Discover Exactly How Much To Ship A Tv Today!

Shipping a TV can feel tricky, right? You want it to get there safely without spending too much money. So, how much does it actually cost to ship a TV? The average cost to ship television generally falls between $50 and $500, but it can go higher for very large TVs, long distances, or special services. Can I ship a TV without the original box? Yes, you can, but it makes packing much harder and riskier. We’ll look at different ways, like the cost to ship TV via FedEx or the UPS TV shipping price, and see which might be the cheapest way to ship a TV depending on your needs.

How Much To Ship A Tv
Image Source: redstagfulfillment.com

Grasping the Price Factors for TV Shipping

Many things change the cost of shipping a TV. It’s not just one simple price. Think of it like buying a plane ticket – the price depends on where you’re going, when you fly, and how much luggage you have. Shipping a TV is similar.

Here are the main things that affect your TV shipping cost estimate:

Dimensions and Weight of the Package

This is a big one. Shipping companies charge based on how much space your box takes up and how heavy it is. A larger, heavier TV in a big box will cost more to ship than a smaller, lighter one. This is especially true for shipping large screen TV cost, as bigger boxes can sometimes be charged based on “dimensional weight” if they are light but very large. This means they charge you for the space it uses on their truck or plane, even if it doesn’t weigh much.

TV Size: A 32-inch TV is much cheaper to ship than a 75-inch TV.
Box Size: You need a box much bigger than the TV to add padding. This extra size adds to the cost.
Weight: The TV itself plus all the packing materials add weight. More weight means more cost.

Think about a big, flat box. It might not be super heavy, but it takes up a lot of room that could be used for other packages. Shippers charge more for this “air” they are carrying.

Distance the TV Travels

This seems obvious, but it’s a major cost driver. Shipping a TV across the country costs a lot more than shipping it to a nearby state or city.

Local Shipping: Short distances within the same region or state are the cheapest.
Cross-Country Shipping: Going from coast to coast is the most expensive.
International Shipping: This adds customs fees, taxes, and much higher transport costs, making it very expensive.

The further your TV has to travel, the more fuel is used, the more handling it goes through, and the more time it spends in transit, all adding to the price.

Chosen Shipping Method

How you decide to ship your TV also makes a big difference in the price and how fast it gets there.

Standard Ground Shipping: This is usually the cheapest option. It takes longer but costs less.
Expedited Shipping: Getting it there in 1-3 days costs a lot more.
Freight Shipping: For very large or multiple items, this might be needed. Freight shipping TV cost can be high, but sometimes it’s the only way for huge items or it can be cheaper than many small packages.

Choosing the right service level is key. If you don’t need it tomorrow, picking standard ground saves a lot of money.

Declared Value and Insurance

This is an important, often overlooked, cost. Shipping companies offer insurance in case your TV gets lost or broken. The more your TV is worth, the more the insurance costs.

Basic Coverage: Some carriers include a small amount of coverage (like $100) for free.
Extra Insurance: If your TV is worth $500 or $1000, you’ll need to pay extra for full coverage. The TV shipping insurance cost is usually a percentage of the value you declare. This adds to the total price, but it’s very important for expensive items.

Shipping a damaged TV cost can also come into play if it breaks during shipment and you need to file a claim. Having insurance is crucial here.

Packing Materials and Service

How you pack your TV matters for safety and cost.

Do-It-Yourself Packing: If you pack it yourself, you only pay for the box and materials.
Professional Packing: Shipping stores can pack your TV for you. This costs extra, often $50-$100 or more, but they use special boxes and materials and know how to do it safely.

Using the right, strong box and plenty of cushion is key, no matter who packs it.

Time of Year

Sometimes, shipping costs can go up during busy times, like holidays. More demand means prices might rise a bit.

Deciphering Carrier Options and Costs

Different companies have different prices and ways of handling large items like TVs. Let’s look at some popular choices.

Shipping with FedEx

FedEx is a common choice for shipping TVs. They offer different service levels and options.

Cost to Ship TV via FedEx: This varies greatly based on the factors mentioned above. For a medium-sized TV (say, 40-50 inches) shipped across a few states, you might see prices from $100 to $300 or more using their ground service. A large screen TV going cross-country could easily be $300 to $600 or higher.
Services: FedEx Ground is the most affordable for non-urgent shipments. They also have Express services for faster delivery, which cost much more.
Packing: FedEx recommends professional packing for electronics like TVs, especially if you don’t have the original box. Their packing services add to the total cost but can offer peace of mind and might be required to get insurance coverage.
Insurance: You can buy extra insurance based on the value of the TV.

FedEx has specific guidelines for shipping electronics. You should check their website or ask at a FedEx store about their requirements for TV shipping.

Shipping with UPS

UPS is another major player and offers similar services to FedEx.

UPS TV Shipping Price: Similar to FedEx, the price depends on size, weight, distance, and speed. Shipping a medium TV ground within a reasonable distance might cost $100-$300. Larger TVs or longer distances will push the price higher, potentially $300-$700+.
Services: UPS Ground is the standard, cheaper option. They also have air services for faster delivery.
Packing: UPS also offers packing services at their stores. They have special boxes for flat-screen TVs. Using their packing service might be necessary or recommended for insurance coverage.
Insurance: You can purchase extra insurance up to the value of your TV.

Getting a UPS TV shipping price online or at a store requires knowing the exact size and weight of the packed box and the destination zip code.

Using Freight Shipping

Freight shipping is different. It’s usually for items that are too big or too heavy for regular parcel services (like FedEx Ground or UPS Ground). TVs that are very large (70+ inches, maybe) or shipping multiple TVs might need freight.

Freight Shipping TV Cost: This is often quoted differently, sometimes based on weight per hundred pounds (CWT), distance, and the type of freight service (like LTL – Less Than Truckload). Costs can vary a lot, potentially starting from $300-$400 for a single large TV going a moderate distance and going up significantly.
How it Works: Freight shipments are often placed on pallets. The TV box would need to be secured to a pallet, which adds size and weight.
Delivery: Freight might deliver to a loading dock. Residential delivery often costs extra (“liftgate service” if needed to lower the pallet off the truck).

Freight can sometimes be cheaper than sending several large boxes separately via ground, especially if you are shipping more than one TV or a very heavy one. It’s worth getting a freight quote for very large items.

Exploring Cheaper Ways to Ship a TV

Is there a cheapest way to ship a TV? Often, the cheapest way involves some trade-offs, usually time or convenience, or handling the packing yourself.

USPS: For small, light items, USPS is often cheapest. However, shipping a TV via USPS is often not practical or recommended. They have size and weight limits that most TVs in boxes will exceed. While you might ship a very small TV, it’s generally not a viable option for standard flat screens.
Compare Carriers: Always get quotes from FedEx, UPS, and potentially regional carriers or specialized electronics shippers. Prices can differ, even for the same service level.
Greyhound Package Express: Believe it or not, shipping via bus can sometimes be cheaper, especially for certain routes. You drop off and pick up at bus stations. There are size limits, and it’s not door-to-door, but it’s an option for the budget-conscious if your TV fits their criteria. The risk of damage might be higher, and tracking is often less detailed.
Specialized Shippers: Companies that specialize in moving household goods or electronics might offer competitive pricing, especially for larger or more valuable TVs. They often handle packing as well.
Shipping Aggregators: Websites that let you compare prices from multiple carriers at once can help you find the lowest price.

Remember, the cheapest way might not always be the safest or fastest. Weigh the cost savings against the risk of damage and the time it takes.

How to Pack a TV for Shipping Safely

Packing is one of the most important steps. Bad packing is the main reason TVs get damaged during shipping. Getting this right is crucial, whether it’s for a TV shipping cost estimate or dealing with a shipping a damaged TV cost later.

Using the Original Box: The Best Method

If you still have the original box and packing materials, use them! They were designed specifically for your TV and offer the best protection.

Keep Everything: Hold onto the custom foam inserts, plastic bags, and ties.
Repack Carefully: Put the TV back in the box exactly how it came out. Use all the foam inserts.
Secure the Box: Tape the box securely shut with strong packing tape. Use tape along all seams.

The original box is your TV’s armor. If you have it, you’re starting with the strongest protection.

Packing Without the Original Box: A Trickier Task

If you don’t have the original box, it’s much harder, but not impossible. You’ll need to create your own protective shell.

Getting the Right Materials

Strong Box: You need a sturdy, double-walled cardboard box. Ideally, get one made for flat-screen TVs. Shipping supply stores or carriers like UPS sell these. Make sure it’s the right size – not too big (TV will shift) and not too small (not enough room for padding).
Plenty of Padding: This is key! You’ll need:
- Bubble wrap (lots of it). Large bubble wrap is good for the screen.
- Foam sheets or thick foam blocks.
- Packing peanuts or crumpled paper (use a lot!).
- Cardboard sheets or corner protectors.
Packing Tape: Use strong, wide packing tape.

Step-by-Step Packing Guide

Protect the Screen: The screen is the most fragile part.
- Clean the screen gently.
- Place a sheet of soft foam or cloth over the screen first.
- Cut a piece of cardboard to fit exactly over the screen. Tape this to the TV body (not the screen itself) to keep it in place. This adds a rigid layer of protection.
- Wrap the entire TV, including the protected screen, generously in large bubble wrap. Use several layers. Tape the bubble wrap securely so it doesn’t come off.
Protect the Edges and Corners: These are vulnerable spots.
- Use foam corners designed for electronics, or cut thick foam or cardboard to create corner protectors.
- Secure these protectors with tape.
Place TV in Box: Carefully lift the wrapped and padded TV into the sturdy double-walled box. The box should be just large enough to fit the TV with 3-4 inches of space on all sides (bottom, top, and all around the edges) for padding.
Add Bottom Padding: Put a thick layer (at least 2-3 inches) of foam, crumpled paper, or packing peanuts at the bottom of the box before putting the TV in.
Fill Side Gaps: Once the TV is in the box, fill all the empty space around the sides with packing peanuts, crumpled paper, or foam blocks. The TV should be held firmly in the center and not be able to shift.
Add Top Padding: Put another thick layer of padding on top of the TV before closing the box.
Seal the Box: Close the box flaps. Use generous amounts of strong packing tape along all seams and edges. Tape the middle seam where the flaps meet, and then tape across the seams for extra strength. It’s good to tape all corners and edges too.
Label Clearly: Label the box clearly with “FRAGILE,” “HANDLE WITH CARE,” and “THIS SIDE UP” arrows. Use a permanent marker or clear shipping labels.

Considering Professional Packing

If you’re nervous about packing, especially for an expensive large screen TV, consider having it professionally packed at a shipping store (like a UPS Store or FedEx Office). They have the right materials and experience. While it adds to the cost, it significantly reduces the risk of damage and is often required for full insurance coverage.

Interpreting TV Shipping Insurance Needs and Costs

Shipping insurance is vital. Accidents happen. Boxes get dropped, mishandled, or lost. Without insurance, if your TV is damaged or disappears, you might get little or no money back.

How TV Shipping Insurance Works

Declared Value: When you ship, you declare how much the item is worth. This is the maximum amount you can claim if it’s lost or totally destroyed. Don’t undervalue it to save on insurance; you won’t get full replacement cost if something happens.
Insurance Premium: The TV shipping insurance cost is usually a percentage of the declared value. This percentage varies by carrier and the type of item. For electronics, it might be slightly higher due to the risk.
Coverage Limits: Check the carrier’s limits. There might be a maximum value they will insure a single item for.
Exclusions: Read the fine print! Insurance might not cover damage if the item was improperly packed. This is why professional packing is often recommended or required by insurers for electronics. Some types of damage might also be excluded.
Filing a Claim: If your TV arrives damaged, you’ll need to file a claim. This usually involves inspecting the damage, taking photos of the box and item, and submitting paperwork. The carrier will investigate. This process can take time.

Estimating TV Shipping Insurance Cost

The cost varies, but here’s a general idea:

Most carriers include $100 of value protection for free.
For values above $100, you pay extra.
The cost might be around $1 to $2 for every $100 of value declared above the free amount.
So, insuring a $500 TV might cost an extra $4 – $8 (on top of the first $100 free).
Insuring a $2000 TV might cost an extra $19 – $38.

This is just an estimate; check with the specific carrier for their exact rates. Considering the cost of the TV, paying this small extra amount for insurance is usually worth it for peace of mind.

Comprehending Shipping a Damaged TV Cost

This is a situation nobody wants, but it happens. What are the costs and steps if your TV gets damaged during shipping?

Financial Costs

Repair Costs: If the damage is repairable, you might pay for the repair upfront and then seek reimbursement from the carrier’s insurance. This can be hundreds of dollars depending on the issue.
Replacement Costs: If the TV is severely damaged (like a cracked screen), it’s likely irreparable. You’ll lose the full value of the TV unless you had sufficient insurance.
Shipping Costs: You paid to ship it, and that money is usually not refunded if the item arrives damaged.
Return Shipping Costs: The carrier might want to pick up the damaged item as part of the claim process. This cost is usually covered if the claim is approved. If the claim is denied, or if you need to send it back for another reason, you might pay for return shipping.

Non-Financial Costs

Time and Effort: Filing an insurance claim takes time and effort. You’ll need to contact the carrier, fill out forms, provide photos, and wait for their investigation.
Frustration: Dealing with a broken TV and a shipping claim can be very frustrating.
Loss of Use: You don’t have a working TV until the claim is settled and you get a repair or replacement.

What to Do If Your TV Arrives Damaged

Inspect Immediately: If possible, check the box for obvious damage when it arrives. Note any dents or holes.
Document Everything: Take clear photos before opening the box if the box is damaged. Take photos of the packing materials inside. Take photos of the damage to the TV from different angles.
Keep the Box and Packing: DO NOT throw away the box or any packing materials! The carrier will likely need to inspect them as part of the claim.
Contact the Carrier: Notify the shipping company as soon as possible. There are often time limits (e.g., within 15 days) to report damage.
File a Claim: Follow the carrier’s instructions to file a formal insurance claim. Provide all the documentation you collected.

Having adequate TV shipping insurance is your safety net against the significant shipping a damaged TV cost. It doesn’t prevent the damage, but it helps cover the financial loss.

Average Cost to Ship Television: Putting Numbers Together

So, what’s the final number? As we’ve seen, there’s no single price. The average cost to ship television is a wide range because of all the factors involved.

Here’s a breakdown of potential costs based on different scenarios (these are estimates and can vary greatly):

TV Size (Approx.)	Distance	Packing Method	Estimated Cost Range (USD)	Notes
32-40 inches	Short (1-3 states)	DIY w/ own box	$50 – $150	Basic ground service, minimal insurance
32-40 inches	Short (1-3 states)	Professional Pack	$120 – $250	Includes packing fee, insurance
32-40 inches	Long (Coast-Coast)	DIY w/ own box	$150 – $300	Basic ground service, minimal insurance
32-40 inches	Long (Coast-Coast)	Professional Pack	$220 – $400+	Includes packing fee, insurance
50-65 inches	Short (1-3 states)	DIY w/ own box	$100 – $250	Basic ground service, minimal insurance
50-65 inches	Short (1-3 states)	Professional Pack	$180 – $350+	Includes packing fee, insurance
50-65 inches	Long (Coast-Coast)	DIY w/ own box	$250 – $500+	Basic ground service, minimal insurance
50-65 inches	Long (Coast-Coast)	Professional Pack	$350 – $600+	Includes packing fee, insurance
70+ inches	Short (1-3 states)	Professional Pack	$300 – $600+	Might require freight or specialized
70+ inches	Long (Coast-Coast)	Professional Pack	$500 – $1000+	Likely requires freight or specialized

Important Considerations for the Average Cost:

This is just an average: Your specific quote could be higher or lower.
Professional Packing Adds Cost: Expect to pay $50 to $100+ extra if you use a carrier’s packing service.
Insurance Adds Cost: Budget for an extra 1-2% of the TV’s value for full coverage.
Residential Delivery/Liftgate: Freight shipments to a home usually cost extra.
Speed Costs More: Expedited shipping can double or triple the price easily.

The cost to ship TV via FedEx or the UPS TV shipping price will fall within these ranges, depending on the specifics of your shipment. Freight shipping TV cost will generally be at the higher end, especially for single items, but necessary for very large ones.

To get a real TV shipping cost estimate, you need to:

Know the exact packed size and weight of your TV.
Have the origin and destination zip codes.
Decide if you will pack it or pay for packing.
Decide how much insurance you need.
Get quotes from a few different carriers (FedEx, UPS, potential freight forwarders or specialists).

Sometimes, especially for older or lower-cost TVs, the average cost to ship television might be close to or even more than the cost of buying a new TV at the destination. Do the math before you decide to ship!

Summary: Key Takeaways for Shipping Your TV

Shipping a TV requires careful planning. Don’t just grab a box and hope for the best.

Packing is Paramount: How you pack the TV is the single biggest factor in whether it arrives safely. Use the original box if possible. If not, invest in good materials and pack meticulously. Professional packing adds cost but reduces risk.
Cost Varies Wildly: There’s no fixed price. Size, weight, distance, speed, packing, and insurance all play a role.
Get Quotes: Don’t assume one carrier is always the cheapest way to ship a TV. Compare prices from FedEx, UPS, and maybe freight or specialty shippers.
Insurance is Non-Negotiable (for value): If your TV is worth more than the basic included coverage ($100), buy extra insurance. The TV shipping insurance cost is small compared to the loss of a damaged TV. Remember shipping a damaged TV cost without insurance is high.
Consider the Value: For older or cheaper TVs, compare the total shipping cost (including packing and insurance) to the price of buying a similar used or new TV at the destination. It might be cheaper not to ship.
Large TVs May Need Freight: Be prepared for higher freight shipping TV cost for very large screens.

By understanding these points and taking the right steps, you can get your TV where it needs to go as safely and affordably as possible. Getting a detailed TV shipping cost estimate upfront is always recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I ship my TV without the original box?

A: Yes, but it is much riskier and requires careful packing using a sturdy box designed for TVs and lots of protective padding. Professional packing is highly recommended if you don’t have the original box.

Q: Is it cheaper to ship a TV or buy a new one?

A: It depends on the value of your current TV and the cost of a replacement. For older or lower-cost TVs, the total shipping cost (including packing and insurance) might be more than buying a similar TV at your destination. Always calculate the full cost before deciding.

Q: How much does TV shipping insurance cost?

A: Typically, it costs about $1 to $2 for every $100 of value you declare above the free basic coverage (usually $100). This TV shipping insurance cost is added to your total shipping price.

Q: What is the cheapest way to ship a TV?

A: The cheapest way is usually standard ground shipping (like FedEx Ground or UPS Ground) while packing it yourself. However, this offers less protection and speed. For some routes, Greyhound Package Express might be cheaper if your TV fits their size limits.

Q: How much does it cost to ship a large screen TV?

A: Shipping large screen TV cost is significantly higher than smaller ones due to size, weight, and the need for more packing material or potentially freight shipping. Costs can range from $200-$700+ for ground shipping and $400-$1000+ for freight or long distances.

Q: What is the average cost to ship a television?

A: The average cost to ship television is very broad, typically ranging from $50 for small TVs shipped short distances with minimal service up to $500 or more for large TVs shipped long distances with professional packing and insurance. Freight shipping TV cost can be even higher for very large items.

Q: How do I get a TV shipping cost estimate?

A: You can get a TV shipping cost estimate online from carrier websites (like FedEx and UPS) or by visiting their stores. You will need the packed box dimensions and weight, and the origin and destination zip codes.

Q: What should I do if my TV is damaged during shipping?

A: Keep the box and all packing materials. Take photos of the box and the damage. Contact the shipping carrier immediately and file a claim according to their procedures. Having sufficient TV shipping insurance is crucial.