How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Copier in 2026? Full Price Breakdown
July 15, 2026 · Copier Lease Returns
Shipping a copier costs about $150–$400 locally and $400–$900+ long-distance in 2026. Here is what copier and printer shipping costs, what drives the price, and how to pack and protect a copier for transit.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Copier?
Office copiers are heavy, sensitive, and expensive to replace — so shipping one is not the same as mailing a package. If you're researching how much does it cost to ship a copier, expect roughly $150–$400 for a local move and $400–$900+ for long-distance freight in 2026. Size, weight, distance, and whether you need liftgate or inside delivery drive the final price.
Copier Shipping Cost by Distance
| Distance | Typical Cost (palletized) |
|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $150–$400 |
| Regional (100–500 miles) | $300–$650 |
| Long-distance (500–1,500 mi) | $450–$900 |
| Cross-country | $700–$1,400 |
Desktop printers ship for far less; large production and floor-standing copiers cost more because of weight and handling.
What Drives the Price
- Size and weight. A floor-standing multifunction copier can weigh 200–500+ lbs.
- Liftgate service. Needed when there's no loading dock — adds $75–$150 each way.
- Inside pickup/delivery. Moving the copier to/from a specific floor or room costs more than dock-to-dock.
- Distance and freight class. Longer hauls and higher freight class raise the base rate.
- Crating. High-value or delicate units may need custom crating.
How to Prepare a Copier for Shipping
- Remove toner and ink cartridges and bag them separately to prevent leaks.
- Remove or secure the paper trays and any loose components.
- Tape down the scanner lid and doors so nothing swings open.
- Immobilize the scanner carriage if the manual specifies a transport lock.
- Wrap in moving blankets, then strap the copier upright to a pallet.
- Photograph the condition before pickup for your records.
Standard Freight vs. White-Glove
- Standard LTL freight: copier is palletized and delivered to a dock or curb — lowest cost.
- White-glove service: includes inside delivery, placement, and sometimes setup — best for offices without a dock or staff to move heavy equipment.
Save on Copier Shipping
- Palletize properly to qualify for better freight rates.
- Bundle multiple units in one shipment.
- Confirm liftgate needs up front so it's not added at a premium later.
- Get an all-inclusive quote that lists liftgate, inside delivery, and insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a copier long distance? Most long-distance palletized copier shipments run $450–$900, more for cross-country or white-glove service.
Do I need a liftgate to ship a copier? If either location lacks a loading dock, yes. Liftgate service adds about $75–$150 each way.
Should I remove the toner before shipping? Yes — remove and bag toner and ink cartridges to prevent leaks and internal damage in transit.
Is white-glove delivery worth it for a copier? For heavy floor-standing units going into an office without a dock or equipment, white-glove inside delivery is well worth it.
Get a Copier Shipping Quote
We ship copiers, printers, and office equipment nationwide with palletized freight, liftgate, and white-glove options. Request a free quote or call 1-866-216-7742 with your copier model and pickup/delivery details for an accurate price.
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