[ES] Shipping large and heavy parcels: everything you need to know

Sending a bulky and heavy package can be a real headache. The size, weight and volumetric weight are important magnitudes that you must take into account both for sending any product and for choosing the best packaging. In addition, you need to make sure that the contents will arrive in the best conditions without costing you a lot of money. As we at RAJA® want to help you with the shipping of this type of packages, don’t miss our recommendations.

What is considered a large package?

Mujer transportando un paquete voluminoso There is no official classification to classify a package as large. In general, it is usually considered as a large package any package that exceeds the standard dimensions of most transport companies in their shipping conditions. For example, Correos indicates as standard dimensions that the sum of the length, height and width is equal to 210 cm, without any of these measures exceeding 120 cm, and any goods that need to be placed on a pallet for transport can also be designated as a large package.

What is considered a heavy package?

European legislation states that a package is considered heavy if it exceeds 23 kg in weight. In these cases, packages must be accompanied by a sticker indicating this.

Above 70 kg in weight, packages are considered as freight, so shipments must be transported on a pallet.

Weight should not be confused with volumetric weightThis is the calculation of the space taken up by goods within a means of transport, taking into account the dimensions of the goods.

What packaging should I use for a large, heavy package?

Choosing the right packaging to send a package that is heavy and takes up a lot of space is a very important task to ensure that the shipment is sent correctly.

Use a customised packaging. In this way, you will be able to pack the product correctly by adjusting the container and the contents.
Do not reuse boxes that have already been used before. It is advisable that the box is new and brand new. Avoid damaged or leaky boxes.
Choose good quality and very resistant boxes. Sometimes you will need to choose double channel cartons for loads up to 40 kg, or triple channel cartons for weights up to 350 kg.
Use container boxes if necessary. For very heavy items, use modular, double-channel, triple-channel or even plywood container boxes. These sizes are also suitable for transport on pallets.

Caja de cartón canal triple RAJA® para envíos pesados y voluminosos

How to properly secure the goods?

Once you have chosen the most suitable packaging for the contents you wish to ship, the next step is to protect the contents.

Choose suitable padding material. In the case of very heavy shipments, the padding must be very dense, such as sheets or polyethylene foam adhesive blocks.

Secure cardboard boxes. Use a Rapid mechanical stapler-nailer for optimal closure.

Grapadora-clavadora mecánica Rapid para envíos de paquetes grandes y pesados

Use strong adhesive tape. Like Tesa® filament-reinforced paper tape, its level of adhesion is ideal for heavy boxes.

Cinta de papel reforzada con filamentos Tesa®

Reinforce the packaging. You can use strapping or stretch film for this purpose. Protect corners with corner protectors and at the same time avoid marks caused by strapping.

Mark with labels. Caution labels can be used to warn of the need to be careful with large or heavy packages during shipment.

Choose a good pallet. Pallets must be resistant and practical to support heavy weights. In our catalogue you will find pallets made of 100% recycled plastic, compact plastic or high quality wood fibre.

Palet de fibra de madera de alta calidad para paquetes grandes y pesados

On the other hand, you can help to improve the securing of bulky and heavy packages during transport with these ideas on systems and devices for securing loads in road transport.

How can you prevent the shipping cost from being too high?

Sending a package like this can be a big outlay, but you can follow these tips to minimise it:

Negotiate the rate. If you are going to make several shipments, you can agree on a cheaper price.
Reduce the volumetric weight. This will also lower the rate.
Avoid sending several heavy items in groups. Sometimes it is more economical to send several lighter packages several times.

With these tips, you can prepare your packaging for large and heavy packages safely and economically. However, if you need a little help or any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We at RAJA® are happy to help you with the shipping of your products without being burdened by volume and weight.