How to ship · furniture
How to ship a bookcase
Bookcases and bookshelves are similar but bookcases are typically deeper (for displaying items, not just books). The same packing rules apply: flat-pack when possible, pallet when too large.
- Typical weight
- Small: 25-50 lb, Large (6+ ft): 60-150 lb
- Rate band tracked
- 20 lb
- Cheapest option
- Parcel carriers for flat-packed under 70 lb; freight or uShip otherwise
Live rates
What it costs to ship a bookcase, right now
A 20 lb parcel from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Actual cost for your bookcase varies by ±10-30% with its specific weight and destination zone.
- 01
Ground FedEx 4d $46.79 +$37.48 - 02
Ground Saver UPS 5d $9.31 cheapest - 03
Ground Advantage USPS 5d $9.65 +$0.34
Close call Only $0.34 (4%) separates the cheapest from the runner-up. Free USPS home pickup or a closer drop-off can erase this gap. Pick by convenience, not price, at this margin.
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Before you pack
The box and materials
Box
Long corrugated box for flat-packed; pallet for assembled
Flat-packed: typically 72 x 14 x 8 in
Hardware bag must be clearly labeled and taped to the main box.
Checklist
- Corrugated box
- Hardware bag
- Bubble wrap
- Corner protectors
- Tape
The process
Pack a bookcase in 5 steps
01 of 05
Disassemble into flat components
Unscrew each shelf. Bag hardware; label which shelf it belongs to.
02 of 05
Wrap each piece
Bubble wrap; extra on corners and edges.
03 of 05
Stack in a long box with cardboard between
Prevents pieces scratching each other.
04 of 05
Add corner protectors to the outer box
All four outer corners.
05 of 05
Seal and label
Include an arrow pointing to the hardware bag.
Carrier notes
Which carrier to use
USPS
Ground Advantage for flat-packed bookcases under 70 lb.
UPS
Ground for heavier or longer.
FedEx
Home Delivery.
Insurance + declared value
Protecting the package
Declare for bookcases over $300.
Specialty shippers are worth it here.
Assembled bookcases over 100 lb, especially antique wood pieces, ship better via uShip.
Get quotes on uShipFAQ
Common questions
Q01 Can I ship a bookcase with doors?
Wrap door hinges in bubble; tape doors shut. Or remove doors and ship separately.
Q02 Glass-door bookcases?
Remove glass doors and pack as mirrors. Ship separately from the frame.
Q03 IKEA-style bookcases?
These are the easiest. Original flat-pack box if available; otherwise mirror the original packing style.