Skip to content

Sending large shipments – bulky goods & oversized transport across Europe

You send large shipments and bulky goods as direct transport as soon as standard dimensions are exceeded: the core factor is that beyond oversized dimensions (over 80 × 120 cm, over ~2.20 m height, long goods from ~3 m or from ~1,000 kg) the right vehicle is needed rather than a transhipment network.

Aerial view of a logistics centre with loading ramps

As soon as a shipment exceeds the standard dimensions of a Euro pallet, parcel services and groupage networks reach their limits: oversize surcharges, transhipment at several hubs and unclear transit times are the result. Speed Logistics moves large shipments as direct transport without transhipment – from over-width pallets and long goods to crated packages several metres in length. You tell us the dimensions, weight and deadline, we provide the right vehicle and deliver door to door.

You receive the fixed-price offer within a few hours, and our dedicated dispatch team is available around the clock. For consignees in non-EU countries – such as Türkiye, the Maghreb or the Gulf region – we additionally handle the complete customs clearance from EXW to DDP.

What counts as a large shipment?

In practice we speak of large shipments when at least one of these criteria applies:

  • Packages above the standard dimension of 80 × 120 cm or over 2.20 m in height
  • Long goods such as profiles, pipes or shafts from around 3 m in length
  • Individual weights that overwhelm a tail lift or hand pallet truck (from approx. 1,000 kg)
  • Shipments made up of many pallet spaces that justify a part load or full truckload

For each of these scenarios we choose the right equipment – from the curtainside Sprinter with 4.2 m loading length and the 7.5-tonne truck with tail lift to the articulated lorry with 13.6 m loading floor and side loading for crane handling.

Process: from enquiry to delivery

You send us the dimensions, weight, loading and unloading point and the required date. Our dispatch team checks vehicle availability and route and draws up a binding fixed-price offer – depending on the lane and lead time, usually within a few hours. Once the order is placed, we assign a vehicle exclusively to your shipment: no groupage, no intermediate stops, no transhipment. Loading by slot or time window is just as possible as pre-delivery notification of the consignee.

Load securing and handling for oversized goods

Large packages need more than lashing straps: we factor anti-slip mats, edge protectors, load bars and, where required, tight-fit loading into the vehicle choice from the outset. For sensitive or high-value goods – plant components, glass, painted parts – Speed Logistics offers premium handling with appropriate padding and documented handover. On request, photos of loading and securing accompany the digital transport record, and you receive the CMR consignment note after delivery.

Costs for sending large shipments

The price depends on vehicle size, distance, loading-metre requirement, deadline pressure and any additional services such as tail lift or customs clearance. A dedicated Sprinter direct transport within Germany is, depending on lane and lead time, roughly in the range of €1.00–1.60 per kilometre, an articulated lorry correspondingly higher – it becomes binding with your specific fixed-price offer. There are no hidden surcharges: the quoted price applies door to door.

Part load or exclusive vehicle?

Not every large shipment needs its own articulated lorry. If the deadline allows some flexibility, we check a part load on a suitable lane – that noticeably lowers the cost. If the deadline is tight, the goods are sensitive or the package is hard to combine (over-width, over-height, non-stackable), the exclusive vehicle is the right choice: it runs without intermediate stops, and the load securing is designed solely around your package. When preparing the quote, our dispatch team lays out both options if both are realistic – you decide by budget and time pressure. We also plan multi-stage projects, such as a plant delivered in several part loads over two weeks, as one overall package with a single point of contact.

Vehicles for large and oversized shipments
VehicleFeature
Curtainside Sprinter (3.5 t)approx. 4.2 m loading length
7.5/12-tonne truckwith tail lift
40 t articulated lorry13.6 m, side loading for crane

Frequently asked questions: Large Shipments

From what dimensions does a shipment count as bulky goods?

Bulky goods are packages that clearly exceed the standard dimension of a Euro pallet (80 × 120 cm), are higher than about 2.20 m, or as long goods from around 3 m in length can no longer be loaded through a groupage network. We move such shipments as direct transport with the appropriate vehicle rather than through a transhipment network.

Which vehicles does Speed Logistics use for large shipments?

Depending on dimensions and weight, we deploy anything from the curtainside Sprinter (3.5 t, approx. 4.2 m loading length) through 7.5- and 12-tonne trucks with tail lift to the 40 t articulated lorry with 13.6 m loading floor. For crane handling we provide vehicles with side or top loading access.

Is my large shipment transhipped en route?

No. At Speed Logistics large shipments run as direct transport: the vehicle is loaded at your premises and drives straight to the consignee without transhipment and without groupage stops. This reduces the risk of damage and makes the transit time precisely plannable. It also means the load securing stays unchanged from loading to unloading.

What does transporting a large shipment cost?

The price depends on dimensions, weight, vehicle size, distance and deadline pressure. As a rough guide, a Sprinter direct transport within Germany is around €1.00–1.60 per kilometre, depending on lane and lead time. You receive a binding fixed-price offer within a few hours. Additional services such as tail lift or customs clearance are shown transparently and separately in the quote.

Can large shipments also be sent to non-EU countries?

Yes. Speed Logistics also moves large shipments to non-EU countries such as Türkiye, North Africa, the Middle East or Central Asia – including complete export and import customs clearance from EXW to DDP. You receive a single, through door-to-door price. We agree the necessary customs documents with you before departure.

How quickly can a transport for bulky goods start?

Our dispatch team is staffed 24/7 and, depending on vehicle availability and region, can often provide a vehicle the same day. For very large units requiring an articulated lorry, one to two working days' lead time is advisable so that equipment and load securing are cleanly planned.

Common mistakes when sending large shipments – what should I watch out for?

If dimensions, weight and loading method are not stated in full, neither the right vehicle nor the load securing can be planned properly. Oversized goods are also often not recognised as a permit-required special transport. Large packages need more than lashing straps – anti-slip mats, edge protectors, load bars and tight-fit loading are factored in when the vehicle is chosen.

Why is a part load sometimes worthwhile instead of an exclusive vehicle?

Not every large shipment needs its own articulated lorry. If the deadline allows flexibility, a part load on a suitable lane noticeably lowers the cost. If the deadline is tight, the goods are sensitive or the package is hard to combine (over-width, over-height, non-stackable), the exclusive vehicle is right – it runs without intermediate stops and the load securing is designed solely around your package.

Request large shipments

Contact our dispatch team – fixed-price quote within hours, available 24/7.