Large Parcel Delivery Explained

At Interparcel, we aren't biased toward the small and easily shipped packages, large, heavy and long parcels are equal in our eyes! No matter the size, you'll be saving time and money on large parcel delivery when you book with us. We have over 15 years of experience sending to 250 destinations and territories, and we've negotiated the best large parcel postage prices to keep delivery affordable!

It's simple to send large parcels with us, but in preparation for the big send-off, we'll walk you through some preparations and precautions you'll need to put in place before our specialist couriers can collect.

How to package a large parcel

Whether you're looking to ship a large parcel as a once-off or if you're an online seller keen to send long, large or heavy items, you'll need to spend some time on packaging.

Size, Shape, Weight

If you're looking to ship an oversized package you'll need to be sure that the box fits properly and is strong enough to ensure durable protection in transit.

Use the right material

For large and heavy items you need to be using a strong cardboard box with stitched or stapled seams rather than glued seams. Especially for items over 5kg, you'll need to use a double or triple-walled corrugated box for appropriate protection. Ideally use new boxes rather than old ones to ensure they're strong enough to carry weight.

When shipping a long item you can secure two strong cardboard boxes together with heavy-duty packing tape targeting the seams of the box - but keep in mind, the larger the box the lower the durability so make sure it's secured well or double box it to cover all bases.

If you're an eco-conscious sender, there are biodegradable options such as mushroom packaging or reusable materials, but always ensure it supports the size and weight of your item(s).

Use the right protection

After you've found outer packaging for your large or heavy items you will need to pad out the inside of the box for protection.

Fill the inside of the box with packing peanuts, inflatable bags crumpled paper, thermocol or bubble-wrap to make sure that movement is kept at a minimum whilst in transit.

After you've padded the box sufficiently, make sure you secure the entire package closed with packing tape. Masking tape will not support long, heavy or large packages so make sure you are generous with properly adhesive duct tape or similar.

Examples of large items to send

Our customers often opt to send with us as our specialist couriers are more than capable of quickly and affordably shipping large items. Here's a couple of our most common and how you can effectively prepare to send them:

How to ship a pram

These invaluable constructions made for carting the kids around will need some careful preparation before shipping! On the outset, these look tough to send, but we can make it simple. Here's a brief overview of what to do when sending a pram:

• Fold it down
• Secure loose parts
• Wrap all parts in protective material
• Place inside a cardboard box
• Fill space inside the box with protective materials
• Tape to secure the box closed

How to ship a bike

As summer continues on everyone is wanting a bike to pedal around in the sun, whether you're a seller or simply shipping a bike to a loved one there are a few things to do before sending:

• Have a suitable box ready
• Dismantle all parts that come away (saddle, pedals, wheels, handlebars)
• Deflate each wheel
• Wrap all parts in protective material
• Place inside box
• Fill space in the box with protective materials
• Tape box closed

You can get much more detail on the ins and outs of sending a bike by courier on our blog!

How to ship a fishing rod

Whether you've just sold a fishing rod online or you're off on a fishing holiday staycation and want to ship your equipment ahead of you, we recommend you take a little extra care and attention when preparing to send fishing rods or poles.

• Dismantle the rod - make sure it's as short as it can be
• Wrap each part separately in bubble wrap
• Place the parts into an outer cardboard box/tube
• Pad any empty space inside the box with protective materials to minimise movement
• Tape the box up to secure the fishing rod inside

If you need more info on how to send fishing rods with us at Interparcel we've got a how-to you'll love!

The cheapest way to send large parcels

The cheapest way to send a large package is to get a quote through a parcel delivery broker like us at Interparcel! After packaging and protecting your parcel you should weigh and measure its dimensions and pop these into our Quote Tool to have a look at our price comparisons with the most reliable couriers.

We only partner with the best of the best and when sending a large parcel our couriers are experts, so you know your packages are in good hands. When getting a quote with us at Interparcel you'll be able to see the best prices for the UK and international parcel delivery, so sending heavy packages doesn't have to break the bank!

Send large parcels with Evri (formerly Hermes)

Evri Light & Large service is excellent for sending large parcels at cost-effective rates.

With Evri, you can send parcels:

• Up to 30kg
• Max length of 180cm
• Collected right from your door step
• Delivered within 3 days

For this service, you'll need to print off the label we provide you with when booking and secure this to the package. Signatures are not required with this service.

Send large parcels with Tuffnells

A long time courier of long, bulky and heavy packages, Tuffnell's is fantastic for sending large parcels.

With Tuffnells, you can send parcels:

• Up to 100kg
• Max length of 600cm
• Collected right from your door step
• A range of delivery options available; from 2 working days to next day by 10.30am

For this service, you won't need to print out a label but for particularly bulky items you may need to assist the driver on collection.

Send large parcels with TNT

Globally recognised, TNT is a long-running courier for heavy parcels and large packages.

With TNT, you can send parcels:

• Up to 70kg
• Max length of 140cm
• Collected right from your door step
• Via a range of Economy, Express and Timed services

For this service, you'll need to print off the label we provide you with when booking and secure this to the package.

Send large parcels with Parcelforce

As a reliable and nationally trusted courier, Parcelforce's Express 48 Large service is excellent for sending oversized or heavy packages.

With Parcelforce Express 48 Large, you can send parcels:

• Up to 28kg
• Max length of 250cm
• Collected right from your door step
• To be delivered within 2 working days

For this service, you will have to print out a label and attach to parcel.

Send large parcels with CitySprint

Known for their excellent same day services you can send large or heavy parcels in no time with CitySprint's LWB, Transit Van or Small Van delivery services. With this service, you won't pay for the weight/dimensions of your package as you instead hire the entire vehicle and pay for the milage - saving you money if your parcel isn't travelling very far!

With CitySprint, you can send parcels:

• Up to 1100kg
• Max length of 300cm
• Collected right from your door step
• To be delivered Same Day

For this service, you won't be required to attach a label to your package(s).

A few more tips on sending large items

Before you go ahead and ship your large parcels, you should consider a few extra things:

Transit cover

Particularly when sending oversized packages of substantial value covering the cost of loss or damage is essential. All of our shipments come with a level of cover and with our couriers these occurrences are rare, it's worth adding Transit Cover up to the cost of the item to be safe.

Pallet options

When sending a heavy item that requires a pallet, book in with one of our pallet sending specialists, Palletways or PalletForce and follow our guide before doing so.

Questions and queries

If you have any questions about your booking or about how to post a heavy parcel or large package get in contact with our parcel experts. Available via telephone, email and live chat from 8 am - 8 pm Monday to Friday!

Having a good understanding of how to ship large parcels can mean you aren't restricted when selling or moving oversized items. We can always help you find the right courier for any size shipment, so you can rest assured your packages are in reliable hands and on route to their destination!