Jersey Post explain new packing surcharge details

Monday, 19 May 2025 09:00

Did you know that you will have to pay a £5 packing surcharge to send any large parcels off the Island that aren’t packaged in a cardboard box?

Jersey Post have introduced the new charge from Monday, 12 May, after announcing it last month.

A few consumers contacted us to say that they were unsure exactly what parcels would be affected, so we asked Jersey Post for some more information to clarify the situation.

They told us they class a ‘large’ parcel as one between 2kg and 30kg. The surcharge will also be applied to parcels under 2kg that have dimensions of large parcels (girth plus width is over 900mm and up to 3 meters). You can calculate the girth by adding the four shortest sides together.

Free returns will not incur this surcharge.

The surcharge will apply to all large items packaged in suitcases, plastic bags or that are irregularly shaped. To avoid the charge, they must be packaged in a sturdy cardboard box. This is because poorly packaged items can’t be processed through automated sorting machines and instead must be processed manually.

Jersey Post is already being charged by their commercial partners for these items, since January 2023, with about 20% of their large parcels attracting surcharges from Parcelforce or Fedex.

Jersey Post said: “Packaging your items correctly in a sturdy cardboard box means that your parcel can go through the sorting machines smoothly and helps to avoid manual handling charges. It also protects your item from damage.

“We’ve been monitoring the number of surcharges that we’ve incurred for a while, and have already reduced parcel prices by an average of 18%. We want to continue to keep costs down for our customers, but we can’t do that if we’re incurring the surcharges. Ultimately, we want to help our customers to ensure efficient processing times and handling of larger parcels.’

A handy guide to packaging can be found at https://jerseypost.com/

Share

More from Latest News

  • Tips for choosing the best Jersey gym membership

    With a wide range of gyms, health clubs and spa facilities across Jersey – when it comes to fitness, consumers now have more choice than ever. 

  • Dishwasher vs hand washing: Which is more efficient?

    With the cost of utilities continuing to be a concern for many households, it is understandable that Islanders want to make informed choices about how they use water and energy at home. One common question is whether it is more efficient to use a dishwasher or to wash up by hand.

  • Flying from Jersey? Don’t get caught out by cabin bag rules

    One of the most common causes of stress and unexpected cost at the airport is luggage that doesn’t meet airline rules. We at the Jersey Consumer Council often hear stories from Islanders who are surprised by gate fees or forced to check-in hand luggage they believed to be compliant. So, here’s everything you need to know about cabin‑bag sizing and restrictions, and some practical packing tips to help you avoid problems.

  • Top tips for sleeping better in hot weather

    When temperatures rise, getting a good night’s sleep can become difficult. Hot, humid conditions make it harder for the body to cool down naturally, which can leave people restless, uncomfortable and tired the next day.

  • Summer inter-island ferry sailings between Jersey and Guernsey cancelled

    All planned summer inter-island ferry sailings between Jersey and Guernsey have been cancelled following a decision by DFDS to remove the service from sale.

  • Beat the heat: Top tips for staying cool in hot weather

    When the Island experiences a heatwave, it can be hard to stay cool. The UK summers are getting hotter – and this week we've experienced the highest May temperatures on record – so what are our options to beat the heat?

Opinion Poll

The Jersey Consumer Council frequently asks Islanders to take part in polls on a range of topics.

Just tap on one of the options below to cast your vote and see what others think.

ⓘ What does the JCC do with this information?

Connect with the JCC