How to ship · electronics
How to ship a printer
Printers ship best in their original box because of the internal packaging that immobilizes the print head and cartridges. Without the original box, there is a real risk of ink leaking during transit.
- Typical weight
- Home inkjet: 10-25 lb, Laser: 20-40 lb, All-in-one: 25-50 lb
- Rate band tracked
- 20 lb
- Cheapest option
- UPS Ground with original box; USPS Ground Advantage for small inkjets
Live rates
What it costs to ship a printer, right now
A 20 lb parcel from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Actual cost for your printer 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
Original box strongly preferred
Varies by printer; typical home all-in-one is 20 x 18 x 14 in
If using a generic box, remove cartridges first.
Checklist
- Original box and foam if available
- Bubble wrap
- Packing peanuts or air pillows
- Plastic bag for ink cartridges
- Tape
The process
Pack a printer in 5 steps
01 of 05
Remove ink or toner cartridges
Seal each in a zip-top bag. Ship inside the printer only if in the original immobilization packaging.
02 of 05
Tape the scanner lid shut
Painter tape, not packing tape; you do not want to damage the plastic.
03 of 05
Secure the print head
If the printer has a transport lock, engage it per manual. Otherwise, tape the carriage in the parked position.
04 of 05
Pad and box
Original foam if available; otherwise 3+ in of peanuts all around.
05 of 05
Label This Side Up
Orientation matters for printers; ink reservoirs leak upside down.
Carrier notes
Which carrier to use
USPS
Ground Advantage up to 70 lb; fits most home printers.
UPS
Ground for larger laser and all-in-one units.
FedEx
Similar to UPS.
Insurance + declared value
Protecting the package
Declare for printers over $200. Laser printers $600+ must insure.
Specialty shippers are usually not worth it here.
Parcel handles printers fine.
FAQ
Common questions
Q01 Should I include the ink cartridges in the shipment?
Only if the printer has an internal packing mechanism to prevent leakage. Otherwise ship cartridges separately in sealed bags.
Q02 What about toner for laser printers?
Toner ships fine sealed in the original cartridge. Just ensure the shipping carton is marked This Side Up.
Q03 Can I ship a printer with paper loaded?
No. Remove all paper; loaded paper shifts and jams.