How to Ship Furniture: A Complete Guide for eCommerce Businesses

Shipping furniture can be challenging for eCommerce businesses. Unlike small packages, furniture is often heavy, oversized, and fragile. It requires careful packing, the right shipping method, and cost-effective strategies to stay profitable.

Understanding the logistics of furniture delivery is crucial for ensuring items arrive safely and on time.

This guide explains how to ship furniture safely and affordably, covering packing techniques, shipping costs, and the best couriers for domestic and international deliveries.

What Impacts  Furniture Shipping Costs?

The cheapest way to ship furniture also depends on a number of factors that should be taken into account when choosing the most affordable courier to use.

1. Size, Weight, and Dimensions

Shipping rates increase with the size and weight of a package. Large and bulky furniture takes up more space in delivery trucks, while heavy items require additional handling. Couriers use dimensional weight (DIM weight) pricing to determine cost.

• DIM weight formula: (Length × Width × Height) ÷ 139
• The greater of actual weight or DIM weight is used to calculate shipping fees.

For example, a foam-filled chair may weigh 20 lbs., but if it takes up as much space as a 50-lb package, the courier charges based on the higher weight.

Related Article: How to Ship Large and Heavy Items

2. Shipping Distance

Shipping distance has a direct impact on cost. Carriers use zone-based pricing, meaning the farther your package travels, the higher the rate.

• USPS Zones: Distances are grouped into zones from Zone 1 (local) to Zone 9 (farthest, like Hawaii or Guam).
• Example:
  
  • Shipping a 10 lb package from New York City → Philadelphia (Zone 2) might cost ~$12 with USPS Priority Mail.
  • Shipping the same package from New York City → Los Angeles (Zone 8) can jump to ~$32+.
• Short-Distance: For Zone 1–2 shipments, local or regional carriers often offer cheaper same-day or next-day ground delivery.
• Long-Distance: For Zone 7–9 shipments, nationwide carriers like UPS, FedEx, or LTL freight are usually more cost-effective and reliable.

Tip: Platforms like Easyship display zone-based pricing side-by-side, helping you choose the most cost-efficient carrier for each distance.

3. Carrier Selection

Different couriers have different pricing structures. UPS and FedEx use similar DIM weight pricing, while USPS is usually best for smaller furniture that fits within its package size limits. 

How to Choose the Right Shipping Method

It’s important to consider a number of factors before determining the right shipment method for you. Shipping software like Easyship can make this process easier by offering you automated solutions including multi-carrier comparison, a simplified shipping dashboard, and discounted shipping rates. To quickly understand the different types of shipping methods, you can refer to this table below:

How to Pack Furniture for Safe Shipping

Furniture can be bulky and difficult to ship. Packing furniture the right way can significantly reduce shipping costs and also help reduce damage during transit. Here are some packing tips:

1. Gather Packing Materials

The right packaging protects furniture from damage. Use:

• Furniture boxes or custom crates for support.
• Bubble wrap, foam padding, or moving blankets to prevent scratches and dents.
• Packing tape and straps to keep everything secure.

2. Disassemble Furniture When Possible

Reducing the size of a package lowers shipping costs and prevents damage.

• Remove table legs, shelves, and drawers.
• Wrap detachable parts separately.
• Place screws and small parts in a labeled plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.

For example, a seller shipping a wooden desk can remove the legs and pack them in a smaller box to cut shipping costs.

3. Protect Fragile Areas

• Wrap corners and edges with foam padding or corner protectors.
• Use corrugated cardboard sheets between pieces to prevent friction.
• Cover glass surfaces with bubble wrap and secure them with tape.

4. Secure the Package

• Use the H-taping method to seal boxes securely.
• For large furniture, use crates or pallets for added stability.
• Ensure the package is snug inside the box to prevent shifting during transit.

A business shipping a dresser should wrap it in a moving blanket, secure it with stretch wrap, and place it in a reinforced box to prevent scratches.

Comparing the Best Couriers for Furniture Shipping

Here’s a comparison of different courier services and their key offerings:

To compare rates across multiple couriers, use Easyship’s shipping rate calculator. It’s free!

How to Reduce Furniture Shipping Costs

Shipping furniture can be expensive, but there are ways to get around the high costs. Here are some ways through which you can reduce shipping costs:

1. Compare Carrier Rates

Shipping furniture can be pricey due to weight and size. Start by using shipping rate calculators from platforms like Easyship to instantly compare prices from major carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

Tip: Test different service types (ground vs. freight) and ship-from ZIP codes to see if fulfillment from another warehouse cuts costs.

2. Optimize Packaging to Reduce DIM Weight

Carriers use dimensional (DIM) weight pricing, meaning big but light boxes can cost more than smaller dense ones.

• Disassemble and flat-pack furniture when possible
• Use custom-sized boxes or corrugated wrap instead of oversized cartons
• Remove extra air space to reduce volume

Result: Smaller dimensions = lower DIM weight = lower cost.

3. Negotiate Bulk Shipping Discounts

Businesses that ship over 100 furniture orders per month can negotiate custom rates directly with UPS, FedEx, or freight companies.

If you use Easyship, you can access pre-negotiated bulk discounts up to 91% off retail rates instantly without volume commitments.

4. Consider Regional Carriers

Regional and local freight couriers may offer lower rates for short-haul deliveries than national carriers.

This is especially cost-effective for same-state or metro-area deliveries, where ground or LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping works well.

Shipping Furniture Internationally

If you’re wondering how to ship bulky products like furniture internationally, there are simple solutions to work around it.

1. Choose an International Freight Service

• UPS Worldwide Express Freight or FedEx International Freight for large shipments.
• USPS Priority Mail International for small furniture.

2. Understand Customs Regulations

International shipments may require import duties and taxes, depending on the country. Signing up with a platform like Easyship can help navigate through customs processes with ease.

3. Use Insurance for High-Value Shipments

Third-party insurance providers offer coverage beyond standard carrier liability.

A U.S.-based seller shipping a handmade coffee table to the UK should factor in customs fees, VAT, and delivery timelines when choosing a courier.

Common Shipping Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Even small-scale furniture shipping can get complicated. Here are the most common issues shippers face and how to stay ahead of them:

1. Oversize Surcharges

Large furniture boxes often trigger dimensional weight (DIM) fees or oversize surcharges from couriers like UPS and FedEx.

How to avoid it:

• Disassemble furniture into smaller pieces to use more compact packaging
• Use Easyship’s rate calculator to instantly see which courier offers the lowest DIM rates for your package size

2. High Shipping Costs for Heavy Parcels

Furniture is bulky and heavy, which pushes costs up quickly — especially over long distances.

How to avoid it:

• Offer slower ground shipping options for non-urgent orders
• Use Easyship’s discounted rates (up to 91% off retail) to keep shipping costs competitive
• Automate multi-courier comparisons to pick the cheapest option for each route

3. Delivery Delays or Missed Deliveries

Heavy parcels can experience delays or failed delivery attempts, which frustrate customers and add reshipping costs.

How to avoid it:

• Choose couriers with real-time tracking via Easyship
• Send proactive delivery updates from your Easyship dashboard to keep customers informed and reduce missed deliveries

4. Damage During Transit

Furniture is often fragile, and minor mishandling can lead to costly returns or refunds.

How to avoid it:

• Use sturdy packaging with foam corners, bubble wrap, and double-wall boxes
• Add Easyship shipping insurance (up to $10,000 coverage) to protect high-value shipments

5. Complicated Return Shipments

Furniture returns can be expensive and logistically complex, especially if you don’t plan ahead.

How to avoid it:

• Offer prepaid return labels through Easyship to streamline the process
• Clearly communicate your return policy and acceptable packaging requirements

Final Thoughts

Shipping furniture requires the right balance of cost, protection, and speed. By choosing the right carrier, optimizing packaging, and exploring cost-saving strategies, eCommerce sellers can ship furniture affordably while ensuring customer satisfaction. For eCommerce businesses selling furniture online, optimizing shipping processes is key to maintaining profitability and customer satisfaction.

Would you like help finding the best rates for your furniture shipments? Compare courier options using a shipping rate calculator to start saving today.

Ready to simplify and save on shipping?
Easyship is here to help.

Easyship was built to simplify shipping for eCommerce sellers of every size. If you’re looking for ways to save on shipping costs, compare rates, automate fulfillment, or grow internationally—our free shipping tools and smart dashboard can save you hours daily.

Join our community of eCommerce sellers and get started with Easyship for free today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shipping Furniture

1. What is the cheapest way to ship furniture?

The cheapest option depends on size and weight. UPS Ground or FedEx Ground are cost-effective for small furniture, while LTL freight is best for larger items. Using a shipping calculator can help compare rates and find the lowest cost.

2. How do I pack furniture to prevent damage?

Disassemble parts when possible, wrap fragile areas with foam padding, and use sturdy boxes or crates. Secure everything with packing tape and straps. For fragile furniture, consider white glove delivery for extra protection and in-home setup.

3. Can I ship furniture with USPS?

Yes, but only for smaller furniture under 70 lbs. that fits within USPS Parcel Select or Priority Mail size limits. Large furniture typically requires UPS, FedEx, or LTL freight for safe and cost-effective transport.

4. What is dimensional weight (DIM weight), and why does it matter?

DIM weight is how couriers price large but lightweight items. It’s calculated using the formula:
(Length × Width × Height) ÷ 139
Couriers charge based on DIM weight or actual weight, whichever is greater, impacting shipping costs.

5. How long does it take to ship furniture across the country?

Standard ground shipping (UPS, FedEx) takes 1–7 business days. Freight shipping (LTL/FTL) takes 3–10 business days. Expedited shipping, such as FedEx Express, can deliver in 1–3 days but costs significantly more.

6. How do I handle international furniture shipping?

Use a reliable international carrier like UPS Worldwide Express Freight or FedEx International Freight. Factor in customs duties and VAT, and consider third-party insurance for high-value items. Shipping platforms like Easyship help navigate international logistics.

7. Should I offer free shipping for furniture in my eCommerce store?

Free shipping can improve conversions, but factor shipping costs into your pricing. Some sellers set a minimum order value for free shipping or offer flat-rate shipping to balance profitability and customer expectations.

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