Want to ship a TV? You might ask, “How much does it cost to ship a television?” Shipping a TV can cost anywhere from maybe $50 for a small, short trip using a cheap service to $500 or even well over $1,000 for a big TV going a long way, especially if you need it fast or professionally packed. Many things change the price, like how big and heavy the TV is, how far it goes, how fast you need it there, if you want it packed for you, and if you put insurance on it. A good first step is using a shipping cost estimator TV to get an idea. This guide will help you figure out what makes the price go up or down and how to get your TV where it needs to go safely.
Shipping a television is not like sending a letter or a small box. TVs are big. They are also thin and easy to break. They have large, sensitive screens. This makes shipping them a bit tricky. You need to think about protecting the screen. You need to think about the size and weight. All these things add to the cost.
There are different ways to ship a TV. You can use big shipping companies. You can use companies that only move big things. You can even use moving companies. Each way has its own costs and rules. Knowing these rules helps you pick the best path for your TV and your wallet.
Image Source: www.fedex.com
Deciphering What Changes the Shipping Price
Many things affect how much it costs to ship a TV. Thinking about these things helps you guess the cost. It also helps you find ways to pay less.
The TV’s Size and Weight
Big, heavy TVs cost more to ship. This is simple. Shipping companies charge more for bigger, heavier boxes. They need more space on their trucks or planes. They are harder for workers to move. So, shipping cost by weight and size is a major point. A huge 70-inch TV will cost much more than a small 32-inch one. This is why shipping a large screen TV is often pricey.
How Size and Weight Work
Shipping companies look at two weights:
* Actual Weight: How much the TV and its box actually weigh.
* Dimensional Weight: This is based on the size of the box. Companies use a math problem to figure out how much space the box takes up. If the box is very large but light, you might pay based on this “dimensional weight.”
They charge you based on whichever weight is more. This means a big box, even with a light TV inside, can be costly.
How Far the TV Goes
The distance is a big part of the cost. Shipping a TV across town costs much less than shipping it across the country. Shipping it to another country costs the most.
Distance Zones
Shipping companies divide the country (or world) into zones. Shipping to a close zone costs less than shipping to a far zone. For international TV shipping cost, there are more zones and more rules.
How Fast You Need It
Do you need the TV there tomorrow? Or can it take a week or more? Faster shipping costs a lot more. Ground shipping (by truck) is slowest and cheapest. Air shipping is fastest and most costly. Plan ahead if you want to save money.
How Well It’s Packed
How you pack your TV makes a big difference. If you pack it yourself, you save money on packing service. But you need the right stuff. Using the TV’s original box is best. It has special foam made for your TV. If you don’t have it, you need a strong box. You need lots of padding. Bubble wrap, foam corners, and foam sheets help keep the screen safe.
If you pay the shipping company to pack it, it costs more. But they are experts. They know how to pack fragile things like TVs. The cost to ship fragile items often includes paying extra for good packing. This extra cost might be worth it to protect your TV.
Getting Insurance
Should you get insurance? Yes, for a TV, it is a good idea. Insuring electronics shipment protects you if the TV gets lost or broken during shipping. The cost of insurance depends on the value of the TV. Shipping companies offer insurance. Third-party companies also sell insurance. The more your TV is worth, the more insurance costs. But it gives you peace of mind.
Why Insurance Matters
Things can go wrong during shipping. Boxes get dropped. Trucks crash. Having insurance means you can get money back if something bad happens. Without insurance, you might get nothing.
The Way You Ship It
There are several ways to ship a TV. The method you choose changes the price a lot.
- Standard Shipping: Like FedEx or UPS. They can ship TVs, but there are size limits. Very large TVs might be too big for their regular service.
- Specialized Shippers: Companies that only ship things like electronics or furniture. They know how to handle fragile items. They might cost more but offer better care. These are shipping companies for TVs.
- Freight Shipping: This is for very large or heavy items. The TV goes on a pallet (a wooden base). It moves with other large items. This is often used for freight shipping for TVs, especially big ones. It can be cheaper than standard shipping for heavy items, but might take longer.
- Moving Companies: If you are moving a whole house, they can move your TV too. They are used to handling furniture and electronics.
- Bus Shipping: Companies like Greyhound have a service to ship packages. This can be the cheapest way to ship a television for shorter distances. But there are size limits. And you might have to drop off and pick up the TV at the bus station.
Other Fees
Sometimes there are extra fees.
* Pickup Fee: If the company picks up the TV from your house.
* Residential Delivery Fee: If they deliver it to a home, not a business.
* Signature Required: If someone must sign for the package.
* White-Glove Service: This is a special service. The company packs the TV, ships it, unpacks it at the new place, and might even set it up. This costs a lot more but is very convenient.
Ways to Ship Your TV and Their Costs
Let’s look closer at the different ways to ship a TV and what they might cost. Remember, these are just ideas. Prices change based on all the things we talked about.
Standard Shipping (FedEx, UPS, etc.)
These are well-known companies. They ship millions of packages every day.
What They Ship
FedEx and UPS can ship many TVs. But they have limits on size and weight. A TV in its box might be too big or too heavy for their regular ground service. If your TV is very large (like 60 inches or more in the box), you might not be able to ship it this way. Always check their size and weight rules.
Costs
For smaller to medium TVs (say, under 50 inches in the box) that fit the rules:
* Small TV (32-40 inch): Could be $50 – $200, depending on distance and speed.
* Medium TV (40-50 inch): Could be $100 – $300 or more.
Remember to add costs for good packing materials and insurance. If you pay them to pack it, add maybe $50 – $100 or more for the packing service and box. Insuring electronics shipment will add more, based on the TV’s value.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Many drop-off or pickup spots.
- Tracking is usually good.
Cons
- Size and weight limits.
- May not handle fragile items like TVs with the same care as specialists.
- Damage can happen if not packed perfectly.
Specialized Shipping Companies for TVs
These companies focus on shipping things like furniture, art, and electronics. They know how to move fragile, valuable items. These are the real shipping companies for TVs.
What They Ship
They ship TVs of any size. They are set up to handle large screen TVs. They often offer services like special packing and “white-glove” delivery.
Costs
These companies usually cost more than standard shippers.
* Medium TV: $200 – $500+
* Large TV (60+ inch): $300 – $800+
These costs often include better handling and sometimes include packing.
Pros
- Expertise in handling fragile items.
- Often offer good packing services.
- Less likely to have size limits.
- Better chance of your TV arriving safely.
Cons
- Costs more.
- May take longer than standard express shipping.
- Fewer locations, might only offer pickup/delivery.
Freight Shipping for TVs
Freight shipping for TVs is used for very large, heavy, or multiple items. Your TV will likely be put on a wooden pallet. It’s then moved by a freight truck.
What They Ship
Large, heavy TVs that are too big for standard shipping. Or if you are shipping a few TVs at once.
Costs
Freight costs depend on size, weight, distance, and if it goes to a home or business. Shipping to a business address is often cheaper.
* Large TV on a pallet: Could be $150 – $600 or more, depending on distance and services.
You might need to get the TV to the freight company’s dock yourself, or pay for pickup. You also need to pack it well on the pallet.
Pros
- Good for shipping a large screen TV or multiple TVs.
- Can be cost-effective for very heavy items compared to standard shipping per pound.
- Items on pallets are often handled more carefully than single boxes.
Cons
- Takes longer than standard shipping.
- Requires more effort from you (packing on pallet, maybe dropping off/picking up).
- Delivery to a home costs extra (residential fee, liftgate fee if needed).
Bus Shipping (Like Greyhound Package Express)
This service uses bus routes to move packages. It can be a cheap option for shorter distances. It could be the cheapest way to ship a television in some cases.
What They Ship
They have size and weight limits. A medium-sized TV might fit. A very large one might not. You need to check their specific rules.
Costs
Often less than standard carriers for similar distances.
* Medium TV: Could be $40 – $100+ for shorter trips.
Pros
- Can be very affordable.
- Often faster than ground shipping for shorter distances.
Cons
- Strict size and weight limits.
- You usually have to drop off and pick up the TV at the bus station. This can be hard if you don’t live near one or if the station hours are limited.
- Less tracking or customer service than major carriers.
- Risk of damage might be higher due to handling process.
Comparing Costs – An Idea
Here is a simple table to give you a rough idea. Prices change a lot!
| TV Size (approx.) | Standard Shipping (Fits?) | Specialized Shipper (Cost Idea) | Freight Shipping (Cost Idea) | Bus Shipping (Fits?) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32-40 inch | Yes (check limits) | $200 – $400+ | Might be overkill | Yes (check limits) |
| 40-50 inch | Maybe (check limits) | $250 – $500+ | $150 – $400+ | Maybe (check limits) |
| 55-65 inch | Likely too big | $300 – $600+ | $200 – $500+ | Likely too big |
| 70+ inch | Too big | $400 – $800+ | $250 – $600+ | Too big |
(Note: Costs here are rough ideas for cross-country shipping within the US, excluding packing and insurance unless noted. Prices change!)
Packing Your TV Just Right
Packing a TV for shipping is super important. A TV screen is fragile. Bad packing is the main reason TVs get broken during shipping. The cost to ship fragile items is higher partly because of the need for careful packing.
Best Way: The Original Box
If you still have the box your TV came in, use it!
* It’s made for your TV’s size and shape.
* It has custom foam inserts that hold the TV safely in place.
* It often has markings that say “Fragile” and “This Way Up.”
Put all the original foam pieces back. Place the TV inside. Close the box well with strong tape.
Second Best: Double Boxing
If you don’t have the original box:
1. Wrap the TV: Use bubble wrap or foam sheets to cover the screen and the whole TV. Tape it securely.
2. First Box: Find a box that fits the TV snugly after wrapping. You can use a TV box sold for moving or shipping. Put foam edges or thick cardboard on all sides and corners for extra protection. Secure the TV inside this box so it doesn’t move.
3. Second Box: Find a second, larger box. The first box should fit inside with space on all sides (2-4 inches).
4. Padding Between Boxes: Fill the space between the first box and the second box with lots of padding. Use packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam. This acts like a cushion.
5. Seal: Close the outer box using strong packing tape. Tape all seams well.
6. Label: Write “Fragile” and “Handle with Care” on the box. Use arrows to show which way is up.
What to Use for Packing:
- Strong Box: A thick cardboard box, maybe double-walled. A TV moving box works.
- Foam: Foam corners, foam sheets, or custom foam inserts.
- Bubble Wrap: Lots of it.
- Packing Peanuts or Paper: To fill empty space and add cushion.
- Packing Tape: Strong, wide tape.
- Stretch Wrap: Can wrap the outside of the box to protect from dirt or water.
Don’t Forget These:
- Take photos of the TV before packing.
- Take photos during packing.
- Take photos of the finished box.
- Keep receipts for packing materials.
- This helps if you need to file an insurance claim later.
Packing it right yourself takes time and effort. But it can save you money compared to paying a company to pack it. It also greatly lowers the risk of damage.
Putting Insurance On Your TV Shipment
Is insuring electronics shipment needed? Yes, almost always for a TV. TVs are expensive. They are easy to break. Shipping is rough on packages.
How Insurance Works
Shipping companies offer insurance based on the value you declare.
* You tell them how much the TV is worth.
* You pay a fee based on that value. It’s usually a few dollars per $100 of value.
* If the TV is lost or broken, you can file a claim to get money back, up to the amount you insured it for.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost depends on:
* The declared value of the TV.
* The shipping company.
* The type of service.
For a $500 TV, insurance might cost $10-$20. For a $2000 TV, it could be $40-$80 or more. Check the shipping company’s rates.
Things to Watch For
- Coverage Limits: Does the insurance cover the full value? Are there limits per item?
- Proof Needed: You will likely need to prove the TV was worth that much (like a receipt) and prove it was packed correctly. The photos you took while packing help here.
- What’s Not Covered: Some things might not be covered, like if the damage was due to bad packing on your part.
Some people use third-party insurance companies. They might offer better rates or coverage for electronics.
Don’t skip insurance for a valuable TV. The cost is small compared to the price of replacing a broken screen.
Finding the Cheapest Way to Ship a Television
Everyone wants to save money. What is the cheapest way to ship a television? It depends on your TV and where it’s going.
Compare Shipping Quotes
The first step is always to compare prices. Use a shipping cost estimator TV tool on different company websites. Get quotes from:
* FedEx, UPS (check size limits first).
* Specialized shippers.
* Freight companies (if TV is large).
* Bus services (if TV is small/medium and distance is right).
Give them the exact size and weight of the packed box. Tell them the pickup and delivery zip codes. Tell them the value for insurance. This helps you get real prices.
Pack It Yourself
Paying a shipping store or company to pack your TV adds to the cost. If you can pack it safely yourself, you save this money. Remember to use good materials, like the original box if possible.
Use Ground Shipping
Slow shipping (ground) costs much less than fast shipping (air). If you have time, choose the slowest option.
Consider Bus Shipping
For shorter distances and smaller TVs, bus shipping can be very cheap. But you must be okay with dropping off and picking up at the station.
Look at Freight for Large TVs
Sometimes, freight shipping for TVs is cheaper than trying to send a very large TV via standard ground services, if it even fits. Get a quote for freight.
Ship to a Business Address
If you can ship the TV to a business address instead of a home, it often costs less. This is because delivery to a home can be harder and takes more time for the driver.
Avoid Extras
Don’t pay for services you don’t need. Skip white-glove service if you can unpack and set up the TV yourself. Pick up the TV at the depot instead of paying for home delivery if it’s easy for you.
Table: Saving Tips
Here’s how different choices affect cost:
| Choice | Usually Costs More | Usually Costs Less |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Speed | Fast (Air) | Slow (Ground) |
| Packing | Pay for packing | Pack it yourself |
| Insurance | Higher value | Lower value (Risky!) |
| Shipping Method | Specialized, Air | Bus, Ground, Freight (for large) |
| Destination Type | Home | Business |
| Extra Services | Pickup, White-glove | Drop-off yourself |
| TV Size/Weight | Large/Heavy | Small/Light |
The cheapest way to ship a television is usually a mix of self-packing, slow shipping, comparing quotes, and choosing the right method for your TV’s size and the distance it’s going.
Grasping International TV Shipping Cost
Shipping a TV to another country is more complex and costly. The international TV shipping cost includes more than just moving the box.
Extra Costs Involved
- Higher Transport Cost: Longer distance, different transport methods (usually air or sea freight).
- Customs and Duties: The country the TV goes to might charge taxes or fees (called duties or tariffs) on imported goods. The person receiving the TV usually pays these.
- Brokerage Fees: Sometimes, a customs broker is needed to handle paperwork. This adds a fee.
- More Paperwork: You need customs forms. You must clearly say what is in the box and its value.
- Different Rules: Each country has its own import rules. Check them first.
- Voltage Differences: Will the TV even work in that country? Different countries use different power (120V vs. 240V). This doesn’t affect shipping cost but is a key point for international TV shipping cost planning.
How to Get a Quote
Getting an international TV shipping cost quote needs even more detail. You need:
* Exact size and weight of the packed TV.
* Full pickup address.
* Full delivery address (including country and postal code).
* Value of the TV.
* Purpose of shipping (Is it a gift? Is someone moving? Is it being sold?).
Use companies that do international shipping. Be ready for the price to be much higher than shipping inside one country. Insuring electronics shipment for international moves is even more important.
Thinking About Freight Shipping for TVs
Freight shipping for TVs is often the best or only option for very large TVs. It’s different from sending a small box.
How It Works
- Packing: You need to pack the TV in a sturdy box. Then, you place the box on a wooden pallet. You must secure the box to the pallet using straps or shrink wrap. This makes it easy to move with a forklift.
- Quote: Get a freight quote. You’ll need the size and weight of the pallet (including the TV and box). You’ll also need the shipping class (a number based on what you are shipping – electronics have a certain class) and the zip codes.
- Pickup/Drop-off: You can take the pallet to the freight company’s terminal. Or, you can pay them to pick it up. Pickup from a home costs extra and might need a liftgate (a ramp on the truck).
- Transport: The pallet moves by truck, maybe stopping at different hubs.
- Delivery: Delivery to a business with a loading dock is easiest. Delivery to a home costs extra (residential fee) and might need a liftgate fee if you can’t unload the pallet yourself.
When to Use It
- Shipping a large screen TV (60+ inches).
- Shipping multiple TVs.
- When the total weight/size is too much for standard carriers.
- When you want the item to be handled as a solid unit (on a pallet).
Costs for Freight
Costs vary a lot.
* Minimum costs can start around $150-$200 for shorter trips.
* Longer trips for larger pallets can easily be $400-$600+.
* Add fees for residential pickup/delivery or liftgate service ($50 – $150+ each).
Freight can be cheaper per pound for very heavy items, but the minimum cost is usually higher than standard shipping.
Cost to Ship Fragile Items Like a TV
TVs are fragile. The cost to ship fragile items is higher for a few reasons:
- Packing Needs: Fragile items need more and better packing materials (foam, bubble wrap, strong boxes). These cost money.
- Packing Service: If you pay someone to pack it, it costs more because it takes skill and time to pack fragile things safely.
- Insurance Cost: Insuring a fragile, valuable item costs more than insuring something less likely to break or less valuable.
- Special Handling: Some shipping services offer “fragile handling” which costs extra. Specialized shipping companies for TVs build this into their service, but it’s why they cost more.
So, while you might pay $50 to ship a normal box of clothes, shipping a TV costs more because of the needed care and protection.
Getting a Shipping Cost Estimator TV
Using a shipping cost estimator TV is the best way to get an idea of the price.
How to Use It
Go to the websites of different shipping companies (FedEx, UPS, specialized shippers, freight brokers). Look for their “Get a Quote” or “Shipping Calculator” tool.
You will need to enter:
* Where you are shipping from (zip code).
* Where you are shipping to (zip code, and country if international).
* The size of the packed box (Length, Width, Height in inches).
* The weight of the packed box (in pounds).
* The value of the TV (for insurance).
* How fast you want it to arrive.
* If you need pickup or other services.
Fill in all the details carefully. The size and weight of the packed box are key for shipping cost by weight and size. The size includes the box and all the padding.
Why Get Multiple Estimates?
Prices can be very different between companies. Get quotes from at least three different types of services (standard, specialized, freight if needed). This helps you find the best balance of cost and service for your needs.
Wrapping Up: Key Points
Shipping a TV is not cheap or simple, but it can be done safely.
* The cost depends a lot on the TV’s size, weight, the distance it travels, and how fast it needs to get there.
* Packing a TV for shipping very well is super important. Use the original box if you have it. If not, double box and use lots of padding.
* Always consider insuring electronics shipment. It protects you if the TV breaks or gets lost.
* Shipping a large screen TV often requires freight shipping for TVs or using specialized shipping companies for TVs. Standard shippers might have size limits.
* Use a shipping cost estimator TV from different companies to compare prices.
* The cheapest way to ship a television often involves packing it yourself, choosing slower shipping, and comparing many quotes.
* International TV shipping cost is much higher due to distance, customs, and fees.
* Remember that the cost to ship fragile items is higher because of the extra care, packing, and insurance needed.
Plan your shipping early. Pack your TV carefully. Get quotes. And buy insurance. Doing these things will help ensure your TV arrives safely without costing you a fortune.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4 How much does it cost to ship a 55-inch TV?
The cost to ship a 55-inch TV varies a lot. It might range from $100 to $600 or more. This depends on distance, how it’s packed, if you get insurance, and which shipping company you use. Standard carriers might be $100-$300 if the box fits their size rules. Specialized shippers or freight could be $300-$600+. Use a shipping cost estimator TV with the packed box size to get real quotes.
h4 Can I ship a TV without the original box?
Yes, you can ship a TV without the original box. But you must pack it very, very well. You need a strong box (maybe two boxes, one inside the other). You need plenty of protective padding like foam corners, foam sheets, and bubble wrap around the TV and between the boxes. This is part of packing a TV for shipping safely when the original box is gone.
h4 Is it safe to ship a TV?
It can be safe to ship a TV if it is packed correctly and insured. The risk of damage is high if the TV is not packed with enough protection, especially for the screen and corners. Using the original box, double boxing, and adding lots of foam padding greatly increases the chances of safe arrival. Insuring electronics shipment protects you financially if damage still happens.
h4 What is the best way to pack a TV for shipping?
The best way is to use the original box with all its custom foam inserts. If you don’t have it, the next best way is to double-box the TV. Wrap the TV in bubble wrap, put it in a sturdy inner box with foam padding around all sides and corners, then put that box inside a larger outer box with several inches of padding (foam, peanuts, crumpled paper) between the boxes. Seal well and label as fragile. This is key for packing a TV for shipping.
h4 Do shipping companies pack TVs for you?
Yes, many shipping companies or local packing stores can pack a TV for you. This service costs extra, but they are experts and use the right materials. If you are not sure how to pack a TV safely, paying for professional packing is a good idea, especially for cost to ship fragile items like TVs.
h4 How much does insurance cost to ship a TV?
Insurance cost depends on the value of the TV and the shipping company. It’s usually a few dollars per $100 of value. For a $1000 TV, insurance might cost $20-$40. Insuring electronics shipment is highly recommended for TVs.
h4 Is freight shipping needed for a TV?
Freight shipping for TVs is usually needed for very large TVs (like 60 inches or bigger) or multiple TVs. Standard shipping carriers often have size and weight limits that a large TV in its box will exceed. For smaller to medium TVs, standard or specialized shipping might work.
h4 What is the difference between dimensional weight and actual weight?
Actual weight is how much the package really weighs on a scale. Dimensional weight is a weight figured from the size of the box (Length x Width x Height divided by a special number). Shipping companies charge based on the higher of the two weights. This is part of shipping cost by weight and size.
h4 Can I use USPS to ship a TV?
USPS has strict size and weight limits that most TVs in their boxes will exceed. They are usually not a practical option for shipping most televisions, especially shipping a large screen TV. FedEx, UPS, or specialized carriers are better choices.
h4 How can I find the cheapest way to ship a television?
To find the cheapest way to ship a television:
1. Pack it yourself using the original box if possible.
2. Compare quotes from standard carriers (if TV fits), specialized shippers, and freight (for large TVs) using a shipping cost estimator TV.
3. Consider bus shipping for shorter distances if your TV is small/medium and you can use depot services.
4. Choose slower ground shipping instead of air.
5. Ship to a business address if you can.
6. Avoid extra services you don’t need.