The size of your package directly correlates with the magnitude of your challenges. Businesses involved in shipping hefty items and oversized products to distant customers may encounter substantial expenses. Apart from managing your warehouse, you will confront hurdles with carriers in terms of cost-effective and prompt product dispatch.

As there is no standardized definition for an oversized package, unraveling your expenses and implementing cost-saving measures begins with comprehending the specific requirements of each carrier. This guide aims to provide you with that insight along with a handful of recommendations on mitigating or avoiding the imposition of oversized fees.

What's an Oversized Item?

Items are deemed oversized when they surpass the size and weight limitations established by a courier service. Essentially, the classification of "oversized" is subjective and determined by the sender. Various shipping carriers may impose distinct weight thresholds; however, if your shipment exceeds 65 pounds, it is likely categorized as a sizable freight item. Here is a compilation of typical large items:

• Interior
• Construction machinery
• Industrial machinery
• Large construction equipment
• Aircraft components...

4 options if your package is oversized

Dealing with an oversized package? You've got options. Once your box is packed and ready to go, but the weight comes with a hefty price tag, it's time to consider alternatives. Here are four strategies:

1. Pay the Fee

   Consider paying the fee to ensure timely delivery or meet specific requirements. While this might not be the most cost-effective choice due to potentially high fees, it can be a viable solution in urgent situations. Check with your carrier for precise fee details, such as FedEx's $90 per-package cost.

2. Ship Freight Instead

   Opt for freight shipping, which might come with a different pricing structure than standard shipping. Freight shipments can often help you circumvent substantial costs, and the price difference might not be significant compared to regular shipping. However, keep in mind that time-specific shipments may have limited options, and delivery times could be longer.

3. Divvy Up Your Packages

   Explore the possibility of splitting shipments or breaking down a large package into smaller components. While you'll incur separate fees, this approach could lead to savings by avoiding oversized surcharges and high per-package costs. Before breaking down your shipment, consult with your carrier, as dividing packages might be more expensive than freight, and the savings aren't guaranteed.

4. Ship with a 3PL (Third-Party Logistics Provider)

   Consider partnering with a 3PL, as they specialize in finding solutions for shipping all types of packages, including oversized items. It's their business to ensure timely delivery, and they possess expertise in managing various aspects of your shipment, especially when it comes to handling heavy items.

Shipping a Large Package Made Easy with WorldCraft Logistics

WorldCraft Logistics (WCL) simplifies the process of shipping heavy or oversized items worldwide, offering the most cost-effective solutions for large package shipments and a variety of shipping options.

To successfully ship large items across the United States and beyond, follow these step-by-step guidelines:

Properly Package Your Item: The initial step involves appropriately packaging your large items. Utilize robust packaging materials and ensure sufficient cushioning to protect the contents of sizable packages.

Take Accurate Measurements:  Dimensions are crucial in determining shipping rates for large items. Accurately measure the length, width, and height of your packages to obtain precise rate calculations.

Weigh Your Package:  Given that shipping rates are often weight-dependent, weigh your package to determine costs. Packages are typically weighed in pounds (lbs), and it's essential to stay within weight limits.

Calculate Shipping Costs:  Use our convenient shipping calculator by entering package dimensions, weight, origin, and destination to obtain a comprehensive and accurate breakdown of all associated costs.

Book and Pay: Choose the shipping option that provides the most economical solution for large packages, then proceed to book your shipment and complete the payment.

Print Your Shipping Labels: After payment, print your shipping labels and any necessary customs documents required for your package.

Label Your Package: Secure the printed shipping labels and customs documents to your package using high-quality, transparent adhesive tape before sending it off.

Send the Package:  In the final stage, either drop off your package at the designated courier location or, if applicable, await a scheduled courier pickup as provided by the selected service.

Tips when shipping large items

For successful delivery of oversized items, adhering to proven methods is crucial to ensure the safe arrival of your product at its destination. Drawing on the expertise of WCL's shipping professionals, consider the following tips:

Invest in a robust box: Select a sturdy box that matches the weight of your items. Opt for a new box, as previously used ones may lack the necessary strength or integrity. Enhance protection by employing a box-in-box strategy, providing an additional layer of strength. When using this method, include cushioning between the boxes for added protection.

2. Choose heavy-duty packing tape: Secure your items in the box with heavy-duty packing tape, employing the "H" technique along the seams. Avoid using masking, duct, or Scotch tape for shipments.

Determine the appropriate shipping method: Weigh and measure your package to select the most suitable shipping method based on weight and size. This could include standard delivery, oversized shipping, or freight. Use a tape measure to calculate the overall dimensions and weigh the package with a standard bathroom scale.

Consider splitting the shipment: To potentially circumvent large package shipping fees, contemplate dividing your items into multiple packages instead of one large parcel. While you'll incur the standard shipping rate for each box, this may or may not be more cost-effective than shipping a single oversized package and incurring additional charges.

How 3PLs Can Aid in Oversized Shipments

Third-party logistics service providers (3PLs) stand out as a preferred choice for numerous expanding businesses, particularly those grappling with intricate shipments. Companies like WorldCraft Logistics specialize in handling large, hefty items, and our endeavors showcase several avenues through which a 3PL can trim your expenses and enhance the efficiency of oversized shipments.

Collaboration with Freight Shippers

3PLs excel at identifying the optimal freight shipper for your package since they engage with shipping carriers on a daily basis. Leveraging automated shipping calculators, a 3PL consistently selects the most cost-effective option to deliver your package to a customer within a specified timeframe.

A 3PL partner is also more likely to be well-versed in the regulations that carriers impose on oversized packages. Different carriers vary in their friendliness towards factors such as weight, size, and fragility.

Carrier Discounts

Establishing relationships with companies that contribute substantial business, such as 3PLs, fosters amicable ties with carriers. Thanks to the substantial volumes of shipments handled each week, a large 3PL can grant you access to numerous carrier shipping discounts. When your 3PL specializes in oversized shipping, you may benefit from additional discounts or reduced fees arising from this collaborative relationship.

Utilization of Multiple Distribution Centers

Another cost-saving measure involves collaborating with a 3PL that utilizes multiple distribution centers and warehouses. By strategically placing your products in various locations across the US or other regions, the 3PL can ship from the facility closest to the customer.

Prioritizing proximity and shorter shipping routes translates to overall cost savings, whether dealing with large or small packages.

In Conclusion

Dealing with large or heavy products and packages poses a series of challenges, encompassing storage difficulties, intricate packing requirements, and elevated costs. Nonetheless, by aligning with the right 3PL and carrier partners, you can explore multiple avenues to keep costs in check and safeguard your profit margins.