How To Ship Large Items 1 1

How to Ship Large Items: A Comprehensive Guide

Shipping large items can be a complex task. The packaging material, size, and other factors determine the ease with which you can ship large items. SFL Worldwide is a leading competitor offering specialized shipping services for heavy or oversized items. In this guide, you will learn everything about large package shipping, from getting quotes for shipping to how to ship large packages to your final destination.

Shipping Large Items: Tips and Best Practices for Safe Delivery

Every carrier has its criteria for classifying items in shipping. Fundamentally,  the weight of a package is determined by its dimensions. You can read more about dimensional weight in our resource section. Your shipper may apply additional handling surcharges depending on the weight of the package. Some items may be classified as heavy or oversized, while some may be classified as freight. Here are some classifications for large items in shipping by leading carriers.

FedEx – Any item’s dimensions with a girth of more than 130 inches are considered oversized. Any item heavier than 150 lbs with dimensions with a combined length and girth of more than 165 inches is considered freight.

UPS – Any package weighing over 70 lbs is classified as heavy or large. Items more than 150 lbs are considered freight.

We’ve consulted with industry experts and included external links to reputable sources throughout this guide to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information. Use SFL Worldwide’s Get a Quote feature to get shipping quotes from all carriers on our website. This will help you determine the best way to ship a large item and the large item shipping cost according to the weight and dimensions of your package.

Shipping Options for Large Items

When it comes to shipping large items, you have several options. Some of the popular options include:

Freight Shipping: We highly recommend this option for oversized items unsuitable for transporting via traditional shipping methods. Freight shipping typically involves transporting items in pallets or crates on flatbeds or semi-trucks.

LTL (Less Than Truckload) Shipping: If you’re shipping items that are too large for parcel shipping but don’t require a full truckload, LTL shipping is a great option. With LTL shipping, your items are clubbed with other shipments to reduce costs.

White Glove Shipping:  Use this service for fragile or high-value items that require special handling. White Glove Shipping transports your items with the help of trained professionals who will handle them with the utmost care.

How To Pack Large Items

When packing larger items for shipment, it is important to keep the package cost-effective, environment-friendly, and space-saving to make efficient shipments. Learn how to ship large items with our easy guide below.

Consult with your shipping experts at SFL Worldwide to understand the requirements for packing special items, including liquids and other restricted/dangerous goods.

1. Choose The Right Size Box

It is essential to use the right-sized box, as the sizing makes all the difference in keeping your shipping costs low. Read how shipping companies calculate shipping rates based on dimensional weight. This is the amount of space occupied by your package in relation to the size of the storage in the transportation. You want to ensure you have the correct size box for larger shipments.

2. Utilize A Sturdy Material

As much as we are about saving money at SFL Worldwide, we oftentimes find our customers reusing old boxes to pack their shipments. Old boxes are not as sturdy or uncompromised in quality. We recommend using a strong box to pack your items, and don’t forget to add protective material to keep your contents intact.

3. Use Bubble Wrap To Protect Items From Damage

SFL Worldwide uses professional bubble wrap to protect items in transit – for our professional moving services or worldwide shipping. Bubble wrap is a cheap, inexpensive option to give your package some added protection and keep your oversized items safe during shipment.

4. Reinforce The Bottom With Heavy-Duty Packing Tape

Secure your box with heavy-duty packing tape or one that professionals recommend. Your shipments cannot be packed with one universal duct or packaging tape. There are different types of tapes and taping techniques, such as the ‘H’ method or the snowflake method, for packing various items.

5. Seal The Boxes With Packing Tape, Where Necessary

One of the last steps in packing large items is the final extra step of protection for your box. Seal your boxes with extra packing tape for strong support to your shipment. Use heavy-duty packing tape to ensure your shipments reach your destination securely when in doubt.

6. Label The Box With Shipping Information And Fragile Stickers If Necessary

The final step is to label your box with the correct shipping information and care instructions using fragile stickers and notes, where necessary. You can use your template or simply print the prepaid label provided to you when booking here on SFL Worldwide. Use this checklist to verify that your label contains essential information, such as –

  • Recipient’s name, address 
  • Sender’s name, address
  • Shipping Method 
  • Weight of Package
  • Routing Number 
  • Tracking reference 
  • Other information

Factors to Consider When Selecting A Shipping Company Wisely

  • Costs – One of the first things you must know before you select a shipping company. Rates make or break the decision to select the right shipping company. 
  • Speed – When it comes to shipping to your customers, ensuring your packages arrive on time is crucial. Learn more about the shipping company’s delivery speed for different types of packages.
  • Geographic Locations – Ask the shipping company for their delivery range to determine if they can fulfill your requirement. 
  • Specialist Services – Did you know SFL Worldwide provides our in-house consultation for customs clearance and packaging assistance? These services are always a bonus and make shipping stress-free.
  • Customer Service – Shipping can be a stressful process when it is done without the right guidance. Our customer service experts at SFL Worldwide are here to help and answer your questions anytime. Simply visit our contact center or call us at 1-800-691-2335.

Common mistakes to avoid when shipping large items

Shipping large items can be a complex process, especially for those unfamiliar with the world of logistics. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when shipping large items.

1. Measure your item

Failure to measure and weigh your items properly can result in significant delays and be expensive.

2. Improper use of packaging

Avoid using the wrong packaging material for your large items. You can use special tools and packaging materials designed specifically to keep them secure and prevent transit damage.

Taking these precautions ensures your large items arrive safely and securely at your final destination.

How to get a quote on SFL Worldwide

With the right shipping company, such as SFL Worldwide, you are guaranteed to ship hassle-free items, regardless of their size. SFL Worldwide makes it easy to get large package shipping costs from all shipping companies by pulling all your quotes directly on our website.

Step 1 - Visit the SFL Worldwide website.

The SFL Worldwide website has an instant rate calculator that can get you rates from various carriers according to your shipping speed and budget requirements. Get the right quote and discounts for your shipment in seconds when you ship with us.

Step 2 - Select the item you’re planning to ship

Choose the item using our quick select options from a box, envelope, TV, and more. Now you’re seconds away from some of the lowest quotes on the internet.

Step 3 - Select the locations for both the sender and the receiver.

We require information on both the sender and receiver locations. This helps us find you low rates based on your location.

Step 4 - Enter your contact information

Almost done. Give us your contact details to get all your quotes instantly.

Step 5 - That’s it! Your quotes are ready!

Our quote calculator gets you the best quotes with exclusive shipping discounts for all major carriers in seconds. It is now time to select the quote from the many options we have presented to you.

Secure Your Shipping

SFL Worldwide has been a trusted logistics provider for domestic and international shipments since 2005. Save up to 70% off your shipments using our smart tools and extensive resources on our website. Sign up for a FREE account to gain instant access to our member discounts.

Conclusion

Shipping large items doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Following our expert tips and best practices ensures your items arrive safely and on time. Whether you’re shipping an envelope or a large item such as a TV, SFL Worldwide has you covered. We specialize in packing and shipping large, oversized shipments and preparing them according to your shipper’s requirements. Read our blog on tips for superior protection. For more information, visit our website or call us at 1-800-691-2335.

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