Shipping a large package is much more difficult than you would think. It’s not as simple as just going to the post office and shipping it.
You need to take into account the size of the package, the weight, and the destination. There can be varying factors that include standard packaging, costs, and time of delivery.
If you’re shipping a package to someplace across the country, it’s going to be expensive and take more than just a couple of days.
What is a large package?
Before we go into how to ship a large package, first we need to understand what qualifies as large. Depending on what you are transporting, you might even need a shipping container to move it in.
For example, a sofa is a large package. So is a refrigerator or an air conditioner. In this article, we are going to be using the term “large” for items that weigh about 50 pounds or more and have dimensions of 110 inches.
What should I do if I have a package weighing over 50 pounds?
If you have a package that goes over the weight limit of 50 pounds, several options are open to you. If it’s simply too big for standard packagings, like furniture or appliances, you probably should consider finding someone with a truck and get them to transport it. While this is possible, it can be challenging because people don’t typically own trucks, and those that do will expect to be paid.
If you can find someone to transport your package for you, then here is a list of the items that you should include:
- The item and its packaging (if it’s not in the box already)
- The destination address
- The weight of the item
- A contact number for the person transporting it
- Some form of compensation for them
If there are any special circumstances, you should write them down as well. For example, if your friend is driving an old truck that can’t handle oversized packages or doesn’t have a bed liner to protect the furniture. If someone is willing to transport something for you, make sure to take all of this into account.
Shipping a package yourself
If you’re not able to find someone to transport your large package for you, there are still a few options open to you. You can choose to ship it by ground or air. Ground shipping will take significantly longer than air shipping, but it will also be cheaper. When you’re shipping a package by ground, there are three things you need to take into account: the size of the package, the weight of the package, and the destination.
- Packages that are larger than 108 inches in combined length and girth (2x width + 2x height) can only be shipped by ground and it will cost $85. You can also get a quote for just $75 if your package is less than 80 lbs. If you want to distinguish between domestic and international shipping, you can do that as well.
- For packages that don’t fit within the standard size of 108 inches, there are options such as oversized ground, LTL ground, and truckload shipping. The oversized ground is for packages that are over 108 inches but don’t exceed the maximum weight of 1,000 pounds. If your package is more than 1,000 pounds, it will need to go through LTL ground. Finally, for packages that are more than 18 feet long or 8 feet wide or higher, your only option will be truckload shipping.
At this point, you might be thinking that ground shipping would take longer than air shipping, but it depends on where you are sending the package. For example, if you’re sending a package from Los Angeles to New York City, it should arrive within 3 days or less with ground shipping. If you’re sending the same package from Los Angeles to Sydney, Australia, it will take significantly longer at around 2 weeks.
How much will it cost to ship a large package by air?
The cost of shipping a package by air is determined by the weight and size of the package. The heavier and bigger the package, the more it will cost to ship. You can use the FedEx shipping calculator to get an estimate of how much it will cost to send your package.
In most cases, the cost of shipping a package by air is significantly more than shipping by ground. However, if you need your package to arrive sooner, then air shipping is your only option.
When you’re planning to ship a large package, it’s important to take into account the weight and size of the package as well as the destination. By understanding the different shipping options available to you, you can ensure that your package arrives safely and on time.
