Consolidation explained

Consolidation combines two or more packages in your Tiptrans account into one new package, so you ship and pay for one parcel instead of several. You order it from your account, choose how much of the original packaging we keep, and then request dispatch of the new package.

What consolidation does

• Combines packages from any shops or sellers. You need at least two packages; there is no upper limit.
• Packs each package the way you choose: type A, B or C (see below). You can choose a different type for each package.
• Creates a new package with a new ID, for example 123A and 123B become 123C. The original packages get the status Consolidated, and we email you when the new package is ready.
• Does not ship anything. Request dispatch for the new package afterwards. See How to dispatch a package.

For the steps, see How to order consolidation. For how long it takes, see Processing times explained.

Consolidation types

The final size and weight are known only after packing. With types B and C they depend on what is inside, so we can't predict them in advance.

To make a single package smaller without combining it with others, order Shrink package instead. See Can my package be repacked or shrunk?

Conditions and limits

• Same warehouse and same account. Packages in different warehouses or in different Tiptrans accounts can't be combined, so give every seller your full Tiptrans address of the same warehouse, with your name and suite number. See How to enter a Tiptrans address at checkout. To bring them together first, see Can I move a package to another warehouse?
• Declared contents. You can select a package only after its contents are declared. Exception: Premium and Business Premium members can consolidate undeclared packages at the Czech, German and UK warehouses, but still declare the contents before dispatch. See How to declare package contents.
• Not part of another request. A package that is already in an open request, such as a dispatch request or another consolidation, can't be added.
• Already consolidated packages can be combined again, the same way as any other package.
• Oversized and palletized packages: we may refuse to consolidate them.
• Ordered from your account only. Staff consolidate packages only when you place the request in your account, not when you ask by email.

Carrier preference and special instructions

• Select your preferred carrier (optional) tells staff which carrier's size limits to keep in mind. If you also tick Strict, we pack only boxes that this carrier accepts, which can mean more than one package. You can still change the carrier when you request dispatch.
• Special instructions let you ask for something extra, for example "make 2 boxes from these 3 packages" or "remove invoices". Writing an instruction adds the special instructions fee; an empty box costs nothing.
• Business Premium: you can send your own boxes to the warehouse. They are received as a package with its own ID. In the special instructions, write "Use my own box" and that package ID.

What it costs

• You pay one consolidation fee per order, no matter how many packages you combine.
• We reuse boxes where we can. Packing material is charged only if we have to use a brand-new box, mainly for large consolidations over 0.1 CBM, or if you ask for one. It costs up to $5 per box and is deducted from your balance after packing.
• Your balance must cover the fee when you order. If it doesn't, top up first.
• Shipping, and the dispatch fee on the Standard plan, are paid when you request dispatch of the new package.
• If you cancel the request before staff start working on it, the fees are refunded.

Current prices are on the price list.

How consolidation saves you money

• Fewer dispatch fees. On the Standard plan, every shipped package costs a $5 dispatch fee (Premium and Business Premium pay $0). Shipping three packages separately costs $15 in dispatch fees plus three shipping charges. Consolidated, you pay $5 for the consolidation and $5 for one dispatch, plus one shipping charge.
• Lower shipping cost. One combined parcel is often cheaper than several, especially with types B and C, which make it smaller and lighter. This isn't guaranteed, because carrier prices depend on the destination. Compare options in the shipping cost calculator and on Delivery methods.
• Less to store. Storage fees are based on volume, so fewer and smaller packages cost less to store. See Free storage and storage fees explained.

After consolidation

Your content descriptions are copied to the new package. Lines with the same description are merged into one line, and their quantities and values are added up:

The invoice can list at most 20 types of items.

• Check the new package before you ship it. Review its photos and its content description. We can't take responsibility for an item missing from a consolidation unless it was photographed. If you think something is missing, order Check contents before dispatch. See Can I see what's inside my package?
• Free storage starts again. The new package gets its own 30 days of free storage. See Free storage and storage fees explained.
• Changed your mind? A consolidated package can be divided again with a Split package request. See Can I split a package into several shipments?
• Other services for the new package, such as dispatch or a pickup by your own carrier, can be ordered once the consolidation is finished.