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Major Carrier Shipping Restrictions Overview
Quick Answer
Major carrier restrictions cover three dimensions: maximum weight (DHL 70 kg / FedEx 68 kg / UPS 70 kg), size and girth limits, and prohibited items lists. Exceeding standard limits triggers surcharges or outright refusal. Chargeable weight is always the higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (L × W × H ÷ 5,000).
Before creating a shipment on Fuuffy, understanding each carrier's weight, size, and prohibited-items rules is essential to avoiding rejected parcels, unexpected surcharges, and delivery delays. DHL Express, FedEx International, UPS Worldwide, and SF Express each maintain distinct specifications. This guide consolidates the latest figures in one place for quick reference.
All figures below apply on a per-piece basis for standard international express services (not freight or pallet). Specific rates and limits vary by destination and service tier — the carrier's official terms are always definitive.
| Carrier | Max Weight / Piece | Size Limits / Piece | Oversize Surcharge Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | 70 kg | Longest side ≤ 300 cm Max dimensions 120 × 120 × 150 cm | Longest side > 120 cm triggers oversize surcharge |
| FedEx International | 68 kg | Longest side ≤ 274 cm Length + girth ≤ 330 cm | Weight > 25 kg or longest side > 274 cm (International surcharge: USD 208 / piece) |
| UPS Worldwide | 70 kg (Heavy Package label required ≥ 32 kg) | Longest side ≤ 274 cm Length + girth ≤ 419 cm | Length + girth > 330 cm triggers Large Package Surcharge |
| SF Express International | 70 kg (Priority Express reference) | Varies by service and destination See SF official site or Fuuffy platform | Oversize & overweight surcharge updated from 15 Jan 2026 (HK/Macau origin) |
How to Calculate Girth
All carriers calculate girth as: Longest side + 2 × Second side + 2 × Shortest side. For example, a package measuring 80 × 60 × 40 cm: Girth = 80 + 2(60) + 2(40) = 80 + 120 + 80 = 280 cm. Packages exceeding the girth limit are automatically assessed an oversize surcharge or refused at origin.
Beyond basic weight and size limits, the following conditions trigger additional fees that should be factored in before packing:
The following items are absolutely prohibited by all major carriers, regardless of destination or service tier:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Flammable & Explosive | Perfume (high-alcohol), lighter fuel, fireworks, pressurised aerosol canisters (sunscreen spray, hairspray), spirits above 70% ABV |
| Standalone Batteries / Power Banks | Loose lithium cells (UN3480), portable chargers, industrial lead-acid batteries (all require formal IATA DG declaration) |
| Controlled Substances | Narcotics, controlled psychotropic medications (without valid prescription and permits), chemical precursors |
| Weapons & Regulated Items | Firearms, ammunition, bladed weapons (subject to destination-country law), weapon components |
| Currency & Counterfeit Goods | Banknotes, large-denomination coins, gold bars, uncut gemstones, counterfeit branded goods (IP-infringing) |
| CITES Protected Species | Crocodile skin, snake skin, ivory products (without CITES export permit); certain rare woods and animal/plant derivatives |
The following items are not absolutely prohibited but must be shipped via a sensitive-goods channel with additional documentation (MSDS or UN38.3 report), and must have the relevant attribute selected on the Fuuffy platform:
All major carriers use the same principle: chargeable weight is the higher of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight.
Example: a 50 × 40 × 30 cm parcel has a volumetric weight of 50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 5,000 = 12 kg. If the actual weight is 5 kg, the chargeable weight is 12 kg. The Fuuffy Smart Shipping Calculator performs this calculation automatically and displays real-time quotes from each carrier.
Need to verify whether a specific item meets the latest carrier requirements, or check surcharge details for an oversized parcel? Contact Fuuffy Live Customer Service for expert guidance on the right channel and service. Before shipping, 👉 use the Fuuffy Smart Shipping Calculator to get real-time quotes and estimated delivery times from all major carriers.
