Shipping bulky goods: the complete guide

Not sure whether your shipment still counts as a parcel or, because of its dimensions, already as bulky goods? Want an overview of the carriers' rates? Here's everything you need to know about shipping bulky goods, including a table to compare the dimensions and prices of a few carriers. You'll see the figures differ quite a bit, but don't worry, we'll navigate you through the "bulky-goods jungle".

How can you ship bulky goods?

Several well-known carriers offer bulky-goods shipping, for example GLS, DHL, and Hermes. UPS, DPD, and FedEx don't, though FedEx can handle larger deliveries as freight, which pays off mainly for larger overseas shipments. As a rule, bulky goods incur a surcharge on top of the freight cost, and the amount varies by carrier. This table compares national standard shipping, where what matters is dimensions and weight:

Prices are for orientation only. Even better: with Sendcloud you simply pick the cheapest option, integrating 80+ carriers for national and international shipping, or connecting your own contract.

From what size does a parcel count as bulky goods?

As the table shows, the maximum sizes and weights vary by carrier, with sizes between 120 cm length and a girth of 360 cm, and weights between 25 and 40 kg. But other factors can also make a shipment bulky: is it round, does something stick out, is it more of a large roll than a box? Then it's bulky goods, because such shapes can't be stored or stacked normally and need more space in transit. The carrier can transport fewer goods as a result, and charges bulky-goods surcharges to make up for it.

How is the size of bulky goods calculated?

Bulky-goods size is calculated using girth. The formula is: the longest side plus twice the width plus twice the height. For example, dimensions of 100 x 50 x 50 cm give a girth of 300 cm. One tip: don't forget to include the pallet when shipping bulky goods, as it's part of the shipment.

How much does shipping bulky goods cost?

Prices at GLS, DHL, and Hermes range from about €15 to €29, each plus a bulky-goods surcharge. Which carrier is right depends on the nature of your bulky item and your shipping needs. Three questions to always ask:

1. How big and heavy is my bulky item?

2. Am I shipping domestically or abroad, within the EU or worldwide?

3. Is standard shipping enough, or do I need express?

Note that GLS, DHL, and Hermes have separate rates for international shipping (usually split into "within the EU" and "worldwide"), and the same applies to express shipping.

Bulky goods with GLS

As a business customer you can ship "non-sortable bulky goods" with GLS, meaning items that could get stuck or roll away on an automatic sorting line. GLS counts the following as bulky: tires; rolls, sacks, and fabric bales; canisters, plastic buckets, and wooden crates; parcels longer than 120 cm; and parcels with protruding parts. Maximum limits: girth 3 m, weight 40 kg (national) or 50 kg (international). Pickup can be arranged.

Bulky goods with DHL

DHL counts as bulky: anything larger than 120 x 60 x 60 cm; rolls heavier than 5 kg, longer than 120 cm, or over 15 cm in diameter; box and roll shapes; protruding parts; and packaging made of material other than cardboard or paper. Maximum limits: 200 cm long and up to 360 cm girth (box), or 200 cm long and 60 cm diameter for rolls, and 31.5 kg. Pickup is possible for a small fee.

Bulky goods with Hermes

Hermes counts as bulky any parcel that isn't box-shaped or has protruding parts. Maximum limits: 25 kg, with the sum of the longest and shortest side between 80.1 and 120 cm. A bulky-goods service fee applies on top of the normal shipping price.

By the way, as with parcels, you can track your bulky-goods shipment with GLS, DHL, and Hermes; it's just a normal shipment, only a bit bulkier.

Where else can you ship bulky goods?

UPS and DPD don't offer bulky-goods shipping, so if they're your preferred carriers, check whether your shipment still qualifies as a normal parcel. UPS handles parcels up to 70 kg, 274 cm long, and 400 cm girth (a heavy-package label is required over 31.5 kg, or 25 kg within the EU). DPD handles up to 31.5 kg, 300 cm girth, and 175 cm on the longest side. You can also ship bulky goods via a freight forwarder, which can be the right choice for especially large or heavy freight.

How to package bulky goods correctly

Bulky goods can be quite unwieldy, so robust packaging matters so nothing breaks in transit. Here's how to pack a bulky shipment:

1. Use a box wherever possible; it always offers the best protection.

2. If needed, cut the box to fit and improvise with wrapping film and tape for stability.

3. Wrap your bulky item in bubble wrap and use filling material like kraft paper or filler chips inside the box, enough to fix the goods in place while still giving a little under external pressure.

4. Use pallets to secure especially heavy, awkward, or unstable bulky goods with straps.

5. If you can only ship your bulky item unpackaged, arrange a pickup with your carrier.

Which items may not be shipped as bulky goods?

The same rules apply as for parcels and letters: you may not ship goods, substances, or documents that don't comply with the laws of the origin, destination, and transit countries, and shipping dangerous goods is generally prohibited, including acids, adhesives, aerosols, agricultural chemicals, ammunition, weapons, oxygen cylinders, flammable liquids and perfumes, mercury, oil paints, pesticides, animals, cash, narcotics, and perishable goods.

Shipping bulky goods takes a bit of planning, but it's not complicated. You can compare large-parcel dimensions, prices, and options easily with the tips above. Interested in an all-in-one platform to handle your entire shipping process efficiently and flexibly? Get in touch with our team.