Shipping Moving Boxes and the Cheapest Way to Ship Boxes

We talk about different ways to get your belongings from point A to point B when you’re moving, but what if you just need to ship a few boxes? Not all moves include dozens and dozens of boxes, nor is moving the only time you might find yourself in need of a cheap shipping option. To help, we created this guide on shipping moving boxes and we’ll also share a few tips on finding the cheapest ways to ship boxes. https://servicebasketuae.com

4 Companies offering cost-efficient box shipping options

1. Greyhound Package Express

   Every day there are hundreds of Greyhound buses traveling throughout the country. And a lot of times, their luggage compartments aren’t full. Enter Greyhound Package Express, which makes use of all that extra space by using it to ship boxes.

   Greyhound Package Express Costs

   If you drop off and pick up your boxes at a designated Greyhound station, shipping one box will cost about $44. The door-to-door delivery will cost $168. There are two hybrid delivery services between self-service (station-to-station) and full-service (door-to-door): door-to-station ($95) and station-to-door ($116). You can use the company’s online calculator to determine the shipping price. The recommended box limit is five. Bulk rates apply for more than five boxes being shipped simultaneously.

   Things to know

    

   • Each box needs to be sized correctly to fit under the bus. For that reason, boxes can be no larger than 29″ H x 47″ W x 82″ L and must weigh no more than 100 pounds.
   • The bottom of the bus can be a bumpy ride, which means you’ll need to be extra careful about shipping any breakables. And Greyhound doesn’t offer insurance for shipments, which means that if something does break, you’re going to be out of luck. However, you will get coverage on the present-day declared value of the items. The value limit is $1,000.
   • Your boxes will need to be inspected before they’ll be allowed on the bus. Make sure to leave your boxes untaped (Greyhound will provide tape for you to use after the inspection), and note that boxes with prohibited items will not be accepted. You can learn more about this by reading Greyhound Package Express’s shipping terms and conditions.
   • Shipping times tend to be pretty quick. Expect two days if your boxes are traveling 0-125 miles, three days if they’re traveling 126-275 miles, four days if they’re traveling 276-500 miles, etc. You can find more details on estimated shipping times here, and you can also pay more if you’d like priority shipping. https://www.allieddubaimovers.com

2. Busfreighter

   If you have more than five boxes or shipping across the state lines, Busfreighter might be the way to go. It’s a partner of Greyhound Package Express, meaning it operates the same way on the same buses but is owned and operated by a separate company. Because of that, you can often get even cheaper rates on shipping a few boxes via Greyhound.

   Busfreighter Costs

   It’s 85 cents per pound, though you’ll spend more for oversized boxes. Check out a complete breakdown of Busfreighter’s rates and some savings examples. You can also get an online quote for your shipment.

   Things to know

    

   • Busfreighter has the same size and weight requirements as Greyhound Package Express. A box can be no larger than 29” x 47” x 82” and must weigh no more than 100 pounds.
   • Like Greyhound, Busfreighter does not offer insurance for your belongings. However, you will get coverage on the present-day declared value of the items.
   • The cheapest option will be to drop off your boxes yourself at the Greyhound station they’ll be shipping out of (make sure to head to the Greyhound Package Express window). If you want to pay a bit more, you can drop them off at a Convenience Drop-Off Location or spring for pick up at your home.
   • You will not be able to ship furniture or large electronics through Busfreighter.
   • Cross-country shipments typically take 10-14 business days to arrive. Shipments traveling less than 2,000 miles typically take 3-7 business days, depending on the actual distance.

3. UShip

   With UShip, you post what, how much, and where you need to ship on the UShip marketplace, and independent truck drivers who are already heading the same route can bid to take them there for you. In 2021, more than 850,000 shipments, or one every 37 seconds, were listed on UShip, so there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find someone heading in the right direction.

   UShip Costs

   It depends on the bids that you get. If you’re shipping somewhere that tends to be traffic-heavy, you’ll probably be able to get a cheap bid than if you’re shipping somewhere that’s a bit more obscure.

   Things to know

    

   • UShip offers a verified vendor system to ensure their truckers are legit, but truck drivers aren’t professional movers. You will have to rely on your own research to choose a qualified trucker whom you can trust with your boxes.
   • There’s no guarantee that you’ll get a bid or that your bid will be cheaper than going through the options above or even through USPS, UPS, or FedEx. It’s worth a try though.
   • You can protect your belongings by buying UShip cargo insurance.
   • You can ship anything through UShip, provided you get a trucker to take on the job. That includes items you can’t ship through the above options, like furniture, large electronics, and even grandma’s grand piano.

4. USPS

   In some cases, shipping a few boxes as domestic packages using the United States Postal Service (USPS) can have many benefits, a major one being a lower price. Depending on what you’re shipping and where you’re shipping it to, using USPS can be one of the cheapest moversdubai ways to ship boxes. Other advantages include the ability to purchase this service online, get basic insurance, and, in some cases, the availability of a free pickup.

   USPS Costs

   USPS Retail Ground shipping service is a reliable and economical way to ship boxes in two to eight business days. Prices start at $8.50 at a Post Office. For any media or books, use Media Mail, a service for shipping media and educational materials. Prices start at $3.19 at a Post Office.

   Things to know

    

   • Just like with most shipping companies, you can get a quote online.
   • You can request a Free Package Pickup during regular mail delivery or Pickup on Demand if you wish your boxes to be picked up at a specific time for a fee.
   • USPS’ maximum weight requirement is 70 lbs.
   • Retail Ground ships packages up to 130 inches in combined length and girth.
   • You can buy insurance for up to $5,000 as an add-on.

Cheapest ways to move boxes

The more boxes you have to ship, the more your shipment will cost. If you’re only shipping a couple of boxes, USPS is probably the cheapest way.

For large or heavy boxes or shipments of more than three boxes, consider the consolidated freight shipping method as the cheapest way to ship boxes when multiple less-than-truckload (LTL, or less-than-load) shipments are combined into one. UPS offers those, and you can get an online quote. Rates vary widely depending on the size and the destination.

FedEx will also ship large items over 150 lbs. within the U.S. and internationally and does LTL shipping. Check FedEx’s detailed guide on these services to choose the best way to ship your boxes.

Cheapest ways to move boxes across the country

One of Busfreighter’s specialties is shipping across state lines, and it might be the most economical way. You can also get online quotes from moving container companies like Pods or U-Pack, but the price will depend on where you’re shipping and how many boxes you have to ship.

How to ship moving boxes

• Prepare the boxes. Measure every one of them to make sure you won’t exceed maximum size requirements for the shipping carrier you’ll be using. Use strong, dry and clean boxes that can close easily. Reinforce all flaps with good packing tape. Cover or blackout old logos, labels, and addresses if you’re using a secondhand box.
• Pack the boxes. Pack them the same way you would pack if you were using a moving company or using a rental moving van. Keep the weight under the weight limit of the company you’re using. Don’t pack any restricted and prohibited items in your boxes. Use a good packing tape, not twine or cord (they can cause the containers to get caught in the automated mail-processing equipment. Address/label your boxes clearly and correctly. Need help or inspiration? Use our handy packing checklist and advice on how to pack boxes for moving. https://www.themoveme.com
• Get a quote. Most shipping carriers have online calculators, some very detailed, to calculate the shipping costs. You can then decide whether it’s worth it, which company to go with, and how much to expect to spend so you can manage expectations and prepare in advance.
• Ship your boxes. At this final step, you’ll either take your boxes to the carrier or, if you’re springing for pickup, whey will come to your home to get the shipment off your hands. This is where you will also finalize purchasing insurance, if it’s offered, and get a tracking number.

Shipping moving boxes tips

• Box size and weight. Carefully review the shipping company’s maximum size and weight requirements and break up what you’re shipping into more boxes if you must. Boxes that are too heavy can be very expensive to ship. They are also at greater risk of damage. Moving and shipping boxes are designed to hold a limited weight, so they may break if they get overstuffed.
• Insurance. Boxes you packed yourself can’t be insured for much, and typically there’s a limit on the claim amount. If you’re shipping antique, fragile or valuable items, consider using a shipping company that allows you to purchase insurance, such as USPS, FedEx or UPS.
• Packing right. Choose a box with extra space that can accommodate packing materials (paper, bubble wrap, packing peanuts). Pack it tight so there’s less space for the items to move and break. Double wrap any fragile items. Tape all the holes, lids and corners.
• Proper labeling. Legible, visible and securely taped and placed on the right side of the box label will go a long way in ensuring that your belongings are being transported safely. When needed, include clear additional instructions such as “This side up” or “Fragile.”

Best way to ship boxes when moving

When moving house, it’s a good idea to look at various options to ship boxes to pick the most convenient method for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to shipping boxes when moving. It really depends on how many boxes you’re shipping, their size and weight, content (valuable or not), the carrier you choose, the distance (within the state, across state lines, cross country). Under specific circumstances, shipping boxes may or may not even be the best way for you to ship boxes across multiple states. .

Ready to pack up your stuff for the move?

Nobody wants to spend a ton when they just need to ship a few boxes. Not sure how many boxes you’ll need to move? Use Moving.com’s shipping and packing calculator to figure it out. Need supplies? Buy moving boxes and packing supplies directly through Moving.com.

Need help finding a moving company? Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job.