The Cheapest Way to Ship Oversized Packages & Large Items

Shipping Heavy Items and Large Packages: Ever Wondered How It's Done?

  • Hey there, folks! Ever found yourself scratching your head, thinking, “How the heck do I ship large items overseas?” Or maybe you’re pondering about the cheapest way to ship that bulky sofa? Well, guess what? You’re not alone. I’ve been in the shipping biz for years, and let me tell ya, I’ve seen it all. From heavy packages to large boxes, I’ve shipped ’em all. And today, I’m gonna spill the beans on how it’s done. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a wild ride!

    So, how do you ship heavy items and large packages? Simple! With a bit of expertise, the right connections, and a sprinkle of magic (okay, maybe not the magic part). But seriously, it’s all about knowing the ropes and having the right team by your side.

    Now, I bet you’re wondering, “Why should I trust this guy?” Well, I run Honor Ocean Shipping Co., Ltd., one of the top shipping companies out there. With branches from China to the USA,Europe,saudi ,UAE and so on ,we’ve got the globe covered. And guess what? We’re not just about the big stuff. We handle sea freight, air freight, parcel shipping, and even express delivery. So, whether you’re shipping a large item or a tiny trinket, we’ve got your back.

     

Why's Shipping Big Stuff Such a Big Deal?

  • First off, let’s get one thing straight. Shipping ain’t easy. And when you’re dealing with heavy items or large packages, the stakes are even higher. Think about it. You’ve got customs regulations, weight limits, and a gazillion other things to consider. But here’s the kicker: with the right know-how, it’s a piece of cake. And that’s where I come in.

    You see, over at Honor Ocean, we’ve got strategically located pickup and delivery locations in major Chinese cities. So, whether you’re in Changsha or Shenzhen, we’re just around the corner. And with our top-notch shipping services, we can get your goods to destinations like the USA, Canada, Europe, and even Africa. Pretty cool, right?

What's the Secret Sauce?

  • Alright, alright, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. The secret to shipping large items and large packages is… drumroll, please… expertise and experience! Yup, that’s right. It’s all about knowing the ins and outs of the industry. And trust me, with years in the game, I’ve learned a thing or two.

    For starters, you’ve gotta know your stuff. From customs regulations to dimensional weight guidelines, there’s a lot to keep track of. But don’t sweat it. With a reliable partner like us, you’re in good hands. And hey, if you ever find yourself in a pickle, just give us a shout. We’ve got experts on standby, ready to help out.

Got Any Tips for the Little Guys?

  • You betcha! If you’re a small business owner or just shipping stuff for fun, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

    1. Packaging is key. Make sure your package is packed securely. And don’t skimp on the bubble wrap!

    2. Do your homework. Research customs regulations and make sure you’ve got all your paperwork in order. Trust me, you don’t wanna get stuck at customs.

    3. Work with a reliable partner. Whether it’s us or another shipping company, make sure you’re working with a trusted provider.

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Freight forwarding company

As china freight forwarding companies since 2009.

Honourocean provides international freight forwarding services with the import and export of all kinds of cargo. 

On-Time: We provide reliable, cost-effective logistics services to companies with unique shipping needs. 

If you’re looking for a reliable freight forwarding company in China, Honourocean Shipping is a great option. We are superior shipping agents in china and our cargo usually arrives in three days or less. We’re also capable of handling urgent requests with transit times of just two hours.

Why Honourocean As experienced experts in the international logistics industry, we incorporate your needs, requirements, budget, and goals into determining the best shipping service route and transshipment point.

if you need freight forwarder from china to USA: freight forwarder china to usa

 

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What affects freight shipping prices?

It doesn’t matter what size of freight the ship is. Often freight shipping costs are a major problem for most companies and are not easy to understand. But don’t be afraid to overthink. Here are a couple of important considerations.

Freight shipping prices are influenced by a variety of factors. Here’s a breakdown of the primary elements that can affect the cost:

  1. Weight of the Shipment: Generally, the heavier the shipment, the higher the cost. However, after reaching a certain weight, some carriers might offer a discount per unit of weight.

  2. Volume and Dimension: Space is a premium in shipping. Even if an item isn’t heavy, if it takes up a lot of space, it can be priced at a higher rate. This is often referred to as “dimensional weight pricing.”

  3. Distance and Destination: The further the distance between the pickup and delivery locations, the higher the cost. Additionally, shipping to certain destinations, especially remote or less-accessible areas, can be more expensive.

  4. Type of Goods: Shipping hazardous materials, perishables, or fragile items often incurs additional fees due to the special handling, packaging, or storage requirements.

  5. Mode of Transport: Different modes of transport come with different costs. For example, air freight is typically more expensive than sea freight, but it’s faster. Road transport might be cheaper for shorter distances.

  6. Fuel Prices: Fluctuations in fuel prices can directly impact shipping costs, especially for long-haul shipments.

  7. Demand and Capacity: During peak seasons, when demand is high, prices can surge. Conversely, during off-peak times, carriers might offer discounts to fill up their capacity.

  8. Customs and Duties: For international shipments, customs duties, taxes, and other related fees can add to the total shipping cost.

  9. Insurance: Depending on the value of the goods being shipped, insurance can add a significant amount to the shipping cost.

  10. Additional Services: Services like door-to-door delivery, inside delivery, or special handling can increase the overall cost.

  11. Currency Exchange Rates: For international shipments, fluctuations in currency exchange rates can impact the final cost, especially if you’re dealing with multiple currencies.

  12. Terminal Handling Charges: These are fees that are charged for services performed at ports and can vary based on the port or country.

  13. Contractual Agreements: Some businesses have negotiated rates with carriers based on their volume of shipments, which can affect the price.

  14. Economic Factors: Broader economic conditions, trade regulations, and international relations can also play a role in freight pricing.

  15. External Factors: Natural disasters, strikes, or political unrest can disrupt shipping routes and schedules, potentially leading to increased costs.

Understanding these factors can help businesses and individuals plan their shipments more effectively and potentially find ways to reduce costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Ship Large Items?

Shipping large, oversized items can become quite costly compared to standard packages. Here are some key factors that influence pricing:

  • Item size – Length, width and height dimensions determine overall cubic footage a large item takes up. Larger dimensions mean higher rates.

  • Item weight – Heavier pieces incur greater shipping costs. Some carriers have weight limits.

  • Freight class – Based on the type of item and its handling requirements, freight classifications range from 50 to 400. Higher classes have higher rates.

  • Distance traveled – Longer transit distances generally increase the base shipping rates.

  • Route restrictions – Oversize items may not fit on standard trucks/planes so more expensive specialty equipment is required.

  • Residential vs. commercial – Delivering to a home costs more than business due to limited accessibility.

  • Fuel surcharges – Carriers add surcharges to account for volatile fuel prices impacting operations.

  • Insurance needs – Added insurance for high value large items increases overall shipping costs.

  • Carrier type – Rates can vary greatly across freight companies based on these factors.

A few examples of estimated costs for a large 150 lb crate going 1,000 miles:

  • UPS: $300-$600

  • FedEx Freight: $250-$400

  • Pallet Company: $150-$250

So shipping oversized and heavy items requires special consideration to find the best carrier and service level based on dimensions, distance and delivery requirements.

How To Ship Large Items

When trying to ship large goods it can become a problem for people. It may sound daunting when you compare all the available shipping options and choose the most appropriate shipping company to ship the product. Often this will also make oversized shipping fees seem like an expensive delivery, but this shouldn’t happen. The best way to get a cheaper shipping price on heavy items is by finding a reliable delivery service.

normally we have below way : 

sea shipping add truck delivery 

sea shipping add ups delivery 

air shipping add truck delivery 

air shipping add ups delivery 

 

How Can Honouroean Help Find Large Item Shipping Companies?

Choosing the proper shipping company can be difficult when there are so many factors that influence price and the vast variety available. Honourocean is an extremely helpful tool for this important task. All we need from you are the following basic details: The size of the product and the location of the pick up and delivery. After you submit the information, shipping companies will email you personalized pricing based on the information you provide. You have a place where you can compare the services offered to you.

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What is freight class and how does it affect shipping cost?

Freight class is a classification system that categorizes shipped products based on their transportation handling characteristics, density, and risk. It is a key factor that affects shipping costs.

Some key points about freight class:

  • The National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) establishes freight classes from 50 to 400. Lower classes represent easier to handle products.
  • Major factors considered are density, stowability, handling, and liability. For example, pillows are light but bulky so higher class.
  • Each freight carrier like UPS, FedEx or USPS uses this class system in their rate calculations. Higher classes mean higher rates.
  • Freight class is not the same as product class. It is assigned based on physical properties rather than type of good.
  • Shippers can request a review of their NMFC freight class for possible reduction to lower shipping costs.
  • Freight class differences account for large variations in LTL (less than truckload) and full truckload shipping rates for similar weight products.
  • Minimum charges per shipment also differ by freight class. Lower classes have lower minimum charges.

So understanding freight class and properly classifying inventory is essential for optimizing shipping spend. Selecting lower class packaging and shipment styles can significantly reduce rates.

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How much does it cost to ship oversized packages & large items?

  1. USPS Shipping Costs:

    • Oversized packages can only be shipped using USPS Retail Ground or Parcel Select services. The cost is determined by the size and weight of each oversized package.

    • USPS has three pricing options for oversized packages:

      • Balloon price: Large but very light parcels that weigh under 20 lbs will be charged the same postage as a 20 lb package.

      • Oversized price: Used on parcels that are greater than 108” in combined length and girth, up to 130” and not exceeding 70 lbs.

      • Dimensional weight: Applies to all parcels larger than 1 cubic foot. Exact postage will be based on whichever is larger—the actual weight or dimensional weight of your package.

    • Example: A wardrobe box measuring 20”L x 20”W x 34”H weighing approximately 70 lbs would cost between $182.15 to $250.50 depending on the destination.

  2. Parcel Shipping (UPS and FedEx):

    • UPS: A package is considered oversized when its combined length and girth is more than 165”, the length alone is more than 108”, or the package weighs more than 150 lbs. For a wardrobe box of the dimensions mentioned above, the cost ranges from $127.71 (UPS Ground) to $453.37 (UPS 3-day select).

    • FedEx: A package is considered oversized when its length is over 96” or the combined length and girth exceeds 130”. For the same wardrobe box, the cost ranges from $184.77 (FedEx Home Delivery) to $362.33 (FedEx Express Saver).

  3. Consolidated Freight (TSI):

    • Consolidated freight shipping companies like TSI specialize in transporting oversized packages. Boxed oversized packages are typically shipped using less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping services. Freight shipping is ideal for packages with dimensions greater than 30” L x 30” W x 30” H or packages that weigh over 150 lbs.

    • For a wardrobe box measuring 20” L x 20” W x 34” H weighing approximately 70 lbs, the cost ranges from $355 to $560 depending on the destination.

Key Considerations:

  • Dimensional Weight: This is a pricing technique used in freight transport. Your package will be priced based on an estimated weight that is calculated from the length, width, and height of a package.

  • Residential Delivery: Some carriers will add additional surcharges to deliver to a residential address.

  • Proper Packaging: Oversized packages can be more susceptible to damage. Properly packing everything inside your oversized box and ensuring the box is tightly sealed is crucial.

  • Delays: Oversized packages can take longer to ship than regular parcels.

In conclusion, the cost to ship oversized packages and large items varies based on the shipping method, package dimensions, and destination. It’s essential to compare rates and consider factors like delivery time and potential surcharges when choosing a shipping method.

 

Moving items closer to customers before an order

One of the ways to save on shipping large packages is to reduce the number of shipping areas. Each American carrier divided it into shipping areas. Zones can be determined between origin and destination. Zone prices also include an extra cost for the distance the product must travel. The more shipping areas the package passes in the direction of its destination, the higher the shipment charges. When small goods are shipped through different countries, it might only cost some bucks. For larger package sizes additional zones may add up to 50 percent of shipment charges. This is very expensive if you’re sending a massive box.

How to ship large boxes and oversized packages

Shipping large boxes and oversized packages requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that the items are transported safely and cost-effectively. Here’s a guide on how to ship large boxes and oversized packages:

1. Choose the Right Box Size:

  • Generally, a large box is about the size of a large suitcase. The most common large box size is 18” x 18” x 24”, but larger sizes are also available.

  • The box you choose should be slightly larger than what you are packing or shipping to allow enough space for protective materials and to prevent shifting and breakage.

2. Accurate Measurements:

  • Measure the longest side—this is the length.

  • Measure the thickest part—this is the girth.

  • Add the length and girth to get the total measurement: Length + girth = Total size of box.

3. Consider the Box Weight:

  • Large boxes should ideally not exceed 50 lbs to ensure they can be moved easily without risk of injury or damage.

4. Understand Dimensional Weight:

  • Dimensional weight is a pricing technique used in freight transport for large light packages. It’s calculated based on the length, width, and height of a package to account for its density.

5. Pack Properly:

  • Ensure items inside the box are packed securely to prevent shifting or damage during transit.

  • Overstuffed boxes are more likely to burst in transit and may also be packed too heavy, which can increase shipping costs.

6. Choose the Right Shipping Method:

  • For single boxes, USPS might be the cheapest option, especially for large light boxes.

  • For heavy large boxes or multiple boxes, consolidated freight can be cost-effective.

  • Parcel shipping services like UPS and FedEx are suitable for packages up to 150 lbs with certain size restrictions.

7. Consider Consolidated Freight:

  • For larger shipments, consolidated freight allows your items to share space on a truck with other items heading in the same direction.

  • TSI offers flat rate box shipping services for large boxes, LTL (less-than-truckload) shipping, and White Glove services for fragile or valuable items.

8. Get Quotes and Compare Rates:

  • Different carriers offer various rates based on the size, weight, and destination of the package. It’s essential to compare rates to find the most cost-effective option.

9. Take Precautions for Fragile or Valuable Items:

  • If shipping artwork, antiques, or heirloom pieces, consider using specialized services like White Glove, which includes professional packing and indoor pickup and delivery.

10. Stay Updated on COVID-19 Precautions:

  • Ensure that all safety precautions recommended by health organizations are followed during the shipping process.

In conclusion, shipping large boxes and oversized packages requires careful consideration of the box size, weight, packing, and choosing the right shipping method. Always compare rates and services to find the best option for your needs.

Tips to ship large boxes

It takes some work when you have a big package delivered to your smallest possible box. Your 3PL can assist. Red Stag Fulfillment uses technology to calculate the optimal box sizes for every order in a given order. We protect your business and make your products safe for your customers. Here are other tips to help manage your costs for bigger boxes shipping oversized packages. You can also save when maximizing your inputs. Plus, when a product is packaged properly, it can be easily moved around and damaged while shipped.

What is the cheapest way to ship large packages?

It is usually a priority mail method of sending bulk packages. USPS offers specialized flat-rate boxes for sending gift items such as laptops or computers. The box includes games. The cost of consolidated freight is around 45% of the total. UPS’s price generally rises. For example, a 50-pound shipment from Raleigh, North Carolina to Knoxville, TN would take USPS 26.2 dollars versus UPS which would take around 47.74 dollars.

Compare rates with freight brokers

transport broker can serve as your intermediary between the customer and authorised transportation carriers. In addition, they are able to provide the majority of the freight transportation in North America. (Since the majority shippers do not have a contract with the shipping firm). Freight brokers can assist you in finding reliable and safe freight companies that have a good rate that you don’t need to know. They often offer a competitive rate due to their close ties to carriers. Brokers also offer hands-on customer services. They are therefore the perfect option for those of us who have never shipped freight before or are occasional shippers.

How to reduce DIM weight charges

  • Accurately measure package dimensions –

  • Use smaller boxes

  • Remove excess packaging material -e smaller boxes into one larger one to reduce excess exterior dimensions.

  • Negotiate DIM divisor

  • Double check DIM calculations

Is it better to ship a large box or two smaller boxes?

The cheaper it would be to pack a single oversized package into two smaller containers. However if you can’t break your parcel into small pieces, you may need the assistance of another company that specializes in consolidating freight or paying a disproportionate amount of shipping fees.

How to ship even heavier items over 70 pounds

The previous article outlined a method for transferring heavier items than 70 pounds. How about shipping goods over 70 kgs?

  1. Choose the Right Carrier

  2. Proper Packaging:

  3. Palletizing:

  4. Use a Liftgate Service:

Calculate costs of shipping large or heavy items

Calculating freight costs is relatively easy. Simply measure your package size using the carrier’s calculator or the price page and then calculate your estimated shipping costs below. honour ocean will have dozens of calculators for major airlines.

Does UPS ship heavy packages?

UPS ships huge packages, though at a cost. The packages must have a total weight of 165 pounds, weighing 165 pounds and measuring 165 inches.

Does USPS have a size limit?

Yes, USPS does have size limits for packages being shipped through their services:

  • Maximum length for packages is 108 inches.

  • Maximum length plus girth (distance around the thickest part) is 130 inches for most packages.

  • Maximum weight is 70 lbs for Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express.

  • First Class package dimensions cannot exceed 13 oz and maximum length is 12″.

Courier services for large and heavy items

If you need to ship an oversized or heavy item in the US there are a number of options available to you depending on how heavy the item is. For shipping large boxes and packages up to 70lbs the USPS ground service is a good option, but make sure you check your package is within the USPS weight and size limits

Anything over 70lbs and you’ll need to consider one of the large and heavy courier services from FedEx or UPS.

Shipping large items internationally

Shipping a large package overseas may seem a bit daunting. The cost of shipping large items internationally is more than when you ship domestically, and then there are customs documents to consider.

Don’t worry though, we’ve got your back. Once you know the weight and dimensions of the box or package you’re sending, you can get a quote through our shipping calculator. We can help you find the cheapest way to ship large items internationally 

What’s more, when you book through Honour ocean, we’ll sort out the customs documents during the booking process. All you need to do is print your completed customs declaration and attach it to your package. Simple! 

 

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