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Items and packaging

Every item in a shipment must include weight and dimensions. These are used to calculate both the actual weight and the volumetric (cubic) weight, and the courier charges based on whichever is greater.

FieldUnitNotes
WeightKilograms (kg)Round up to the nearest whole kilogram
LengthCentimetres (cm)Longest dimension
WidthCentimetres (cm)Second longest dimension
HeightCentimetres (cm)Shortest dimension

The item description field must be one of these packaging types (not a free-text product name). Matching is case-insensitive; values are normalised to the canonical form below.

TypeNotes
CartonStandard cardboard box (carton/box is also accepted)
Wine/Beer/Liquor Carton
Carton containing Fragile goods
Carton containing Liquids
Carton containing Glass
Heavy Carton
SkidForklift-able skid
PalletItems secured on a pallet
TubeCylindrical packaging
CrateWooden or plastic crate
SatchelGeneric satchel
Satchel 250g / 500g / 1kg / 3kg / 5kgSized satchels
BagPlastic or fabric bag
EnvelopeDocument envelope
Other/MiscCatch-all packaging type
UnpackagedNo outer packaging

Invalid values (e.g. "Electronics") return a validation error.

Items exceeding 25kg must be securely packaged on a forklift-able skid, pallet, or crate.

If you do not have a forklift available at the pickup or delivery address, you must request a tailgate (tail lift) service. This allows the courier to use a hydraulic lift on their vehicle to load or unload heavy items.

{
"tailgate_pickup": true,
"tailgate_delivery": true
}

Couriers charge based on the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated as:

Volumetric weight (kg) = Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 4,000

For example, a carton measuring 50cm × 40cm × 30cm:

  • Volumetric weight = 50 × 40 × 30 ÷ 4,000 = 15kg
  • If the actual weight is 10kg, the courier charges based on 15kg (volumetric)

A single booking can contain multiple items. Each item is specified separately with its own dimensions, weight, and quantity.

If you have multiple identical items, use the quantity field rather than creating separate item entries:

{
"items": [
{
"weight": 5,
"height": 30,
"width": 30,
"length": 40,
"quantity": 3,
"description": "carton"
}
]
}

If your items contain alcohol, glass, or liquids, you should declare this so the courier can handle them appropriately. In the CSV import, use the Alcohol/Glass/Liquids field. For API bookings, include this in the item description or special instructions.