The cost of shipping furniture: what determines the price

Moving can come with a lot of expenses and budgeting for costs isn’t always easy. You have a pretty good idea of what it costs to rent a truck or hire professional movers. You can even come up with a pretty accurate estimate of what you need to spend on moving supplies.

However, it’s a little different when it comes to estimating your shipping furniture cost. Even when you have a quote, it doesn’t necessarily mean this is the amount you pay to ship your furniture. A few factors go into determining the final cost.

Factors affecting furniture shipping costs

Some factors impacting shipping costs are obvious and others may be a little surprising. If you’re planning a move that includes shipping your furniture, here’s a look at what goes into determining the price.

Location

Even though your current location can affect shipping costs, it doesn’t play a huge role. You may pay more to ship furniture from a large metro area than the suburbs, but this typically depends on the company. With a little research, you can usually find a great deal. 

What can have a significant impact on shipping costs is the destination address. If you’re shipping nationally, costs are usually lower than internationally. Not only are logistics more complicated, but you’re also dealing with duty and customs fees. Don’t forget about the additional paperwork.

Filling out the customs paperwork can be a time-consuming process and most shipping companies charge extra to take on the task. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to lower these shipping expenses.

The Type of Furniture

Furniture shipping costs aren’t so much affected by the type of furniture as its weight and size. Smaller, lighter pieces are going to be less expensive to ship compared to a large couch or four-piece dining set.

If you’re wondering why shipping large pieces costs more, the answer is fairly simple. Shipping companies pay more in fuel, labour, and storage space and they pass these costs on to you. Larger, heavier items are also harder to package.

Yes, you want your furniture packaged during shipping to help prevent any damage. You can reduce some shipping expenses by taking care of the packing yourself. 

Packing smaller pieces like an end table or lamp is relatively easy. All you need is a sturdy box, protective wrapping, and some packing material. However, trying to package up larger items like a couch or piano is usually best left to the professionals.

Something else to consider is insurance; your renters or homeowner’s policy doesn’t always cover damage that occurs during shipping, which also applies if your furniture ends up lost during transit. If you want to protect your furniture, you usually need to purchase moving insurance through the shipping company or talk to your agent about adding the coverage.

Going with your insurance carrier is often less expensive than purchasing insurance through the shipping company. However, every policy is different so it’s best to do your homework before choosing one option over the other.

Transportation Method

Your furniture shipping options include using a freight truck, train, bus, airplane, or boat.

As you probably expect, the transportation method will affect shipping costs. Shipping furniture by train or bus is usually a budget friendly option but it can have a downside.  

Even though trains and buses run on schedules, delays are common and there’s no guarantee your furniture will arrive on time. You may be spending a few nights sleeping on the floor while waiting for your furniture to arrive.

If you want a more precise delivery date and time, a freight truck may be a good option. You should expect to pay more but sometimes the extra cost is worth knowing your furniture will arrive on schedule.

Both national and international moves can use air freight, and your furniture can be across the country in a matter of hours instead of days. However, due to the high cost that’s involved, air freight is usually best for shipping furniture to another country.

If saving money is a key consideration and your move is taking you to another country, sea freight may be the best option. The delivery will take longer than by air but the savings may be worth the wait.

White Glove Delivery Service

Even the name sounds expensive and white glove delivery service for furniture isn’t cheap.

Your furniture receives personalised care during transport that includes using specially trained movers and additional packing protection. You get expert handling from the second your furniture is picked up to when it’s unpacked at your new address.

White glove delivery service is usually best for shipping delicate items or family antiques. If you’re only shipping a beloved couch from your university days, white glove service probably isn’t necessary.

Labour Costs

You’re going to run into labor costs anytime you ship furniture, and even if you handle the packaging and drop the furniture off at the shipping company, the staff is still loading your items onto the transport vehicle to get to the final destination.

Employees are also unloading your furniture and delivering it to your address.

While you can reduce some labour costs, you should still expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $50 an hour. If you’re shipping heavy items, you should expect labor costs to go up.

You may be paying labour rates for multiple employees. Comparing rates from various shipping companies can help keep labour costs down.

Don’t Forget to Tip Your Movers

Even though it seems like we’re in a culture of tipping, you should still thank your movers. The amount you tip your movers is really up to you. There isn’t a set rate. The best advice is to use your best judgment.

Keeping furniture shipping costs down

Whether you're sending furniture across town or across the country, shipping isn’t cheap, but you can take steps to make it more affordable.

Selecting the least expensive shipping method is one option, and if you’re able to handle some of the packing, that can reduce costs too. Also, be sure to compare quotes, as doing so could lead you to a more budget friendly solution with just a bit of effort.