Sending large rugs to another location can be tricky as well as costly. There are a lot of things that determine how much it will cost when you buy a new area rug or need to ship a family rug. Rugs and carpets are bulky items that’s why they require special packaging and handling.
All of the above-mentioned procedures make it more expensive to ship than regular boxes. However, with some smart preparation and choosing the right shipping method, you can get rugs delivered safely without overpaying.
This article will explain that how much does it cost to ship a rug and all the main factors that impact rug shipping costs so you can estimate the expenses accurately. It will also help you pick the most affordable yet secure option for sending your rugs, whether nearby or across long distances. With this information, you can avoid sticker shock from unexpectedly high rug shipping fees.
Shipping Large, Bulky Rugs – The Cost Factors Explained
Whether moving to another home or sending an exceptional carpet as a gift or for dry cleaning, getting huge mats securely shipped can be both strategically interesting and expensive. Unlike delivery standard boxes or envelopes, carpets present extraordinary difficulties due to their strangely formed nature that requires exceptional bundling and dealing.
Nonetheless, monitoring the key factors that influence carpet transporting expenses can assist you with precisely assessing costs and picking the most reasonable yet still secure conveyance technique.
1. Size and Weight Matter Most in determining how much does it cost to ship a rug
The single biggest determinants of rug shipping costs are the size and weight of the rug itself. Large-area rugs and room-sized carpets are simply more expensive to ship than smaller scatter rugs or rug runners. This is because shipping carriers charge premiums based on length/girth and weight criteria that exceed standard parcel dimensions and pounds.
As a general estimate, expect to pay at least $100 to ship an 8′ x 10′ area rug weighing 35 lbs within the continental United States via a major carrier like FedEx or UPS.
Shipping costs rise significantly from there, with rates potentially doubling for large room-sized 12′ x 15′ carpets weighing over 100 lbs. International shipping for large rugs can easily exceed $500+ due to weight fees and additional handling.
2. Dimensional Weight Shipping Fees
In addition to actual weight, most carriers now also charge fees based on dimensional weight, which is rated by the rug’s volume (length x width x height) compared to its pounds. This accounts for the fact that large, bulky items like rugs take up more space in shipping vehicles.
For instance, if the length + circumference (L+2W+2H) surpasses 130 inches, you’ll pay larger than usual charges from transporters like FedEx. Furthermore, in the event that it surpasses a layered weight limit, which differs via transporter, you’ll be charged whichever rate is higher – the genuine or layered weight.
So a lightweight yet enormous mat might cause charges in view of its higher layered weight regardless of whether the genuine weight is low.
Also Read: How To Clean Seagrass Rug At Home? 9 Most Effective Ways
3. Special Packaging and Handling
Beyond basic shipping rates, rugs often require special packaging materials and handling that add extra fees from carriers. Most recommend rolling and wrapping rugs in plastic or thick kraft paper, which can be provided for a fee. Some rugs may even need wooden crates, skids, or liftgate services to transport safely, which adds $50-$200+ to the total cost.
Rug cleaning and repair services may also be desired before shipping valuable rugs, adding potential cleaning or Scotchguard fees on top of transport costs if shipped through a specialized rug dealer or company.
4. Insurance and Signature Fees
When shipping precious rugs, paying extra for shipping insurance and delivery signature confirmation is highly recommended to safeguard against damage or loss. Most carriers charge around $1 for every $100 of insurance coverage desired. Signature fees for confirming delivery to the recipient can add another $5-$10 as well.
While these insurance and signature charges may seem negligible, they can stack up quickly for very valuable rugs that need maximum coverage, potentially equaling or exceeding the actual shipping costs.
5. Carrier Cost Comparisons
In order to determine how much does it cost to ship a rug you have to determine which carriers offer the best rates for shipping rugs. Each has different price structures, surcharges, and dimensional weight calculations:
UPS and FedEx are often most affordable for small-to-medium rugs less than 70 lbs within the U.S., with ground shipping typically costing $75-$150. However, oversized fees quickly make them pricier than alternatives for very large carpets over 100 lbs.
The U.S. Postal Service can undercut major carriers for some rug sizes, especially when shipping shorter distances. Their Parcel Select ground service has more generous size allowances before charging oversized fees. However, USPS insurance caps are low at $5000 maximum.
Freight shipping companies like FreightQuote or uShip specialize in large, bulky household items like couches and rugs. Getting rug shipping rate quotes from freight carriers is recommended for oversize carpets over 100 lbs as prices can beat major parcel carriers by 40% or more.
Rug dealers like RevolutionRugs or eSaleRugs offer complete white-glove shipping that includes professional cleaning, packaging, and delivery for high-end rugs. While the most expensive option, it provides seamless door-to-door convenience with maximum insurance and damage protection.
Also Read: What Size Rug For Living Room With Sectional? 7 Best Tips
Money-Saving Tips for Rug Shipping
While rugs over a certain size will always be pricey to ship, there are some tips to reduce costs:
- Consider shipping in an economical tube package for rugs under 8 ft long. While tightly rolled, the compact tube often has lower dimensional shipping fees.
- For short distances, it may be just as affordable to rent a moving van yourself compared to shipping fees from carriers.
- When shipping multiple rugs in one shipment, make sure to get discounted multi-piece rates.
- Avoid the highest demand shipping periods like holidays when rates get increased “surcharges” from carriers.
- Work directly with freight companies versus parcel carriers to find the lowest rates for oversized rugs over 100 lbs.
- Double check dimensional weight calculations – even a 1-2 inch mistake can jump you to a higher price tier.
With some savvy planning, assessing costs from various shipping options, and budgeting for appropriate insurance coverage, costly surprises when shipping rugs can be avoided. While bulky size and weight make rugs inherently expensive to transport, choosing the smartest delivery method will ensure prized pieces reach their destination affordably and undamaged.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, the expense to transport a floor covering, particularly a bigger one, can get expensive because of its massive size and weight. In any case, by being an educated transporter and taking into account every one of the choices, you can try not to overpay and precisely gauge how much does it cost to send a carpet.
The key is to first determine if you truly need to ship the rug or if it might be more economical to rent a moving truck or van for shorter distances. If shipping is necessary, get quotes from multiple carriers like UPS, FedEx, USPS, freight companies, and even specialized rug shippers.
Compare their rates, dimensional weight fees, and any extra charges for packaging, insurance, or services like lift gates. Don’t overlook money-saving tactics like shipping rugs in a tube for lower fees or ensuring you get multi-item discounts.
With some thoughtful planning and budgeting for appropriate insurance coverage, you can ship rugs affordably while keeping them safe and secure during transit. The bottom line is that while rug shipping isn’t cheap, being a savvy shopper when determining how much does it cost to ship a rug can make it more manageable.
