mailing or sending boxes and small packages is pretty easy; in most cases, you can simply drop them off at your local post office or courier service. shipping large boxes, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated. USPS and couriers like FedEx® and UPS® have strict weight and size limits and can become too expensive for large packages, especially if your boxes are also heavy or traveling a long distance.
so what is the best way to ship large boxes?
If you ship or move large boxes, you likely fall into one of two categories:
- business owners looking to ship large boxes to customers, the next step in their supply chain, or another location in their network.
- homeowners ship large boxes as part of a family move, including small apartment moves, college moves, estate distributions, and complete house moves.
There are several ways for businesses and homeowners to move or ship large boxes across the country. read our comprehensive guide to shipping large boxes for information on six shipping methods, or use the menu below to skip directly to special considerations, mistakes to avoid, and detailed packing instructions.
1. how to ship large boxes
Read about common ways to ship large boxes, including the pros and cons, and when to use each method.
2. How much does it cost to ship large boxes?
Large box shipping cost depends on the shipping method you choose.
3. recommended shipping method
Local or long distance move? find out which shipping method is best for your move.
4. special considerations
Shipping large boxes involves much more than just loading everything into a box and taping it shut.
5. mistakes to avoid
keep your belongings safe throughout the moving process by avoiding these mistakes.
6. how to pack big boxes
Pack your large boxes the right way with our step-by-step instructions.
1. how to ship large boxes
There are six ways to ship large boxes across the country:
- united states postal service (usps)
- courier delivery (ups®, fedex®)
- rent a truck and move yourself
- hire professional moving companies
- shared or peer-to-peer transportation
- consolidated freight
Before committing to a shipping method, always measure and weigh your box. Knowing the size and weight will help you narrow down your options.
usps can ship anything under 70 pounds, under 108″ in length, and under 165″ in circumference.
packages between 70 and 150 pounds are often best sent via courier services such as fedex or ups. anything over 150 pounds must be shipped freight.
If your large box doesn’t fit into any of these categories, the best shipping method may not be so clear. Let’s take a closer look at each of the methods listed above:
me. united states postal service (usps)
the united states postal service (usps) sells cardboard boxes up to 20″ x 14″ x 10″ and offers a couple of service levels suitable for large boxes.
advantages
disadvantages
how much does it cost to ship large boxes using usps?
The cost of your shipment will depend on its size, weight, the distance it will travel, and your level of service.
- Priority Mail: Small flat rate boxes (8 11/16” x 5 7/16” x 1 ¾”) are $9.45 ($8.25 business basis). Medium flat rate (starting at 11 ¼” x 8 ¾” x 6”) is $14.35 ($16.10 commercial base). large flat rate boxes (12 ¼” x 12 ¼” x 6”) are $21.50 ($19.20 commercial basis). if you use their boxes, regional box prices will depend on weight and distance traveled.
- Express Priority Mail: starts at $26.95 per package ($23.50 business basis).
- usps retail ground: starting at $8.50 per package.
Variable pricing will apply to all packages not subject to usps flat rate pricing and will depend on weight and zone. large and light packages will also be subject to oversize pricing.
ii. courier delivery for large boxes
Courier shipping services are provided by familiar names like fedex®, ups® or dhl®. These carriers will typically accept packages weighing up to 150 pounds, measuring up to 108″ in length, or up to 165″ in length and girth combined. they can also transport large packages (subject to additional charges).
Express delivery options are also available and you may be able to add packaging services for an additional fee. This makes courier shipping an ideal option for retailers shipping merchandise to customers, as well as homeowners looking to ship some urgent boxes to a new home.
If you’re considering courier services for your large boxes, you’ll need to consider something called “dimensional weight.” Package shipments are often priced based on their weight, but the space they take up on the truck will also affect the cost of your shipment, especially if you’re moving bulkier items like large boxes. dimensional weight more accurately reflects the density of your shipment; in other words, the amount of space it occupies relative to its actual weight.
advantages
disadvantages
how much does it cost to ship large boxes using courier services?
Courier shipping cost is based on the level of service you choose and the distance your package travels. expedited or overnight shipments will cost significantly more than regular ground freight, no matter how they are packaged.
for example, a 50 lb box traveling from austin tx to portland o, starts at $72.65 for delivery within 4 business days. the price increases depending on the speed of delivery, going up to $538.12 for overnight delivery. By comparison, a 120-lb box traveling from Austin to Portland starts at $200.94 for delivery within 4 days, going as high as $1,376.85 for overnight delivery.
With a longer delivery window, courier shipping is often cheaper than USPS Priority Mail. however, for shipments under 5 pounds, usps priority mail will be cheaper if a flat rate large box is used. For shipments over £5, you’re probably better off using courier services.
iii. rent a truck and move
If you’re moving large boxes as part of a domestic move, you have the option of renting a truck and moving them yourself.
Renting a moving truck and transporting your belongings yourself is a popular option for small or short distance moves. this method is ideal for those who don’t have much to move, don’t move very far, and can load and unload their belongings.
load large boxes on moving vehicle
Loading large boxes strategically can help maximize the space in your truck and minimize the amount of work you have to do. Follow these tips:
- Lift boxes correctly: bend over and lift from your legs, not your back.
- Start by carrying large, heavy appliances, then load longer items like sofas or beds.
- load boxes after large pieces of furniture, being careful to secure boxes in place and making sure not to load anything too heavy on top.
- load boxes in layers, with each layer independently secure to the best of your ability.
- place heavier boxes on the bottom and load lighter boxes on top.
- place blanket pads on exposed surfaces to keep them safe from scratches or other damage. .
advantages
disadvantages
how much does it cost to rent a truck and move large boxes?
The cost of renting a vehicle and moving will depend on the size of the vehicle and the distance of your move. In addition to a daily rate based on the size of the vehicle, you will also be responsible for fuel and mileage charges, as well as any additional charges for moving supplies and insurance. if you’re moving long distance, you may even have to pay more to drop off the truck in a different city than where you picked it up.
- day rates typically range from $19.99-$29.99 per day for a 10′-17′ truck, or $29.99-$39.99 for a 20′-26′ truck.
- mileage is typically $0.89-$1.39 per mile and may be higher on weekends and during peak moving season.
iv. hiring professional moving companies
Hiring professional movers is another option for domestic moves. this method is ideal for larger local moves, or for those who don’t have the physical ability to move (or those who just don’t want the hassle). Professional movers may even offer packing services for an additional fee.
If you’re considering professional moves, call at least three moving companies for a quote. Some movers base their prices more on distance, while others put more emphasis on the amount of stuff you have. prepare yourself with an accurate idea of how many boxes they will need to move.
advantages
disadvantages
how much does it cost to hire professional moving companies?
The cost of your move will depend on how far you are moving and how much stuff you are bringing with you. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average local move costs about $1,250, while the average long-distance move costs about $4,890.
v. shared transport or peer-to-peer delivery
When you ship your large boxes using shared or peer-to-peer transportation services, your boxes will be transported by a shipping partner traveling in the same direction.
To connect with a shipping partner, you’ll post your shipment to an online marketplace like roadie or us. Be prepared with accurate weight and dimensions when you post your box shipment, as well as pick-up and drop-off dates and locations. the more details you can provide, the better. then potential partners will bid on your submission. they could be a larger logistics company, a single truck owner/operator, or even a road traveler. it’s up to you to examine your options and negotiate your shipping rate.
As you start receiving offers, ask lots of questions so you can get an idea of each potential partner’s response time and their ability to transport your products safely. Before you commit, look at your carrier or account profile to review your shipping history, safety records, and customer feedback.
advantages
disadvantages
how much does it cost to ship a painting using peer to peer shipping?
Peer-to-peer shipping costs can vary and are often negotiable depending on the size of your shipment, how many boxes you ship, and the level of involvement you require from your shipping partner.
The cost of shipping large boxes will depend on the combined weight and dimensions of your boxes, as well as the total distance traveled. according to uship, the average cost of a long-distance big box shipment is about $1.50 per mile. for shipments of more than 6 boxes, you can expect $550-$700 or more.
I saw. consolidated freight
When you ship large boxes using LTL, your boxes will share space on the truck with other items headed in the same direction.
LTR shipping services are always provided by licensed and insured shipping companies. Well-established freight providers will connect you with an experienced shipping company that specializes in transporting your items. this may include:
- temperature-controlled vehicles
- loading and unloading by hand (instead of forklifts)
- additional services, such as packing services to ensure your big boxes are safe properly packed.
There are typically two levels of service available:
- ltl/economy: You pack your boxes yourself and help with curbside loading and unloading. prices start around $360 depending on weight and number of boxes. with lower prices and faster delivery, ltl service is ideal for items that aren’t too fragile or valuable.
- white glove: includes indoor pickup and delivery. No heavy machinery like forklifts will be used to move your boxes, making white glove service ideal for boxes containing fragile or valuable items. however, delivery times are much longer and this level of service is more expensive, starting at $650.
ltl shipping is ideal for shipments over 15 boxes. in these cases, the boxes are usually packed on a pallet to facilitate shipping. shipping pallets is also safer and ensures that your boxes stay together throughout the journey.
advantages
disadvantages
how much does it cost to ship large boxes using consolidated freight?
The cost of shipping boxes with consolidated freight will depend on the level of service you choose, as well as how many boxes you ship. tsi’s box program starts at $367 for up to 5 boxes.
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2. How much does it cost to ship large boxes?
the cost of shipping your large boxes will depend on the shipping method you choose:
method
cost
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3. recommended shipping method
For local or short distance moves, we recommend hiring professional carriers. For small moves, you can probably get by with a rental moving truck.
For long distance or larger domestic moves, we recommend consolidated shipping. Consolidated freight forwarders are pre-vetted and licensed, so you can be sure your boxes will be transported safely.
The best-established freight providers will offer customized shipping services that are tailored to your cargo, including how many boxes you need to ship, if you need supplies, or if you need packing assistance. They’ll also connect you with a shipping company that specializes in transporting your items, and you’ll be able to arrange different levels of service depending on what you’re shipping, from lower-cost LTL shipping to premium white-collar service. ltl service starts at around $360 depending on weight and number of boxes, while white glove service usually starts at around $650.
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4. special considerations for shipping large boxes
what exactly is a “big” box?
As a general rule of thumb, a large box is about the size of a large suitcase. the most common size is 18″ x 18″ x 24″, but larger boxes are also available, and even extra-large boxes measuring up to 24″ x 18″ x 24″.
Large boxes are often ideal for bulky, lightweight items such as:
- lampshades
- stereo speakers
- board games
- pillows
- clothes
- towels and bedding
- shoes
- small appliances
With proper padding and proper packaging, anything can be packed into a large box, including heavier or more delicate items. be sure to check the weight limit on the bottom of large boxes; some boxes may have a lower weight limit than expected.
Packing and shipping large boxes involves much more than just loading everything into the box and taping it shut. Keep these considerations in mind when packing:
weight
Large boxes should be full, but not heavy. if possible, large boxes should not exceed 50 pounds so you can move them without serious risk of injury, especially if you need to lift them yourself to transport them to the post office, load them into your moving vehicle, or carry them to and from the curb for ltl shipments.
Boxes that are too heavy are also at higher risk of damage. most moving boxes will include a weight limit on the bottom of the box. always check before you pack a box so you don’t exceed its weight limit.
size
Your box should be slightly larger than what you are packing or shipping to allow room for enough packing materials to prevent shifting or breaking. when in doubt, use a larger box and make sure you have sufficiently packed and padded the contents.
number of boxes
The more boxes you have to ship, the more your shipment will cost. individual big box shipments are typically best shipped by mail or courier, depending on their weight. larger shipments of 3 or more boxes are ideal for peer-to-peer or LTL shipments. For delicate or valuable belongings, opt for consolidated freight.
box content
Whatever you’re transporting, it needs to be packed properly to prevent it from shifting or being damaged by impact. Large boxes are ideal for packing lightweight items so they are easy to transport. Bulky but heavy items like books, on the other hand, are best packed in smaller boxes; its weight can add up quickly, making the box impossible to transport and significantly increasing the risk of damage and injury.
Boxes containing valuable, fragile or old items should only be handled by professionals who know how to transport these items. in this case, the consolidated cargo is usually your best option.
safe
Boxes packed by yourself cannot be insured for long. If you’re transporting fragile or valuable items, it’s best to let the professionals pack your box. that way, they can be insured for the proper value and you’ll be covered in the event of damage.
double boxing
Double packing (packing a smaller box into a larger box) is ideal for shipping fragile or valuable items. After packing the small box according to what you are shipping, layer packing materials in the bottom of a large box. place the small box inside, then secure it in place using more packing materials.
unpacking experience
If you’re a retailer, providing a pleasant unboxing experience can go a long way toward ensuring your customers have a successful encounter with your business. Always use clean, new boxes, and opt for regular packing paper or bubble wrap instead of crumpled magazine pages, newspapers, or packing peanuts.
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5. mistakes to avoid when shipping large boxes
- Overpacking: Just because you can fit 100 pounds of stuff in a box doesn’t mean you should. moving and shipping boxes are designed to support a certain amount of weight. exceeding the recommended limit can strain or injure your back, and the case itself can even rip or disintegrate. As a general rule, large boxes should never exceed 70 pounds and should be able to close easily. overfilled boxes can burst during a move.
- not using proper padding: boxes should be well packed so that nothing can move inside the box during transit. Cover the bottom of the box with crumpled up packing paper or bubble wrap, then stuff the sides and around each item using the same materials you filled the box with. avoid packing peanuts – they are bad for the environment and will settle to the bottom of the box, where they are essentially worthless.
- packing the wrong items: some items should never be packed in boxes, especially if they will be in transit for extended periods, including food, liquids, and hazardous materials. fragile items like electronics or artwork can be packed in boxes, as long as they are packed securely.
- not lifting boxes properly: lift them with your legs , not with the back. don’t twist it while carrying a large or heavy item, and don’t be afraid to use lifting aids such as moving straps, dollies, and hand trucks.
- using used boxes inappropriately: used boxes can keep moving or shipping costs down. while they are often suitable for less valuable items or durable things, you should always use new boxes for new or delicate belongings. If you’re using used boxes, inspect them carefully first for signs of damage. all boxes must be strong, dry and free from damage and infestation. you should also remove all old address labels.
retailers should never use used boxes to ship items to a customer; it doesn’t look professional and can cause damage if the box can’t do the job.
- Use of improper packaging materials: Some boxes, such as bank boxes, storage boxes, file boxes, or copy paper boxes, are not designed for the Shipping. These boxes are designed for palletized shipping, but may still be suitable for courier services if properly reinforced and do not exceed 30lbs. for heavier items, use double-wall corrugated boxes.
- not sealing the box properly: the only tape you should use is high-quality packing tape: duct tape, Masking, duct tape, or painter’s tape are not designed to seal boxes. tape all edges using method h and apply multiple layers of tape. any untaped edges can snag or tear during shipping.
- Not Labeling Your Box: If you’re a retailer, make sure the shipping label is attached on the correct side, so that you can not be ripped off, and that it is readable. do not put adhesive tape on the label to avoid scanning problems. If you’re a homeowner, label the top and at least one side of the box with the room it should go in, as well as any additional instructions such as “fragile” or “this side up.” You must also ensure that the destination address and any relevant shipping information is correct and easy to read.
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6. how to pack big boxes
The key to transporting large boxes safely is to pack them correctly. here’s how:
packing instructions
- assemble the box. glue each seam to the bottom using the h method.
- measure the box. You will need these measurements if you plan to ship your boxes via consolidated freight or to set up an online usps or courier service. learn the proper way to measure your boxes here.
- line the box with padding. Wrinkled newspaper or magazine pages may work for a household move, but packing paper is often the best option, especially for retailers. Provides the best unboxing experience and won’t transfer ink or dye to your stuff. large bubble wrap works well too. whatever you do, don’t use packing peanuts: they’re not environmentally friendly and will move around inside the box.
- wrap items individually. Wrap each item to be packed in the large box individually with packing paper, especially if you are packing fragile items like china, frames, or eyeglasses.
- Load heavy items first . Placing heavy items at the bottom of the box provides a solid base and also prevents lighter items from getting crushed. add a layer of padding on top of heavy items, then continue packing lighter items on top. protect box edges to prevent shifting or impact damage.
- pack lighter items on top. take care to wrap each item and pad well with other materials packing to avoid shifting. You can also load smaller boxes into a larger box using the double-box method, as long as they are properly padded.
- around each item as you pack. if you have extra space at the top of the box, fill it with soft packing materials like towels or pillows, crumpled packing paper, or bubble wrap.
- attach an extra label , business card, or letterhead with the sender’s address, as well as the recipient’s address and phone number, before sealing.
- seal the box. use the same method h you used to secure the bottom of the box. take care to seal every seam and use only high-quality packing tape; masking tape and duct tape are not designed for packaging and will not be strong enough to survive the trip.
- label the box. always label special considerations such as “fragile” or “this side up” as well as heavy packages.
if you’re a retailer, make sure the box is properly labeled with the proper shipping label and that everything is easy to read or scan.
If you own a home, please label the box with the room it belongs in and a brief list of contents if relevant. if you wish, you can also number the boxes as part of your inventory.
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conclusion
There are several ways to ship large boxes:
- postal service (usps)
- courier (fedex®, ups®, dhl®)
- rent a truck and move yourself
- hire professional moving companies
- shared or peer-to-peer transportation
- consolidated cargo
if you’re shipping a single box under 70lbs 108”, courier services or usps like ups or fedex are likely your best option. For larger or heavier boxes, shipments of more than 3 boxes, or large boxes containing fragile or valuable items, we recommend consolidated freight. tsi can help – our experienced logistics coordinators will connect you with an expert shipping company and help you create a shipping plan that fits your schedule and budget.