When it comes to shipping, both size and weight significantly influence logistics decisions. Shipping oversized items across borders or globally introduces complex challenges, including navigating the diverse rates associated with oversized freight. Yet, for many businesses in Bangladesh, shipping substantial goods isn't just an option; it's a necessity. What steps should you take when your shipment exceeds standard sizes and weights?
In this blog, we'll explore the common challenges businesses encounter when shipping large or heavy items internationally and how DHL Express navigates these hurdles, providing affordable and flexible bulk shipping strategies.
What is considered a large or heavyweight freight shipment?
In international trade, shipments are classified as large or heavy based on their weight and dimensions. Bulk or heavyweight shipping refers to the transport of goods that exceed the standard size and weight limits typically handled by regular courier services. This category often includes items like heavy equipment hauling, automotive parts, and large quantities of consumer goods. All of which necessitate special handling, equipment, and logistical planning.
What is the best shipping method for bulky items?
When faced with the challenge of shipping bulky items, businesses must carefully evaluate the size and weight of their shipments. The capability of carriers to handle heavyweight shipments varies, but a common threshold is up to 1,000 kg. Surpassing this limit often necessitates transitioning from standard express options to more tailored heavyweight shipping solutions.
The primary challenges in managing bulky shipments include handling high volumes of oversized pallets, transporting hefty goods like industrial machinery, and navigating the added complexities of international shipping – such as achieving smooth customs clearance. Moreover, the pursuit of cost-effective shipping methods is paramount for businesses striving to stay competitive, highlighting the importance of meticulous planning and method selection in bulk and heavyweight freight transport.
Ocean freight
Ocean freight stands out for its capacity to handle large volumes, making it a preferred option for bulk shipping and sending oversized parcels. Its cost-effectiveness compared to other modes of transport is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to minimise shipping expenses.
However, longer transit times and the involvement of more intermediaries in the process necessitate thorough planning to ensure timely delivery. Businesses must navigate itemised costs, including pickup and delivery, export documentation, and customs clearance, which can add to the complexity of sea freight.
Air cargo
For businesses needing to meet tight deadlines or ship high-value heavyweight goods, air cargo offers a compelling solution. Despite being generally more expensive than ocean freight, the speed and reliability of air cargo are unmatched, often ensuring delivery within 1 to 3 business days to various global destinations. DHL Express, known for its express shipping services, excels in providing fast, reliable air cargo options.
With fewer handovers and all-inclusive pricing without hidden charges, air cargo reduces the risks associated with service impacts. Additional benefits include real-time tracking, guaranteed delivery times, and extensive customer support, making air cargo by DHL Express Bangladesh a strategic choice for businesses aiming for efficiency and customer satisfaction in shipping heavyweight items internationally.
Packaging large items for shipping
Securing bulk or heavyweight products for transit requires meticulous packaging and handling strategies to prevent damage. Here are streamlined tips for businesses to ensure their large shipments arrive safely:
1. Segmenting heavyweight freight shipments
Dividing heavy cargo into smaller boxes enhances warehouse handling efficiency. This method reduces the risk of injuries, allows for easier manoeuvrability, and optimises container space usage. Segmenting shipments also aligns with international guidelines on container dimensions, making it a cost-effective strategy.
2. Choosing the right pallets
The selection of pallets – wooden, plastic, or cardboard – depends on the cargo's weight and the cost implications. Wooden pallets offer durability but add weight; plastic pallets are lighter and reusable but more expensive; cardboard pallets provide an economical option but may not suit all weights.
In addition, businesses must adhere to their courier's heavyweight shipping requirements to ensure smooth handling. For instance, DHL Express Bangladesh specifies maximum pallet dimensions of a width of 200 cm, a length of 120 cm, and a height of up to 160 cm. This guideline helps ensure that shipments are compatible with international transportation standards, thereby facilitating efficient handling.
When packaging large items for shipping, businesses can adopt ideas like column stacking for stability or interlocking stacking to maximise space efficiency. Proper stacking techniques are crucial for reducing the risk of damage during transportation. They also help avoid incorrect methods that can compromise the integrity of the shipment, ensuring that goods arrive safely at their destination.
3. Implementing heavy-duty packaging
Utilising double-walled carton boxes, edge protectors, and internal bracing safeguards the items against impacts and movement. Securing packages with heavy-duty tape and shrink wrap provides an additional layer of protection, ensuring the contents remain intact and moisture-free throughout their journey.
Shipping documents required for heavy goods
Preparing your shipping documents is a crucial step when handling oversized or heavy item shipments. These documents are vital for ensuring that your goods are transported legally and smoothly across borders. Key documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and certificate of origin, along with any additional documents mandated by the countries of origin, transit, or destination.
It's imperative that these documents provide thorough and accurate details about the sender, recipient, goods, transportation method, and payment terms. Businesses must familiarise themselves with the regulations of each country involved in the shipment to ensure full compliance. Moreover, maintaining copies of all shipping documents is essential for record-keeping and as evidence of delivery. This diligence in document preparation and compliance can significantly streamline the international shipping process for bulky and heavyweight items.
The importance of cargo insurance
Shipping heavy items internationally introduces heightened risks of damage or loss, rendering cargo insurance not just beneficial but essential. The substantial weight of these items amplifies the potential cost of replacement or repair, particularly when transported over long distances by international couriers.
To address these unique challenges, DHL Express Bangladesh offers specialised shipping insurance designed specifically for the transportation of heavy or high-value items. The benefits of tailored coverage are comprehensive protection for your goods from the time they depart the warehouse until their arrival at the final destination, ensuring peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
Partnering with logistics experts for bulk or heavyweight shipments
Partnering with DHL Express for your bulky or heavyweight shipping needs comes with unparalleled advantages, ensuring that your large shipments are handled with care, precision, and efficiency. DHL Express enables businesses to ship items with maximum weights of up to 1,000 kg per piece and total shipment weights of up to 3,000 kg.
Additionally, the dimensions for each item must adhere to specified limits, with a maximum piece length of 300cm and a width of 200cm. For pallets, a standard size of width by length is up to 120cm with a maximum height of 160cm. This flexibility in shipping options significantly enhances businesses' ability to manage heavyweight shipments effectively.
Other advantages of using DHL Express to send large parcels and shipping heavy items include:
- Flexible shipping options: DHL Express's array of shipping solutions, including options for large flat rate boxes and special handling for fragile items, caters to the diverse needs of businesses, providing the versatility required for shipping heavy equipment and large parcels.
- Efficient tracking and monitoring: The MyDHL+ platform offers comprehensive shipment visibility from start to finish. The real-time tracking feature within the platform ensures businesses can monitor their shipments every step of the way.
- Customs expertise: DHL Express' expertise in customs processes, including services like Multiline Entry and Bonded Storage, guarantees that shipments clear customs smoothly and comply with all international regulations, avoiding any unnecessary delays or complications.
- Special handling requirements: Recognising that heavyweight shipments often require additional care, DHL Express offers specialised handling and equipment as part of its shipping services. Additional services such as Shipment Value Protection, Extended Liability, and Dedicated Pickup are available to further protect your shipments throughout their journey.
Make DHL Express your go-to heavyweight shipping partner
DHL Express understands the critical balance between speed, reliability, and cost-efficiency needed by B2B businesses for their bulk shipping requirements. Our extensive experience in international logistics sets us apart. Coupled with competitive pricing and a global delivery network, we're the preferred partner for businesses.
Choosing DHL Express as your international shipping company means opting for a service that brings expertise, reliability, and a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the specific needs of heavyweight shipping. Open a business account with DHL Express now.
