Does international heavy parcel delivery feel complicated and unpredictable? For SMEs that want to ship or import outside the EU, ParcelParcel is the shipping aggregator that simplifies the process by handling complex customs procedures and paperwork—so you save time and keep control over your shipments. How much time do you spend comparing shipping options? Many companies still do this manually, without knowing it can be faster and smarter. With ParcelParcel you compare services from leading couriers in minutes, book online with no contracts, and ship big and heavy packages worldwide with confidence.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
Large and heavy items bring extra variables: dimensional (volumetric) weight, manual handling, and size limits that can trigger surcharges. That’s why precise data matters. Measure length × width × height, weigh accurately, and choose packaging that can handle the load. Get these right and you’ll avoid delays, re-weigh fees, and damage risks—while securing the sharpest price.
Prefer to see your options side by side? ParcelParcel automatically compares transit times, prices, and reliability across multiple networks. Explore our pages for international shipping with DHL and international shipping with FedEx to learn what each network does best:
Compare services for international shipping with DHL
Explore delivery times and options for international shipping with FedEx
Looking at brown? Check international shipping with UPS
Each carrier defines “heavy” slightly differently. Many parcel networks treat pieces above roughly 23–31 kg (50–70 lb) as heavy and apply special handling. Some services allow up to 70 kg per piece; beyond that, a pallet option may be better. Not sure which way to go? Tell us your route and item—our specialists will advise the best match.
Start with the essentials, then book in minutes:
Measure & weigh with care. Include any overhang or irregular shapes.
Get an instant quote with our Shipping Calculator to compare multiple couriers (express, economy, road, air).
Pick speed vs. price. We’ll show delivery estimates so you can choose confidently.
Sort customs for non-EU routes. We guide you through the commercial invoice and HS codes—no jargon.
Pack for strength. Use fresh double-wall cartons, fill empty space, reinforce seams; consider a mini-pallet for dense items.
Book collection or drop-off. Labels on a flat surface, one copy of the airway bill kept for your records.
Want to dig into materials and methods? See our packaging guidelines per carrier (NL) for heavy and fragile goods.
Two things drive price: billable weight and service speed.
Dimensional weight: Carriers charge the greater of actual or volumetric weight. Reducing empty space lowers the billable weight, our volumetric weight guide (NL) shows the exact formula and examples.
Surcharges: Oversize/overweight pieces, remote areas, and non-conveyable shapes can add fees. We flag these early so there are no surprises.
Speed: Express air for urgent shipments; economy air/road when budget matters most.
Pro tip: Sometimes splitting one oversized carton into two well-packed pieces is cheaper, and safer, than sending a single heavy box. Ask us to compare before you book.
Shipping Calculator: Real-time quotes across DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV and Skynet—no contracts or subscriptions.
Customs guidance: Clear, step-by-step help for exports/imports outside the EU, including HS codes and invoice tips.
Personal support: Human specialists for heavy, awkward, or high-value items—by chat, phone, or email.
Manufacturers shipping machinery parts and tools, e-commerce brands sending gym equipment or audio gear, galleries moving art or sculptures, and companies handling bulky repairs/returns. If it’s big, dense, or delicate, we help you move it with clarity, speed and control.
You’re product-aware and comparing options. We win on what matters: instant multi-carrier quotes, door-to-door convenience, customs clarity, sharp pre-negotiated rates, and personal support from specialists who handle heavy shipments every day.
Ready to ship smarter? Start today with ParcelParcel, no obligations, support whenever you need it.
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This depends on the selected courier and service. Many express parcel services accept pieces up to 70 kg; above that, it’s often smarter to ship on a pallet. Enter your exact dimensions and weight in our calculator and we’ll show you the best fitting options.
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Volumetric weight is based on the space your parcel occupies. Carriers charge the higher of actual vs. volumetric weight. Measure L × W × H (in cm) and use the dim‑weight factor shown in our calculator. Reducing empty space and choosing a snug box can lower the price.
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Not always. If your item is under parcel size/weight limits and is well packed, a strong carton is fine. When a box is too dense, has uneven weight distribution, or exceeds handling limits, a mini‑pallet improves safety and reduces “additional handling” fees. We’ll advise the best option during booking.
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For exports/imports outside the EU you typically need a commercial invoice, clear product descriptions with HS codes, and the receiver’s full contact details. Depending on route and goods, EORI/VAT numbers or permits may apply. Our guidance helps you complete everything correctly the first time.
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Yes. For most services we offer door‑to‑door pickup. Choose a collection date during checkout, or drop off at an approved location where available. If there are stairs, limited access or special equipment needed, tell us in advance so we arrange safe handling.
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You can instantly check the shipping costs through our rate calculator. Enter the weight, dimensions, and destination country of your shipment, and you will see all available shipping options along with their respective delivery times. The calculator can be used to compare shipping rates for both export and import shipments.
If you need help calculating a shipping rate, watch the video below. Click on the 
button to play the video and the 
icon to view the video in fullscreen.
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Shipping costs are calculated based on dimensions (LxWxH in cm), weight (in kg), and the destination country. Both the actual weight (as shown on the scale) and the volumetric weight are considered.
The volumetric weight is the weight calculated based on the space your shipment occupies in the plane. The higher of the two weights (volumetric or actual weight) is used to calculate the shipping rate. You don't need to calculate this yourself; our calculator does it for you.
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You can use the discount code PP10 for 10% discount on the transportation costs of your first shipment. You can apply the discount code during the checkout process (instructions).
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Whether additional costs apply depends on whether your shipment stays within the European Union or is sent to/from a country outside the European Union. Below, you can see the additional costs for each situation.
Within the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to Italy (within the EU), there will be an additional 21% VAT on the shipping costs.
Furthermore, if your shipment stays within the European Union, you won't have to deal with any import duties or customs clearance fees because your shipment doesn't go through customs. Please note that the European Union is not the same as Europe.
View here all the countries that are part of the European Union. For example, Switzerland is part of Europe but not part of the European Union.
Outside the European Union
If, for example, you send a shipment from the Netherlands to the United States, there will be no VAT (0%) applied to the displayed shipping rates.
However, there might be import duties levied by customs in the destination country if you send a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union. Typically, customs costs are charged to the recipient. This is known as Delivered At Place (DAP) in logistics terminology.
Customs is a government agency that levies import duties in certain cases to protect the local market. As a company, you can also ship using Delivered Duty Paid (DDP), which means any customs costs will be charged to you as the sender.
If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact us. Additionally, you can read everything about import duties, VAT, and the customs clearance process in this blog.
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A customs invoice is a form where all the goods you want to ship are specified. This invoice includes an English description of the goods, along with their corresponding value and weight.
The contents of your shipment must be specified per type of product you're sending to avoid delays at customs. A customs invoice is always prepared in quadruplicate in accordance with customs guidelines.
When is a customs invoice required?
A customs invoice is only required for shipments to/from countries outside the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - United States). If your shipment stays within the European Union (e.g., Netherlands - Italy), your shipment will not go through customs, and therefore, a customs invoice is not required.
Additionally, document shipments are not subject to customs, so if you're sending a document to a country within/outside the European Union, no customs invoice is needed.
Please note that not all goods can be shipped to every country. You can find a list of goods that cannot be sent via ParcelParcel on this page.
Do I need to create a customs invoice myself?
If you're sending a shipment to/from a country outside the European Union, it's mandatory to include a customs invoice with the shipment. We provide free support in creating a customs invoice.
You can easily generate a customs invoice through our shipping platform. The customs invoice will be automatically generated based on the content you specified during your booking.
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You can import just as easily as export via ParcelParcel.
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You can find a list of goods that cannot be shipped via ParcelParcel on this page.
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