Courier Size & Weight Limits
South Africa 2026

Most standard courier services in South Africa accept parcels up to 150 cm on the longest side, with a maximum actual weight of 70 kg. However, the chargeable weight is determined by whichever is greater — the actual weight or the volumetric (dimensional) weight.

The volumetric weight formula used by most South African couriers is: Length × Width × Height (in cm) ÷ 5,000. For airfreight, the IATA divisor of 6,000 is typically used instead.

For same-day courier services, practical limits are lower — typically 30 kg and 100 cm on the longest side — because the delivery is handled by a single driver in a standard vehicle. Overnight and economy services can accommodate larger and heavier parcels because they use dedicated freight vehicles.

If your parcel exceeds 70 kg or 150 cm on any side, it is classified as freight and requires a dedicated vehicle or palletised freight service. UrgentGo can accommodate these shipments — contact us for a custom quote.

Couriers charge volumetric weight because a large, lightweight parcel takes up the same space in a vehicle as a heavy one — but costs the courier the same in fuel and vehicle capacity. Charging only on actual weight would mean a courier could fill an entire van with feather pillows for the price of a single kilogram.

The volumetric weight system ensures fair pricing based on the space a parcel occupies. This is why a large cardboard box containing a single lightweight item may cost more to ship than a small, dense package of the same actual weight.

To avoid surprises, always calculate both the actual weight and the volumetric weight before requesting a quote. Use our free volumetric calculator above to find your chargeable weight instantly.

Girth is a combined measurement of a parcel's dimensions used to determine whether it can physically fit in a courier vehicle or aircraft hold. The standard girth formula is: Length + (2 × Width) + (2 × Height).

Most South African couriers set a maximum girth of 300–400 cm for standard services. A parcel that exceeds the girth limit may be refused even if it is within the weight limit — because it simply won't fit through the vehicle door or onto the conveyor belt at the depot.

Long, thin items like curtain rods, pipes, or rolled canvases often exceed girth limits even when they are lightweight. If you are shipping an unusually shaped item, always check the girth before booking.

Yes — the size and weight limits apply to the fully packed parcel, not the item inside. This means you need to account for the weight and dimensions of your box, bubble wrap, foam inserts, and any other packaging materials.

A common mistake is measuring the item and forgetting to add the packaging. A laptop that weighs 2.5 kg may end up as a 3.5 kg parcel once boxed with protective foam. Similarly, a 38 × 28 × 8 cm laptop becomes a 42 × 32 × 12 cm parcel once boxed.

Always measure and weigh your parcel after packing — not before. This ensures your quote is accurate and avoids surcharges at collection. See our full packaging guide for tips on how to pack efficiently without adding unnecessary bulk.

When a parcel exceeds standard courier size or weight limits, it enters the freight category. This is not necessarily a problem — it just means a different service type is required. For shipments between 70 kg and 500 kg, UrgentGo offers dedicated vehicle services where a single van or bakkie is dispatched exclusively for your consignment.

For palletised freight above 500 kg, our road freight service handles full and part loads between all major South African cities. Transit times for oversize freight are typically 2–4 business days depending on origin and destination.

Oversize parcels that are sent on a standard courier service without prior authorisation may be held at the depot, returned to sender, or charged an oversize surcharge. Always disclose accurate dimensions and weight when booking to avoid delays and additional costs.

Irregular-shaped items such as machinery, tyres, or rolled goods may also require special handling and custom packaging before they can be accepted. Our freight team can advise on the correct packaging, strapping, and palletisation requirements for your specific shipment.

Different courier service types in South Africa have different practical size and weight limits, even within the same company. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right service for your parcel.

Same-day courier (metro): Maximum 30 kg actual weight, 100 cm on the longest side. The parcel must fit in a standard sedan or hatchback boot. Collection and delivery are handled by a single driver. Best for urgent documents, small parcels, and time-sensitive items within a metro area.

Overnight courier (intercity): Maximum 70 kg actual weight, 150 cm on the longest side. Parcels travel on dedicated freight vehicles overnight between depots. Best for parcels that are too large for same-day but need delivery by the next business day.

Economy courier (2–4 days): Same size limits as overnight but with extended transit time. Rates are lower because parcels are consolidated with other shipments on scheduled freight runs. Best for non-urgent parcels where cost is the priority.

Airfreight: IATA regulations apply. Maximum dimensions vary by aircraft type but are generally more restrictive than road services for individual parcel height. Chargeable weight uses the 6,000 divisor. Best for urgent parcels travelling more than 800 km (e.g., Johannesburg to Cape Town or to international destinations).

Understanding which service fits your parcel's size and weight profile — and your delivery deadline — is the first step to getting an accurate quote.