Items and packaging

Item dimensions

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.

Field	Unit	Notes
Weight	Kilograms (kg)	Round up to the nearest whole kilogram
Length	Centimetres (cm)	Longest dimension
Width	Centimetres (cm)	Second longest dimension
Height	Centimetres (cm)	Shortest dimension

Packaging types

When describing your items, use one of the following packaging types:

Type	Description
Carton	Standard cardboard box
Satchel	Padded or unpadded mailing satchel
Pallet	Items secured on a pallet
Skid	Items on a shipping skid
Crate	Wooden or plastic crate
Tube	Cylindrical packaging for posters, plans, etc.
Bag	Plastic or fabric bag
Envelope	Document envelope
Other	Any other packaging type

Tailgate requirements

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
}

Volumetric weight

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)

Multiple items

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"
    }
  ]
}

Dangerous goods and special items

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.