What counts as a non-standard shipment? Each courier company offers limits and guidelines for the dimensions of parcels of different sizes. If these are exceeded, additional charges will apply. Find out how non-standard parcels are sent and whether the courier can refuse to accept them.
Non-standard shipment - what is it?
The category of non-standard courier shipments includes all parcels which for some reason do not fit into the limits for standard shipments. Most often, they exceed the permissible weight. At InPost, the maximum weight is 25 kg - in the offer for retail customers. On the other hand, the permissible side dimensions of the largest size available in Parcel Manager (D) is 500 × 500 × 800 mm.
Customised parcels can also vary in shape. In our price list for companies, we specify several different types of standard parcels: up to 50 kg. However, for parcels with a cylindrical, round, oval or irregular shape, we provide for an additional charge.
We also consider oversize parcels to be parcels where one of the lengths exceeds 120 cm or the sum of the dimensions is over 220 cm.
If you browse through the offer for companies, you will notice another non-standard type of shipment - the long-distance parcel. It falls between the standard and non-standard categories. In its case, the dimension of its longest side is over 200 cm, but its weight must not exceed 30 kg. The maximum side length is 350 cm.
Send parcel Parcel to be sent? Send it quickly and conveniently via any Parcel Machine®.
A few moments and the package is posted!
How much does custom shipping cost?
If you are a retail customer, the cheapest way to send customised parcels is through Parcel Manager. Although the surcharge for sending oversized goods is fixed, we allow for a larger selection of standard sizes in this price list. The cost of a non-standard shipment for retail customers is £246. However, additional services must be added to this price: verification of the weight and dimensions of the parcel (PLN 14.76) and a fee for treating the parcel as oversize (PLN 18.45). What does this mean?
The dimensions are verified by the courier at the time of collection of the parcel in order to make a proper estimate of the non-standard parcel and determine whether it will definitely fit in the delivery vehicle. Treating a parcel as oversized involves a number of actions associated with exceeding the size limit, including additional employee time, the need for lifting and greater care during transport.
When working with InPost as a business and e-commerce customer, it is much more difficult to exceed the size standards. This is because the price list covers parcels weighing between 1 kg and 50 kg. So you can send goods in bulk as well as larger orders directly to your customers.
Do you want to ship items stacked on a pallet? This is the safest method of transporting bulk orders. By choosing the right size pallet, you can ship almost any goods including sinks, bumpers and even tyres in the right carton. If you're looking for a carrier that can take on the heaviest parcels - here we are!
In the Standard Pallet service you can send packed goods weighing up to 800 kg. Non-standard pallets are individually priced by the courier during shipment verification, adding 3 PLN for each kilogram over the allowed limit.
A slightly different pricing is for a long-haul parcel. It may be in the form of a tube, although oval packaging is not a requirement. In a long-distance shipment the length of the longest side exceeds 200 cm. The cost of such shipment is PLN 100 for each commenced 100 cm of the mentioned edge.
It is worth mentioning that long parcels are handled exclusively in the business offer. The price of a non-standard long parcel is calculated individually, but we are unable to transport a parcel longer than 350 cm due to the size of the vans. 
How do I send a non-standard parcel?
Sending a non-standard parcel is slightly different than sending a standard parcel. You will not be able to send an oversize parcel via Parcel Machine. Even if it fits within the allowed dimensions, but exceeds the weight of 30 kg, the courier will treat it as a non-standard shipment and charge an additional fee. Large parcels are best sent by door-to-door service.
When the courier arrives, the parcel must be properly packed. You can only order the collection of standard parcels on our website or from the app. If you wish to send a non-standard parcel, please call us. We will adjust the collection date based on courier availability.
If you have a company account, please also contact us in advance for oversize or long parcels. We normally treat these as palletised shipments, but the terms and conditions are agreed individually. Hence, there is also an additional charge for verification of the dimensions and weight of the parcels. 
What packaging should I use for a non-standard shipment?
Regardless of the type of parcel you are sending, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with the packaging guidelines. The standard recommendations usually also apply to unusual parcels. A sturdy cardboard box, stretch film and tape will be useful for proper packing.
For very heavy items, a crate may be a better choice. There are also some parcels for which a barrel is best. For lengthy parcels, a tube will work well. Remember that non-standard courier shipments should be weighed and measured after packing.
To protect items, fill the empty spaces inside the carton with fabric or bubble wrap. For large items, it is best to use polystyrene foam. Reinforce the edges of the carton several times with strong tape.
Items on a pallet can be packed without external packaging. The goods should be placed side by side and then stretch film should be used to wrap the contents. This will limit the items from sliding off the pallet. Join the films together using tape.
The cheapest way to send non-standard parcels is with a business account. We encourage you to create one! Not only will you benefit from extended weight limits, but you can also order a courier, even on the same day.
Choose InPost Subscriptions for businesses and send parcels at a fixed price.
Take one minute to leave your contact details and start sending parcels from as low as 11.89 PLN*.
- One contract for courier and Paczkomat shipments
- Free courier pickups
- Express delivery
- Price guarantee for the duration of the contract
- Fuel surcharge included
- Dedicated post-sale support
* Net price per Paczkomat shipment in the Subscription 600 plan.
Czytaj również
