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1. How do I measure and weigh my parcel correctly?

Getting your measurements right before you book saves time and keeps your delivery moving without unnecessary back and forth. Here's how to do it properly.

Step 1: Measure your parcel
Use a tape measure or ruler to measure your parcel in centimetres. You need three measurements:

Length: the longest side
Width: the second longest side
Height: how tall the parcel is when it sits flat

The maximum size of a Parcel is
120 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm.

Step 2: Weigh your parcel
Weigh and record your parcel’s weight in kilograms.
The maximum weight is 30 kilograms per parcel.

Step 3: Enter your measurements accurately when booking
Enter your correct measurements when making your booking. If your parcel is heavier or larger than declared, it may be re-rated and an additional charge applied.

Quick tip: Getting the dimensions right upfront avoids delays and additional charges down the line.

Should your Shipment be heavier than 30 kilograms or have greater dimensions, please call our Customer Care to ascertain whether we can attend to it.

There is no limitations on the number of Parcels in a Shipment.

2. What packaging should I use and how do I pack it properly?

Good packaging is the difference between a parcel that arrives perfectly and one that doesn't. Here's how to get it right.

Step 1: Choose the right box
Use a sturdy, corrugated cardboard box that fits your item properly, not too big, not too small. Avoid reusing old or damaged boxes.

Step 2: Wrap your item
Wrap your item securely before placing it in the box. Bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper all work well. Make sure there's no room for the item to shift around inside the box during transit.

Step 3: Fill every gap
Use packing peanuts, crumpled paper or bubble wrap to fill any empty space. Movement during transit is what causes damage, so eliminate it completely.

Step 4: Seal it properly
Use strong packing tape, at least 48mm wide to seal the box. Top, bottom and all four sides. Masking tape, string and sellotape won't hold.

Step 5: Label it clearly
As part of the booking process, you’ll receive two copies of your waybill. Print them and attach securely to the parcel. Make sure the label is clearly visible to ensure smooth delivery.

3. What is a fragile item and how should I pack it?

Fragile items need more than a label, they need the right packaging. Here's what counts as fragile and how to make sure it arrives in one piece.

What is considered fragile?

Glassware, mirrors, and picture frames
Ceramics and pottery
Artwork and sculpture
Anything with delicate moving parts

Step 1: Wrap each item individually

Wrap every fragile item individually in at least two layers of bubble wrap. Secure with tape. For particularly delicate items, add a third layer.

Step 2: Fill every gap

No movement means no breakage. Pack peanuts, foam, or crumpled paper top, bottom, and every side. If it can move, it will.

Step 3: Seal and label clearly

Seal with strong packing tape and mark FRAGILE clearly on all sides and the top.

Step 4: Declare it when booking

Let RAM know your item is fragile at the time of booking so it can be flagged and handled accordingly from the moment it's collected.

Quick tip: Fragile labels help, but proper internal packaging is what actually protects your item. Don't rely on the label alone.

4. Which delivery service is right for me?

RAM offers a range of delivery services built for different timelines, needs, and budgets. Here's a simple guide to help you choose the right one.

Same Day Delivery

Best for: Urgent deliveries that can't wait.
How it works: Collected and delivered within the same business day within main centres.
Good to know: Book as early as possible to guarantee same day collection.

Early Bird 09:00

Best for: Time-critical next morning deliveries.
How it works: Delivered by 09:00 the following business day within main centres.
Good to know: RAM's fastest overnight option.

Next Day 11:00

Best for: Next morning delivery.
How it works: Delivered by 11:00 the following business day within main centres.

Next Day 17:00

Best for: Standard next business day delivery.
How it works: Delivered by close of business the following day within main centres.
Good to know: RAM's most popular everyday delivery option.

Express Road (XR)

Best for: Consolidated national distribution and bulk movements.
How it works: Delivery within 24 to 48 hours of collection.
Good to know: A reliable, cost-effective option for businesses moving goods at scale.

Economy Service (ES)

Best for: Non-urgent shipments where cost is the priority.
How it works: Delivery within 48 to 72 hours of collection.

International Delivery

Documents and parcels going outside South Africa.
How it works: Delivered to 220+ countries via RAM's integrated DHL Express partnership. Documents in  2 to 3 business days, parcels  in 2 to 5.

Call RAM on 0861 726 726 and we'll help you

5. How do I book a single collection and delivery through RAM?

Booking a collection and delivery with RAM is straightforward. There are two ways to do it choose whichever works best for you.

Step 1: Go to ram.co.za and log in or register for an account.
Step 2: Enter your collection address, delivery address, and parcel details including dimensions and weight.
Step 3: Select your preferred delivery service.
Step 4: Confirm your booking. RAM will collect from your door no subcontractors, no handoffs to third parties.

Step 1: Find your nearest RAM Drop and Go Centre at ram.co.za.
Step 2: Walk in with your parcel, already packed and labelled.
Step 3: RAM will weigh it, process your booking, and get it moving no account needed.

Quick tip: If you send parcels regularly, set up a RAM SME or Large Enterprise account. You'll get access to real-time tracking, detailed reporting, and account management tools that make every booking faster and every delivery easier to manage.

6. How can I track my parcel?

Once your booking is confirmed, you’ll receive a tracking number via your booking confirmation email and on your waybill.

Simply enter your tracking number at ram.co.za to get real-time updates on your parcel’s journey.

What you should know

Automatic delivery updates

You will automatically receive WhatsApp, SMS, or email notifications when the parcel is collected, in transit, out for delivery, or if a delivery attempt is missed.

Easy self-service updates

You can quickly update delivery instructions, correct an address, or reschedule delivery directly from their notification, making it easier to receive parcels on their terms.

Please note: Changes to the delivery address may impact delivery timelines and could result in a delay while the new details are validated and routing is updated.

Missed delivery? No problem

If a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, you can easily request a reattempt, choose a new delivery date, or update delivery details.

Track it here
Enter the tracking number from your confirmation email or waybill.

Tracking number

Track

7. What items can RAM not deliver?

Prohibited items RAM cannot deliver these under any circumstances:

Any item that does not have internal packaging to protect the item
Items which are not boxed
Box with a hazardous label
Items sent with a hazardous label attached will be classed as such unless the contents are specifically declared and RAM confirms that RAM is permitted to carry said goods
Dangerous goods including - explosives, fireworks, crackers, radioactive materials, swords, knives, axes, chainsaws, anything with a blade larger than 1.5 inches undisclosed firearms and/or ammunition and/or weapons
Dry ice
Engines, generators, gearboxes or any part containing or having contained oil or petrol unless flushed through
Perishable Food items (Perishable Goods) / Bulk Foods
Furniture
Hazardous materials / Flammable materials including paint, adhesive, chemicals, flammable resins, solvents, liquids, compressed air & empty cylinders and items containing any gases
Human remains / body parts (except Blood / laboratory samples)
Illegal goods or goods prohibited by Law
Live / dead animals
Money / Currency
White goods – fridges, ovens, cooker hood, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine

Restricted items special conditions apply:

Firearms and ammunition only accepted through the APP.RAM Firearm Consignment

Portal by pre-approved clients

High-value items must be declared and sent via RAM's Valuable Cargo service
Medicines and medical devices must be sent via RAM Hand-to-Hand Pharmaceuticals
RICA regulated items must be sent via RAM's Face-to-Face delivery service with full compliance

Note: If you're unsure whether RAM can deliver your item, contact us before booking on 0861 726 726. Sending a prohibited item can result in your parcel being held, returned, or disposed of.

8. What is RICA and FICA compliance and does it affect my delivery?

If you're receiving a SIM card, credit card or other regulated item, RICA and FICA compliance is built into the delivery process. Here's what it means and what to expect.

What is RICA? RICA stands for the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act. In practical terms, it means that anyone receiving a SIM card in South Africa must have their identity verified before it's handed over.

What is FICA? FICA stands for the Financial Intelligence Centre Act. It requires identity verification for the delivery of financial products including credit cards, transactional cards and membership cards.

How does this affect my delivery?

Step 1: Your delivery will be Face-to-Face
RICA and FICA regulated items are delivered directly to the named recipient only.

Step 2: Have your ID ready
You must present a valid South African ID document or passport at the time of delivery. The RAM driver will capture an image of the document on a handheld device.

Step 3: Make sure you are available on the day
Confirm that you as the recipient will be at the delivery address. If they're not available, a reattempt will be scheduled automatically.

Step 4: Your data is protected
All personal information captured during RICA and FICA delivery is stored in full compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.

Quick tip: Sending RICA or FICA regulated items at scale like a telecoms or financial services business? RAM's dedicated IT and Cellular and Banking solutions are built specifically for this, with trained staff and full compliance infrastructure already in place. Call us on 0861 726 726 to find out more.

9. What happens if my delivery is missed?

A missed delivery isn't the end of the road. RAM's self-service tools kick in automatically so your parcel keeps moving without you having to chase anything.

Step 1: You will be notified

The moment a delivery attempt is missed, RAM sends an automatic WhatsApp, SMS,  or email notification.

Step 2: You choose what happens next

From the notification, there are options to:

Request a reattempt RAM will try again at the same address
Choose a new delivery date, pick a date that works
Update the delivery address and redirect to a different location
Add delivery instructions, gate codes, alternative entrances or a safe drop location

Step 3: Still need help?

If the automated options don't resolve the issue, RAM's customer service team is available to help directly. Call 0861 726 726 or email info@ram.co.za.

Quick tip: The best way to avoid a missed delivery is to make sure contact details and delivery address are correct when booking.

10. How do I send a parcel internationally?

RAM delivers to more than 220 countries and territories worldwide through a fully integrated partnership with DHL Express with end-to-end tracking from the moment your parcel leaves your hands to the moment it arrives at its destination. Here's how it works.

Step 1: Check if your item can be shipped internationally

Not all items can be sent internationally. Check RAM's prohibited and restricted items list, as well as the regulations of the destination country.

Step 2: Pack your parcel correctly

Have a look at RAM's packaging guidelines. International shipments go through multiple handling points the better it's packed, the better it arrives.

Step 3: Prepare your documentation

International parcels require a commercial invoice. You'll need:Documents don't require a commercial invoice but must still be correctly labelled and declared.

A full description of the contents
The value of the goods in ZAR
The recipient's full name, address, and contact number
Your details as the sender

Step 4: Choose your service
RAM offers two international options through DHL Express:

International Documents delivered in 2 to 3 business days to most major destinations
International Parcels delivered in 2 to 5 business days to most major destinations, covering Africa, Europe, Asia, and the USA

Step 5: Book through RAM

Book through the RAM portal at ram.co.za, call 0861 726 726, or email info@ram.co.za. Your parcel will be collected by RAM and integrated seamlessly into the DHL Express international network with full tracking throughout.

Step 6: For high-value international shipments

RAM also offers a personal courier service for high-value international deliveries, a dedicated RAM representative who collects your parcel, accompanies it throughout the entire journey and delivers it personally to the recipient. Contact info@ram.co.za for this service.

Step 7: Track your shipment

Use your RAM tracking number to follow your parcel's full journey from collection in South Africa all the way to delivery at the destination.

Quick tip: Customs clearance is the most common cause of international delivery delays and it almost always comes down to documentation. Make sure your commercial invoice is accurate, complete, and matches the contents of your parcel exactly before it leaves your hands.

11. What size and weight parcels does RAM handle?

Got something bigger or heavier? Give your nearest RAM Hub a call and we'll figure out the best way to handle it.

And there's no limit on how many parcels you can include in a single shipment, so send as much as you need.

FAQs