Online Self-Service
What Can I Send through Online Self-Service?
Check whether your parcel is suitable for online self-service before booking, including packing, weight, dimensions, value, and restricted item guidance.
Before using online self-service, customers should confirm that their goods are properly packed, within the size and weight limits, below the value threshold, and not classed as prohibited online goods. Items outside those rules may still be possible to move with specialist handling, but they should be reviewed by Universal Freight Forwarders before booking.
Suitable Online Self-Service Parcels
Online self-service is intended for pre-packed boxes, satchels, and letters that are ready to enter a general parcel network without extra packing, equipment, or specialist intervention.
Key Size, Weight, and Value Limits
A single online self-service parcel should weigh less than 30 kg, have a length plus girth under 300 cm, have a longest side no more than 120 cm, and contain goods valued below GBP 1000.
Goods That Need Managed Support
Antiques, artwork, automotive parts, ceramics, furniture, glass, electronics, musical instruments, scientific equipment, palletised freight, and similar specialist goods usually need managed support instead of online self-service.
Restricted or Prohibited Online Goods
Dangerous goods, weapons, lithium batteries, plants, animals, passports, valuables, cash, liquids, perfume, chilled or frozen food, and shipments to PO boxes or locked bags may be restricted, prohibited online, or require specialist review.
International Personal Effects and Baggage
Unaccompanied personal effects and excess baggage should be reviewed carefully, especially for international shipments. Some suitcase movements may need protective cardboard wrapping or a managed service route.
Ask Before You Book
If an item is fragile, valuable, unusual, oversized, unpacked, restricted, or needs a pickup authority, customers should request guidance before booking so the correct service route is selected.
What we offer
Features
- 01Clear guidance for online self-service eligibility
- 02Pre-packed parcel suitability rules
- 03Weight, dimension, and value limit guidance
- 04Restricted online goods overview
- 05Specialist item examples that need managed support
- 06International personal effects and baggage guidance
- 07Warnings for pickups needing letters of authority
- 08Advice for choosing support before booking complex shipments
Why it matters
Benefits
- 01Helps customers avoid booking unsuitable items online
- 02Reduces failed collections and shipment delays
- 03Clarifies which parcels fit the online self-service model
- 04Directs fragile or specialist goods to better handling options
- 05Protects customers from avoidable surcharges or returns
- 06Supports safer shipment planning before payment
Unsure if your item can be sent online?
Check the rules before booking online self-service, and contact Universal Freight Forwarders for specialist help with fragile, restricted, high-value, unpacked, or oversized goods.
Check My ItemQuestions & answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this service.
What can I send through online self-service?
You can usually send suitable pre-packed boxes, satchels, and letters that meet the online service size, weight, value, and contents rules.
What are the online self-service parcel limits?
A typical online self-service parcel should weigh less than 30 kg, have length plus girth under 300 cm, have a longest side no more than 120 cm, and contain goods valued under GBP 1000.
Can I send fragile or valuable goods online?
Fragile, high-value, unusual, or specialist goods should normally be reviewed through a managed service route before booking.
Can I send lithium batteries through online self-service?
Lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including goods containing them, are not suitable for standard online self-service booking and need specialist review.
What should I do if my item is not suitable online?
Request advice from Universal Freight Forwarders before booking. The item may need specialist packing, managed collection, documentation support, or a different freight service.