What’s The Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages?

Key Points:

• Oversized items are those that exceed the size and weight restrictions laid out by a courier service
• With Easyship, shipping heavy or oversized items across the world are simple
• Furniture, bikes, and machinery are common large items that are shipped

Online merchants always have issues shipping large or heavy packages affordably with shipping carriers.

However, as an eCommerce business owner, you should know that you don’t have to spend a fortune on large package shipping. Whether you’re delivering across the US or engaging in cross-border shipping, this article will break down the cheapest way to ship large packages and how to ship large items.

You’ll learn how to carry out shipping large items at discounted rates using reputable couriers like USPS, UPS, DHL, and FedEx. Alternatively, Easyship offers over 250+ shipping options with up to 91% off discounted shipping rates.

What's an Oversized Item?

Oversized items are those that exceed the size and weight restrictions laid out by a courier service. In other words, "oversized" is in the eye of the shipper. Depending on the shipping carrier, there may be different weight limits, though if your shipment is over 65 pounds, most likely it’s a large freight item.

Below is a list of common large items:

• Furniture
• TVs
• Bikes
• Machinery

Here's what oversized means to the top four shipping carriers for large package shipping. Plus, we’ll go over other important information like transit time for shipping large items with USPS.

Shipping Large Boxes with USPS

Dimensional Weight: N/A

Length/width: Anything longer than 108," and exceeding 130" in combined length and width

• Any box exceeding 108" in length, but less than 130" wide, must be shipped via Parcel Select.
• You'll need to contact USPS for a specific rate for shipping items longer than 108" and wider than 130"

Your choice of shipping service may also be limited to slower services such as USPS Retail Ground service.

Shipping Large Boxes with UPS

Dimensional Weight: Over 150 pounds

Length/width: Over 165" in combined length/width

UPS has two designations for shipping large items:

• Big Packages: These are items that exceed 96" on the longest side or exceed a combined 130" length plus width plus girth. Any large packages over 90 pounds will incur added charges. Large packages can use normal shipping services
• Over Maximum Limits: These items are for packages that weigh 150 lbs+, longer than 108" on one side, or exceeding 130" in combined length, width, and girth. These packages must be shipped via UPS Freight Services, and are priced differently than other UPS retail services

Shipping Large Boxes with FedEx

Dimensional Weight: Over 90 pounds

Length/width: Over 130" in combined length/width; over 96" on on side

• FedEx oversized is smaller than UPS and USPS, both in terms of package weight and dimensions
• Big packages can be sent via the US and International Ground Services and US Express Package. However, each package will incur a $90 charge
• You may also face additional charges from FedEx for shipping large items during the holidays

Shipping Large Boxes with DHL

Dimensional Weight: Over 155 pounds, or 70 kilograms

Length/width: Over 47" x 31" x 31" (120 cm x 80 cm x 80 cm)

• DHL is an express courier that specializes in international shipments
• Contact DHL directly for pricing quotes on big packages so you know how to ship a large package

Most shipping carriers ask you to contact them directly for a price quote, which can be frustrating as compared to getting an instant rate quote. Easyship offers 550+ courier services and saves up to 91% off discounted shipping rates.

Now, you don’t have to waste time calling about price quotes, Easyship simplifies and makes calculating shipping costs easier.

Options For Shipping Large Items

So, now that you know how to ship big packages, let’s talk about what oversized shipping options are available to eCommerce business owners. Plus, we’ll go over the cheapest way to ship large packages and the transit times for shipping carriers.

Here's the rates for sending a 65-pound package from Los Angeles, CA to Denver, CO with the Easyship rate calculator:

UPS Ground

Do you need a way to ship big packages over 60 pounds without hurting your bottom line? You might want to try UPS Ground. The service allows you to ship large packages that weigh up to 150lbs at great prices. The transit time for large packages sent with this shipping solution is usually delivered within three working days.

As usual, the Easyship rate calculator makes it super easy to compare shipping costs on specific orders. At $60.92, this service is the cheapest way to ship large packages domestically, plus includes excellent tracking options.

USPS Ground Advantage

USPS - Ground Advantage is a new service that replaces the existing Parcel Select Ground and First-Class Package options. Combining the strengths of both to create a new faster and more affordable service, you can conveniently ship packages weighing up to 70lbs and expect them to be delivered within 2-5 business days.

FedEx Ground

FedEx Ground is available to online merchants who need to ship large packages for packages that weigh 70+ lbs. These services are also significantly discounted and deliveries are made between 3 to 5 business days for FedEx Ground shipments.

How to Ship a Large Package

With Easyship, shipping heavy or oversized items across the world are simple. Plus, we offer the cheapest way to ship large packages and we offer a multitude of shipping options.

There are several steps you can take to make big shipments across the US and the world. Here, we’ll go over the step-by-step process on how to ship large items:

1. Package Your Item Properly

This is the first step in shipping large items appropriately. You should use sturdy packaging and make sure the items inside are protected with cushioning materials for big packages.

2. Take Measurements

Dimensions play a significant role in calculating the rates you pay for shipping large items. That’s why you need to measure your packages properly. Knowing the length, width, and height of your packages will give you more accurate rates.

3. Weigh Your Package

You already know that many shipping rates are calculated according to the weight of the package being shipped. Shipments are usually weighed in pounds (lbs) and, the heavier they are, the more expensive they will be to ship. It’s also important to make sure that your item doesn’t exceed any weight limits.

4. Calculate Shipping Costs

Get shipping rates by entering the dimensions, weight, origin, and destination of your package with our handy shipping calculator. You’ll get a full - and accurate - accounting of all costs.

5. Book and Pay

Once you’ve decided on the option that offers you the cheapest way to ship large packages, simply book your shipment and pay.

6. Print Your Shipping Labels

After you’ve paid for your shipment, you’ll need to print your shipping labels. You’ll also have to print any customs documents you need for your package.

7. Label Your Package

When you’re ready to send off your shipment, secure the printed shipping labels and customs documents to the body of your package. Don’t forget to use good quality, transparent adhesive tapes.

8. Send the Package

In the final stage of shipping your heavy or oversized items, you’ll need to drop off the package at the courier. Or, if the service you selected offers it, you can wait for the courier to pick the package up.

Find the Best and Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages with Easyship

Easyship goes the extra mile to provide eCommerce business owners and retailers with seamless solutions to shipping their customers’ orders around the world. Plus, our extensive courier selection and discounted rates make us the cheapest way to ship large packages.

To make the most of the end-to-end logistics infrastructure that Easyship provides with carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx, you need to know what end-to-end shipping entails. That way you know how to ship large items.

If you want an accurate quote for cheap shipping, this is how you should use our shipping rates calculator:

• Enter the location you are shipping from, including postal code
• Enter the location you are shipping to, including postal code
• Enter the dimensions of your package, including the length, width, and height
• Enter the weight of your package
• Click “calculate” to see the quotes

Here, we’ll go over how to calculate international shipping rates using our free shipping rates calculator.

Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages Internationally

Shipping internationally doesn’t have to be hard, especially for large packages. Fortunately, Easyship offers 550+ courier solutions and discounted shipping rates up to 91% off.

Shipping from the US to Canada

Say you want to ship a 65-pound package from the United States to Canada. We’ll use our free shipping rates calculator to calculate the shipping costs.

As we can see, UPS Standard costs $80.74 and offers a delivery time of 5 business days. Alternatively, USPS Priority Mail Express International costs $371.69 and will deliver within 6-9 business days.

If those options don’t tickle your fancy, sign up for a free Easyship account to see more options.

Shipping from the US to Australia

Now, say you want to ship a 65-pound package from the US to Australia this time. Again, we’ll use our shipping rates calculator to calculate the shipping costs.

As we can see, UPS Worldwide Expedited shipping costs $312.92 and offers the cheapest, and best value shipping. On the other hand, UPS Worldwide Saver costs $430.34 and takes 3 business days for delivery.

Shipping from the US to Europe

Looking to ship to the United Kingdom? Say you want to ship the same 65-pound package again but to the United Kingdom. Below are the shipping costs.

If you’re in a hurry, UPS Worldwide Expedited costs $236.86 and will deliver your package in up to 2 business days. Alternatively, UPS Worldwide Saver costs $346.73 and will deliver within 2-5 business days.

Shipping from the US to China

Now, say you want to ship a 65-pound package from the US to China. The rates are below for the 65-pound package.

If speed is what you want, UPS Worldwide Expedited costs $285.86 and will deliver your package in 2 business days. Alternatively, UPS Worldwide Saver costs $354.96 and will deliver your package in 2-5 working days.

Sign up for a free Easyship account to see more options. That way you’ll receive the cheapest way to ship large packages.

Shipping from the US to Singapore

Finally, say you want to ship a 75-pound package to Singapore. Below are the shipping costs for the 75-pound package.

As we see, UPS Worldwide Expedited costs $244.60 and takes up to 2 business days to receive your package. Plus, this option is the cheapest and overall best value shipping option.

Alternatively, UPS Worldwide Saver and Worldwide Express offer shipping solutions but are more expensive and take longer to ship.

If you’re looking for the best and cheapest shipping rates for shipping large items, Easyship has you covered.

Start Shipping Large Items on a Budget!

Whether you’re shipping 10 packages or 10,000, you can always find the best and most cost-effective shipping services with Easyship, especially if you are on the lookout for the cheapest way to ship an oversized package. Easyship offers 550+ courier solutions with discounts of up to 91% on shipping costs. This makes the perfect way to find the best way to ship oversized items.

From gym equipment and clothing to luggage, beauty products, and even auto parts, Easyship has eCommerce business owners covered. Now, there’s no need to worry about how to ship large items 一 we’ll be there every step of the way.

Some of our major discounts include the following:

• Save up to 65% on USPS First Class Package
• Save up to 89% on USPS Priority Mail
• Save up to 50% on UPS Ground
• Save up to 76% on UPS Worldwide Saver
• Save up to 85% on USPS Ground Advantage
• Save up to 91% on DHL eCommerce

In addition to unbeatable discounts, Easyship offers a range of user-friendly shipping tools designed to take your shipping experience to the next level and delight buyers. Explore some of our most popular features:

• Shipping Rate Calculator: Seamlessly compare shipping rates from various carriers using our shipping rate calculator
• Courier Comparison Tool: Elevate your shipping strategy with our courier comparison tool. Evaluate the diverse shipping services offered by each courier. Choose the most economical way to ship, factoring in various aspects beyond just cost
• Insurance: Safeguard your packages during transit with insurance coverage of up to $10,000, reinforcing your peace of mind
• Tracking: Boost buyer satisfaction by providing custom-branded tracking emails and automatic message alerts. Offer visibility throughout the delivery journey

Sign up for an account today and start saving money on shipping oversized items.

Shipping Oversized Items FAQ

How can I ship a large item without a box?

Use plenty of packing material when wrapping and secure your package with tape if you're shipping without a box.

How much does it cost to ship a large lightweight box?

Shipping a 50-pound package from NY to Los Angeles costs $21.22 with UPS® Ground.

What are common oversized items that are shipped?

Furniture, machinery, and TVs are common oversized items.

What is the cheapest way to send an oversized package?

Compare over 550+ courier services for free in just a few clicks with the Easyship shipping calculator. Just enter your packages dimensions, origin, destination and weight to find the cheapest option available

If found this article informative, you may enjoy the following:

• What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Packages?
• The Cheapest Way to Ship Clothes & Apparel
• What’s the Cheapest Way to Ship Internationally?