When it comes to shipping, both size and weight significantly influence logistics decisions. Shipping oversized items across borders or globally introduces complex challenges, including navigating the diverse rates associated with oversized freight. Yet, for many businesses in Bangladesh, shipping substantial goods isn't just an option; it's a necessity. What steps should you take when your shipment exceeds standard sizes and weights? 

For businesses needing to meet tight deadlines or ship high-value heavyweight goods, air cargo offers a compelling solution. DHL Express, known for its express shipping services, excels in providing fast, reliable air cargo options. 

With fewer handovers and all-inclusive pricing without hidden charges, air cargo reduces the risks associated with service impacts. Additional benefits include real-time tracking, guaranteed delivery times, and extensive customer support, making air cargo by DHL Express Bangladesh a strategic choice for businesses aiming for efficiency and customer satisfaction in shipping heavyweight items internationally.

In this blog, we'll explore the common challenges businesses encounter when shipping large or heavy items internationally and how DHL Express navigates these hurdles, providing affordable and flexible bulk shipping strategies. 

Packaging large items for shipping

Securing bulk or heavyweight products for transit requires meticulous packaging and handling strategies to prevent damage. Here are streamlined tips for businesses to ensure their large shipments arrive safely:

1. Segmenting heavyweight freight shipments

Dividing heavy cargo into smaller boxes enhances warehouse handling efficiency. This method reduces the risk of injuries, allows for easier manoeuvrability, and optimises container space usage. Segmenting shipments also aligns with international guidelines on container dimensions, making it a cost-effective strategy.

2. Choosing the right pallets

The selection of pallets – wooden, plastic, or cardboard – depends on the cargo's weight and the cost implications. Wooden pallets offer durability but add weight; plastic pallets are lighter and reusable but more expensive; cardboard pallets provide an economical option but may not suit all weights. 

In addition, businesses must adhere to their courier's heavyweight shipping requirements to ensure smooth handling. For instance, DHL Express Bangladesh specifies maximum pallet dimensions of a width of 200 cm, a length of 120 cm, and a height of up to 160 cm. This guideline helps ensure that shipments are compatible with international transportation standards, thereby facilitating efficient handling.

When packaging large items for shipping, businesses can adopt ideas like column stacking for stability or interlocking stacking to maximise space efficiency. Proper stacking techniques are crucial for reducing the risk of damage during transportation. They also help avoid incorrect methods that can compromise the integrity of the shipment, ensuring that goods arrive safely at their destination.

3. Implementing heavy-duty packaging

Utilising double-walled carton boxes, edge protectors, and internal bracing safeguards the items against impacts and movement. Securing packages with heavy-duty tape and shrink wrap provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring the contents remain intact and moisture-free throughout their journey.

Shipping documents required for heavy goods 

Preparing your shipping documents is a crucial step when handling oversized or heavy item shipments. These documents are vital for ensuring that your goods are transported legally and smoothly across borders. Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and certificate of origin, along with any additional documents mandated by the countries of origin, transit, or destination.

It's imperative that these documents provide thorough and accurate details about the sender, recipient, goods, transportation method, and payment terms. Businesses must familiarise themselves with the regulations of each country involved in the shipment to ensure full compliance. Moreover, maintaining copies of all shipping documents is essential for record-keeping and as evidence of delivery. This diligence in document preparation and compliance can significantly streamline the international shipping process for bulky and heavyweight items.

The importance of cargo insurance

Shipping heavy items internationally introduces heightened risks of damage or loss, rendering cargo insurance not just beneficial but essential. The substantial weight of these items amplifies the potential cost of replacement or repair, particularly when transported over long distances by international couriers. 

To address these unique challenges, DHL Express Bangladesh offers specialised shipping insurance designed specifically for the transportation of heavy or high-value items. The benefits of tailored coverage are comprehensive protection for your goods from the time they depart the warehouse until their arrival at the final destination, ensuring peace of mind throughout the shipping process.

Partnering with logistics experts for bulk or heavyweight shipments

Partnering with DHL Express for your bulky or heavyweight shipping needs comes with unparalleled advantages, ensuring that your large shipments are handled with care, precision, and efficiency. DHL Express enables businesses to ship items with maximum weights of up to 1,000 kg per piece and total shipment weights of up to 3,000 kg. 

Additionally, the dimensions for each item must adhere to specified limits, with a maximum piece length of 300cm and a width of 200cm. For pallets, a standard size of width by length is up to 120cm with a maximum height of 160cm. This flexibility in shipping options significantly enhances businesses' ability to manage heavyweight shipments effectively.

Other advantages of using DHL Express to send large parcels and shipping heavy items include: 

• Flexible shipping options: DHL Express's array of shipping solutions, including options for large flat rate boxes and special handling for fragile items, caters to the diverse needs of businesses, providing the versatility required for shipping heavy equipment and large parcels.

• Efficient tracking and monitoring: The MyDHL+ platform offers comprehensive shipment visibility from start to finish. The real-time tracking feature within the platform ensures businesses can monitor their shipments every step of the way.

• Customs expertise: DHL Express' expertise in customs processes, including services like Multiline Entry and Bonded Storage, guarantees that shipments clear customs smoothly and comply with all international regulations, avoiding any unnecessary delays or complications.

• Special handling requirements: Recognising that heavyweight shipments often require additional care, DHL Express offers specialised handling and equipment as part of its shipping services. Additional services such as Shipment Value Protection, Extended Liability, and Dedicated Pickup are available to further protect your shipments throughout their journey.

Make DHL Express your go-to heavyweight shipping partner

DHL Express understands the critical balance between speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency needed by B2B businesses for their bulk shipping requirements. Our extensive experience in international logistics sets us apart. Coupled with competitive pricing and a global delivery network, we're the preferred partner for businesses. 

Choosing DHL Express as your international shipping company means opting for a service that brings expertise, reliability, and a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the specific needs of heavyweight shipping. Open a business account with DHL Express now.