BY Katharina Haerle IN Industry knowledgeThe large letter - A shipping method with many options
What is a large letter?
A large letter box is a shipping method for letters and documents. The letter format offered is between a compact letter and a maxi letter in terms of the amount it can be sent. It can be sent as a registered letter, which offers additional security, but can also be used as a book shipment or goods shipment.
Everything you need to know about the large letter: size, weight and packaging options
When it comes to sending small products, the large letter box can be an extremely practical option. This shipping solution is specifically designed for sending items that are too large for a compact letter, but not large enough for a maxi letter.
The large letter can weigh up to 500 grams and be longer than 30 centimetres. The maximum size of the large letter is 35.3 x 25 x 2 cm. Since it is still considered a letter, it therefore reaches its recipient within one to two days.
There is a wide range of packaging suitable for large letters. You can use classic DIN A4 packaging or DIN B5, B4, C5, C4, E6 and E5. Alternatively, square shipping boxes can be used at no extra charge.
However, it is important to note that the contents of the large letter must not weigh more than 500 grams, regardless of size and shape.
These contents belong in the large letter
The large letter is primarily used as a popular option for sending important documents such as income tax returns, bachelor theses and application documents.
But the large letter is not just limited to sending documents - it is also ideal for sending flat, lightweight goods. From T-shirts and caps to CDs and DVDs, as well as flat electronics or cosmetics, the large letter is suitable for a wide range of flat items.
In summary, the large letter is an ideal option for sending flat items and important documents. Its A4 format and height limitation allow up to 95 A4 pages to be sent securely without the documents being bent or folded. This makes the large letter a reliable choice for sending documents of increased importance.
The shipping costs and options for the large letter
| Size | Max. Weight | Price | |
| Large letter | Max. 35,3 x 25 x 2 cm | 500 g | 1,60 € |
| Large letter international | L + W + H = max. 90 cm L: min. 14 cm W: min 9 cm | 500 g | 3,70 € |
The Maxi letter and consignments: Other large formats of Deutsche Post
The external dimensions of the Maxi letter are identical to those of the large letter: The length may be up to 35.3 centimetres, the width up to 25 centimetres.
The contents are also often similar. Maxi letters are used to send documents such as applications, bachelor theses or business reports, but also flat goods such as a T-shirt or a mobile phone. The external dimensions of the large letter are identical to those of the large letter: The length may be up to 35.3 centimetres, the width up to 25 centimetres.
Special formats: The Maxi-Letter Plus and Maxi-Letter International
Size, weight and price: options for book and merchandise shipments
In addition to the large letter, the Maxi letter and the Maci letter Plus, certain products can also be sent in the book and merchandise shipment format. Deutsche Post offers two options for this:
| Size | Max. Weight | Price | |
| Consignment | Max: 35,3 x 25 x 5 cm | 500 g | 1,95 € |
| Heavy consignment | Max: 35,3 x 25 x 5 cm | 1000 g | 2, 25 € |
| International consignment | Max: 35,3 x 25 x 10 cm L: min 14 cm W: min 9 cm H: min 1 mm | 1000 g | Available only for business customers (starting from an annual shipment of 200 packages) |
Restrictions and longer delivery times: What you should know about merchandise shipments
Compared to normal letter post, the postage for book and merchandise shipments is considerably cheaper. However, there are restrictions on the content: in addition to the item itself, merchandise shipments may only contain documents that are directly related to it.
These can be invoices or instructions for use, for example. Sending pure documents such as tax returns or job applications is not permitted with the consignment of goods.
Furthermore, the goods shipment is given lower priority, which means that longer transport times must be taken into account. As a rule, it takes about four days for a goods shipment to reach the recipient. There are no shipping options such as tracking and tracing or insurance for books and merchandise shipments.
Alternative providers: Not only Deutsche Post sends large letters
In addition to Deutsche Post, there are other providers who send large letters. These include Hermes, DPD and GLS within Germany. UPS and FedEx specialise in international shipping. Other private logistics companies also offer alternatives.
Hermes, DPD and GLS as possible alternatives for domestic shipping
Most people use Deutsche Post to send parcels within Germany. However, there are also various private providers. Probably the best-known company in this sector is Hermes, which sends normal parcels and small packages as well as bulky goods. The packaged goods can be handed in at one of 14,000 parcel shops and are insured by Hermes during shipping.
The parcel service provider DPD offers similar conditions. With 6,000 branches, this company has far fewer locations than Hermes, but scores points with its online integration and linking of shipment information with a customer portal.
The third service provider is GLS, which accepts goods in about 5,000 parcel shops, sends them insured and redirects them free of charge. In addition to these three big players, there are numerous other logistics companies such as PIN AG or mail alliance that want to make a name for themselves as private service providers in the postal industry.
UPS and FedEx as an alternative for international shipping
Companies like Hermes, DPD and GLS have not yet been able to establish themselves on the international market and are still working on optimising their shipping options. If you want to send a large letter to another country, you should instead turn to globally active companies like UPS or FedEx.
These specialise in fast and secure business transport abroad.
FEFCO codes describe standards for shipping packaging
FEFCO stands for Fédération Européenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondule. This is the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers, which today bears the name European Federation Of Corrugated Board Manufacturers. This organisation has developed internationally valid codes to standardise the formats of shipping packaging.
Each box made of solid or corrugated board is given its own four-digit FEFCO code that describes its exact shape. Anyone looking for suitable packaging for their large letter can use the FEFCO codes as a guide.
The most common shipping boxes according to FEFCO
For the dispatch of large letters, cardboard envelopes and corrugated cardboard boxes are primarily used. The most common model for large and maxi letters is the FEFCO 0427, which is a folding box punched from a single workpiece with pre-punched flaps and four side walls already connected to the base. The lid is an extension of the back wall that you only have to fold forward.
The closure is made with the help of side flaps that are pushed into the front slots. This way, the FEFCO 0427 closes quickly and securely. Another option is the FEFCO 0885 box type, which is additionally equipped with adhesive strips for return shipping. Both customised packages comply with the standards of Deutsche Post and are offered for sale by the latter.
Which corrugated board is suitable for sending large letters?
When sending large letters, the choice often falls on shipping boxes with E flute. These are ultra-fine flutes with a flute height of 1.5 millimetres and a flute pitch of three millimetres.
They are extremely stable and can carry up to ten kilograms. The narrow flute pitch also ensures particularly good printability.
Another option is the B-flute. This fine flute with a flute height of three millimetres can carry goods weighing up to twenty kilograms. Due to its higher corrugations and further corrugation pitch, it has larger air cushions inside the cardboard.
One combination is the EB flute: It scores with high edge crush resistance and a material mix that guarantees a load-bearing capacity of up to thirty kilograms. Anyone who wants to ship sensitive goods should therefore opt for the optimal protection of the EB corrugated.
If even this is not sufficient, you can fall back on packaging boxes with built-in air cushion protection.
Individual design permitted: Large letter boxes can be personalised for mailing
The standards regarding the dimensions and weight of large letters must be adhered to. Nevertheless, there are numerous possibilities to individualise the secondary packaging.
Various personalisation options: How companies can present their brand on the large letter
It is possible to have the large letter boxes made in a customised format, for example, so that the dimensions match the contents as closely as possible. In addition, the boxes can be printed all over.
For example, companies can place their logo or labels on the outside of the lid, and instructions for use for the product being sent, advertising messages or discount codes are printed on the inside.
In this way, the shipping box becomes a fully personalised product, tailored to the wishes of the company and the needs of the customer. If you wish, you can even add a finishing touch to the large letter.
For example, protective varnishes, digitally printed hot foil stamping or the application of a laminate are offered for this purpose. These options are perfect for companies that value the best possible protection of their packaged goods against moisture and contamination.
Corrugated cardboard boxes for large letter shipments
Deutsche Post offers the GoGreen service for certain letter shipments. The service includes measures related to greenhouse gas emissions from postal transport and has also involved financial contributions to climate protection projects. The specific measures and conditions depend on the service offered. Contributions to climate protection projects do not mean that the emissions generated by transporting an individual shipment are eliminated or that the shipment has no climate impact.
The material composition of large letter boxes is an important factor when selecting suitable packaging. Corrugated cardboard consists of paper-based layers that may contain primary fibres, recycled paper fibres or a combination of both, depending on the board grade. Many corrugated cardboard shipping boxes can be recycled through established paper and cardboard recycling systems. However, the recyclability of a particular box depends on its complete material structure, including coatings, laminates, adhesives and other components, as well as the available collection, sorting and recycling infrastructure.
Paper fibres recovered from corrugated cardboard can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of new paper and cardboard products. The extent to which fibres can be recovered and reused depends on their condition, the material composition and the recycling process. When choosing packaging for large letter shipments, selecting a box that closely matches the dimensions of the contents can also help reduce the need for additional cardboard or filling material. However, the packaging must still provide sufficient protection during transport.
