If you’re wondering how to send a big package outside the EU without the usual stress, you’re in the right place. For SMEs that want to ship or import globally, 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. Whether you’re moving bulky e-commerce goods or a one-off heavy item, we compare top couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV, Skynet), show real prices, and help you book in minutes.
Chantal has been writing about logistics topics for almost two decades and has worked for major international carriers.
Each carrier sets its own limits, but as a rule of thumb, a big package is either:
Heavy (e.g., 30–70 kg+); and/or
Oversized (e.g., one side over ~120 cm or total girth beyond the carrier’s standard).
When your shipment exceeds parcel limits, pallet shipping may be cheaper and safer. ParcelParcel helps you choose between large-parcel services and pallet/road/air freight options with transparent rates.
For big parcels, volumetric (dimensional) weight often determines the price. Measure length × width × height (in cm) and use the carrier’s divisor (commonly 5000 for air) to estimate billable weight.
Tip: Compare your actual weight and your volumetric weight, the higher number is typically what you pay for. Our Shipping Calculator does this automatically, so you can pick the best service and avoid surprises.
Large-parcel services (DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD): Fast door-to-door, great for bulky but manageable items.
Pallet & freight (DSV and others): Ideal for very heavy/oversized goods, better handling, often lower damage risk.
Express vs economy: Express is faster (and pricier); economy saves money if you have more time.
ParcelParcel automatically compares the best couriers, with no contracts or subscriptions. Book directly and save both time and money.
Good packaging prevents damage and keeps costs down. For heavy or large items:
Use double-wall or triple-wall boxes or a sturdy crate.
Add internal cushioning: foam corners, edge protectors, and void fill.
Reinforce seams with fiber-reinforced tape; use straps for heavy loads.
For very heavy items, mount on a pallet and strap + shrink-wrap.
Place clear labels and orientation arrows; avoid overhanging edges on pallets.
Check our Packaging Guidelines to align with DHL/FedEx/UPS/DPD rules.
Shipping outside the EU requires a commercial invoice with accurate HS codes, values, and Incoterms (most SMEs choose DAP, receiver pays duties/taxes). If you need the seller to cover duties, explore DDP options where available.
With ParcelParcel you can generate correct documentation in a few clicks using our Customs Tool, reducing delays and extra charges.
Measure & weigh: Note L×W×H and actual weight.
Get instant rates in our Shipping Calculator—we’ll also compute volumetric weight.
Choose the right service: Large-parcel vs pallet, economy vs express.
Prepare documents: Create a compliant commercial invoice with our Customs Tool.
Pack like a pro: Double-wall box or palletise; protect corners; label clearly.
Book & track: Schedule pickup, receive labels, and track end-to-end.
Add protection: Upgrade to our Transport Guarantee for extra peace of mind.
Why do companies like yours choose ParcelParcel? Because we make big-parcel and pallet shipping clear, with sharp rates and personal support.
Oversize/overweight fees when limits are exceeded
Remote area or liftgate charges for difficult access
Repackaging or address correction fees
Avoid surprises by measuring accurately, using compliant packaging, and confirming delivery conditions (elevator, forklift, opening hours).
Ready to ship smarter? Start today with ParcelParcel, no obligations, support whenever you need it.
Carriers set different limits, but if your box exceeds ~120 cm on one side, has a large girth, or weighs 30–70 kg+, it’s considered big. If it’s beyond parcel limits, we’ll suggest a pallet option and compare prices for you.
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It depends on volumetric weight, handling risk, and surcharges. Several smaller boxes can reduce oversize fees, but a pallet can be safer (and sometimes cheaper) for heavy goods. Our Calculator compares both so you can pick the lowest total cost.
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Measure L×W×H (cm) and divide by the carrier divisor (commonly 5000 for air). Compare with actual kg and use the higher number. Our Shipping Calculator does this automatically and shows the best-value services.
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You’ll need a commercial invoice with HS codes, description, value, and Incoterms (often DAP, receiver pays duties/taxes). If you need the seller to cover duties, explore DDP options where available. Some goods may require permits. Our Customs Tool generates compliant paperwork so your shipment clears faster.
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Yes. We schedule door-to-door pickup, provide live tracking, and offer an optional Transport Guarantee. If your item is very heavy or hard to handle, we’ll advise liftgate/forklift options and the right service tier.
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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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