How Do You Ship an Oversized Item?

Oversized items are anything that exceeds the normal carrying weight, height, or volume of a typical package or shipping container. Other factors, such as extendable parts or handling requirements, could also result in an oversized classification.

Oversized goods include large appliances or furniture, building materials, and vehicles like ATVs or motorcycles. Larger vehicles, such as boats or construction vehicles, are also considered oversized.

Shipping large and bulky items can be challenging. However, enlisting the services of a reputable shipping company can make the process easier and stress-free for you.

In this post, we will look at the different factors to consider when shipping large and oversized goods.

How Do You Know If Your Item Is Too Big?

Whether your item is too large or not will depend on the specific shipping carrier. However, there's an easy way to determine if you're dealing with an oversized load.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1) Is my item too big to fit into a standard container, which can be used in trucking or shipping transport?

2) Does my item need more than one person to load onto a shipping carrier?

3) Does my item require other machinery, such as a crane, to go onto the transport?

If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, chances are your shipment is oversized.

Furthermore, you need to determine the dimensional weight of your item. Also known as DIM weight, the dimensional weight is worked out by multiplying the length, height, and width of the shipment. This total is then compared to how much the package weighs.

Generally, shipment companies will use whichever total is higher between the dimensional weight and weight of your item to provide a quote.

Tips For Shipping an Oversized Item

There are several steps in the shipping process, all of which are vital for the safe and timely delivery of your goods. Let's delve deeper into the protocol to ship your oversized item.

Know and understand the dimensional weight of your load

Using the information highlighted above, you can work out the dimensional weight of your item. You can also ask a shipping company to assess your item and give you more accurate measurements.

Shipping carriers use the DIM weight to maximize space in the trucks or shipping containers. It's also essential so that companies avoid overloading their shipping transport, which helps to ensure the safety and security of your item.

Understanding exactly how much your item weighs, as well as its size, helps you to prepare for any additional costs as a result of the size of your item.

These costs can include handling charges and oversize surcharges. It's good practice to ask about any additional charges before deciding on a shipping company. Further below, we touch on the importance of factoring in extra costs.

Check the regulations

A large vehicle will have different shipping regulations than a standard shipment. And these regulations are usually much more strict.

If you plan to ship your item internationally, there are also customs regulations to remember. Let's say you're planning to import a vehicle. The type of vehicle, its emissions capacity, and where it comes from all play a role in what regulations must be followed.

It's best to check with a reputable shipping company about these requirements, as they are subject to change regularly.

Be aware of the challenges

As with any shipment, there are several associated obstacles and risks, the effects of which could be lessened if you know what could go wrong.

With oversized items, there are likely to be additional shipping costs. This can be a potential stumbling block if you do not plan on paying extra. Be sure to ask your shipping provider about these costs so that you can include them in your shipping budget.

Shipping delays are also common with heavy and oversized items. Often, specialized equipment is needed to move oversized items onto the loading truck or freight ship. The unavailability of this equipment could lead to a longer waiting time.

If shipping locally on public roads, there may also be a need for a vehicle escort, which can take time to organize effectively and according to regulations.

It's a good idea to factor in any potential time delays. This will help you to avoid any additional costs that could arise from a tight deadline.

In addition, oversized packages are generally more at risk during transport. To avoid unnecessary loss, shipping insurance is a must for larger goods.

Get the paperwork right

If you do not have the correct documentation to ship your oversized item, it could result in considerable delays, either at the point of departure or the destination.

To maximize time and minimize financial loss, make sure you know strictly what paperwork is required of you to ship an oversized item.

Depending on your load, you may need to secure specific permits to move your shipment quickly and according to regulations.

The importance of securing the proper paperwork cannot be overstressed. It is one of the most vital components of successful shipping - whether your item is oversized.

Each shipping situation is different and thus requires different documentation. A shipping consultant can help you collect and fill in all the various permits and documents needed to ship your item.

Secure the load

Once all the legwork is done, it's time to prepare your load for the road. A vital component of pre-shipment inspections is checking that the bag is securely fastened to the transport vehicle.

The type of load will determine the fastening requirements. In the case of shipping vehicles, straps, chains, load bracing, and several other methods are used to secure the load.

For appliances, such as a fridge or stove, it's important to make sure the box used is labeled and packed into the loading truck.

In addition, make sure that the shipping company follows your instructions correctly. This is especially important when shipping large and fragile items, such as an art sculpture.

Track your item

Tracking the shipment of heavy items allows you to see exactly where they are during the transit phase. This information will help you to plan around any potential delivery delays.

A good shipping consultant will also give you regular updates about your load, such as delays at the loading site or any road obstacles that may affect timely delivery.

Wrapping Up

Measuring your item correctly, submitting the appropriate paperwork, and being diligent about what you require from the shipping process will all contribute to the timely and safe delivery of your oversized item.

Moreover, the skills and expertise of a reputable shipping company will also be helpful - in more ways than one.

In the long run, a shipping company that specializes in the transport of oversized and overweight items will save you time, effort, and money.

One such company is A1 Auto Transport. Contact them today for a free quote on shipping your oversized package.