UK Parcel Size Restrictions by Courier
Every courier has different size and weight limits. Get them wrong and your parcel gets rejected or you pay surcharges. Here is the definitive reference for 2026.
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Maximum Parcel Dimensions
| Courier | Max Weight | Max Length | Max L+Girth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Mail (letter) | 100g | 24cm | N/A |
| Royal Mail (large letter) | 750g | 35.3cm | N/A |
| Royal Mail (small parcel) | 2kg | 61cm | N/A |
| Royal Mail (medium parcel) | 20kg | 61cm | N/A |
| Evri | 15kg | 120cm | 245cm |
| DPD | 30kg | 175cm | 300cm |
| UPS | 30kg (70kg available) | 274cm | 400cm |
| FedEx | 30kg (68kg available) | 274cm | 330cm |
| Parcelforce | 30kg | 250cm | 500cm |
| Yodel | 30kg | 200cm | 300cm |
Girth = 2 × (width + height). Length + Girth is measured as the longest side plus the girth.
What Is Volumetric Weight?
Couriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight accounts for how much space a parcel takes up on a van. The formula is:
Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 5,000 = Volumetric weight (kg)
For example, a box measuring 60 × 40 × 40cm has a volumetric weight of 19.2kg — even if the actual contents only weigh 5kg, you will be charged for 19.2kg.
Oversized Item Options
If your item exceeds standard courier limits:
- Pallet couriers (Palletways, PalletOne) accept items up to 1,000kg and 220cm tall
- Specialist carriers handle bikes, furniture, and other awkwardly-shaped items
- UPS and FedEx accept heavier items (up to 68–70kg) with surcharges
Measuring Tips
- Measure the outer dimensions of the packed box, not the item inside
- Round up to the nearest centimetre
- Include any protruding parts (handles, tape rolls, irregular shapes)
- Weigh with packaging included, not just the item