Skip to content
English - Canada
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What Is Special Handling and When Does It Apply?

Special handling may be added by a courier when a shipment cannot move safely through its normal automated sorting system or requires additional manual handling.

This can apply to shipments that are considered non-conveyable, fragile, unusually shaped, improperly packaged, wrapped in plastic, heavily taped, or not fully enclosed in a corrugated cardboard box.

ShipTime gives you the option to select special handling when creating a shipment. If a shipment meets the courier’s special-handling criteria but is not declared correctly, the courier may apply an additional charge after the shipment is processed.

Common reasons a shipment may require special handling

Special handling may apply when a shipment:

  • is not fully enclosed in corrugated cardboard
  • is shipped in wood, metal, hard plastic, foam, fabric, or another non-standard outer container
  • is cylindrical, rolled, or irregularly shaped
  • contains tires, pails, drums, tubes, crates, or similar items
  • is strapped or bundled
  • exceeds certain courier size or weight thresholds
  • requires repackaging because the original packaging is insufficient
  • cannot safely travel on a conveyor system

Each courier has its own criteria.

Loomis

Loomis may apply special handling to items that, because of their size, shape, packaging, or contents, are considered unsuitable for standard sorting facilities.

Examples can include:

  • liquids
  • wooden or metal crates
  • non-conveyable items
  • ball bearings, nuts, bolts, and fasteners
  • pails or containers not fully enclosed in an appropriate shipping container

Canpar

Canpar may apply an Irregular / Extra Care charge to shipments that are unsuitable for standard sorting.

Examples can include:

  • liquids
  • wooden or metal crates
  • straps
  • tires
  • ball bearings, nuts, bolts, and fasteners
  • fabric rolls
  • non-conveyable items
  • pails or containers not fully enclosed in a new rigid corrugated carton
  • shipments that require repackaging because of insufficient packaging

Canpar may also apply an Extra Care charge when:

  • the longest dimension exceeds 48 in / 122 cm, or
  • the second-longest dimension exceeds 32 in / 82 cm

GLS

GLS may apply special handling to items that are not fully enclosed in corrugated cardboard or other GLS-approved packaging.

Examples can include:

  • metal, wood, hard plastic, soft plastic, or expanded polystyrene foam packaging
  • barrels
  • drums
  • liquids
  • glass
  • pails
  • tubes
  • tires

FedEx

FedEx may apply additional handling to packages that are not fully enclosed in a standard outer shipping container.

Examples can include:

  • tires
  • wooden crates
  • trailer hitches
  • shovels
  • packages with outer containers made of metal or wood

Fabric or carpet rolls wrapped in plastic may be treated differently under FedEx’s applicable handling rules.

Purolator

Purolator may apply an additional charge when a shipment includes items such as:

  • outer packaging made of wood or metal
  • shipments bundled with metal strapping
  • high-risk items not packaged according to Purolator standards
  • unpackaged or unboxed articles
  • objects not fully enclosed in a suitable shipping container, such as tires, pails, or duffel bags
  • flat packages
  • other items not packaged according to Purolator’s accepted standards

[SCREENSHOT REQUIRED – example of a flat package or other Purolator special-handling example from the original article]

Canada Post

Canada Post may apply additional surcharges when shipments do not meet applicable mail specifications or preparation requirements.

Examples can include:

  • mailing tube surcharges
  • additional handling for oversize or unpackaged items
  • out-of-spec surcharges
  • other non-compliance charges

Canada Post may update its surcharge rules from time to time. Additional details are available through Canada Post Postal Services Information.

Nationex

Nationex may apply a surcharge to parcels that are unpackaged or cannot be processed on a conveyor.

UPS

UPS may apply an Additional Handling charge when a package meets certain size, weight, or packaging criteria.

Examples can include:

  • longest side over 48 in / 122 cm
  • second-longest side over 30 in / 76 cm
  • length plus girth over 105 in / 266 cm
  • domestic or export package weight over 50 lb / 22 kg
  • import package weight over 70 lb / 32 kg
  • packages not fully enclosed in corrugated cardboard
  • cylindrical items such as barrels, drums, buckets, or tires that are not fully enclosed in corrugated cardboard

For complete details, review the applicable UPS Terms and Conditions of Service/Carriage.

How can I avoid unexpected special-handling charges?

To help reduce the risk of additional charges:

  • use a strong corrugated cardboard box whenever possible
  • fully enclose the item
  • avoid loose strapping, excessive plastic wrap, or unusual outer packaging
  • enter accurate package dimensions and weight
  • select special handling in ShipTime when the shipment meets the courier’s criteria
  • review the courier’s packaging requirements before shipping unusual, oversized, or heavy items

If you’re unsure whether your shipment requires special handling, contact our Heroic Support™ team before creating the shipment.

 Not using ShipTime yet? Create your free ShipTime account to access discounted rates from leading couriers, all in one platform.