What Can Be Sent By Courier? Your Quick Checklist
If you’ve ever wondered whether a particular item can travel by courier, you’re not alone. Most people think couriers only handle letters or small boxes, but the reality is far broader. Below you’ll get a clear picture of the everyday things you can send, the larger or more delicate items that need extra care, and the items you should never try to ship.
Common Everyday Items
These are the things you’ll see most often in courier bookings:
- Documents and paperwork: contracts, passports, certificates – just wrap them in a sturdy envelope and you’re set.
- Clothing and accessories: shirts, shoes, bags – fold or package them neatly to avoid wrinkles.
- Electronics: phones, tablets, laptops – use bubble wrap and a rigid box to protect screens.
- Small appliances: blenders, hairdryers, coffee makers – remove loose parts and cushion the corners.
- Books and magazines: pack them flat to keep pages from bending.
For most of these items, couriers allow parcels up to 30 kg (about 66 lb) and dimensions around 150 cm combined length + width + height. If you stay within those limits, the booking process is usually instant and cheap.
Special or Restricted Items
Now let’s talk about the stuff that needs a bit more planning:
- Motorcycles and bikes: Not every courier takes a bike, but specialist bike transport services (like our Chennai team) handle the loading, crating, and door‑to‑door delivery safely.
- Furniture: Small chairs, tables, and cabinets can go, but they often require a freight‑type service because of size and weight.
- Medical supplies: Thermometers, braces, or non‑hazardous kits are fine, but anything classified as a drug needs a certified carrier.
- Perishables: Fresh produce or frozen foods need insulated boxes and a courier with temperature control.
- Valuable items: Jewelry, watches, or rare collectibles should be insured and packed in tamper‑proof containers.
On the flip side, there are clear no‑go items: fireworks, explosives, live animals (unless you use a dedicated pet carrier), chemicals, and anything illegal. Most couriers list prohibited goods on their website, so a quick check saves you a rejected shipment.
Here are three tips to make sure your parcel sails through without a snag:
- Measure twice, weigh once: Accurate dimensions and weight keep the quote honest and avoid surprise surcharges.
- Use proper packaging: Double‑wall boxes for heavy items, bubble wrap for fragile parts, and sealing tape that won’t peel off in transit.
- Label clearly: Include both the sender’s and receiver’s full address, a phone number, and a brief description of the contents. A clear label reduces handling errors.
Every courier has its own pricing model, but most calculate cost based on weight, size, and distance. If you’re sending something on the larger side, ask for a “freight quote” instead of a regular parcel rate—you’ll get a more accurate price and often better handling.
Bottom line: you can send almost anything that isn’t explicitly banned, as long as you respect size, weight, and packaging rules. When in doubt, reach out to the courier’s customer support with a photo of the item; they’ll tell you if it’s a match or if you need a specialist service. Happy shipping!
