How Big or Heavy Can a Package Be to Be Eligible to Ship by Courier?

Dwight Neal • December 15, 2020

To Be Considered a Package

Not every shipment is considered eligible to ship with the leading couriers. In general to be considered a eligible to be shipped by courier any piece must:


  • Be packaged
  • Not be palletized
  • Not exceed 150 lbs.
  • Not exceed 108 inches in length
  • Ensure length + girth(width x 2 plus height x 2) does not exceed 165 inches


If your package exceeds the size or weight to be eligible as a courier package as noted above do not ship with courier. If a disqualified package gets into the system there will be significant charges.


Even though the size can be considered a package, there will typically be additionally handling or large package charges for heavier or larger items that are more difficult to handle


Additional Handling Charges

Additional handling charges will typically be applied if:


  • Packages exceed 70 lbs.
  • Packages exceed 48 inches in length
  • Packages exceed 30 inches in width


Additional Handling can also apply for packages not properly packaged.


Large Package Charges

Large Package charges will typically be applied if:


  • Length + girth(width x 2 plus height x 2) exceeds 130 inches
  • Length is over 96 inches

To be on the safe side always check with your service provider if any of your packages exceed 96 inches in length or 130 inches in length plus girth. If a package that is over the maximum limits gets into the courier’s network the charges can be quite substantial.


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