Couriers for Large Items – How Big is Too Big?

April 8, 2014

Bulk BoxesPackaging and sending small items is not a problem for most, but if you have something bigger in mind, it is wise to look for couriers for large items. Shipping large items might seem like a big challenge. However, knowing which parcel size to use and the kind of vehicle needed to transport it can simplify the process.

Determining Your Parcel Size

Whether you are shipping electronics or furniture, you should always measure your item as accurately as possible. The dimensions you should measure are the length, width and height. The length is the longest side of your item, while the width and height should ideally be added together to determine the girth.

Aim to round off the measurements to the nearest inch or centimeter. Professionals recommended that you double your width and height so you can give your item enough room inside the packaging. A box or a container too tight might come apart during the journey and damage your goods. Because accuracy is crucial, you can take your item to your shipping company and let professionals measure it for you.

Weighing Your Item

Unless you have a specialized scale at home or on business premises to weigh large items, it is advisable to visit your shipping company, post office or similar facility to get them weighed. Although some items do come with the manufacturer’s estimate, it is still important to check again once the item is inside its packaging.

How to Choose the Right Packaging

Once your measurements are taken and noted, you can find packaging to match. The simplest way is to ask a shipping consultant who deals with couriers for large items. Take advantage of any packing services they might have. On the other hand, if you prefer to pack and label the item yourself, make sure the box or container you choose is strong and large enough to fit goods securely.

Take Extra Precautions

Having the right parcel size is great, but you still need to consider two things: where is my parcel going and is it tough enough to withstand the trip to its final destination?

Putting your item in the right sized box does not necessarily guarantee that it will arrive in one piece. If your parcel is fragile, consider adding reinforcements like bubble wrap, Styrofoam peanuts, Styrofoam molded cradles, straw, shredded paper or air pillows.

Alternatively, you can choose from corrugated cardboard boxes, glassware boxes, file, dish or mattress parcel packaging. Specialty boxes with insulation and retention packaging is also available. Whichever you consider to be appropriate, make sure you secure the parcel with packing tape and choose the right vehicle to get it there safely.

Types of Delivery Vehicles and What They Carry

Cars:

Delivery cars are ideal for smaller large items. They can travel faster than most modes of transport and are often used to make daily deliveries. While some may prefer them for couriering documents in bulk, they can be used for slightly larger items as well.

Cargo vans

Fast and convenient, cargo vans can carry heavier, sizable items easier than cars. From large appliances to bulky office supplies, these vans are more spacious and offer customers the flexibility they need to move bigger objects with ease and speed.

Sprinters

As the name suggests, these vehicles are made for quick deliveries. Often used for same day or one day deliveries, they have room for a range of parcel sizes. Their modern construction is made for safer transportation of goods but they are limited when it comes to moving extra large goods.

3-ton and 5-ton trucks

Both individuals and businesses use these trucks because of their generous space and load capacity. Ideal for carrying hefty items, they can be used to deliver construction materials, equipment, furniture, business supplies and a lot more.

When it comes to delivering bulkier, heavier items, finding couriers for large items is your best bet. Find help on how to package your parcel correctly and how to choose the right vehicle for transportation. The parcel size you choose will depend on what you are shipping and with a range of vehicles to choose from, there can never be an item too big.

A delivery man is giving a box to a woman in front of a van.
March 14, 2025
When you think about courier services, it’s easy to picture the person delivering your package at its final destination. But have you ever wondered who else is involved in getting that parcel or freight from Point A to Point B? At Power Link Expedite, every shipment involves a skilled and coordinated team working together to ensure that your delivery experience is seamless. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people who bring your packages safely and efficiently to you or your customers. 1. The Customer Service Team The experience begins with our customer service team. Whether you’re scheduling a delivery, asking for a quote, or tracking a package, our friendly customer service staff are here to assist. They answer questions, provide updates, and ensure all necessary information is documented, so your delivery process can start off on the right foot. Highlight: This team ensures real-time communication and offers clarity on every step of the delivery process. 2. The Dispatch Team and Logistics Planners Once an order is placed, the Dispatch Team and the Logistics Planners step in. Using state-of-the-art technology, they plan the most efficient routes, ensure the schedule aligns with customer expectations, and optimize resources to handle every delivery with precision and efficiency. Highlight: Their expertise ensures minimal delays, even when faced with traffic, weather conditions, or unplanned hurdles. 3. The Drivers These are the faces most customers associate with Power Link Expedite. Our professional drivers are on the road, delivering packages & freight quickly and safely. Equipped with navigation tools and trained in customer interaction, they represent the final, crucial step in the delivery chain. Highlight: They aren't just driving—they're ambassadors of our brand, ensuring every interaction is friendly and professional. 4. The Technology Experts Behind the scenes, our IT team ensures that all systems, including our transportation management systems, package tracking, and route optimization software are running smoothly. They maintain the tools that allow customers to place orders online, track their deliveries in real time (when appropriate) and keep our operations connected. Highlight: Their work means customers can place orders 24/7 and always know where their packages are, giving peace of mind and transparency. 5. The Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Human Resources, and Bookkeeping Team Our accounting related staff ensure our suppliers, service providers, staff, & drivers are paid promptly. They issue invoices for the work we perform for our valued customers, pay the invoices we receive from our valued suppliers, maintain HR records, and provide HR services to our staff. Highlight: Ultimately, they make sure our bills get paid promptly, and help our staff using their broad HR expertise 6. The Management Team Every great service needs strong leadership. Our management team oversees operations to ensure every department works efficiently and collaboratively. From maintaining high customer service standards, high on time delivery standards, to fostering innovation, and exploring new growth opportunities, they set the vision and ensure every team member delivers excellence. Highlight: They focus on continuous improvement, keeping Power Link Expedite ahead of industry standards. Working Together to Deliver Excellence From the moment you place an order to the package or freight arriving at its destination, every step is carried out by a dedicated professional. At Power Link Expedite, we’re more than just a courier company—we’re a cohesive team working tirelessly to provide top-tier delivery services for your business. If you're an industry partner and interested in collaborating with a team that values accuracy, communication, and exceptional service, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today at 905-693-1143 to learn how Power Link Expedite can support your courier and logistics needs.
A lot of shipping containers are stacked on top of each other in a harbor.
By Mary McDonald February 19, 2025
How to Ship Your Freight
An aerial view of two delivery men carrying boxes out of a truck.
By Sara DeSantis January 17, 2025
When speed and reliability are non-negotiable for your deliveries, direct drive courier services offer a solution that gets the job done. More than just a transportation option, they are tailored to meet the needs of small businesses and local retailers. If you've been searching for ways to streamline your shipping or ensure sensitive materials arrive safely, here's why direct-drive couriers might be right for you.
A truck is driving over a bridge with an american flag hanging from it
May 31, 2024
Sharing this article written for our sister company Kaidex Transportation Services.   Transporting goods across national borders involves a complex web of regulations, documentation, and logistical challenges. Companies must be well-versed in the customs protocols of the countries they are exporting to or importing from, including tariffs, trade agreements, and prohibited items. Efficient logistics management also […] The post Logistics of Transporting Goods Across the Border first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
A fedex truck is parked in a parking lot
February 28, 2024
Whether you are an online seller or a regular package sender, you’ll want to get the services of the best courier out there. Companies have established their reputations over the years. There are those which are better at one thing but worse in others. No single provider can claim to be excellent across the board. […] The post FedEx vs. Canada Post | The Difference Between Couriers first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
July 19, 2023
With the ease of selling articles online, today, you may be wondering how to ship: • Oil paintings • Prints • Posters • Paintings You can find companies that will do the entire job for you, from pick-up to delivery. But the cost can be extremely high and once you have added this to the […] The post How to Ship Oil Paintings/Prints/Posters/Paintings first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
March 10, 2023
In the legal profession, every minute counts. Deadlines can mean the difference between a case going to court or being dismissed. So, why would you trust your important paperwork to anyone other than a legal document courier? We’ve come up with a list of four reasons why every law firm should use courier services. The next […] The post 4 Reasons Every Law Firm Should Use Courier Services first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
August 31, 2022
In late August 2022, a Power Link courier customer had an urgent problem to solve. A kidney transplant patient in Labrador City, Labrador needed dialysis medication. Unfortunately, due to inventory shortages, the medication was not available locally. In fact, it was only available in Mississauga, and it wouldn’t even be available in Mississauga for several […] The post Helping A Kidney Transplant Patient In Their Time Of Need first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
March 29, 2022
Power link recently helped McMaster University with a virtual employee recognition event that included a cooking class.  As part of the event, McMaster needed 88 packages containing recipe ingredients delivered to 88 employee residences in Southern Ontario.  McMaster sent us a spreadsheet containing all of the employee names, addresses, and telephone numbers.  We then uploaded […] The post Virtual Employee Recognition Event first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
A delivery man is standing in front of a van holding a clipboard.
August 5, 2021
Urgent Hand Carry Delivery – On Friday morning before the August long weekend, many Canadians were looking forward to the end of the day, when their 3 day weekend would get started.  However, that morning Power Link received a call from a customer with an urgent, life or death request:  Someone in St. John, New […] The post Urgent Hand Carry Delivery first appeared on Power Link Expedite.
Show More