Shipping large or bulky items requires more than just a standard delivery service. From furniture and gym equipment to industrial machinery and commercial stock, oversized items need special handling, careful packaging, and experienced logistics partners. This guide is designed to help individuals and businesses alike find the best courier services for large items — focusing on reliability, affordability, and service quality.
Why Choose a Specialized Courier for Large Items?
Not all couriers are equipped to manage bulky shipments. Most standard services have limits on size and weight, which could either lead to parcel rejection or excessive fees.
Choosing a courier that specializes in large or heavy items ensures:
- Safe and secure transport with reinforced packaging
- Lower chances of damage or delay
- Affordable freight-based pricing
- Optional services like tracking, insurance, and palletization
Large-item couriers are especially essential for:
- Online retailers and eCommerce businesses shipping bulk orders
- Individuals relocating heavy goods (furniture, appliances)
- Companies moving tools, engines, or heavy industrial items
What Qualifies as a Large or Heavy Item?
Most couriers define large or oversized items using the following criteria:
| Parameter | Typical Threshold |
|---|---|
| Weight | More than 30–50 kg (66–110 lbs) |
| Length | Greater than 120 cm (47 in) |
| Girth | Length + 2(Width + Height) > 300 cm (118 in) |
| Form Factor | Irregular or non-stackable shapes |
Examples include:
- Sofas, dining tables, and wardrobes
- Fridges, washing machines, and ovens
- Treadmills, exercise bikes, and benches
- Industrial tools, crates, and raw material pallets
These shipments require strong packaging, specialized handling, and often a freight or large-item delivery partner.
Top Courier Services for Large Items (2025)
Below is a detailed comparison of some of the best courier services available in 2025 for oversized and heavy items:
| Courier | Max Weight | Max Dimensions | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zig Couriers (UK) | 50+ kg | Flexible | Large domestic items | Custom quotes, real-time tracking, same-day/next-day delivery |
| FedEx Freight | 68–150 kg+ | Pallet size | Business and international shipping | Freight class pricing, pallet support, insurance |
| UPS Large Package | 70+ kg | Up to 274 cm long | Commercial use, eCommerce | Oversize surcharges, guaranteed delivery windows |
| DHL XXL Shipping | 70 kg+ | Variable | Global large-item exports | Customs clearance, heavy-item handling, fast express service |
| AnyVan / Shiply | No strict limits | Furniture-size & bulky goods | Personal use and relocations | Real-time bidding, white-glove service options |
| DTDC Express Cargo | 50–100 kg | Domestic & B2B | Heavy parcel delivery in India | Reliable express service, bulk deals |
| XpressBees | 50+ kg | Variable | Bulk business shipments in India | API integration, cash on delivery, scalable network |
Deep Dive: Why Choose Zig Couriers?
Zig Couriers is a UK-based courier company that excels in handling non-standard, large, and heavy shipments. They focus on providing flexible, affordable, and secure delivery options across the UK.
Key Advantages:
- Custom Pricing: Get quotes based on exact weight, size, and location
- Local and National Reach: UK-wide delivery network
- Time-Definite Delivery: Choose same-day, next-day, or scheduled time slots
- Friendly Support Team: Real-time updates and human-first communication
- B2B & B2C Ready: Ideal for businesses and individual clients alike
Zig Couriers is ideal for:
- Furniture shops
- Equipment dealers
- Residential customers moving oversized items
- eCommerce sellers needing flexible logistics
How to Choose the Right Courier for Large Items
Here are the major factors to consider before selecting a courier:
1. Weight and Size Limits
Ensure the courier can physically handle your parcel. Some cap weight at 30 kg, while others accept items of 100 kg or more. Zig Couriers, for example, is built for larger deliveries that fall outside typical courier constraints.
2. Pricing Structure
Different couriers price large items differently:
- Actual Weight: Charged by kg
- Volumetric Weight: (L × W × H) ÷ divisor (usually 5000)
- Freight or Pallet Rate: For extremely heavy or commercial shipments
Always request a quote and compare.
3. Speed & Scheduling
Some couriers only offer standard delivery (3–7 days), while others provide:
- Same-Day Delivery (Zig Couriers, AnyVan)
- Next-Day Options
- Scheduled Time Slots
4. Tracking & Customer Service
A good courier offers:
- Live tracking with GPS
- Email/SMS alerts
- Proof of delivery (POD)
5. Insurance & Protection
Make sure the provider offers:
- Parcel insurance (optional or inclusive)
- Coverage for loss, theft, or damage
- Claims assistance and clear terms
Common Use Cases & Recommended Couriers
| Use Case | Suggested Courier | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Delivering a sofa to another UK city | Zig Couriers | Affordable, fast, and local flexibility |
| Shipping a treadmill overseas | FedEx Freight, DHL | Reliable international shipping with insurance |
| Business sending 50 kg parcels weekly | XpressBees, UPS | Bulk and B2B-friendly services |
| Moving home with large furniture | AnyVan, Shiply | Real-time quotes, door-to-door handling |
| Sending appliances across town | Zig Couriers | Time-definite same-day delivery |
Smart Shipping Tips for Oversized Items
To ensure smooth delivery of large or heavy items, follow these pro tips:
Measure Accurately
Use a tape measure and scale. Record exact dimensions after packing. Couriers may re-weigh or re-measure your item.
Pack Securely
- Use double-walled cardboard or wooden crates
- Protect corners and surfaces with foam or blankets
- Label with handling instructions like “Fragile”, “Heavy”, or “This Side Up”
Book Online & Track
Many couriers (including Zig) allow online booking with:
- Instant tracking
- Payment confirmation
- Digital proof of delivery
Choose Off-Peak Schedules
Avoid sending heavy goods around major holidays to skip delays and surcharges.
Conclusion
Shipping large and heavy items requires the right partner. From local specialists like Zig Couriers to global providers like DHL and FedEx Freight, the key is to balance cost, reliability, and delivery speed.
Whether you’re shipping a one-off heavy appliance or managing regular business deliveries, choosing a courier tailored to large-item logistics ensures your goods arrive safely, on time, and within budget.
Ready to ship something big? Visit Zig Couriers to get a custom quote and experience reliable, affordable large item delivery across the UK.