Fishing rods, golf clubs & sports equipment
Long, narrow sports equipment often needs a courier with more generous length limits than a normal parcel service.
Send long, oversized and awkward parcels with courier services matched to the exact dimensions you enter. Compare UK collection services for packages over 1 metre and, on eligible services, up to 600cm in length.
Maximum length varies by courier and service. Always enter the fully packaged length, width, height and weight for an accurate list of eligible options.
Long parcel delivery becomes more difficult once an item exceeds the size limits used by standard courier networks. Interparcel compares services using the actual packaged dimensions you enter, so you can see which carriers can take the shipment before you book.
That makes it easier to send everything from a 1 metre box or golf bag to a 2 metre curtain pole, 3 metre trade item or specialist long package that needs a freight courier. The exact length limit depends on the service, not just the courier name.
If your shipment is heavy or bulky as well as long, compare our large and heavy parcel delivery services too.
Compare long parcel couriersLong, narrow sports equipment often needs a courier with more generous length limits than a normal parcel service.
Poles, rails, trim and other DIY items can often be sent when securely boxed and measured at their full packaged length.
Rolled products can be long even when they are not especially heavy, so both packaging shape and courier rules matter.
Use specialist parcel, freight or dedicated-vehicle services for long boxed components, flat-pack parts and business consignments.
Length limits vary significantly. These examples show how current services available through Interparcel step up from standard parcels to specialist freight.
UPS UK Standard currently accepts parcels up to 140cm long through Interparcel, subject to the other service limits.
Parcelforce Express 48 Large accepts items up to 240cm and 30kg through Interparcel.
CitySprint LWB is a Same Day vehicle service with maximum dimensions of 3m x 1.7m x 1.2m.
Eligible DX Freight services accept packaged items up to 600cm long and 50kg.
Enter the destination and exact packaged dimensions to see whether an international courier can accept the item. Customs information is completed during booking where required.
Long items do not all need the same type of courier. Compare standard collection, large-parcel, Same Day vehicle and specialist freight services using the measurements of your finished package.
The most important step is measuring the parcel after it has been fully packed. A few extra centimetres can move a shipment from a standard network into a large-parcel or freight service.
Measure the longest packaged point Do not enter the length of the item before packaging. Measure the sealed box, tube or outer packaging at its widest and longest points.
Collapse, telescope or dismantle the item where it is safe to do so. A shorter final package can open up more courier options and reduce the price.
Use rigid outer packaging, reinforce long sides and protect the ends and corners so the item cannot flex, move or protrude in transit.
Record the finished length, width and height in centimetres and weigh the complete package after sealing it.
Interparcel uses the measurements entered to show the standard, large-parcel, Same Day or freight services that can accept the shipment.
Follow the service's label and collection instructions, keep the parcel accessible for the driver and track the delivery online after handover.
A long parcel can be light but still vulnerable to bending, snapping and damaged ends. Strong packaging matters just as much as choosing a courier with the right length limit.
Choose a strong cardboard box or suitable rigid outer pack that supports the complete length. Do not leave sections of the item exposed.
Long narrow parcels often fail at the ends or bend in the middle. Cushion vulnerable areas and reinforce seams with strong parcel tape.
Wrap individual pieces, fill empty space and keep heavy fittings away from fragile long components. If the item dismantles, secure each part separately.
Sending a tube? Cylindrical parcels can have different handling or volumetric rules. Enter the external measurements accurately and check the courier's packaging and surcharge guidance before booking. For fragile items such as fishing rods, a rigid inner tube inside strong outer packaging can provide additional support.
Built for eCommerce
If your business regularly ships curtain poles, blinds, fishing equipment, rugs, trim, flat-pack components or other long products, connecting your sales channels can reduce the admin around every order.
Import orders into Interparcel, save repeat parcel details and compare the courier services that fit each long item instead of relying on one carrier for every shipment.
Compare door-to-door options for long parcels that are difficult to take to a drop-off point.
Follow the parcel online and opt into proactive email or SMS tracking updates.
Most services include cover, with enhanced options displayed where available.
Get help by phone, live chat, contact form or email when you need it.
Businesses that sell long or awkward goods can easily overpay if every shipment is pushed through the same courier. A free shipping review can compare your parcel lengths, routes, frequencies and service mix.
Tell us what you send, the typical packaged lengths and where the goods travel. We can help identify a more practical courier mix.
Request a free reviewAnswers to common questions about parcels over 1m, 2m, 3m and up to 6m, specialist couriers, packaging, tubes, international shipping and tracking.
Contact usThere is no single industry definition. A parcel becomes long when its longest packaged dimension exceeds the limit of a standard courier service. Many standard networks accept parcels around 140cm to 150cm long, while specialist services can accept much longer items.
Eligible DX Freight services booked through Interparcel accept packaged items up to 600cm in length. Other weight, width, height, access and service restrictions still apply, so enter the exact finished dimensions when you quote.
Yes. Interparcel offers services suitable for a 2 metre parcel. For example, Parcelforce Express 48 Large accepts parcels up to 240cm long through Interparcel, subject to the service's weight and combined dimension limits.
Yes. CitySprint LWB can carry items up to 300cm long on eligible same day UK routes, while DX Freight also provides services for longer packaged items.
Eligible DX Freight services can accept items up to 600cm long for UK delivery. These services have additional limits, including a maximum parcel weight of 50kg, so the full packaged dimensions and weight must be entered accurately.
Suitable couriers depend on the finished length and weight. Current Interparcel options include UPS UK Standard for parcels up to 140cm, Parcelforce Express 48 Large up to 240cm, CitySprint LWB up to 300cm and eligible DX Freight services up to 600cm.
Pack the item first, enter the exact finished length, width, height, weight and destination, then compare the compatible services. The cheapest option varies with the parcel size and route, and a small change in length can affect which courier networks can accept it.
Many long items such as fishing rods, curtain poles, blinds, rolled rugs and long boxed components can be suitable for courier delivery if the contents are permitted and the parcel is packed within the selected service limits. Always check the prohibited and restricted item rules before booking.
Use rigid outer packaging that supports the full length of the item, protect both ends and corners, prevent movement inside the box and seal every seam with strong parcel tape. Reduce or dismantle the item where possible before measuring the finished package.
Some couriers accept cylindrical or tubular items, but rules and charging methods vary. Measure the parcel at its widest external points and check the selected courier's packaging and surcharge guidance before booking.
International delivery may be available for some long parcels, but overseas length limits are often lower than specialist UK freight limits. Enter the destination and exact dimensions into the quote tool to see eligible services and complete any customs information required.
The long parcel services shown on this page include online tracking. Most Interparcel services also include a level of transit cover, with the included amount and any enhanced cover options shown during booking.
Enter the fully packaged dimensions and weight to compare courier services for long items from over 1 metre to specialist packages up to 6 metres.