The Cheapest Ways To Ship Moving Boxes
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Moving can be a frustrating endeavor, but careful planning can simplify the process. Whether you are moving to another city, another state, or even another country, shipping costs can add up quickly. To minimize expenses, you can explore multiple transportation options.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the cheapest ways to ship moving boxes and provide useful tips for proper packing.
Factors That Affect Shipping Costs
Since not all moving boxes are created equal, neither are the costs of moving. The factors affecting the final price tag on shipping include:
Distance
Longer distances mean higher fuel consumption and more labor—which means higher costs. Shipping within the same state or region tends to be cheaper than cross-country or international shipments.
For example, USPS charges a $24.75* flat rate for shipping large boxes (12-by-12.25-by-6 inches) domestically and between $74.60–$132.05 when shipping the same boxes internationally.
Shipping Method
Different shipping services offer various options, such as ground, air, and expedited shipping. In most cases, ground shipping is the most economical, while air shipping and expedited services cost more.
Additional factors that may affect moving box shipping costs include:
- Carrier: Different service providers have different price tags. Comparing costs before making a decision could help you save money.
- Insurance and tracking: Carriers charge extra to cover the risk of loss or damage during transit and to provide real-time tracking updates.
- Packaging materials: Durable boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts ensure your belongings arrive safely but come at an additional cost.
Size and Weight of the Boxes
The majority of carriers charge based on packages’ dimensions and weight. Since larger and heavier boxes occupy more space and require more fuel, they cost more to ship.
Some companies also use dimensional weight pricing (DIM). DIM involves charging for the amount of space your package takes up in a truck rather than its actual weight. As a result, even a lightweight but bulky item can result in higher shipping costs.
For example, USPS asks you to calculate your box’s volume (by multiplying its length, width, and height) and then divide the result by 166 to get a dimension weight in pounds. If this weight is greater than the actual weight of your box, you’ll have to pay the DIM price.
Depending on the size and number of boxes you are planning to ship, you need to find a carrier that can accommodate your needs and offer a reasonable rate.
*The prices in this section are sourced from usps.com
What Are the Cheapest Shipping Options for Moving Boxes?
While the final price of transporting your belongings depends on many factors and circumstances, the cheapest options for shipping boxes currently include:
Shipping Services (USPS, FedEx, UPS)
Shipping services like USPS, FedEx, and UPS offer the most convenient way to move your boxes. They have a variety of options and discounts to make the process easier.
USPS (United States Postal Service)
USPS offers competitive rates for shipping moving boxes, especially for smaller, lighter packages. They have flat rates for different types of boxes, making it easier to predict shipping costs. For larger boxes, USPS Ground Advantage can be a cost-effective option.
Advantages:
- Affordable for smaller and lighter packages
- Discounts for bulk shipping
- Flat-rate options simplify cost predictions
Disadvantages:
- Limited options for very large or heavy boxes
- Limited tracking capabilities for certain services
- Slower delivery times for some services compared to private carriers
Ground shipping with USPS costs between $8.00 for a 1-pound (lb) box and $246.60* for an oversized box. The cost depends on the distance your box needs to travel.
Box sizes and weights for air shipments are more limited. Depending on the distance, you can pay between $30.95 for a 1-lb box and $757.00 for a 70-lb box.
USPS offers some discounts for customers who are using their Priority Mail Express®, Priority Mail®, or USPS Ground Advantage® services.
*The prices in this section are sourced from Usps.com
FedEx
FedEx provides a wide variety of shipping options, including FedEx Ground, FedEx Express, and FedEx Home Delivery. FedEx Ground is great for shipping larger, heavier boxes in a cost-effective way, while FedEx Express offers faster delivery times at a higher cost.
Advantages:
- Faster delivery times with express services
- Reliable and extensive tracking services
- Various shipping options catering to different needs
Disadvantages:
- Additional fees for residential delivery
- Higher costs for faster delivery options
- More complex pricing structure
FedEx has flat-rate shipping options that range from $14.50* for a small box (12.25-by-10.9-by-1.5 inches) to $32.50 for an extra large box (16.54-by-16.54-by-18.50 inches).
The prices for other options vary depending on the distance and delivery times. For example, shipping a 1-lb box from Boston to Seattle can cost between $62–$182, depending on the service you choose, such as Standard Overnight, Priority, or Express Saver. These are FedEx Retail rates.
Meanwhile, a 50-lb box traveling the same distance can cost from $32.50 (Express Saver) to $277 (Overnight) with FedEx OneRate.
To get an idea of what to expect with FedEx rates, you can use their convenient rate calculator.
*The prices in this section are sourced from fedex.com
UPS
UPS offers a range of shipping services such as UPS Ground, UPS 3 Day Select, and UPS Next Day Air. UPS Ground is a cost-effective choice for shipping heavy boxes over longer distances. For urgent shipments, you can use UPS Next Day Air.
Advantages:
- Comprehensive tracking and delivery management tools
- Multiple service options for different delivery speeds and budgets
- Strong network and reliable delivery times
Disadvantages:
- Additional surcharges for large packages
- Complex pricing and fee structure
- Higher costs for expedited and residential deliveries
UPS provides discounts for shipping multiple boxes, especially for business customers with a UPS account. The best way for non-business customers to save is to use their Ground service. You can also take advantage of UPS’ flat-rate shipping services that start at $14.15* for a small box. To calculate the price of your shipment, you can use their handy cost calculation tool.
*All prices in this section are sourced from ups.com
Moving Company
A moving company is an excellent option for people who want to delegate their entire move to a third party. It takes the burden of extensive planning off your shoulders but may also add extra expenses.
Pros:
- Competitive rates: Many moving companies offer competitive rates for shipping boxes as part of a larger move.
- Convenience: Moving companies handle all aspects of the move, including packing, transporting, and unloading.
- Insurance options: The best moving companies often provide insurance options to cover potential damage during transit.
- Professional handling: Experienced movers know how to pack and handle boxes to minimize the risk of damage.
Cons:
- Cost: While moving companies can offer competitive rates for larger moves, using them solely to ship boxes might be more expensive than other shipping methods.
- Less control: Relying on a moving company means you have less control over the handling and timing of your items.
- Minimum requirements: Some moving companies have minimum requirements for the size or weight of the move.
- Scheduling: You may need to accommodate the moving company’s schedule, which might not always match your needs.
Hiring professional movers might be the best and cheapest way to move your boxes—but only if you are planning a full-size move. To choose the right company:
- Check if the moving company is licensed and insured (interstate moving companies should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
- Ensure that the contract clearly outlines all services, costs, and terms.
- Look for reviews online and ask for references from each company.
- Request quotes from several companies to compare prices and moving services.
Don’t hesitate to ask about discounts and promotions. Some companies provide discounts for booking early, moving during off-peak seasons, or bundling services.
Alternative Shipping Methods
If using a carrier or working with a moving company won’t meet your needs, you can explore alternative options, such as:
Renting a Cargo Van or Trailer
Renting a cargo van or trailer gives you flexibility and control over your move. Companies like U-Haul and Budget Truck Rental have affordable rates, especially for local moves.
Since you only pay for the rental and fuel, this can be a cheaper option than traditional shipping. However, this choice demands more of your time and involvement.
Shipping Boxes Through a Freight Company
Freight companies like U-Pack and FreightCenter specialize in moving large shipments. You’ll have an opportunity to cut costs by sharing truck space with other customers.
This method is ideal for long-distance moves with multiple boxes. While it’s cost-effective compared to carriers like USPS or FedEx, freight shipping can involve longer delivery times and less precise tracking.
Tips for Packing and Labeling Boxes
To make sure your boxes arrive at their destination safely, you need to work on proper packing and labeling. Here are a few labeling and packing tips:
- Choosing the right box size: Get sturdy boxes that suit your items’ size and weight. Avoid overpacking large boxes with heavy items because they will become difficult to lift and more likely to sustain damage.
- Distributing weight evenly: Distribute weight evenly across boxes. Place heavier items at the bottom and lighter or more valuable items on top.
- Labeling boxes clearly: Label each box clearly with its contents and destination. Use a bold marker and write on multiple sides.
- Using appropriate packing materials: Use high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap and packing peanuts to protect your belongings. Fill any empty spaces within the box to prevent items from shifting during transit.
If you choose to work with a packing and moving company, you can outsource packing and labeling to a professional. This will minimize the risk of damage in transit.
Comparing Shipping Costs
To figure out the cheapest way to ship moving boxes, it’s best to compare your options.
Here is a sample comparison you can use as a template. In this template, we outline prices for moving 10 large boxes from Boston to Seattle (around 3,000 miles).
| Moving Method | 10 Large Boxes |
|---|---|
| UPS (standard shipping) | $22.30 per box x 10 = $223.00 |
| FedEx | $24.50 per box x 10 = $245.00 |
| USPS | $24.75 per box x 10 = $247.50 |
| Freight Company | Around $2,600 (for door-to-door option) |
| Renting a Truck or Trailer | Around $2,900 (the high price is due to the distance). Trucks start at $19.95 per day + $0.99 per mile. |
| Moving Company | Around $5,000* (this is for a full-service move, including loading and unloading). |
Prices for carriers always vary depending on the shipper. Moving and freight companies’ rates depend on the company’s rates. Meanwhile, the rental rates for trucks and trailers can also vary dramatically.
Our Conclusion
The cheapest way to ship moving boxes depends on your circumstances. If you have only a few large boxes and don’t need fast shipping, your best bet is to use carrier services.
But if you are planning a full-time move to a new home, you may benefit from working with a moving or freight company. Renting a truck or trailer works best only if you have the time to handle the entire move on your own.
Compare different options with your specific situation in mind. Don’t forget to ask for discounts whenever possible. Also, prioritize proper packing and labeling to ensure a safe move.
FAQ About Cheapest Way to Ship Moving Boxes
Can I get a discount for shipping multiple boxes at once?
Yes, some moving companies and carriers offer discounts for bulk shipments. However, the discounted rate can vary depending on the company and the distance.
How much does it typically cost to ship a medium-sized box?
The typical cost of shipping a medium-sized box depends on the shipping method and distance. For example, FedEx has a flat-rate shipping option within the United States. It will cost you $18.25 to ship a medium-sized box to any destination within the country.
Is it cheaper to ship boxes via USPS, FedEx, or UPS?
USPS, FedEx, and UPS have similar rates for shipping boxes. To find out which one is cheaper, you need to compare prices for your particular case.
What is the cheapest way to ship boxes across the country?
The cheapest way to ship boxes across the country is to take advantage of the carriers’ (FedEx, UPS) flat-rate shipping options. However, certain size and weight limits must be considered.
What’s the best way to pack fragile items in moving boxes for shipping?
The best way to pack fragile items in moving boxes for shipping is to wrap them individually in bubble wrap and then use filler materials like newspaper or packing peanuts to fill any extra space in the box.
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