Shipping large items can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from preparing your shipment to tracking its progress.
Whether you’re shipping furniture across the country, shipping items as a business owner, or sending a package overseas, this helpful guide has all the information you need to safely and efficiently deliver your big items.
Let’s get started.
Shipping Sizes: What Counts as a Large Item?
When it comes to shipping, large packages exceed the size and weight limits of traditional mail or parcel services. This includes shipping vehicles, furniture, appliances, and other bulky items. These items may require special packaging, special services, extra care at drop off, or all of the above when handling.
Make sure to measure your item before shipping it to ensure that it meets the size requirements of your chosen carrier. By knowing your item's size and dimensional weight, you’ll be able to plan your shipment and budget accurately.
Numerous factors go into categorizing an item as “large.” Generally, items that exceed standard shipping service size and weight limits would be considered large shipments.
This includes cars, furniture, exercise equipment, etc. Again, check with your chosen carrier for their exact guidelines, so you know what counts as a large shipment.
They can determine the best course of action for freight shipping. In most cases (unless it’s a vehicle), shipping solutions use a pallet to ship heavy items. This makes it easier to both load and unload the extra girth.
How Do You Prepare Large Items for Shipping?
Before you can ship large or heavy packages with shipping carriers, there are a few steps to take to ensure their safe arrival. Ensure all items are securely packed in either large boxes or plastic containers, so they don’t become damaged in transit.
If you’re shipping any fragile items, cushion them with packing materials like bubble wrap or foam peanuts to protect against bumps and jostles along the way.
If you’re shipping a car, it’s also important to include not having items in your vehicle when transporting it, as this can increase the chance of theft and damage.
Make sure that you prepare the necessary paperwork, such as a bill of lading or title. This will ensure that your shipment is properly recorded and tracked throughout its journey.
Use Hardy Packaging
Once you know what counts as oversized items, it’s important to make sure your package shipping needs are properly prepared for transport. This includes ensuring that all items are securely packaged with oversized shipping labels and that there is nothing loose or breakable inside the boxes.
Make sure to remove any personal belongings from the car if shipping one, as well as any gas or other hazardous materials.
Choose a sturdy cardboard box with enough room for extra cushioning for larger items. Ensure the box is labeled “This Side Up” so handlers know which way it should be stored, whether using domestic or international shipping. Tape all seams and edges with strong packing tape to ensure your item stays secure during transit.
If you’re shipping multiple items, separate them with packing paper or bubble wrap. This will help protect the items from jostling against each other and becoming damaged. Additionally, mark all containers containing fragile items with “Fragile” labels for extra caution.
Add Some Cushion
As we touched on above, cushioning your items with packing materials can help protect them from bumps and jostles during transit. Choose the right cushioning material for each item, such as foam or bubble wrap.
Additionally, make sure to fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or paper so that none of your items move around during transport.
Drain the gas and disconnect the battery if you're shipping a car. This will help keep your car secure during its journey. Shipping a vehicle can require extra paperwork, so contact your chosen carrier for details.
When shipping large items, it’s important to ensure your item is well-cushioned and properly secured. Smaller items usually require bubble wrap or packing peanuts for cushioning, but larger items need something a bit more substantial. You can use thick blankets or sheets to provide extra padding and protection against bumps.
The time and attention you spend adding cushioning to your item could save you a lot of frustration in the long run. Remember, if the item is damaged in transit, you’ll have to file a claim and potentially pay for repairs.
Properly Secure the Item
It’s important to ensure that your item is properly secured for shipping. This means using straps and securing the item in place with packing tape.
Moreover, make sure all edges are sealed tightly and no parts of the item are sticking out. It’s also a good idea to mark any items that require special handling, such as “Fragile” or “This Side Up.”
What Shipping Service Should You Choose?
Choose a delivery service and shipping method that meets your needs for large-item shipping. Each service offers benefits and drawbacks, so compare them before deciding.
For instance, courier services may be the best option for long-distance shipments or heavy items. However, regular parcel services might be the most cost-effective option for smaller items or local deliveries.
But for vehicle shipping, you’d want to look into a specialist service specializing in shipping cars. At Carvaygo, we’re well-equipped and experienced to handle vehicles of different sizes and shapes.
We use the latest technology to ensure that your car is safely transported and quickly delivered. Plus, we have a team of experienced drivers who can answer any questions about the process.
No matter which service you choose, research and compare their policies before making a decision.
Do Cars Count as Large Items?
Yes, cars are usually considered large items and require specialized shipping services. But because shipping a car with a traditional carrier like DHL, FedEx, or USPS would have outrageously expensive shipping rates, specialized companies exist to remove the burden of expensive shipping costs, giving you the cheapest way to ship.
At Carvaygo, we understand that no two cars are the same and tailor our services to meet your car’s needs. Our shipping options use state-of-the-art equipment, tracking systems, and experienced drivers to ensure that your car is delivered safely and on time.
As one of the best shipping companies for vehicles, we’re committed to protecting and securing your car during its journey. That’s why we use only the best transport to get your car from point A to point B with a fast delivery time.
We have both covered and uncovered transport options, so you can choose the right one for your needs — and peace of mind. Just let us know your budget and the best time for your car to be transported, and we’ll take care of the rest.
When shipping oversized packages like cars, make sure you’re choosing a reliable service with experience transporting vehicles. Carvaygo is here to provide you with an affordable and secure solution that meets your unique needs and ensures the safe delivery of your car.
Please note that any time you’re shipping a vehicle, there are some precautions you want to take. For starters, never leave any items — valuable or otherwise — in your vehicle when it’s being transported. And as mentioned previously, drain the gas and disconnect the battery for extra security.
By taking these steps, you can rest assured that your freight shipments will arrive safely at their destination.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, shipping large items like cars can be a daunting task. But with the right carrier and the proper precautions, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience.
Carvaygo is here to ensure your car gets where it needs to go without any hiccups. We know every customer has unique needs, so we specialize in customizing solutions that fit your budget and schedule. And with our state-of-the-art solutions, you can trust that your car will be in the best hands for its journey.
At Carvaygo, we’re dedicated to providing you with a reliable and secure shipping experience — giving you peace of mind every step of the way. Contact us today for more information about our services.
Sources:
Shipping large items: How to ship big packages | FedEx
Marking & Labeling Your Shipment | Federal Aviation Administration
Prepare the shipment | GSA
