Postage for parcels: The most important questions and answers

Would you like to send a small gift or slightly bulky goods? Then the small parcel is the ideal shipping method for you. There are a few things to consider when choosing the right shipping packaging. In the following, we will show you what sizes are available, what costs you should expect and how you can save on postage.

Parcel or package – What’s the difference?

The small parcel is the smaller, lighter and cheaper version of the parcel. It is the right choice for sending smaller items that you cannot send in envelopes as a letter, for example because of the weight or dimensions. Unlike a parcel, a small package is usually sent without proof of delivery and uninsured. But only in rare cases does something get lost or damaged, and there are many other aspects in favour of the small parcel than the cheaper postage.

Basically, there are different types of parcels, which each shipping service provider names differently. The designations used by a provider – Päckchen, S-Paket, Paket XS – are not very decisive and are sometimes misleading.

What is important are the dimensions of your parcel. In our online shop you will find a large selection of suitable shipping packaging for every type of shipment.

By the way: Some service providers have special conditions for book shipments. In return, we offer you options for optimal book packaging.

What dimensions may a parcel have?

When you are preparing a parcel for dispatch, the first question you should ask yourself is the dimensions and weight of your shipment. These vary slightly depending on the provider. You can find out which dimensions you need to comply with in the following table. It contains the specifications of the three most important parcel services in Germany:

By the way: If the right packaging format is not available for your parcel, you can have a customised box made by us entirely according to your wishes.

How much postage does a parcel cost to send?

The postage for parcels varies depending on whether it is a national, intra-European or international shipment. If you want your parcel delivered faster and over a greater distance, the postage will be correspondingly more expensive. For an additional charge, you can also book additional services such as collection, age verification, cash on delivery or delivery on the desired date.

.

The exact prices can be found in the DHL standard shipping national or international.

Shipping within Germany

If you hand in and deliver your parcel at a ParcelShop (Shop2Shop), the parcel slip is created online or via app. For Shop2Shop delivery, only online franking is possible. If you drop off your parcel at a ParcelShop and have it delivered to your door, you can create the parcel label online or via the app, or at the Hermes ParcelShop.

International shipping

For international shipping, delivery is only possible to the recipient’s front door. The prices differ depending on whether you pay the postage for your parcel online, by app or in the ParcelShop.

Further details on Hermes pricing can be found here for Germany-wide and international shipping.

For international shipping with DPD, delivery is only possible to the recipient’s front door.

You can find detailed prices for DPD shipping within Germany and the EU here. You can also request information about the costs of international shipping.

How can I frank parcels for shipping?

The most convenient way to frank your parcel for shipping is online. All reputable service providers offer an option where you can create the shipping label online and pay the postage online. This is usually the cheaper option. You simply print out the label with the stamp and stick it on the parcel. A convenient option is mobile parcel labels and tokens, which you create via the provider’s corresponding app and present at the parcel shop. The franking is then done for you there.

If you are not sure about the shipping method, packaging or dimensions of your parcel, or simply prefer to go directly to a shop, the local branch or parcel shop is an option. Be aware that there is an extra charge, albeit small, for shipping there.

How can I save on postage?

There are several ways to save on postage when sending a parcel. As described above, all service providers have lower online prices than in-store prices. You will save postage if you frank your shipment online.

In some circumstances, so-called Groß- and Maxibriefe are an inexpensive alternative to a small Päckchen. Likewise, in many cases, the low-priced shipping option as a book or merchandise shipment comes into consideration.

It also makes sense to pay attention to the outer dimensions of the shipping package. There should be as little empty space as possible between the product packaging and the shipping packaging so that the latter is not unnecessarily large. You can find out how to avoid high postage costs with the right packaging in our article on postage-optimised packaging.

In most cases, it will not be possible to prevent a cavity in the parcel. If you cushion the contents of your parcel, choose the filling material wisely. Whether it’s bubble wrap and cushions, cardboard shredding or Styrofoam chips, certain materials are lighter than others. Save postage by saving weight on the filling material.

For optimal and inexpensive shipping of parcels, you will find the ideal shipping packaging in our range, such as shipping boxes and shipping sleeves.

What additional services are available when shipping as a parcel?

If your main concern is saving postage, standard shipping is always the cheapest option. However, all parcel delivery services offer a variety of additional services. These are always associated with additional charges, which vary in amount.

Have your parcel collected

You can frank your shipment online and have the parcel conveniently collected. This can be done from home, an address of your choice or from a Packstation.

Transport insurance

If you are sending valuable contents, you can send your shipment with transport insurance. This way you protect the package from loss or damage. The fee is usually based on the insured value.

Reel shipping

Some providers charge a roll surcharge if you want to send a parcel as a roll. For large-format prints, such as posters, blueprints or designs, sturdy shipping tubes are the best choice.

Age verification

If you want to make sure that your parcel is not delivered to minors, you can send your parcel with age verification. The delivery person will then check the age of the recipient using an official photo ID.

Select delivery day

You can also specify the day on which your parcel is to be delivered to the recipient by posting it on a specific delivery day.

Cash on delivery parcels

If you want the recipient to receive your parcel only after paying the postage, you can send it cash on delivery. The amount paid by the recipient will then be transferred to an account specified by you.

Forwarding service

All parcel services offer a forwarding service for parcels. This ensures that your shipment will reach the recipient even if he or she has moved in the meantime.

Shipment tracking

Tracking is an option that is now standard with many providers. If this is not the case, you can add it for a small extra charge.

Express shipping

For those in a particularly hurry, all delivery services offer express delivery. Often your shipment will reach its destination the very next day.

How long does it take to send a parcel?

Most providers promise delivery of a standard parcel within 1-2 working days within Germany. For international shipments, longer delivery times apply. If you want your parcel to arrive quickly, use express shipping and tracking to track your shipment.

Attention: You must pay attention to these special features when shipping goods

When preparing the package for shipment, find out if there are any guidelines regarding the contents. This is because certain goods must be specially packaged or may not be sent at all.

Food shipping

When shipping food, make sure that the packaging is food-safe. This should protect the food, be easy and practical to use and environmentally friendly. In addition, food packaging must be food safe, which means it must not contain harmful substances or affect the taste or smell of the food. For more details, see our blog post on food packaging.

Dangerous goods and other unacceptable contents

In principle, all narcotics and intoxicants that are illegal in the country of destination are excluded from shipment. Furthermore, explosive and highly flammable or radioactive materials and other dangerous goods are not permitted.

Customs and taxes when shipping abroad

All parcels that you send to a country outside the EU must pass through customs. It is therefore extremely important that you fill out all export documents completely and correctly and enclose them with each package.

You can find which export documents you need for which country specifically listed on iloxx.de (DPD).

Shipping packaging for parcels

Functionality is the be-all and end-all when it comes to shipping packaging.

Good transport properties, such as the greatest possible stability with the smallest possible volume and low dead weight, are a must for the ideal shipping packaging for small packages.

Choose the cheapest and most suitable packaging for your shipment. Simply and conveniently use our box finder.