty and can be crushed into the level rate envelope, this will be the least expensive alternative for you. On the off chance that it is more significant, you may have better luck with another transporter.

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Safety of Your Items

Whenever you are ready to ship any heavy or oversized item, you need to keep a few things in your mind. First of all, you have to be sure that the item gets delivered to your customer at the correct address, and for that, you might work on tracking down your item.

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After all the tracking, you need to confirm your order as it is a crucial step in the shipping process and helps you within your insurance.

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How To Avoid Or Reduce DIM Weight Charges For Your Shipments

There are a few ways to avoid or reduce DIM weight charges:

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Use Smaller Packaging

The trend in recent years has been toward larger packaging, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option. In fact, using smaller packaging can have a number of benefits. For one thing, it will reduce the overall size of your shipment, and may also help to reduce shipping costs. Plus, it'll be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. Using smaller packaging means that you'll use less material overall, and that your products will be better protected from damage during shipping. So next time you're planning a shipment, think about going with smaller packaging - it could be just what you need.

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Use Lighter Packaging Materials

When it comes to packaging, one of the most important considerations is the weight of the materials used. The lighter the packaging, the less it will cost to ship and the easier it will be to handle. In addition, lighter packaging materials are often more environmentally friendly, as they require less energy to produce and recycle. For these reasons, it is always best to use lighter packaging materials whenever possible.

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One way to do this is to choose materials that are strong but lightweight, such as corrugated cardboard or plastic. Another way to reduce weight is to use less material overall, either by using thinner walls or by eliminating unnecessary features such as handles or straps. By using lighter packaging materials, you can help to reduce shipping costs and environmental impact.

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Consolidate Shipments

If you're shipping multiple small packages, you might be able to save on shipping costs by consolidating them into one larger shipment. This can be a great option if you're shipping to the same destination and the items can safely be packed together.

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There are a few things to keep in mind when consolidating shipments. First, make sure the items can be safely packed together. You don't want to damage any of the items by packing them too tightly. Second, consider the size and weight of the consolidated shipment. Shipping costs are often based on these factors, so a larger or heavier shipment will probably cost more to ship. Finally, check with your shipping company to see if they offer any discounts for consolidating shipments. Some companies offer lower rates for larger shipments, so it's worth checking before you ship.

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Check with Your Carrier

Some carriers offer discounts for packages that meet certain criteria, such as being shipped on a certain day or being a certain size or weight. Contact your carrier to see if you qualify for any discounts.

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How Much is Oversize Shipping Fee?

An oversize shipping fee is a surcharge that carriers (like UPS, FedEx, or USPS) charge for packages that are larger than their standard size limits. These charges are generally based on the dimensions of the package, and can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars.

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FedEx Oversize Charge

If the package weighs more than 90 lbs. Or if it is more than 130” in combined length and girth, $100-120 is the 2020 FedEx oversize fee. The same goes for packages that are longer than 96” on any side. FedEx also offers freight shipping.

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UPS Large Package Surcharge‍

If the package is more than 165” in combined length and girth, an oversize fee applies. The fee also applies to any package weighing more than 150 lbs. Finally, if the package is longer than 108”, the fee also applies. The fee is $95-115. UPS freight services are available for exceptionally large or heavy packages.

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USPS Oversize Fee

‍If the package's combined length and girth is more than 108”, it is considered an oversize package. And you can’t ship packages that exceed 130” in combined length and girth. Weight is not a factor.

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If you are shipping huge items, USPS will probably not be your first choice. USPS has lower limits that trigger the oversize package fee than other carriers, as you can see. USPS does not offer freight services.

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DHL Oversize Package Fee‍

Packages that weigh more than 70 kg (about 155 lbs.) or those that exceed 47” L x 31” W x 31” H are subject to the DHL oversize fee of $89. DHL freight shipping is also available.

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Freight Shipping

Shipping oversized products are one thing, but freight shipping is another story. The costs can suddenly rise to double or triple the cost. However, you can ship packages or pallets of nearly any size or weight imaginable. You could even ship a whole house if you want! As long as you are willing to pay for it, that is.

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What To Do If You're Charged An Oversize Shipping Fee

If you're unexpectedly charged an oversize shipping fee, there are a few options you can consider.

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First, you can try to negotiate with the carrier. Explain that you weren't aware of the surcharge and ask if there's anything they can do to waive or reduce the fee. In some cases, they may be able to make an exception.

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Second, you can try to ship the package via a different carrier. UPS and FedEx tend to have higher oversize shipping fees than USPS, so this may be a more cost-effective option.

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Finally, you can consider using an alternative shipping method, like freight shipping, which is specifically designed for large or bulky packages. This option may be more expensive than standard shipping, but it could still be cheaper than paying an oversize shipping fee.

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Tips For Avoiding An Oversize Shipping Fee In The Future

There are a few things you can do to avoid an oversize shipping fee in the future.

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Check Carriers Size Guidelines: First, make sure to check the carrier's size guidelines before shipping your package. This will help you avoid any surprises down the line.

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Use Alternative Shipping Methods: If you're shipping a large or bulky package, consider using an alternative shipping method, like freight shipping. This may be more expensive than standard shipping, but it could still save you money compared to paying an oversize shipping fee.

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Divide Into Multiple Packages: If possible, try to divide your shipment into multiple smaller packages. This will help you stay within the carrier's size limits and avoid any oversize surcharges.

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3 Tips for the Cheapest Way to Ship Large, Oversize Packages

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1. Flat-pack assembly

Flat-pack shipping may help you avoid the freight shipping conundrum. For example, Ikea has mastered this concept with Ikea flat-pack furniture. This means the item ships disassembled in a large, flat box, which is cheaper to ship than a bulky, fully assembled product. For online sellers, if you can source products that come disassembled, you too can take advantage of cheaper shipping rates this way.

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2. Ask for a volume shipping discount

If you sell a lot of products online, ask your shipping company for a volume discount. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and hunt around for the cheapest shipping prices. You need one carrier to say yes. The savings will really add up!

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3. Use 3PLs to Lower Shipping Costs

Let’s say you want to ship large products to customers, but you don’t sell enough to qualify for a shipping discount. Getting denied may feel like you hit a roadblock, but there is another solution.

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3PL online order fulfillment companies like SimplFulfillment can negotiate a volume shipping discount on your behalf.

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How Will 3PLs Help To Lower The Cost Of Shipping Oversized Packages?

There are many benefits to using a third-party logistics provider (3PL) for shipping oversized packages. 3PLs can help to lower the cost of shipping by consolidating shipments, using their buying power to negotiate discounts with carriers, and providing value-added services such as packaging and warehousing. In addition, 3PLs have the expertise and infrastructure to handle the complexities of shipping oversized packages, which can save shippers time and money.

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Some of the benefits of using a 3PL for shipping oversized packages include:

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Lower costs

3PLs can help to lower the cost of shipping by consolidating shipments, using their buying power to negotiate discounts with carriers, and providing value-added services such as packaging and warehousing.

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Expertise and infrastructure

3PLs have the expertise and infrastructure to handle the complexities of shipping oversized packages, which can save shippers time and money.

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Flexibility

3PLs offer flexibility in terms of shipping routes, schedules, and methods, which can be helpful when shipping oversized packages.

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Customer service

3PLs typically provide excellent customer service, which can be beneficial when shipping oversized packages.

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Conclusion

Transportation heavy and big things are continually going to be more chaotic than delivering little and light ones. Representing every one of the various factors and expenses added on, from weight cutoff points to dimensional weight and shipping ways, now you know it all.

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HAPPY SHIPPING!

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Cheap Ways To Ship Oversized and Heavy Items eCommerce