How to ship large items fast

Large items

Large items are those which have two sides measuring more than 800mm, or one side exceeding 1200mm. They usually take up more space in a shipping container and might require special handling due to their size. These are typically:

• Flat-pack furniture (e.g., shelves, desks)

• Musical instruments (e.g., keyboards, guitars)

• Gym equipment (e.g., rowing machines, treadmills)

• Large televisions or monitors

• Bicycles

However, a shipment may not necessarily be heavy, so you need to consider the item's weight as well.

Heavy items

Heavy items are those that exceed 30kg. A lot of items are classified as such:

• Engine parts or machinery

• Building materials

• Large appliances (e.g., washing machines, freezers)

• Large sound systems

• Heavy-duty tools

Oversized items

Oversized items, also known as out-of-gauge (OOG) cargo, are items that exceed standard container dimensions, for example, 300cm, 200cm, or 160cm. Examples of such items include:

• Car parts or vehicle chassis

• Medical equipment (e.g., scanners, hospital beds)

• Large sculptures

• Large musical instruments (e.g., drum kits, pianos)

• Oversized machinery

Shipping heavy items: weight and size limits

One of the best ways for Irish businesses to ship large boxes or other heavy items internationally is with DHL Express. Here’s an overview of the shipping guidelines:

*A maximum height of 180cm is possible with separate approval.

For items that exceed these limits, special bookings may be required.

For further details on exact size and weight limits, pricing structures, and a guide to protecting your goods, download our packing guide.

Here’s a breakdown on the best way to ship heavy or large boxes and a simple guide to navigating the international shipping process:

1. Measure and weigh your item

Before you do anything else, you need to get the exact dimensions and weight of your item. This information is crucial for calculating shipping costs and determining if your item can be sent via express or if it requires a special booking. 

You should use a reliable scale and measuring tape, and be sure to measure all sides.

2. Select appropriate packaging

Choosing the right packaging is key to ensuring your heavy item arrives safely. For items weighing more than 70kg, a pallet is required. Otherwise, use a strong, double-walled corrugated box with plenty of cushioning material to prevent movement and absorb shock.

If you want to make your operations more environmentally friendly, you can also consider using eco-friendly fillers and other sustainable packaging materials.

3. Choose the right shipping method

Once you have your item's dimensions and weight, it’s time to choose the right shipping method.

This is where you can compare different services, like express vs. freight forwarding, to find the one that best fits your item’s size, your budget, and your delivery timeline. You’ll want to consider speed and cost and ensure you find the balance that works for your business and keeps your customers happy.

How to ship a pallet

A pallet is a flat, sturdy structure used to transport a large volume of goods. Palletizing goods keeps multi-piece shipments together for the entire shipping journey, regardless of distance. Palletizing also helps protect your cargo since the goods are securely stacked and stabilized as one single unit, preventing damage from shifting or pressure.

It also makes loading and unloading easier and faster, and allows carriers to maximize trailer capacity. Similar to any other heavy or fragile item, bulky or palletised items need to be packed in a manner suitable for Express transportation.

Here are a few simple steps to follow to ensure your pallet is ready to ship:

1. Pick the right pallet size: Choose a pallet that is big enough to accommodate all your goods without any items dangling over the sides. The recommended dimensions are 120cm (W) x 120cm (L) for most shipments, and you should ensure the height does not exceed 160cm. The pallet should also be strong enough to support the load and, ideally, have forklift access.

2. Stack pallets: If you're using multiple boxes, stacking them in a straight column will provide the most stability to the pallet. For added security, interlocking your stacks will result in even greater pallet stability if the goods inside a box are rigid.

3. Wrap and strap the pallet: Wrap the entire shipment five to six times using shrink-wrap. This helps to secure the items and protect them from dust and moisture. For added protection, you should also use strapping. Start by tying the strap to the pallet's bottom and working your way to the top. Repeat the strapping in all directions until the load is securely fastened with at least four straps.

4. Label the pallet: Place your relevant labels on the sides of the pallets for clear visibility. This makes it easier for logistics providers to track and handle your shipment correctly.

This packing guide has all the Dos and Don'ts of palletised shipping, so your goods get to where they need to be on time and without damage or delay.

DHL Express palletized shipping guidelines

If you're shipping palletized items with DHL Express, there are a few key guidelines that you should be aware of to ensure a smooth and seamless delivery:

• Odd-shaped or non-stackable items may incur surcharges. 

• Individual pieces should not exceed 70 kg without incurring a surcharge, and the maximum piece weight is 1000 kg.

• The total shipment weight should not exceed 3000 kg. 

• DHL Express does not accept pieces over 300 cm in length or 200 cm in width.

Benefits of shipping heavy/large items with DHL Express

When it comes to getting your large or heavy items shipped, here's how DHL Express makes your life easier:

Stability: Since DHL Express relies solely on air and land rather than sea freight, it’s more resilient against some of the market disruptions currently impacting freight forwarding services, making it a safer option for businesses wishing to get their orders from A to B without any delays.

Speed: With DHL Express’ Time Definite shipping, you can be sure your shipments will get to where they need to be, on time and in one piece — whatever their size.

Cost: DHL offers a stable, transparent, all-in-one pricing structure which removes the uncertainty of additional costs further down the line — things like export documentation, airport handling, and delivery, which can ramp up the price of traditional freight forwarding services considerably.

Customs: DHL Express has extensive worldwide customs knowledge and experience. We know that a smooth and efficient customs clearance process helps your shipments arrive as quickly as possible. This service is included in your shipping price as standard.  

End-to-end visibility: You’ll be able to track your shipment and request notifications of its progress. Peace of mind for you and your customers.

Customer support: Our Certified International Specialists have all the experience and expertise to find solutions to all your shipping challenges, from duties and taxes to sustainability, whatever they may be.

Of course, this does mean that, up front, there is a premium to pay for the service DHL Express provides. But when price stability is important, time is of the essence, and professional reputations are at stake, few would disagree that the benefits on offer make it a worthwhile investment. 

Ready to ship your oversized items? Get expert shipping solutions with DHL Express

Shipping heavy or oversized items doesn't have to be a headache. Let our experts provide you with a tailored solution that makes the entire process easy, efficient, and reliable.

If you already have an account with DHL Express, click the button below for more information on how we can support you when you need to send heavier items.

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