Simple solutions for big and heavy items.
Fulfillment Services for Oversized Goods
Fulfillment-Box offers cost-effective fulfillment solutions for bulky and heavy goods across Europe and North America.
Global Fulfillment for Oversized Items
With over 20 warehouses in Europe and North America equipped to handle oversized goods, your business can seamlessly reach audiences in the largest e-commerce markets.
- Rates as for standard goods
- No maximum size limits*
- Dedicated English-speaking account manager
*Note: While we can’t store wind turbine blades 😉, please consult with our team about the type and dimensions of your goods.
Examples of Oversized Goods We Handle:
Furniture
Home appliances
Home décor
Gardening tools
Windows
Comprehensive Solutions for Large Items
Oversized goods require special care. That’s why we offer end-to-end solutions covering all stages of the supply chain. From transportation to returns, we’ve got you covered.
Freight Forwarding
We organize international freight between China, Europe, the USA, and Canada, ensuring goods are delivered to our warehouses or Amazon warehouses as quickly as possible.
Storage
We provide pallet or rack storage (including half-pallet options) in warehouses located in the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and China.
Order Fulfillment
We pick, securely pack, and ship orders, including items with serial numbers, expiry dates, and multi-item sets.
Returns Processing
We handle returns from customers and removals from Amazon, inspect items, restock them within one business day, or arrange disposal.
Dropshipping
We repackage items, replace supplier details with your branding, and ship directly to your customers.
Value-Added Services
We offer custom branding, labeling, and other additional operations tailored to your needs.
Special Offer for Germany
Fulfillment-Box partners with DPD in Germany to provide exclusive discounts on shipping bulky and oversized items. This collaboration allows us to offer cost-effective delivery solutions at rates significantly lower than booking directly with carriers.
Speak with Oversized Logistics Experts
Frequently Asked Questions
1. In which countries do you provide fulfillment services for oversized goods?
Fulfillment-Box operates in Germany, Poland, Austria, Spain, Italy, France, the UK, the USA, and Canada. We offer tailored solutions regardless of your location.
2. Can you handle international shipping?
Yes, we provide international shipping. However, the specifics depend on your cargo. Please discuss details with our managers for the best shipping solutions based on your product type, destination, and shipping requirements.
3. Can you identify serial numbers for my products?
Absolutely! We can track and manage serial numbers for your items.
4. What are the maximum dimensions you accept?
We don’t impose strict size limits as it depends on the warehouse and product characteristics. Please contact our managers for precise information. We will find the optimal solution for your shipments, considering their size and storage requirements.
Fulfillment of Oversized Goods: What You Need to Know
Handling oversized goods is a complex process requiring a tailored approach. These items often exceed standard dimensions and weight, making specialized solutions essential.
What Qualifies as Oversized Products?
Oversized products are items that exceed the standard size and weight limits set by logistics providers. Examples include large appliances, furniture, sports equipment, or building materials. Since every logistics provider may have different criteria, it’s critical to confirm your shipment’s parameters with your logistics partner.
It’s also worth noting that an item can be classified as oversized based on its weight rather than just its dimensions. For instance, a relatively compact item may be considered oversized if it significantly exceeds standard weight thresholds. This classification affects shipping, packaging, and storage requirements.
Examples of oversized items include:
● Sports equipment like bicycles, skis, or treadmills
● Large artworks such as sculptures and panoramic paintings
● Furniture and home décor, including sofas, wardrobes, and custom-designed pieces
● Industrial parts and raw materials, such as pipes, machinery, or heavy components
What Are the Challenges With Fulfillment of Oversized Products?
The handling of oversized items comes with unique logistical challenges due to their size, weight, and specific handling requirements. These challenges affect every stage of fulfillment, from storage and packaging to last-mile delivery.
1. High Shipping Costs
Oversized items require specialized equipment, such as forklifts, crane systems, or reinforced delivery trucks. This increases transportation costs. Additionally, many logistics providers apply surcharges for handling oversized goods, further raising delivery expenses.
2. Storage Complications
Bulky items take up more space in warehouses, driving up storage costs and reducing space for other products. Some items may require specific storage conditions, such as securing them with stabilizers to prevent tipping or using heavy-duty shelves capable of supporting higher weights.
3. Processing Delays
Processing oversized goods is labor-intensive and time-consuming. Manual handling increases the risk of employee injuries, while relying on specialized equipment can slow operations. This can extend the overall order fulfillment cycle.
4. Risk of Damage
Due to their size and weight, oversized goods are more challenging to protect during transit. Improperly secured items can shift during transportation, leading to damage. Inadequate packaging can result in scratches, dents, or breakages, particularly for fragile items like home appliances or furniture.
5. Limited Logistic Options
Not all carriers accommodate oversized items, particularly for international shipping. This narrows the pool of available logistics providers, potentially leading to longer delivery times or higher costs.
How Businesses Can Optimize Fulfillment for Oversized Goods
For any online business, fulfillment optimization is a vital aspect of growth and competitiveness. However, for sellers of oversized goods, this task becomes even more critical, as every detail—from packaging choices to delivery logistics—can significantly impact overall costs and profitability. Effective management of these processes not only reduces expenses but also enhances customer satisfaction.
1. Choosing the Right Packaging Solutions
Proper packaging is essential to the successful delivery of oversized goods. It should be both:
Reliable: Packaging must protect items from damage during transport and storage. This is particularly important for fragile or surface-sensitive goods. Use materials like bubble wrap, sturdy cardboard, and additional reinforcement for protruding elements. Durable packaging minimizes the risk of returns due to damage, a key concern for oversized items.
Compact: Efficient packaging reduces the volume of the item, thereby lowering storage and transportation costs. Aim to minimize packaging material without compromising its protective qualities.
2. Streamlining Storage and Handling
Efficient storage is crucial for managing oversized items.
Use specialized shelves and pallets:
High shelving is ideal for bulky but lightweight items, allowing better use of vertical space.
Heavy oversized goods are best stored on pallets, simplifying their movement and reducing the risk of damage.
Incorporate lifting and handling equipment:
Utilize forklifts, stackers, or cranes to manage oversized goods. These tools not only accelerate operations but also reduce physical strain on workers, enhancing workplace safety.
Leverage process automation:
A Warehouse Management System (WMS) can optimize oversized item storage by:
● Automatically tracking inventory and item locations.
● Planning efficient storage layouts.
● Simplifying inventory audits and reducing errors.
Account for product-specific requirements:
When optimising, it is important to consider the individual characteristics of the products:
● Consider weight and dimensions to prevent overloading shelves or pallets.
● Simplifying inventory audits and reducing errors.
● Simplifying inventory audits and reducing errors.
Properly organized storage and handling reduce operational costs, minimize damage, and expedite order processing, boosting overall productivity.
3. Outsourcing Fulfillment for Oversized Goods
For businesses handling oversized items, outsourcing fulfillment to third-party logistics (3PL) providers can simplify logistics management and reduce costs. Key advantages of outsourcing:
Lower Operational Costs. Fulfillment centers, such as Fulfillment-Box, already have the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and skilled staff for handling oversized shipments. This eliminates the need to build and maintain an in-house logistics system.
Faster Delivery Times. 3PL providers with extensive networks of warehouses and logistics partners can optimize delivery routes, ensuring quicker deliveries. This is especially crucial for oversized goods, where transport time significantly affects customer satisfaction.
Savings on Shipping Rates. Many logistics providers have partnerships with courier services, offering clients better shipping rates. For instance, Fulfillment-Box in Germany collaborates with DPD, providing exclusive discounts on oversized parcel shipments. This allows businesses to lower delivery costs without sacrificing quality.
Focus on Business Growth. By entrusting logistics to professionals, you can concentrate on core activities such as product development, marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer experience.
Outsourcing fulfillment is an efficient solution that reduces costs, improves logistics efficiency, and frees up resources for strategic business growth.
Packaging Tips for Oversized Goods
Proper packaging for oversized goods is crucial for maintaining product integrity, reducing storage and shipping costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Here are some practical recommendations:
1
Choose Durable Packaging Materials
Opt for materials that provide reliable protection for your cargo:
● High-density cardboard or plywood for outer packaging.
● Cushioning materials like foam, bubble wrap, or foam inserts to prevent damage during transportation.
● Reinforcements such as cardboard or foam corner protectors and wooden frames for especially heavy items.
2
Minimize Packaging Volume
Compact packaging reduces storage and shipping expenses:
● Reduce empty space inside boxes by adding cushioning materials.
● Use packaging tailored to the product’s exact dimensions to avoid paying for “air shipping.”
3
Consider Product Specifics
Customize packaging based on the item’s characteristics:
● Add extra layers of protection for fragile items.
● Use soft padding for items with uneven or protruding surfaces to prevent damage.
● Apply moisture-resistant materials like polyethylene film or sealed bags for water-sensitive products.
4
Ensure Ease of Handling
Make oversized goods easier to handle by incorporating movement-friendly features:
● Include handles or straps for easier loading and unloading.
● Use pallets or bases with forklift-compatible fixtures for particularly heavy items.
5
Simplify Labeling and Identification
Provide clear and accurate labeling on the packaging:
● Include the weight, dimensions, and product characteristics, along with handling and storage instructions.
● Use symbols like “Fragile” or “Keep Dry” where applicable.
6
Employ Damage-Resistant Packaging Technologies
● Use shrink wrap for extra fixation and stability.
● Reinforce package seals with durable tape or metal fasteners to withstand transportation stress.
7
Focus on Customer Convenience
Ease of unpacking is an important factor. Avoid overuse of complicated fasteners or packaging materials that make it difficult to access the goods.
8
Opt for Sustainable Solutions
Whenever possible, use recyclable materials. This approach is not only environmentally friendly but also enhances your brand’s image in the eyes of eco-conscious customers.
Whenever possible, use recyclable materials. This approach is not only environmentally friendly but also enhances your brand’s image in the eyes of eco-conscious customers.
