Large and unmanageable parcels? Send as bulky items with GLS
GLS will sort and scan these consignments manually at its distribution centers and depots. This is because they are not suitable for the automated sorting equipment. GLS deploys these so-called sorters for quick, reliable parcel shipping. A parcel's dimensions or shape or the outer packaging can all contribute to it being non-conveyable and thus being shipped as a bulky item.
What makes a parcel a bulky item or non-conveyable?
Due to their length or width, certain goods can tilt or roll away or have unstable packaging when being conveyed through the automated sorting equipment. These items must be sorted manually. These include:
- tyre consignments
- spools, sacks and rolls of fabric
- canisters, plastic buckets and wooden crates
- parcels that are longer than 120 cm
- parcels with any kind of protruding parts
In our NC goods guideline, we provide a summary of various bulky shipment examples.
Bulky shipments – how it works
GLS will also collect large and unmanageable parcels – either as part of an agreed delivery schedule or following notification via the relevant dispatch system for our business customers.
The permitted maximum parcel size dimensions are still applicable when shipping bulky items. The girth of the parcel, i.e. the circumference plus the longest side can be up to 3 metres. The weight limit is 40 kilogrammes (50 kilogrammes for express international deliveries).
If parcels are non-conveyable, a surcharge (Price upon request ) is imposed to cover the additional work involved in manually sorting the bulky shipments.
General cargo (pallets) are transported by DB Schenker as part of a collaborative agreement for GLS customers. Collection can be requested via the GLS dispatch systems for business customers.
