How to Pick Couriers for Large Items for Safe and Efficient Delivery?
Shipping large and bulky items is more complex than standard parcel delivery. Factors associated with weight, size, dimensions, value, and fragility of items determine if special delivery is needed. Local couriers in London have the fleet, tools, personnel, and local knowledge necessary to safely handle and move large, heavy shipments.
Businesses in London often find the need for shipping bulky, oversized, and fragile goods. This includes many items, from shock-sensitive appliances and large furniture to heavy equipment and unwieldy trade supplies. However, more than 10% of the unit loads reaching distribution centres face some kind of packaging damage.
The damage also extends to the items within the packaging. While some damages are unavoidable, others can be prevented by handlers. So, it is essential to choose the right courier service to ensure safe, timely, and cost-effective delivery.
This blog will help you find the right courier portal in London to request service for large shipments.
What Qualifies as a “Large Item” in Courier Services?
Before you try to choose the right courier for shipping large items, it is necessary to understand what qualifies as such. In general, large items are defined by courier services based on their weight, size, and handling complexity.
Categories | Examples | Why It Matters |
| Filing cabinets, office printers, and office gym equipment | May not be handleable by one person, and may require a tail-life vehicle. |
| Flat-pack furniture, sofas, long panels, and lengthy pipes. | May not fit in standard vans or be organised using sorting machines. |
| Display screens, scientific equipment, and televisions. | May require careful transit, handling, and packaging. |
High Value: Items that are considered too precious to risk damage. | Tech inventory, artwork, and trade show equipment. | May require insurance coverage and continuous tracking. |
Special Handling: Items that must be handled and moved using specialized procedures. | Items that need to be assembled, disassembled, or strapped. | May go into the category of white glove shipping with special delivery cost. |
Table 1: What Qualifies as a Large or Bulky Shipment in the UK
Always confirm the dimension and weight limits along with service terms prior to booking. Whether a shipment is categorised as “large” will vary with the courier service. However, the limit or threshold is almost the same across couriers in London.
Items that are difficult to lift or move due to unscalable size, unhandleable weight, or unmanageable shape are reasonably listed for specialised shipping. Items that are fragile or sensitive can also not tolerate standard handling. And it is too risky not to handle high-value items in a special way.
Why Large Item Delivery Needs Special Handling
A number of reasons make special handling necessary during the delivery of large items. Those are:
Risk of Damage/ Failed Delivery
Large items face higher risks of damage during transit. This is due to greater fragility, chances of impact, handling errors, exposure to environmental factors, and packaging difficulties. So, couriers for large items must be careful with handling to avoid a bad reputation.
The chances of failed delivery attempts are also higher, as it is not safe to leave large items at unattended premises. There is also the challenge of fitting large items in standard delivery vehicles. And larger vehicles face parking difficulties and area restrictions.
Legal/ Insurance Requirements
Items that are considered dangerous or need special attention must be packaged and labelled based on specific rules. Courier companies also have their paperwork requirements for such items. Improper handling of such items has legal consequences.
Courier services also find the need to provide clients with ways to insure packages for their said value. Accidents can happen, and there may be loss of or damage to valuable shipments. So, having parcel insurance helps cover the cost of the lost shipment. Improper handling of a valuable shipment can have financial consequences.
Logistics Complications
Delivery of large items comes with more logistical complications than shipping of small parcels. The complexity comes from the need for trained personnel, specialised equipment, non-standard transportation options, and larger storage space.
Handling large shipments can cause injuries. So, couriers for bulky items must also follow workers’ safety requirements. And last-mile delivery of large items can be extremely challenging. It also becomes challenging to access narrow streets with massive vehicles used for shipping large items.
What to Look for in a Courier for Large Items
Here are the factors you should consider when choosing couriers for large items.
| Factors | Why It Matters |
Fleet Capacity | Couriers with a mix of vans, trailers, and Luton trucks can handle small to large shipments. They can handle parcel, freight, palletized, as well as white glove shipping. |
Handling Expertise | Staff trained on special procedures and equipment for safely lifting, loading, packaging, and moving heavy, fragile, and high-value goods. The rate of parcel damage during peak seasons is 3% to 6% in the UK, compared to up to 5% globally. |
Tracking & ETA Systems | Around 2% to 3% of parcels go missing during peak seasons in the UK, compared to the global rate of up to 2%. Visibility can be improved with real-time tracking, thus delivering peace of mind along with the shipment. |
White-Glove Service | Couriers offering optional setup or shipment-specific installation support for high-value and delicate items for a special delivery cost. |
Local Knowledge | Familiarity with the parking, traffic, and ultra-low emission zones in London can help with faster delivery and less time spent on damage-causing transit. |
Insurance Coverage | Couriers for bulky items must include liability and goods-in-transit protection. Otherwise, you may find it difficult to receive compensation if your shipment is lost or damaged by the service provider. |
Table 2: Factors to Consider in Couriers for Bulky Items
Why Local London Couriers Have the Edge
Local couriers have a deep understanding of the unique logistical challenges of the city. They know how to navigate congestion zones fast and smoothly. They also understand access restrictions and can thus choose the optimal routes and avoid delays.
Local couriers also have knowledge of permit requirements. This allows them to navigate the limited-access zones without issues. The knowledge of the city’s traffic conditions and geography also helps local couriers respond faster in London. So, you can get your items delivered on the same day as well.
Questions Businesses Should Ask Before Booking a Courier Service
Here are a few questions that businesses must ask before booking through a courier portal.
Do They Handle Non-standard Dimensions and Weights Well?
Standard couriers may not be able to safely handle large items that are oddly shaped and unconventionally heavy. So, check if they have the right resource, capacity, and procedures to handle non-standard sizes and weights.
Will You Get Evidence of Shipping and Client Support?
You can expect reliable couriers to provide proof of delivery. Such a document will be a confirmation of successful delivery to the right recipient on time. You should also check if the courier offers client support to address your concerns.
How Long Does Special Delivery Take?
The time needed to deliver large items depends on distance, transportation, and service level. So, you should inquire about the expected timeline for the delivery of your shipment. Ask about the standard delivery timeline and check if the timeline can be shortened with premium delivery options.
Will You Face Any Hidden Surcharge?
You should inquire about any potential hidden surcharge. Confirm that you will not be charged extra for stairs, waiting time, or delivery within certain zones. Make your budgeting accurate and prevent unexpected costs by understanding surcharges upfront.
Do They Insure Deliveries and Meet Commercial Standards?
It is essential to ensure that your shipments are insured against damage or loss. Doing so is distinctly necessary for fragile or valuable items. So, you should confirm if the couriers for large items have insurance protection. You should also verify if the courier adheres to commercial standards.
Ready to Visit a Courier Portal?
Choosing couriers for bulky items is not concerned only with the size and weight. It is also about the safety of shipment and workers, and the right tools and procedures for handling. Insurance protection and logistics expertise also contribute to safe and timely delivery.
Go for a courier in London with local know-how and a reliable image. Check if the courier has the right equipment, a diverse fleet, capable workers, and optimal procedures for loading and moving large, heavy shipments. Also, understand the level of support you can expect if something goes wrong with the delivery of your shipment.
You will find a number of couriers for large items in London. Identify the right provider for you and book shipping services through its courier portal today!
