How To Ship a Large Package: Parcel vs. LTL Freight

If you're a small to midsized business (SMB) trying to figure out how to ship oversized packages, you're not alone. Larger, heavier shipments often fall into a gray area and shippers must determine whether parcel or freight is the most efficient and cost-effective way to ship these products.

So, what's the best solution for shippers like you looking to move oversize or oddly shaped packages? Here, we break down your options, compare less-than-truckload (LTL) freight vs. parcel and explore the cheapest way to ship large packages without compromising on speed, simplicity or service quality!

Parcel shipping vs. LTL freight: What's the difference?

When deciding between parcel shipping and LTL freight, the right choice depends on several factors — package size, weight, urgency, cost and delivery complexity. Here's an overview.

What is parcel shipping?

Parcel shipping involves small, individual packages handled by carriers like UPS®. These packages typically:

• Weigh less than 150 lbs.
• Measure no more than 108 inches in length
• Fall under a combined length + girth of 165 inches

If your shipment exceeds any of these limits, it's considered an oversize package, which may trigger additional handling fees — or even refusal by the carrier.

What is LTL freight?

LTL freight shipping is designed for larger or heavier shipments that don't fill an entire truck. These shipments typically:

• Weigh between 150 and 15,000 lbs.
• Are packaged on pallets or in crates
• Share space with other shippers' freight on the same truck

When To Use Parcel Shipping

Parcel shipping may be the right fit if your package:

•  Fits within standard size/weight limits
•  Needs fast, flexible delivery
•  Requires simple documentation and easy tracking
•  Can be handled without special equipment

Ideal for:

• Small boxes
• Lightweight products
• E-commerce shipments
• Low-volume orders

When To Choose LTL Freight

Large package shipping often makes more sense via LTL if your shipment:

•  Exceeds parcel size or weight limits
•  Requires special handling (e.g., pallets, liftgates, inside delivery)
•  Contains multiple packages going to the same location
•  Needs protection from excess handling

Cheapest Way To Ship Large Packages: Cost Comparison

As a shipper looking to cut costs and save money, you're probably wondering about the least expensive way to ship large packages — and that's a smart thing to consider. Here are some of the factors you need to know:

Parcel shipping cost factors:

• Base rate (based on size, weight and distance)
• Oversize fees for exceeding limits
• Shipping surcharges for residential delivery or special handling

LTL freight cost factors:

• Freight class (based on density, value and handling needs)
• Size, weight, dimensions and distance
• Accessorial charges (e.g., liftgate service, inside delivery)

Key insight

If you're shipping multiple large packages to the same destination, LTL can often be the cheapest way to ship large packages, especially when consolidated onto a single pallet. A third-party logistics provider (3PL) like Unishippers can help you compare rates and build a cost-efficient shipping strategy tailored to your business.

Speed: Need oversized packages there ASAP?

Shipping time matters — especially when your customers expect fast delivery. Here's a breakdown comparing parcel shipping vs. LTL freight shipping speed.

Parcel shipping:

• Offers more express options (overnight, 2-day and more)
• Ideal for urgent shipments
• Supported by unified parcel carrier network
• Guaranteed delivery windows to meet tight deadlines with confidence
• Weekend and evening delivery options provide added flexibility

LTL freight:

• Typically slower but can be expedited
• Options like priority LTL can sometimes deliver in 1-3 business days
• Works best when speed is important — but not critical

Pro Tip: With help from a 3PL, you can unlock premium LTL lanes for faster delivery without paying the sometimes-higher parcel rates.

Simplicity: Which is easier for large packages?

In shipping and business, efficiency is the name of the game. If you're looking for simplicity, here's how parcel vs. LTL compares:

Parcel shipping:

• Easy label printing
• Minimal documentation
• Quick pickup/drop-off process

LTL freight:

• Requires a bill of lading (BOL)
• Needs detailed package descriptions and freight class information
• Pickup and delivery coordination required (especially for palletized freight)

Still, LTL doesn't have to be a hassle. Unishippers offers myUnishippers™, a transportation management system (TMS) that simplifies freight booking, label printing and tracking — all in one dashboard.

Handling for Large Packages: Less is More

If you're shipping fragile or high-value goods, you want to reduce touchpoints along their journey. Here is how parcel and LTL handle such shipments:

Parcel:

• Travels through multiple hubs and sort facilities
• Faces more handling, scanning and potential damage
• Shares space with hundreds of packages during last-mile delivery

LTL freight:

• Typically has fewer stops in transit
• Consolidated onto pallets (less shifting and movement)
• Loaded/unloaded as a unit = less chance of damage or theft

Bottom line: For high-value or breakable items, LTL freight offers a safer, more controlled shipping environment.

Add-on oversize services: What else do you need?

Sometimes, oversized packages need additional services beyond standard options. In those cases, LTL freight carriers offer more flexibility for specialized shipping needs :

• Liftgate service
• Residential delivery
• Inside pickup or delivery
• Temperature-controlled shipping
• White glove service

These services are usually not available — or come at a premium — through parcel carriers.

Still not sure how to ship large package shipments?

In many cases, shippers can choose LTL or parcel for their large packages. However, here's a quick checklist to help you select the best option for the following scenarios.

Shipping Need	Parcel	LTL Freight
Under 150 lbs?
Over 150 lbs or bulky shape?
Urgent next-day delivery?		(if expedited)
Need the least handling possible?
Require special equipment/service?
Prefer the simplest process possible?
Ease with documentation?

Get Help With Your Large and Oversize Package Shipping

If you need assistance navigating the complexities of large package shipping or oversized package delivery, Unishippers' logistics experts are here to help. We can assist you with everything from choosing the best shipping method to optimizing your packaging to avoid unnecessary fees. We also help shippers navigate both parcel and freight shipping with one dedicated team and technology platform.

At Unishippers, we pride ourselves on helping SMBs like yours create custom shipping solutions and optimize their logistics processes. As a 3PL provider of choice for 113,000+ shippers across the nation, we offer top solutions and support to help your business thrive. And as part of the nation's largest non-retail authorized reseller of UPS, Unishippers gives you access to affordable rates and service options to meet your unique business shipping needs!

See how Unishippers can help you optimize your shipping for cost savings and better logistics outcomes. If you are ready to talk to an expert about our parcel solutions, reach out for a free consultation today!