The cheapest way to send a large or long parcel
Pack it as small as it will safely go, measure it right, then pick the service and collection day that suit you. Large and long items are usually priced on size, so the packing makes the biggest difference. Here's why, with worked examples.
Why size matters more than weight
Each item is priced on its chargeable weight: its actual weight or its volumetric weight, whichever is greater. Volumetric weight is length x width x height in cm, divided by 5000. Large and long items are usually light for their size, so most are priced on size.
That means the box matters. Spare space in a carton, or a tube wider than it needs to be, is priced as if it were full. How it all works is in volumetric weight and chargeable weight.
Worked examples
| Item | Size (cm) | Actual | Volumetric | Priced at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cushions, deep carton | 120 x 60 x 60 | 12kg | 86.4kg | 87kg |
| Cushions, slimmer carton | 120 x 60 x 40 | 12kg | 57.6kg | 58kg |
| Poster tube, 20cm across | 300 x 20 x 20 | 6kg | 24kg | 24kg |
| Poster tube, 10cm across | 300 x 10 x 10 | 6kg | 6kg | 6kg |
| Timber lengths, loose bundle | 400 x 30 x 30 | 8kg | 72kg | 72kg |
| Timber lengths, tight bundle | 400 x 15 x 15 | 8kg | 18kg | 18kg |
The same goods in a slimmer pack are priced at a lower weight every time. The cushions drop from 87kg to 58kg, the tube from 24kg to its actual 6kg and the timber from 72kg to 18kg.
Six ways to bring the price down
- Pack it as slim as it will safely go. Use the smallest box that protects the item, and bundle long lengths tightly.
- Measure and weigh it accurately. If an item turns out bigger or heavier than declared, the consignment is re-priced at the actual size and weight.
- Choose Economy when a day or two doesn't matter. It's our lowest price.
- Collect on your area day. It's the day we already collect in your postcode district, so it costs less. Later today collection costs more.
- Add only what you need. Two-person delivery and enhanced cover each show as their own line, so you can see what they add before you book.
- Sending regularly? Apply for an account and we come back with a rate card for each service and distance band.
What's already in the price
Fuel is included, so there is no separate fuel surcharge. There is no separate line for length or oversize either: handling is in the price. Some areas, such as the Highlands, the islands and Northern Ireland, add a regional surcharge, and it shows in your price before you book. Prices exclude VAT, which is added at payment.
See large parcel delivery and long parcel delivery for what we take.
Common questions
Pack it as small as it will safely go, because large items are usually priced on size. Measure and weigh it accurately so it isn't re-priced, choose Economy if a day or two doesn't matter, and choose your area day for collection if it suits you.
Pack it as slim as you safely can. A 300 x 20 x 20cm tube weighing 6kg is priced at 24kg by size. The same length in a 300 x 10 x 10cm tube is priced at its actual 6kg.
No. Fuel is included, so there is no separate fuel surcharge, and there is no separate line for length or oversize. Handling is in the price.
Only if an item turns out bigger or heavier than declared. Then the consignment is re-priced at the actual size and weight. Measure each side at its widest point and weigh the packed item to get it right first time.