The cheapest way to ship large packages depends on many factors. When faced with oversized or heavy items, either as a business owner or a private shipper, the shipping costs can end up being very high.
It can also be difficult to compare quotes with multiple carriers and then try to figure out which provider offers the clear advantage. That’s why this guide simplifies the shipping requirements for four major shippers as well as a number of freight brokers.
This way, you can choose the best shipping carrier for your situation. Learn to ship heavy items cheap so that you can invest your time into other aspects of your business. These are the cheapest ways to ship large packages reliably and safely.
What Is Considered a Large Package?
A large or oversized package can be any shipment that exceeds carrier weight and size limits. Large items that people commonly want to ship include bikes, sports equipment, furniture, machinery, framed artwork and various other large items.
Large packages can also extend to freight shipments. Freight shipments include less than truckload (LTL), full truckload (FTL) or partial truckload (PTL).
What Factors Affect Freight Shipping Costs?
Freight shipping costs are affected by the total weight, the origin, the destination, the shipping method, the shipping speed and various other special services, like expedited shipping.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these shipping services to help you understand what affects total costs. From there, you can find freight shipping that’s cheaper and more reliable:
- Dimensional Weight: Dimensional weight is the amount of space a package occupies compared to its actual weight. It is also called volumetric weight. No matter what you call it, this tool is commonly used by freight shippers to calculate the estimated weight based on the package’s dimensions. You can calculate dimensional weight by multiplying the length by the width by the height of the package.
Shippers like UPS, FedEx and USPS can charge based on either dimensional weight or the actual weight. It all depends on which value is greater. Generally speaking, light packages will be priced based on their dimensional weight while heavier packages will be priced based on their actual weight.
- Special Services: Shippers will often charge more for hazardous materials, fragile items, perishables or express deliveries.
- Origin and Destination of the Package: The distance the package must travel will influence total shipping costs as well. The farther the distance, the higher the total cost. For instance, a package that originates in New York will cost more to ship to California than if you were to ship it to New Jersey.
- Shipping Method: The mode of transportation, whether that be by air, road, express or regular delivery, can influence the total shipping cost.
How Does Freight Class Affect Shipping Costs?
Freight class creates a standard framework for you and the carrier to understand. It also sets the precedence and simplifies the process of calculating shipping costs.
- Density and Stowability: This is a measure of how easy it is to stow freight based on size and weight. Smaller and lighter freight will be less costly to ship than larger and heavier items.
- Ease of Handling: If cargo requires special care, this requirement can further increase the total shipping costs.
- Liability: Liability related to the value of the item and how risky it is to transport. For instance, valuables, fragile items and carbonated beverages will be more difficult to transport than clothing or paper products.
Shipments are grouped into one of 18 freight classes, which are numbered between 50 and 500. Class 50 is the lowest class, and it is often the least expensive in most cases for cheap freight shipping.
How To Ship Large Packages
If you’re ready to ship a large package, it’s important to compare your shipping options. Here are some of the best options that are worth considering.
Freight Brokers
A freight broker organizes the transportation of goods from origin to destination. They contact authorized shipping carriers for transport. Plus, they will provide competitive rates, depending on the package’s size, as well as excellent customer service. Freight brokers are a good option for extra large loads or occasional large shipments. Freight brokers are a way to ship heavy items cheaply and reliably.
USPS
USPS, or the United States Post Service, offers several shipping services and speeds, from priority mail flat rate boxes to custom shipping quotes for large shipments. For both USPS ground and priority mail, the weight limit is 70 pounds per package. Many shippers choose USPS to ship heavy items cheaply.
Priority Mail: Packages will ship within one to three business days depending on the origin and the destination of the package. Each package must be under 70 pounds with a length no greater than 108 inches and a girth no greater than 165 inches.
USPS offers small, medium and large flat rate boxes, but the larger boxes will have more expensive shipping prices. Flat-rate shipping with USPS is often the cheapest option for sending packages under 70 pounds, as long as the shipment fits in the standard boxes.
FedEx
FedEx offers heavy and oversized delivery services. FedEx is also known for its express and overnight shipping, which is provided for documents and small shipments alike. FedEx Ground has a delivery time of one to seven days.
The maximum package weight is 150 pounds. Packages must weigh less than 70 pounds with dimensions no greater than 108 inches by 165 inches, plus girth. If the package is considered oversized or heavy, you may be charged an additional $90 per package. FedEx also charges extra to ship large items during the holidays.
DHL
DHL is an excellent option for international shipping. Service varies between same-day Air Freight service and Urgent Air Freight, which is usually somewhere between one and two days. Air Economy tends to deliver within two to five days.
DHL is a way to ship heavy items cheaply, even to international destinations. DHL allows a weight of up to 70 kilograms, which is equivalent to approximately 155 pounds. With DHL, the maximum dimensions allowed are 120 centimeters by 80 centimeters by 80 centimeters. DHL provides pricing quotes for big packages as an option for freight shipping cheaply.
UPS
UPS has options for both big packages and those that exceed the maximum weight or dimension limits. It is often a good solution to ship heavy items cheaply. Big packages are those that exceed 96 inches on one side or 130 inches in total, including length, width and girth.
Companies often charge extra for any package that weighs more than 90 pounds. However, large packages can be shipped via regular shipping options as well. If the package exceeds the maximum limits, then they will weigh more than 150 pounds or have dimensions greater than 108 inches on one side.
They are also beyond the maximum limitations if they are 130 inches in combined length, width and girth. Packages that exceed maximum limits can be shipped via UPS Freight Services.
Summary of Shipping Large Items Cheaply
The amount of money you will need to pay when shipping a large item will vary based on the carrier. The cheapest way to ship large packages will also vary because it’s all about package size, weight, origin, destination, contents and more.
To ship heavy items cheap, it’s necessary to research options for shipments. If you regularly need to send large items, it can be worth building a relationship with a freight broker to get the best rates. Plus, you’ll receive reliable customer service as well.
There are other major shipping options to choose from, including USPS, FedEx, DHL and UPS. All of these options can create custom quotes for you, and they may have even more affordable options for freight shipping.
They also may offer discounted shipping for companies that work exclusively with them. Contact them today to learn more.
FAQ
While the total cost depends on the package weight, dimensions, origin, destination and preferred shipping speed, FedEx is often cheaper than UPS in terms of shipping heavy packages. That said, you should contact both carriers to understand which of the two service providers can ship heavy items more cheaply.
To ship a package that weighs more than 200 pounds, you can either contact a freight broker or use UPS Freight to ship heavy items cheaply.
For regular UPS shipping, the weight limit is 150 pounds. However, UPS Freight can ship packages that exceed this limit.
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