How to Ship Oversized Items Internationally Smoothly

Are you looking to ship large, oversized, or heavy items or merchandise to another country? But shipping large items can be a daunting task, especially when it involves crossing borders. When faced with shipping large items, how do you find the right packaging to keep your merchandise or goods from getting damaged?

Whether you are a business looking to expand your international business or an individual trying to send a heavy package to a loved one, shipping large items can be overwhelming.

What is an Oversized Item?

When considering the dimensions that define an oversized package, different carriers have their own specific size limits, but generally it comes down to the dimensions (length and girth) and weight of the package.

Dimensional Weight: This is calculated based on the dimensions of the package. If the dimensional weight of a package exceeds a certain threshold, it may be considered an oversized package. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and height of the package and then dividing it by a standard size factor (usually 139 inches for international shipments and 166 inches for domestic shipments).

Length and Girth: Many carriers use a formula where the length and girth (2 x width + 2 x height) exceed a certain limit. For example, if the length plus girth exceeds 108 inches (274 cm) or 130 inches (330 cm), it may be classified as oversized.

Actual weight: Packages over a certain weight, such as 70 pounds (32 kg) or 150 pounds (68 kg), may also be considered oversized.

The main criteria for oversized shipments by major shipping companies

UPS

A package is considered oversized if the length and girth combined exceed 108 inches (274 cm) but not more than 165 inches (419 cm). Any package over 150 pounds (68 kg) is also considered oversized.

FedEx

Oversized if the length exceeds 96 inches or the length and girth combined exceed 130 inches. For FedEx Ground shipping, any package over 150 pounds (68 kg) is considered oversized.

US Postal Service

Oversized if the combined length and girth exceeds 130 inches or the maximum weight is 70 pounds

Exceeding these size and weight limits may incur oversize fees and special handling requirements.

DHL

An oversized package is one that exceeds 118 inches (300 cm) combined length and girth or 47 inches (120 cm) in length. Any package over 154 pounds (70 kg) is also considered oversized.

Some Common Problems When Shipping Large Items

High Cost: Shipping can be expensive due to the weight and size of oversized items.

Packing Difficulties: Finding the right packing materials and methods for oversized shipments can be tricky.

Customs and Regulations: Complying with international shipping regulations can be complex and time-consuming.

Limited Shipping Options: Not all shipping services are equipped to handle oversized packages.

Oversized shipments often require custom crates or specialized packaging materials to ensure they arrive safely at their destination. Improper packaging can result in damage, delays, and additional fees. Shipping large items may require specialized equipment or vehicles for transportation, which can add complexity and cost to the shipping process.

Shipping large items across borders can be fraught with regulatory challenges. Different countries have different regulations for the import of oversized items, and failure to comply can result in expensive delays or even the seizure of your goods.

Before preparing your shipping items, the first thing to do is to carefully evaluate the items. This includes the size, weight, fragility, etc. of the items, so that you can choose the right packaging and shipping methods for the items. Especially when it comes to oversized shipping and shipping big packages, professional packaging techniques and materials are needed to ensure the safety of the items during transportation.

How to seamlessly ship large items?

Choose the right shipping partner

When it comes to shipping large items, not all shipping services are the same. It is crucial to choose a service that specializes in oversized shipping and has a proven track record. At ChinaDivision, we provide end-to-end solutions, from packaging and crating to customs clearance and door-to-door delivery. We provide tailor-made shipping solutions for large shipments to ensure that your items arrive at their destination safely and on time.

Choose the right packaging and crating

Use high-quality packaging and crating materials to ensure that your large items are properly protected during transportation. Proper packaging is essential to protecting your items during shipping. Determine the best packaging solution for your specific item, taking into account its size, weight, and fragility.

Use sturdy boxes or crates designed specifically for heavy items. Make sure the item is firmly cushioned to prevent movement. If you are unsure how to ship large items without a box, consult with the professionals at Chinadivision.

Understand customs and regulations

Shipping large items across borders requires understanding international shipping regulations. Each country has its own rules for shipping oversized items. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation and that your shipment complies with the regulations of the destination country.

Cost-effective shipping solutions

Planning and communication are essential when shipping large items. Provide your shipping partner with detailed information about your item, including its size, weight, and any special handling requirements. This will allow them to plan the most efficient and cost-effective shipping route.

Shipping heavy items can be expensive, but there are ways to minimize the fees:

Compare large item shipping charges across different shipping services, and consider consolidating multiple shipments to reduce costs. If you frequently ship large items, take advantage of bulk shipping discounts.

Safety is the primary concern when shipping large items across the country. Professional shipping companies use special equipment and tools to lift and secure items to ensure they are not damaged during long-distance transport. They also provide comprehensive insurance services for items, and if an accident occurs, you can get timely compensation.

Step-by-step guide to shipping large items

Step 1: Measure and weigh your items

Accurate dimensions and weights are essential to getting an accurate shipping quote. Measure the length, width, and height of the item and weigh it using a reliable scale.

Weigh and measure your package to determine the shipping method. You can use a tape measure to calculate the total length and girth of the box and weigh it using a standard bathroom scale. Depending on the weight and size of your package, you can choose between standard express, large item shipping, or freight services.

Step 2: Choose the right packaging

Choose packaging that can handle the size and weight of your item. For particularly heavy or oversized items, consider using wooden boxes or reinforced cardboard boxes. Use brand new boxes, as previously used boxes may not be strong enough or may have been damaged. You can even place a box inside another box for added strength and protection. If using two boxes, be sure to add cushioning material between them for extra protection.

After placing the item in the box, seal it with reinforced packing tape, following the H-shaped technique to seal along the seams. Do not use regular tape, duct tape, or Scotch tape for shipping.

For heavy items, try not to use old packaging that is easily damaged. Also, consider using boxes that are nailed at the seams instead of glued. This can go a long way to protecting your package from the supply chain.

Step 3: Choose a reliable shipping service

Look for a shipping service that has experience handling oversized shipments. ChinaDivision offers professional services for shipping heavy packages and large shipments, ensuring that your items are properly handled.

Or split the items into multiple packages instead of one large package. Although you will need to pay the standard shipping rate for each box, it may be more economical to ship multiple smaller packages than to ship one large package and pay the extra fee.

Step 4: Prepare documents

Make sure you have all the necessary documents, including customs forms and invoices. Proper documentation is essential for smooth customs clearance and avoiding delays.

Step 5: Label the package correctly

Clearly mark the recipient's address and contact information on the package. Include any special handling instructions to ensure your items are properly handled during transportation.

Step 6: Track your shipment

Use the tracking tools provided by the shipping service to monitor your shipment. Tracking allows you to know the location of your package and the estimated delivery time at any time.

As a professional multinational large-scale item shipping company, Chinadivision has more than 10 years of experience in the logistics industry and rich resources. We provide one-stop services from packaging, transportation to insurance to ensure that your items can reach their destination safely and quickly. Whether you need shipping heavy packages or shipping Oversized goods, we can provide you with a satisfactory solution.

If you are looking for a reliable multinational large-scale item shipping company, you may wish to contact us at chinadivision and let us provide you with professional services. Let us work together to get your big guys to their destination safely and smoothly!