How to Ship Large Items: Complete Guide for Resellers 2026
Shipping large items as a reseller can feel overwhelming. That vintage mid-century dresser you scored at an estate sale? The commercial espresso machine from a restaurant liquidation? These high-profit items often sit in your garage for months because shipping seems too complicated or expensive.
Here’s the reality: most resellers avoid large items entirely, which creates a massive opportunity for those willing to learn the logistics. While everyone else fights over small, easy-to-ship items with razor-thin margins, you can dominate niches with less competition and better profits.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about shipping large and heavy items in 2026—from understanding your carrier options to packaging techniques that prevent damage claims, calculating true shipping costs, and strategies to keep more money in your pocket.
Why Large Item Shipping Matters for Resellers
The reselling landscape has become increasingly competitive. Millions of sellers now compete for the same thrifted finds, retail arbitrage deals, and wholesale opportunities. When everyone can easily ship a pair of sneakers or a video game, margins compress to the point where sourcing becomes the only differentiator.
Large items flip this dynamic entirely. Most casual resellers won’t touch a vintage Henredon dining table or an industrial mixer because they don’t know how to ship it profitably. This fear-based avoidance creates pricing inefficiencies you can exploit.
The Profit Margin Advantage
Consider two scenarios: You find a popular LEGO set for $50 that sells for $80. After fees and $12 shipping, you net roughly $10-12. Now imagine finding a vintage office chair for $30 that sells for $200. Even with $45 in freight shipping and platform fees, you’re netting $80+.
Large items typically offer 3-5x the profit margin of smaller items because:
- Less competition means buyers pay closer to market value
- Sourcing costs are lower since fewer people want bulky inventory
- Volume discounts become possible when you specialize
- Return rates drop because buyers research large purchases more carefully
Niche Domination Opportunities
The most successful resellers in 2026 aren’t generalists—they’re specialists who deeply understand specific categories. Large item niches ripe for domination include:
- Mid-century modern furniture (consistently strong demand)
- Commercial restaurant equipment (restaurant turnover creates steady supply)
- Vintage audio equipment (audiophiles pay premium for condition)
- Industrial machinery and tools (contractors and makers need specific equipment)
- Medical and dental equipment (high value, limited competition)
- Vintage arcade machines and pinball (collector market remains strong)
When you master shipping in your chosen niche, you build a moat that casual competitors can’t easily cross.
Understanding Shipping Options for Large Items
Not every large item requires the same shipping approach. Matching the right carrier to your item’s size, weight, value, and destination saves money and reduces damage risk.
Standard Carriers (UPS, FedEx, USPS)
For items that push boundaries but don’t quite need freight, standard carriers remain viable options.
UPS Ground
- Maximum weight: 150 lbs
- Maximum dimensions: 165" combined length + girth (length + 2x width + 2x height)
- Maximum length: 108"
- Best for: Dense, well-packaged items under 70 lbs
UPS offers the most consistent handling for oversized packages. Their pricing becomes steep above 50 lbs due to surcharges, but negotiated rates through platforms like Pirate Ship can help.
FedEx Ground
- Maximum weight: 150 lbs
- Maximum dimensions: 165" combined length + girth
- Maximum length: 119" (longer than UPS!)
- Best for: Long items like golf clubs, skis, curtain rods
FedEx’s extra 11 inches of length capacity makes them ideal for specific item types. Their Home Delivery service (for residential addresses) has slightly different handling.
USPS
- Maximum weight: 70 lbs
- Maximum dimensions: 130" combined length + girth
- Best for: Items where flat-rate options make sense
USPS rarely makes sense for truly large items, but their flat-rate boxes can occasionally work for dense, compact heavy items. A 70-lb box of vintage weights might ship cheaper via flat-rate than calculated shipping.
Oversized Surcharges to Know All carriers add surcharges that dramatically affect costs:
- Large Package Surcharge: Items exceeding 96" in combined dimensions
- Additional Handling Surcharge: Items over certain weights or dimensions
- Delivery Area Surcharge: Remote residential addresses
These surcharges can add $20-60+ per package. Always calculate total delivered cost, not just base rates.
Freight Shipping (LTL - Less Than Truckload)
When packages exceed carrier limits or surcharges make standard shipping prohibitive, freight becomes your solution. LTL shipping consolidates multiple shipments on shared trucks, making it affordable for individual large items.
When to Use Freight
- Items over 150 lbs
- Items exceeding standard carrier dimensions
- Multiple large items going to the same destination
- Fragile items requiring specialized handling
How LTL Freight Works
- Get quotes: Use freight brokers or direct carrier sites
- Schedule pickup: Carrier sends a truck with a lift gate
- Item travels to terminal: Your shipment joins others heading the same direction
- Cross-docking: May transfer between terminals during transit
- Delivery: Final delivery to destination (various service levels available)
Key Freight Terminology
- Class: Freight classification (50-500) based on density, handling, and liability. Higher class = higher cost
- Lift gate: Hydraulic platform for loading/unloading without a dock
- Inside delivery: Driver brings item inside rather than curbside
- Limited access: Locations requiring extra maneuvering (residential, schools, malls)
- Bill of Lading (BOL): Legal document accompanying shipment
Freight Cost Structure
Freight pricing depends on:
- Weight: Heavier = more expensive
- Dimensions: Larger = higher class = more expensive
- Distance: Transit length affects cost
- Freight class: Calculated from density and item type
- Accessorial services: Lift gate ($50-100), inside delivery ($75-150+), appointment scheduling
For a 200-lb piece of furniture shipping coast-to-coast, expect $150-400 depending on dimensions and services selected.
Major LTL Carriers
- Estes Express
- Old Dominion (ODFL)
- XPO Logistics
- Saia
- ABF Freight
- R+L Carriers
White Glove Delivery Services
For high-value items where presentation matters, white glove delivery provides premium handling:
- Pickup with blanket wrapping
- Climate-controlled transport (when specified)
- Inside delivery to room of choice
- Unpacking and debris removal
- Basic assembly (some services)
White glove typically costs 50-100% more than standard freight but dramatically reduces damage claims and improves buyer experience. Consider it for:
- Antique furniture over $500
- Vintage electronics and audio equipment
- Fine art and mirrors
- Items going to high-end buyers expecting premium service
Companies offering white glove services include:
- uShip (white glove options)
- GoShare
- Roadie
- Specialized art shippers for valuable pieces
Peer-to-Peer Shipping (uShip, CitizenShipper)
Peer-to-peer platforms connect you with independent drivers and trucking companies bidding on your shipment. This creates competitive pricing and often includes more personalized service.
How uShip Works
- List your item with photos, dimensions, and weight
- Receive bids from transporters
- Review transporter ratings and feedback
- Select your preferred bid
- Coordinate pickup and delivery
- Release payment after successful delivery
Pros of Peer-to-Peer Shipping
- Often 20-40% cheaper than traditional freight
- More flexible scheduling
- Direct communication with your driver
- Better handling than terminal transfers
- Good for unusual items (vehicles, boats, heavy equipment)
Cons to Consider
- Variable service quality
- Less recourse for damage claims
- Scheduling can be unpredictable
- Requires more communication and coordination
Best Practices for uShip
- Include detailed photos and accurate measurements
- Specify exactly where pickup and delivery occur
- Check transporter reviews carefully (look for large item experience)
- Use platform messaging for documentation
- Consider paying slightly more for highly-rated transporters
How to Package Large Items Safely
Proper packaging prevents damage claims, negative reviews, and profit-destroying returns. Invest time in packaging—it’s insurance for your margin.
Furniture Packaging
Furniture presents unique challenges: odd shapes, protruding parts, and finishes that scratch easily.
Essential Supplies
- Furniture blankets (buy used from moving companies)
- Stretch wrap (machine-grade for better cling)
- Corner protectors (foam or cardboard)
- Furniture pads for legs
- Cardboard sheets for flat surfaces
Step-by-Step Furniture Packaging
- Clean thoroughly: Dust and debris cause scratches during transit
- Photograph condition: Document any existing wear before shipping
- Remove detachable parts: Legs, shelves, knobs, and hardware ship separately
- Wrap delicate surfaces: Use foam or bubble wrap on glass, mirrors, and finished tops
- Apply corner protectors: Every exposed corner gets protection
- Wrap entirely in furniture blankets: Secure with stretch wrap
- Final stretch wrap layer: Creates a unified, protected package
- Label clearly: “FRAGILE,” “THIS SIDE UP,” and handling instructions
Building Furniture Crates
For high-value pieces, build custom crates:
- Use 1/2" plywood for sides
- Add 2x4 framing for strength
- Line interior with foam or blankets
- Secure furniture inside so it cannot shift
- Add skid/pallet base for forklift handling
Crating adds $50-150 in materials but protects items worth $500+.
Electronics Packaging
Large electronics (TVs, monitors, vintage audio, appliances) require extra care due to fragile components and sensitivity to shock.
TV/Monitor Packaging
If you have the original box, use it! Original packaging includes custom foam inserts designed for that specific model.
Without original packaging:
- Cover screen with foam sheet or cardboard
- Apply painter’s tape (NOT packing tape) to protect surfaces
- Wrap entire unit in bubble wrap (minimum 2 layers)
- Secure in double-walled cardboard box
- Fill all voids with packing peanuts or air pillows
- Add “FRAGILE” and “THIS SIDE UP” labels
Vintage Audio Equipment
Vintage receivers, amplifiers, and turntables have fragile internal components:
- Remove tubes/vacuum tubes and package separately
- Secure turntable platters and tonearms
- Use anti-static wrap for circuit boards
- Double-box with minimum 3" of cushioning material
- Consider insurance for valuable vintage pieces
Appliances
Large appliances need secure packaging and often special handling:
- Lock all doors closed with tape or straps
- Remove or secure loose components
- Pad all exterior surfaces
- Use dolly straps for securing during transport
- Clearly mark “HEAVY” with actual weight
Fragile Large Items (Mirrors, Glass, Artwork)
Glass and mirrors require specialized techniques to survive shipping:
Mirror and Glass Packaging
- Apply painter’s tape in X pattern: This holds glass together if it breaks
- Cut cardboard corners: 90-degree cardboard protects edges
- Create “mirror box”: Two telescoping boxes that adjust to size
- Float the item: Never let glass touch box walls directly
- Use at least 3" of cushioning: Bubble wrap or foam minimum
- Consider professional crating: For items over $500
Artwork Packaging
Framed art combines glass fragility with damage-prone frames:
- Remove hanging hardware
- Cover glass with glassine paper (acid-free)
- Apply tape X for breakage protection
- Wrap corners with foam board
- Use mirror boxes or flat corrugated sleeves
- Add rigid corner reinforcement
- Mark “DO NOT BEND” clearly
Consider Specialty Carriers
For valuable artwork ($1,000+), specialty art shippers provide:
- Climate-controlled vehicles
- Custom crating services
- White glove handling
- Superior insurance options
- Experience with galleries and collectors
Calculating Shipping Costs (DIM Weight Explained)
Understanding dimensional weight is essential for profitable large item reselling. Get this wrong, and your profit evaporates.
What Is Dimensional Weight?
Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual weight or dimensional weight. DIM weight reflects how much space a package occupies on a truck, not just how heavy it is.
The DIM Weight Formula
DIM Weight = (Length × Width × Height) ÷ DIM Factor
The DIM factor varies by carrier:
- UPS/FedEx Ground: 139 (cubic inches per pound)
- UPS/FedEx Express: 139
- USPS: 166 (more generous)
- Freight: Uses density-based classifications
Real-World DIM Weight Examples
Example 1: Large but Light
- Actual dimensions: 36" × 24" × 24"
- Actual weight: 25 lbs
- DIM calculation: (36 × 24 × 24) ÷ 139 = 149 lbs DIM weight
- Billable weight: 149 lbs (not 25 lbs!)
That 25-lb beanbag chair ships at 149 lbs pricing. Understanding this before sourcing prevents costly surprises.
Example 2: Dense and Heavy
- Actual dimensions: 20" × 16" × 12"
- Actual weight: 75 lbs
- DIM calculation: (20 × 16 × 12) ÷ 139 = 28 lbs DIM weight
- Billable weight: 75 lbs (actual weight wins)
Dense items like weights, machinery, and small appliances benefit from favorable DIM calculations.
Optimizing Packaging for DIM Weight
Strategic packaging decisions directly impact shipping costs:
- Minimize box size: Use the smallest possible box with adequate protection
- Consider item orientation: Sometimes a different orientation reduces dimensions
- Remove air: Vacuum-seal soft items when possible
- Disassemble when practical: Ship components separately if it reduces DIM weight
- Repackage factory boxes: Manufacturer packaging often includes excess space
Before You Source
Calculate shipping before buying inventory:
- Measure the item (or estimate from photos)
- Add packaging dimensions (typically 3-6" per side)
- Calculate DIM weight
- Get actual shipping quotes
- Deduct from expected sale price
Use our DIM Weight Calculator to quickly estimate billable weights.
Platform-Specific Large Item Shipping
Each selling platform handles large items differently. Understanding their tools and policies helps you sell more effectively.
eBay Freight Program
eBay’s freight shipping integration makes large item sales easier than ever:
How It Works
- List items over 150 lbs or exceeding parcel dimensions
- eBay calculates freight quotes automatically
- Buyers see total delivered price at checkout
- eBay manages carrier booking and tracking
eBay Freight Benefits
- Negotiated rates through partnership with freight carriers
- Integrated tracking and buyer communication
- Managed claims process for damage
- Professional appearance for large item listings
Best Practices
- Accurately enter item dimensions and weight
- Select appropriate freight class
- Indicate if lift gate is needed at either end
- Clearly describe packaging (crated, palletized, blanket-wrapped)
- Include handling time for crating/preparation
Facebook Marketplace: Local Pickup vs Shipping
Facebook Marketplace excels at local pickup, but shipping options continue improving:
Local Pickup Advantages
- No shipping costs or packaging hassle
- Immediate payment and transfer
- Buyer inspects before purchase (fewer returns)
- Works for any size item
Shipping on Marketplace
- Currently limited to items under 150 lbs and specific dimensions
- Facebook provides labels through their system
- Typically more expensive than other options
Strategy for Large Items Most successful Marketplace sellers of large items:
- List for local pickup initially
- Offer shipping as option for serious buyers
- Use uShip or freight brokers for actual shipping
- Build shipping cost into price or quote separately
Mercari Large Item Policies
Mercari focuses primarily on parcel-shippable items, but large item sales happen:
Current Limitations
- Maximum weight: 150 lbs
- Uses standard carriers (UPS, FedEx)
- No integrated freight options
- DIM weight applies to oversized packages
Working Within Mercari
- List items near weight limits carefully
- Price shipping accurately using DIM calculations
- Consider “local meetup” option for truly large items
- Some sellers create “shipping quote” listings for custom arrangements
OfferUp Shipping
OfferUp originally focused on local sales but now offers shipping:
Shipping Eligibility
- Items under 20 lbs ship most easily
- Larger items possible but with limitations
- Platform provides shipping labels
Large Item Reality OfferUp works best for local pickup of large items:
- Huge user base seeking deals
- Strong for furniture and appliances locally
- Shipping large items requires workarounds
- Consider cross-posting with eBay for shipping buyers
Cost-Saving Strategies for Large Item Shipping
Shipping costs can destroy margins if you’re not strategic. These proven strategies keep more profit in your pocket.
Free and Low-Cost Packaging Materials
Stop paying retail for boxes and materials:
Free Box Sources
- Appliance stores: Refrigerator, washer, and TV boxes are gold
- Furniture stores: Regularly dispose of large cardboard
- Liquor stores: Sturdy boxes with dividers
- Office buildings: Paper ream boxes are strong
- Facebook/Craigslist: “Free moving boxes” posts
- Grocery stores: Banana boxes are incredibly durable
- U-Haul/moving suppliers: Sometimes have free used boxes
Free Pallet Sources
- Hardware stores (Lowe’s, Home Depot)
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Facebook Marketplace “free pallets” searches
- Grocery stores (check for heat-treated stamps for shipping)
Low-Cost Supplies
- Furniture blankets: Buy used from moving companies ($3-8 each vs $15+ new)
- Stretch wrap: Machine-grade from restaurant supply stores
- Bubble wrap: Industrial rolls from shipping supply companies
- Corner protectors: Make your own from cardboard
Negotiated Shipping Rates
Volume and platform discounts significantly reduce costs:
Platforms Offering Discounts
- Pirate Ship: Free access to cubic pricing and commercial rates
- Shippo: Volume-based discounts
- ShipStation: Negotiated rates across carriers
- eBay: Seller discounts increase with volume
Direct Carrier Accounts Once shipping 50+ large items monthly:
- Contact carrier sales representatives
- Negotiate based on your volume
- Request custom pricing for your typical shipments
- Compare quotes between carriers
Regional Carriers
National carriers aren’t always cheapest. Regional alternatives often beat UPS/FedEx:
Notable Regional Carriers
- OnTrac: West Coast
- Spee-Dee: Midwest
- LSO: Southwest (Texas focus)
- Eastern Connection: Northeast
When to Use Regional
- Shipping within their service area
- Ground shipments (air still favors nationals)
- Oversized packages (sometimes more flexible)
Consolidation and Routing
Smart logistics reduce overall costs:
Buyer Location Strategy Some sellers preferentially sell to buyers in certain regions:
- Closer buyers = lower shipping
- Avoid zone 8 (cross-country) when possible
- Price items higher for distant buyers to cover costs
Consolidation Selling multiple items to same buyer?
- Combine shipments when possible
- Offer multi-item shipping discounts
- Build loyalty with repeat customers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ expensive errors:
1. Underestimating DIM Weight
The #1 profit killer for new large-item sellers. Always calculate DIM weight before pricing. That lightweight but bulky item will ship at DIM weight, not actual weight.
Solution: Use our DIM Weight Calculator before sourcing.
2. Skipping Insurance on Valuable Items
Carrier liability limits rarely cover high-value items:
- UPS/FedEx: $100 default declared value
- Freight: Varies by class, often $0.10-2.00 per pound
A $1,500 vintage receiver damaged in transit? You might get $50 without additional insurance.
Solution: Always purchase additional coverage for items over $200. Third-party options like Shipsurance often beat carrier insurance prices.
3. Poor Photography of Condition
Damage claims require proof the item was undamaged when shipped. Without documentation, carriers deny claims.
Solution: Photograph every angle before packaging. Include shots of packaging process. Save photos for at least 30 days after delivery.
4. Incorrect Freight Class
Freight classes range from 50 to 500. Higher classes cost significantly more. Misclassifying items leads to:
- Reclassification fees
- Invoice adjustments
- Carrier disputes
Solution: Use freight class calculators and measure density accurately. When in doubt, go slightly higher to avoid surprises.
5. Forgetting Accessorial Fees
That $150 freight quote becomes $300 after adding:
- Lift gate at pickup (+$75)
- Lift gate at delivery (+$75)
- Residential delivery (+$50)
- Inside delivery (+$100)
Solution: Calculate total delivered cost including all accessorialservices before quoting buyers.
6. Oversized Packaging
Bigger isn’t better for protection—it’s just more expensive. Excessive packaging increases DIM weight without improving protection.
Solution: Right-size packaging. Use appropriate cushioning, not extra box size.
7. Ignoring Return Shipping Reality
Large item returns devastate profit:
- You often pay return shipping
- Item may return damaged
- Time and storage costs add up
Solution: Write detailed, accurate descriptions. Use many photos. Accept slight imperfections in pricing to avoid returns. Have clear return policies.
FAQs
How much does it cost to ship a couch?
Couch shipping typically costs $150-400 for standard freight delivery within the continental US. Variables include:
- Distance (zone-based pricing)
- Couch dimensions and weight
- Service level (curbside vs inside delivery)
- Lift gate requirements
For a standard 3-seat sofa shipping 500 miles, expect $175-275 with lift gate service.
What’s the cheapest way to ship large items?
The cheapest options depend on your specific situation:
- Under 150 lbs: Ground shipping with negotiated rates (Pirate Ship, etc.)
- 150-500 lbs: LTL freight or uShip peer-to-peer
- Over 500 lbs: LTL freight with volume discounts
- Local (under 100 miles): Peer-to-peer services or local delivery apps
Always get multiple quotes. The cheapest option varies by route, timing, and item characteristics.
Can I ship furniture through UPS or FedEx?
Yes, if it meets their requirements:
- Maximum weight: 150 lbs
- Maximum length: 108" (UPS) or 119" (FedEx)
- Maximum combined dimensions (length + girth): 165"
For furniture exceeding these limits, freight shipping is required.
How do I determine freight class for my item?
Freight class depends primarily on density (weight per cubic foot):
- Calculate cubic feet: (L × W × H) ÷ 1728
- Divide weight by cubic feet = density
- Reference freight class charts:
- 50+ lbs/cubic foot = Class 50 (cheapest)
- 35-50 lbs/cubic foot = Class 55
- 12-15 lbs/cubic foot = Class 85
- Under 1 lb/cubic foot = Class 400+ (most expensive)
Item type also affects class (hazardous, fragile, etc.).
Is freight shipping safe for antiques and fragile items?
Freight shipping can be safe with proper preparation:
- Professional crating for high-value items
- White glove services for premium handling
- Adequate insurance coverage
- Clear handling instructions on packaging
Standard LTL freight involves multiple handling points and terminal transfers—more risk than direct truck delivery. For items over $1,000, consider dedicated white glove services.
How long does freight shipping take?
Standard LTL freight transit times:
- Regional (under 500 miles): 2-4 business days
- Cross-country: 5-10 business days
Add time for:
- Pickup scheduling (1-2 days)
- Terminal delays (possible)
- Delivery scheduling (1-2 days)
Total door-to-door typically runs 7-14 days for cross-country shipments.
Should I offer free shipping on large items?
Generally, no. Free shipping on large items:
- Reduces profit margins significantly
- Attracts tire-kickers who don’t understand item value
- Makes returns more painful
Instead, consider:
- Calculated shipping at cost
- Shipping built into higher price (appears free)
- Local pickup with shipping option quoted separately
Conclusion
Shipping large items doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right knowledge—choosing appropriate carriers, packaging properly, understanding DIM weight, and avoiding common mistakes—you can profitably sell items that most resellers ignore.
The key takeaways for successful large item shipping:
- Match carrier to item: Use standard carriers for items under limits, freight for larger pieces
- Calculate DIM weight before sourcing: Never assume actual weight determines shipping cost
- Invest in proper packaging: Materials cost less than damage claims
- Get multiple quotes: Prices vary significantly between carriers and platforms
- Document everything: Photos protect you in disputes
Start small with a few large item sales to build confidence. As you develop systems for packaging, quoting, and shipping, you’ll find these items become a competitive advantage rather than a liability.
The resellers who master large item logistics access inventory and profits that others leave behind. That mid-century credenza, commercial mixer, or vintage arcade cabinet isn’t just a bulky problem—it’s your opportunity.
Related Tools
Put these strategies into action with our free tools:
- DIM Weight Calculator - Calculate billable weight instantly
- Shipping Cost Calculator - Compare carrier rates
- ROI Calculator - Ensure profitability before sourcing
- Profit Analysis Tool - AI-powered resale analysis
Need help analyzing whether a large item is worth flipping? Try Underpriced.app to get instant profit analysis on any item.