You’ve bought a big-screen TV online only to have the courier reject it at pickup. Too large. Too fragile. Too complicated. Sound familiar?
It’s a frustrating experience many Australians face: deliveries are delayed, rejected, or cancelled without a clear explanation.
In this article, we break down why traditional carriers say no, what your alternatives are, and how to ship bulky electronics safely and reliably.
Most traditional couriers won’t accept bulky electronics like large TVs or sound systems. Bulky electronics exceed courier limits, are prone to damage, and often need more than just a van and a signature.
Parcel systems are built for smaller items, not for fragile freight that needs two-person teams, extra packaging, or careful residential delivery. That’s why shipments often get delayed, rejected, or returned.
To avoid these problems, choose a freight provider that handles oversized electronics. Look for services offering white-glove delivery, real-time tracking, and trained residential teams. These options ensure your shipment arrives intact, on schedule, and with far fewer headaches.
Most courier networks are built for small, standard parcels, not oversized, high-value goods. Their systems rely on automated sorting, minimal manual handling, and fast delivery cycles, which work fine for shoes or laptops but not for a 65-inch TV or a home theatre system.
Bulky electronics exceed standard size and weight limits and require more than just a van and a signature. They need trained teams, custom packaging, and coordination that standard couriers aren’t equipped to manage.
These items can’t simply be dropped at a depot or left on a front porch. They demand precise handling from pickup to final placement.
That’s where specialised freight providers come in. They’re equipped for large-format electronics, offering two-person delivery, padded transport, and end-to-end care tailored to fragile freight.
Shipping costs for bulky electronics in Australia depend on factors such as item size, delivery distance, and the level of service. To give you a general idea, here’s a typical cost breakdown:
Most carriers charge by dimensional weight, not actual weight. That means even lightweight items can attract higher fees if they take up a lot of space. Declaring incorrect dimensions may also result in adjustment fees after remeasurement.
Manual handling charges often apply if the item isn’t palletised, weighs more than 25–30 kg, or requires extra care due to shape or fragility.
Insurance is another consideration. Basic cover is not always included, and may not protect against issues like cracked screens or damaged ports. For high-value freight, adding full transit cover is recommended.
To avoid hidden costs, choose a freight partner that provides clear, upfront pricing. Couriers & Freight gives full visibility over handling, packaging, insurance, and delivery charges before you book.
Standard delivery services aren’t designed for bulky electronics. Many carriers lack the equipment and trained teams required to handle fragile, oversized items, especially for residential drop-offs. That’s why last-mile partners like Flexeo are essential. These teams are experienced in delivering high-value electronics safely into homes and apartments.
Commonly supported items include 55 to 85-inch TVs, soundbars, subwoofers, amplifiers, and gaming consoles. These products demand careful handling, particularly in tight-access areas like stairwells or small lifts. Trained two-person crews ensure safe lifting, placement, and setup.
For an added level of service, white glove delivery includes in-home placement, unpacking, basic installation, and packaging removal. This service is ideal for premium buyers or direct-to-consumer shipments.
Couriers & Freight’s platform supports this process end-to-end with real-time tracking, automated scheduling, and route optimisation. These tools reduce delays and provide full delivery visibility.
Whenever possible, ship large electronics like TVs or speakers in their original packaging. These boxes are designed to protect screens, edges, and ports with built-in foam inserts and reinforced corners. If the original box is unavailable, use a heavy-duty custom carton lined with thick padding to safeguard all sides.
Add foam strips, edge guards, or cardboard inserts around corners and screens. Wrap the item in multiple layers of bubble wrap and seal it tightly with strong packing tape to prevent shifting during transit.
Apply "Fragile" and "This Side Up" labels on all visible sides of the box. These visual cues alert handlers to take extra care. For heavier or awkwardly shaped items (over 30 kg), place them on a pallet to allow forklift handling and reduce the risk of mishandling.
If the item is being returned, include a clear return label inside the package. Before sealing, take photos of the item and packaging from several angles in case a damage claim is needed later.
Standard couriers aren’t built for oversized, fragile electronics, but Couriers & Freight is. We specialise in large-format residential delivery and offer customised solutions for high-value freight.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Our platform connects you with 60+ trusted carriers trained to manage fragile freight. Whether it’s a customer delivery or a personal move, Couriers & Freight gives you control and peace of mind, start to finish.
No. Most TVs over 22kg or 105cm exceed Australia Post’s limits. You’ll need a freight provider that handles bulky, fragile freight instead.
The most affordable way is to use a freight provider that specialises in bulky electronics. For example, a metro-to-metro delivery may cost between $120–$180, while shipping to a regional area like Wagga Wagga can exceed $200 due to extra handling and distance charges.
Use a freight provider with end-to-end returns support. Couriers & Freight can arrange pickup, assess the item’s condition, and coordinate the return.
Not always. Basic cover may exclude common risks like screen damage. Couriers & Freight offers optional transit insurance for extra protection.
Shipping large electronics shouldn’t be stressful. Couriers & Freight offers a delivery solution purpose-built for oversized, fragile items, backed by transparent pricing, live tracking, and expert handling every step of the way.
Whether you’re moving one TV or managing regular residential deliveries, our nationwide network ensures your shipments arrive safely, on time, and fully supported.
Ready to get started? Request a fast and accurate quote from Couriers & Freight today.
MHP
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$14
$15.50
$0
$15.50
$14.75
$0
$0
$0
$0
MHP Large Item
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$75
$62
$62
$60.10
$14.75
$0
$0
$0
$0
Residential Pickup
No Surcharge*
$6
$0
$9
--
$9
$10.60
$0
$0
$0
$38.50
Reidential pick up 30-99kgs
No Surcharge*
$63
$0
$9
$0
$9
$74.15
$20
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential pick up 100kgs+
No Surcharge*
$198
$0
$9
$0
$9
$158.87
$50
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential Delivery up to 29kgs
No Surcharge*
$6
$0
$9
--
$9.00
$10.60
$0
$0
$0
$38.50
Residential Delivery up 30-99kgs
No Surcharge*
$63
$0
$9
$0
$9
$74.15
$20
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Residential Delivery 100kgs+
No Surcharge*
$198
$0
$9
--
$9
$158.57
$50
Won't carry
Won't carry
$38.50
Tail Lift Pick up 50-99kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$45
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 100-299kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$85
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 300-499kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$120
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Pick up 500kgs + Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$250
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 50-99kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$45
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 100-299kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$85
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery300-499kgs Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$120
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Tail Lift Delivery 500kgs + Sydney / Melbourne
No Surcharge*
$250
$50-$250
$88
$88
$88
$44.07
$120
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Dead weight over 32KGS carton freight
No Surcharge*
$16.50
$75
$70
$70
$70
$14.75
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.20 - 1.54
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$5.40
$10
$15
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.55 - 1.85
No Surcharge*
$17
$20
$0
$0
$0
$11.93
$10
$15
Won't carry
$0
Oversize Surcharge 1.86 - 2.20
No Surcharge*
$37
$40
$0
$0
$0
$11.93
$10
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Pallet Surcharge
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$0
Hand Unload Fee Carton
No Surcharge*
--
$0
$70
$70
$70
$47
$0
Won't carry
Won't carry
$61.50
Western Australia Regional Surcharge
No Surcharge*
%10
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
*Surcharges may apply to areas/deimensions not listed
**Prices correct of 16th September 2024
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