When it comes to sending things via post in the UK it can sometimes be tricky to know what the rules are surrounding uncommon items. With this in mind, Evri have created a handy guide to the postage restrictions of some of the surprising and unusual items that you can send via courier.

Large Instruments

Large instruments can be sent via courier, as long as they meet the measurement limits of being under 245cm and 15kg. This means that a bass drum for a rock kit measuring in at a standard diameter of 22in and depth of 18in[1] and weighing around 11kg[2] is no problem for the delivery network.

Instruments should always be sent in a hard case with extra protection where possible. A good way to do this is to place the hard case inside a cardboard box and pad out extra space with bubble wrap and foam blocks.

Though instruments can be sent, it should be noted that they will not be covered or compensated.

Antiques

Whether it’s family heirlooms or a bargain you picked up in a charity shop, antique items over 100 years old can be sent via courier, though they are not covered or compensated if damaged or lost. As with all items, suitable packaging and protection should be used to help items arrive at their destination in one piece.

Vintage items, those under 100 years old, are able to be sent around the delivery network with only measurement restrictions, which is good news for those interested in vintage décor and fashion.

When sending antique or vintage items, be sure to check if they use real fur. Often found on older items, real fur, no matter what its age, is not compensated when sent through the post.

Fossils

Often millions of years old, fossils are possibly the oldest items that can be sent via courier! These unusual items, popular with collectors, can be sent without compensation, providing they are packaged securely.

Smaller fossils can be sent in padded mailer bags, while larger ones should be bubble wrapped and boxed. As fossils are usually encased in rocks, it is also important to ensure they do not exceed the 15kg weight limit for delivery.

Memorabilia

If autograph collecting is more your vibe, you might consider sending memorabilia through the post. Whilst there are only size and weight restrictions on these items, it’s worth remembering they cannot be covered due to their unique nature.

Wrap any memorabilia with appropriate protection before sending it to help it make its way through the delivery network safely.

Pre-inflated balloons

Surprisingly, pre-inflated balloons can be sent with no restrictions. Helium is one of the most stable gases and is therefore safe to send via courier when used for blown-up balloons. However, pressurised containers are prohibited, so do not send any helium tanks as these will not be accepted into the network.

Being one of the more unusual items to send via post, balloons can be tricky to package right. The best way is to inflate the balloons on the day of sending and secure the weight to the inside of the box to ensure it doesn’t pop them during transit. To avoid deflation send using a next-day service.

Home-baked goods

If you’re sending celebration balloons, why not send a cake too? Whether it’s a birthday cake or just Grandma’s secret recipe Victoria sponge, home-baked goods can be sent via courier.

Falling under the perishable category, home-baked goods won’t be compensated, so be sure to protect them well when packaging and send them express to allow them to reach their destination at their best.

Ros Hunt, Director of E-Commerce at Evri says “While we can send a lot of unusual items through our service, when sending anything via our couriers it’s extremely important for customers to check the restricted items list and weight and size guidelines.”

“For any items customers send, we encourage packaging to be of a high standard to avoid problems during transit. Badly packaged items, which can be easily avoided by following our tips, are excluded from compensation.”