When it comes to shipping large or heavy items—whether it’s a sofa, gym equipment, a bulky appliance, or industrial materials—not every courier service is up to the task. Standard parcel delivery providers often have strict size and weight limits, making them unsuitable for oversized shipments. That’s where specialized large item delivery services come in. These couriers are equipped to handle awkward shapes, extra-heavy loads, and even items that require special handling or palletization. But with so many providers offering different pricing models, coverage areas, and service levels, it’s important to understand the pros and cons before booking.
In this 2025 comparison guide, we break down the strengths and weaknesses of the most popular large item couriers—so you can choose the best solution for your personal or business delivery needs.
What Is a Large Item Delivery Service?
A large item delivery service handles shipments that exceed typical courier limits in size, weight, or both. These items often include:
- Furniture (sofas, wardrobes)
- Appliances (washing machines, refrigerators)
- Equipment (gym gear, industrial tools)
- Large boxed or crated goods
Couriers offering this service often provide oversize handling, freight solutions, scheduled pickup, and sometimes white-glove delivery.
Top Large Item Delivery Services Compared
| Courier | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Zig Couriers (UK) | Local and national bulky item delivery | Custom quotes, flexible timing, real-time support |
| DHL XXL | International large shipments | Customs handling, high weight tolerance, tracking |
| FedEx Freight | Business & cross-border freight | Freight class pricing, pallet support |
| AnyVan / Shiply | Personal deliveries (UK/EU) | Real-time quotes, furniture & fragile delivery |
| UPS Large Package | E-commerce, bulk business shipping | Oversize fees apply, strong network |
| DTDC Express Cargo (India) | Domestic large parcels | Quick service, good city coverage |
Pros and Cons of Major Large Item Delivery Services
1. Zig Couriers (UK)
Pros:
Specializes in non-standard and oversized items
Flexible pickup and delivery times
Excellent customer service and live tracking
Custom pricing for businesses and individuals
Cons:
UK-only service (no international shipping)
May not be ideal for very light or regular-size parcels
2. DHL XXL Shipping
Pros:
Handles international oversized shipments
Trusted for fragile and valuable items
Fast customs processing
Reliable tracking and support
Cons:
Can be expensive for casual senders
Complex documentation for cross-border shipments
3. FedEx Freight
Pros:
Ideal for heavy industrial or commercial shipments
Multiple delivery options (economy, express)
Supports pallets and bulk shipments
Cons:
Requires account setup for best rates
May not serve residential customers as well
4. AnyVan / Shiply
Pros:
Great for home moves and personal item delivery
Quote comparison saves cost
White-glove options (e.g., assembly, placement)
Cons:
Inconsistent experience (depends on the driver/vendor)
Delivery windows may vary greatly
5. UPS Large Package
Pros:
Global network and high reliability
Solid support for eCommerce platforms
Insurance and real-time delivery tracking
Cons:
High oversize surcharges
Not specialized in fragile or furniture items
6. DTDC Express Cargo (India)
Pros:
Cost-effective for large deliveries in India
Good city and rural coverage
Warehousing support for businesses
Cons:
Less transparent tracking
Service quality varies by region
How to Choose the Right Delivery Service for Large Items
When evaluating delivery providers, consider:
Size and Weight Limits
- Does your item exceed courier restrictions?
- Do they offer freight or pallet support?
Speed and Flexibility
- Do you need same-day or scheduled delivery?
- Are evening or weekend slots available?
Pricing and Transparency
- Are quotes clear and up front?
- Are there hidden charges for size, fuel, or remote areas?
Protection and Support
- Is insurance included?
- How responsive is customer support?
- Is tracking real-time and easy to use?
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for large item delivery. The best choice depends on what you’re sending, how fast you need it delivered, and where it’s going. Here’s a quick summary:
| Use Case | Best Courier |
|---|---|
| Furniture within UK | Zig Couriers, AnyVan |
| Industrial shipments | FedEx Freight, DHL |
| eCommerce bulk parcels | UPS, XpressBees |
| Personal single-item moves | Shiply, Zig Couriers |
| Domestic India deliveries | DTDC Express Cargo |
🔍 Pro Tip: For tailored, affordable delivery in the UK, Zig Couriers offers a reliable and flexible solution for large and awkward shipments.