What is a 'long' or 'large' parcel?
In practice, carriers call a parcel long or large when:
your parcel is longer than 1 metre, and/or
the girth (length + 2×width + 2×height) goes over a certain limit, often 300 cm or more
the parcel no longer fits through sorting machines automatically (because of its size or shape, for example)
Your shipment is then often treated as 'non-conveyable'. The result: surcharges, different handling and sometimes longer transit times.
At ParcelParcel you can simply book shipments like these. Our platform takes each carrier's limits into account and shows you the options for sending a large parcel abroad straight away (including express services, or pallet options when that makes more sense), so you don't have to work it all out yourself.
Maximum size per carrier (DHL, DPD, PostNL, UPS & co)
Sending a large parcel with DHL
For consumers in the Netherlands, DHL eCommerce uses standard maximum dimensions of around 80 × 50 × 35 cm and 20 kg. Business and international shipments get more room: up to 120 × 60 × 60 cm, 31.5 kg and a maximum length of 200 cm, with surcharges if one side goes over.
In short:
Up to about 80 cm: standard parcel
Between 80 and 120 cm: often possible, sometimes with a surcharge
Over 120 to 200 cm: only through specific services or the business network
On ParcelParcel you see straight away which DHL service suits your large parcel, and when another carrier is cheaper or a better fit.
Sending a large parcel with DPD
DPD is fairly strict about limits, especially for consumers:
Max. length: 175 cm
Max. girth: 300 cm (L + 2W + 2H)
Max. weight: usually 31.5 kg (20 kg for some shop or pickup services)
If your long parcel is over 1 metre, it often falls into a higher price band or needs a business contract. On ParcelParcel you see DPD next to other carriers in one overview, so you don't have to dig through all the terms yourself.
Sending a large parcel with PostNL (for reference)
ParcelParcel itself works with DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV and Skynet, but many people look up PostNL for large parcels. Useful to know:
A standard parcel can be up to about 100 × 70 × 58 cm
As a large parcel within the Netherlands, up to 176 × 78 × 58 cm and 23 kg is allowed
From about 95 cm in length, PostNL often charges an extra 'large parcel' surcharge
For international shipments and rates outside the EU, ParcelParcel is usually the better deal: you compare several express carriers in one tool and benefit from our business purchasing rates.
UPS, FedEx, DSV and Skynet: options for even bigger or heavier parcels
For really large parcels or combinations (up to 274 cm long, a bigger girth or heavier shipments, for example), UPS, FedEx and DSV are the ones to look at. They offer:
higher maximums for length and girth
international express networks
pallet and freight options through DSV and FedEx Freight
UPS charges a Large Package Surcharge when length + girth goes over 300 cm, and an extra surcharge above 400 cm. Since 2025 a temporary demand surcharge also applies to large and 'Additional Handling' parcels.
So it's important to know which category your parcel falls into before you book. The ParcelParcel shipping calculator shows you straight away whether your parcel is within parcel limits or whether pallet transport makes more sense.
Sending a large parcel abroad: what to look out for
When you send a large parcel abroad, a few extra things come into play:
Dimensions and weight
International networks are sometimes stricter than domestic ones; international DPD shipments, for example, often have a tighter maximum girth than domestic shipments.Volumetric (dimensional) weight
Large, light parcels are usually charged on volumetric weight. The bigger the parcel, the sooner you move into a higher price band. UPS and DHL use fixed formulas per cm and kg for this. Our article on volumetric weight (in Dutch) explains exactly how to calculate it and avoid surprises.Extra handling & surcharges
Anything that can't be sorted automatically (too long, too heavy, an odd shape) often gets a surcharge on top of the normal price.Customs and documents
Outside the EU you need a commercial invoice and a clear description of the goods. ParcelParcel creates these automatically and helps you with customs questions.- Delivery time
A long parcel can take a day longer because it's handled manually. Where possible, we take this into account in the estimated transit time.
Large parcel shipping costs: how are they worked out?
The cost of sending a large parcel roughly depends on:
the destination country (especially outside the EU)
the length, girth and weight of your parcel
the carrier and service level you choose (economy or express)
any extra services: collection, insurance, manual handling
DHL, DPD, PostNL and other carriers usually state the length from which an XL or 'overlength' surcharge applies, for example from 95 cm at PostNL and 100 to 120 cm at many international parcel services.
With ParcelParcel you don't have to remember all of this. You enter the dimensions once and our tool:
works out the volumetric weight automatically
shows which carriers accept your long parcel
shows straight away which surcharges apply
Looking for the cheapest way to ship a large parcel? Use the rate calculator and compare rates from DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD, DSV and Skynet in one overview.
Why send a long or large parcel with ParcelParcel?
Many businesses and individuals still send large parcels directly with a single carrier. They get stuck on dimensions, only find out about surcharges afterwards, or spend a lot of time comparing prices.
With ParcelParcel you:
Compare all the top carriers in one go
DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD, DSV and Skynet, all in one overview, at our negotiated rates.See straight away whether your long parcel is within parcel or pallet limits
Our system warns you when you go over a limit and suggests an alternative service (such as a pallet) when that's better.Sort customs and documents automatically
For shipments outside the EU you easily create a commercial invoice and, where needed, customs documents in the tool.Get personal support
Our specialists help with awkward dimensions, multiple pieces, or the question of whether a pallet is cheaper than sending a large parcel.
Shipping big and long parcels abroad feels complicated to many senders. ParcelParcel gives you clarity, speed and control, without you having to work everything out yourself.