Sending a ‘medium parcel’ within the UK or overseas? The dimensions of your item will affect the postage or delivery costs. This in turn may affect the service you choose.
However, different courier companies use different systems for calculating parcel size and costs. So what constitutes a ‘medium-sized parcel’ is likely to vary between carriers.
Medium parcel sizes across popular carriers
Royal Mail
While Royal Mail may not always be the cheapest or most convenient, their size categories can be a good point of reference.
Royal Mail classify a ‘medium parcel’ as one that is no bigger than 610mm x 460mm x 460mm and weighs no more than 20kg.
To give you a rough idea of what that may mean, it usually includes gifts, shoes and possibly even a laptop.
Hermes
Hermes used to categorise their courier charges according to a parcel’s weight only. This changed with the introduction of two size categories for parcels weighing up to 2kg. They now describe ‘medium’ parcels as those that are larger than 450mm x 350mm x 160mm, but weigh less than 2kg.
DHL
DHL offer several different parcel size options. The size classified as ‘medium’ is for parcels weighing up to 10kg, and no larger than 600mm x 600mm x 60mm.
The importance of medium parcel sizing
You may be wondering why the classification of a parcel’s size even matters.
The answer is that it can impact on the way the item is handled. In addition to differences in upfront costs, the dimensions and weight of the package will influence specific logistical choices.
Methods of transportation
When sizing up a delivery, the way the package will reach the recipient can be affected.
For example, if you’re in a large metropolitan area and are considering using a bike service, they generally cannot take items that weigh more than 12kg. Similarly, motorbikes can only take parcels up to a maximum size of 400mm x 300mm x 300mm and with a maximum weight of 12kg.
Volumetric weight
When estimating the size of your parcel, you may also be asked for the volumetric weight. This is a measure used for calculating how much space your parcel will take up. To calculate this in kilograms multiply the width, length, and height, and then multiply by a value known as the ‘volumetric factor’.
Different couriers use different volumetric factors. For example, most European shipping companies measure packages in centimetres, and use a volumetric factor of 5,000 to determine the volumetric weight in kilograms.
Other companies may use a volumetric factor of 4,000 or 6,000.
Sending a medium parcel for delivery with Impact Express
If all the above seems a bit complicated, don’t worry. As a leading wholesale courier service, at Impact Express we’ve got access to the most competitive courier services on the market.
Use our online estimation tool to obtain a reliable instant quote. Just tap in your destination and the weight of your parcel, and we’ll cut through the comparisons and different requirements to give you the best three estimates for sending your parcel. No complicated calculations or measurements.
Whatever you need to send, Impact Express can offer a range of delivery options – whatever the size or weight of your parcel. We guarantee delivery within agreed timescales both domestically and to over 220 international shipping destinations worldwide.
Contact us today to find out how we can meet your shipping needs.
