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Package Sizes & Shipping Dimensions: The Ultimate Guide
Whether you are sending documents, goods, or large items, knowing the exact shipping guidelines of carriers is essential to find the right box. Our comprehensive overview shows you all dimensions, weights, and postage criteria for **letters, small parcels, and standard parcels** across major providers (Deutsche Post, DHL, Hermes, DPD, GLS, UPS) – including matching, postal-compliant packaging solutions directly from our shop.
1. Low-Cost Goods Shipments: BüWa (Books & Goods) via Deutsche Post
You can send goods, samples, or specimens that by their nature are to be regarded as goods as a consignment of goods. The packages must not exceed the following dimensions:
| Type | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Matching Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BüWa 500 | 100 - 353 mm | 70 - 250 mm | up to 50 mm | up to 500 g | Discover BüWa boxes |
| BüWa 1,000 | 100 - 353 mm | 70 - 250 mm | up to 50 mm | up to 1000 g | Discover BüWa boxes |
For further information click on Deutsche Post.
2. Letter Post: Maxi letter & Large letter with Deutsche Post
Ideal for urgent documents, magazines, or flat goods that need to reach the recipient faster than a standard goods shipment.
| Type | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Matching Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Large letter | 100 - 353 mm | 70 - 250 mm | up to 20 mm | up to 500 g | Large letter boxes |
| Maxi letter | 100 - 353 mm | 70 - 250 mm | up to 50 mm | up to 1000 g | Maxi letter boxes |
The current conditions for postage and shipping are available via Deutsche Post. Find helpful tips in our guide for Maxi and large letters.
3. Parcel Service Standard: DHL Small Parcels & Parcels National
For commercial e-commerce and private shipping within Germany, DHL is the leading carrier. Here are the most common standard formats:
| Format | Max. Dimensions (L x W x H) | Max. Weight | Matching Boxes at Boxxco |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Small Parcel (Päckchen) S | max. 35 x 25 x 10 cm | up to 2 kg | Small Parcel S boxes |
| DHL Small Parcel (Päckchen) M | max. 60 x 30 x 15 cm | up to 2 kg | Small Parcel M boxes |
| DHL Parcel up to 2 kg | max. 60 x 30 x 15 cm | up to 2 kg | 2 kg parcel boxes |
| DHL Parcel up to 5 kg | max. 120 x 60 x 60 cm | up to 5 kg | 5 kg parcel boxes |
| DHL Parcel up to 10 kg | max. 120 x 60 x 60 cm | up to 10 kg | 10 kg parcel boxes |
| DHL Parcel up to 31.5 kg | max. 120 x 60 x 60 cm | up to 31.5 kg | 31.5 kg parcel boxes |
4. Shipping Conditions for Parcels and Packages (Alternative Carriers)
Besides DHL, many shippers use alternative providers. Note that several carriers calculate shipping classes using the so-called **girth measurement** (longest + shortest side):
| Parcel service provider | Criteria for determining the shipping costs | For more information, see: |
|---|---|---|
| DHL | Calculation of parcel or package via weight and dimensions. | DHL parcel prices |
| HERMES | Calculation of the parcel class via longest and shortest side in cm. | Hermes parcel prices |
| DPD | Calculation of the parcel class via longest and shortest side in cm. | DPD parcel prices |
| GLS | Calculation of the parcel class via longest and shortest side in cm. | GLS parcel prices |
| UPS | Calculation based on dimensions, weight, sender and recipient postcode. | UPS package prices |
Frequently Asked Questions About Package Sizes & Shipping (FAQ)
Which package size is best suited for my online shop?
The optimal package size depends on product dimensions and weight. For lightweight flat items, maxi letters or BüWa shipments are ideal. For standard e-commerce products, online merchants most frequently choose the DHL parcel up to 2 kg or 5 kg due to the optimal balance of cost-efficiency and handling.
How is the girth measured for parcel services?
The girth is used by many carriers (such as Hermes, DPD, or GLS) to classify parcel sizes. The standard formula is typically: 2 x height + 2 x width + longest side. Exceeding the maximum allowed limits can result in bulky goods surcharges.
What are the benefits of postal-compliant boxes?
Postal-compliant boxes are tailored precisely to the maximum thresholds of letters, small parcels, and standard parcels (such as the 5 cm limit for maxi letters). This allows you to fully utilize the allowable dimensions without risking expensive postage surcharges.