Sending a Large Parcel? Here’s how to make it easy.

November brings the heat of planning: gifts, event kit, and business orders all need moving before the busiest weeks in the year. If you’re sending a large parcel, two key factors matter most:

1. Handling
2. Efficiency

eCourier offers both: urgent same day delivery and reliable next day courier options. Urgent consignments sent with same day delivery are perfect for individuals who need goods to land from A to B in a matter of minutes or hours. Next day shipments are for planned deliveries, the goods reach the destination on a scheduled date and time with ease.

What counts as a large parcel?

Different carriers have their own definitions for what a “large” parcel is. National postal services typically have strict size and weight bands, and anything beyond those bands will require a specialist courier. Measuring your parcel’s dimensions correctly and checking carrier limits prevents delays and unnecessary extra charges.

During October-December, the parcel network will typically handle larger volumes of consignments, so planning matters more than ever during this festive period.

How to prepare a large parcel 

• Measure and weigh your parcel accurately. Be sure to note the length, width, height and weight.
• Use sturdy double-walled boxes or a crate for heavy items and reinforce with wide tape.
• For fragile contents, add internal padding and secure loose parts well.
• Label clearly with full addresses and contact numbers, as well as any docket/consignment codes or numbers.
• Attach “fragile” or “this way up” stickers where needed, but be sure to securely pack fragile items to prevent damage.
• Where possible, split oversized shipments into multiple boxes to avoid weight or size surcharges.

Ways to deliver large parcels (quick guide)

1. Postal/parcel networks: good for medium-large parcels that fit within the carrier’s bands. This is economical for non-urgent items, but can be limited by parcel size rules and regulations.
2. Next day courier services: ideal for businesses sending larger items that need dependable delivery by the next working day. These services balance cost and speed and can handle bigger parcel size bands.
3. Same day courier services: perfect for event kit, replacement parts, or last-minute gifts. Same day couriers provide a dedicated driver to collect and deliver within the same day, reducing handoffs and delays.
4. Pallet freight: for very large or heavy consignments; suited to multi-piece or palletised shipments and often includes tail-lift or liftgate options for door-to-door handling.

Choosing between eCourier’s Same Day and Next Day Courier Services

If time is critical (think: event rollouts or urgent parts), eCourier’s same day courier service is the clear choice. Our drivers will collect and deliver directly, often within hours, and we provide live tracking every step of the way. We also provide proof of delivery, along with a full audit trail to provide full transparency on your goods’ journey.

For planned shipping where cost matters, our next day courier services provide reliable, tracked delivery by the next working day. This is ideal for businesses preparing stock and gifts ahead of the festive rush, for example. Same day delivery reduces handling points and speed; next day delivery trades some of the speed for economical, predictable delivery.

Shipping a large consignment internationally (for business)

For businesses exporting larger consignments, eCourier’s international courier service handles parcel exports with customs support. We help with export documentation, customs declarations, and clearances so your large consignments don’t stall at the border. This is especially crucial during the pre-Christmas export window.

Peak season tips for November-December

The UK parcel market sees significant increases during the peak season. Our advice to customers is to book early, pack well, and choose the right service level. Accurate measurements and correct labelling help avoid delays and unexpected costs. If a shipment becomes urgent during the peak, same day courier options can be a life-saver.

Final checklist for sending a large parcel with eCourier

• Measure and weigh your consignment and add it to your booking
• Use robust packaging and clear labels
• Attach your docket, found in your booking confirmation (PDF)
• Choose same day delivery for urgent shipments, and next day delivery for planned shipments
• Split very heavy loads or use pallet freight for multi-piece consignments
• In the event heavy loads can’t be split, check with our special logistics team to see how we can help
• Book early for the November-December peak and use eCourier’s live tracking for consignment updates
• Contact our friendly customer support if plans change regarding the shipment

Packing tips and timing advice

• Use void-fill to prevent movement inside the box, and place heavier items at the bottom.
• If your item is over 20-30kg, consider palletising and ask about special logistics to explore tail-lift collection
• Measure three times (L x W x H) and label once
• Include clear handling instructions
• Attach an itemised packing list for business consignments
• During December/November, courier capacity tightens. Secure collection slots easily and consider off-peak pick-up times to avoid delays. If you expect returns, include pre-printed return labels to speed up reverse logistics.

To conclude

For tailored advice on bulky or complex shipments, contact eCourier’s Special Logistics team directly here.

Alternatively, if you have general questions – our friendly customer service team is at the other end of the phone (or screen) to give you more clarification where you need it. We can recommend the best mix of service, packaging and timing to keep costs down and deliveries on time throughout the busy festive season.

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