Shipping Costs to Cross the Countries: A 2026 Guide to Furniture Shipping Costs

On average, an American person relocates almost 12 times throughout their life. While a move within the same town may be a weekend hassle, a cross-country move is a tremendous logistical challenge—especially when it concerns your household items. 

Each year, around 3 million people have the same difficult question: What is the actual cost of shipping furniture across the nation? However, prices are not simply a set fee; they are a moving target affected by weight, distance, and the level of “white glove” treatment that you want. The following is a detailed explanation of how to budget properly and avoid the “surprise” bills that commonly occur during long-distance moving.

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What Will You Pay? 

The cost of transporting a single piece of furniture by truck from one coast of America to another is typically between $300 and $2,000. Transferring the whole household will result in quotes that will vary by $2,000-$8,000, based on your belongings’ volume and the service level you pick. 

Key Factors That Drive the Quote 

Distance and Geography: Most carriers will charge $0.60-$1.00 per mile for the first 500 miles, with a slight reduction in rates for longer deliveries. Nevertheless, sending to a rural “last mile” point is often costlier than transportation between such major hubs as NYC and Los Angeles because of the established routes. 

Size and Weight: You will always have to spend more for a heavy solid wood dining table than for a light desk. Now, most carriers have shifted to cubic volume (the amount of space you occupy in the truck) instead of just weight as a measure. 

Service Level: Standard ground shipping is the most economical option but the slowest (1–3 weeks). The “White Glove” service offers the highest quality moving service as it includes setup and removal of the packaging, whereas, it usually doubles the base cost.

Selecting Your Shipping Method 

Your plan should vary depending on whether you are shipping just one heirloom or whole three-bedroom furniture. 

1. Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) Among the most cost-effective options LTL is mainly used for the shipment of 1–3 pieces. The truck carrying your furniture also has room for goods from other customers making it more economical. Small items (end tables, chairs): $300–$600 Medium items (dressers, desks): $500–$800 Large items (sofas, dining sets): $700–$1,200 

2. Full-Truckload (FTL) When moving a 2+ bedroom house, taking a truck for rent becomes the most efficient option. It decreases the number of times the goods are handled (and therefore the risk of damage) and speeds up the delivery to 5–10 days. Expect to pay anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000+ for a big house. 

3. Specialized Furniture Shippers Custom crates and temperature-control are services specialized shippers provide for antiques or high-value items. Although this service costs an extra 20–40%, it is a good strategy for non-movable pieces to get full protection as they are literally irreplaceable.

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The “Hidden” Costs You Need to Budget For

The initial quote is rarely the final price. Keep an eye out for these common add-ons:

• Valuation & Insurance: Basic carrier liability typically only covers $0.60 per pound. If your $2,000 sofa weighs 100 lbs, you only get $60 if it’s destroyed. Full-value protection usually adds 1–2% of the item’s declared value to your bill.
• Accessorial Charges: Do you live in a high-rise? Is there a gated entrance? Carriers often charge $50–$200 for “stair carries,” “liftgate service,” or “inside delivery.”
• Packing Materials: Professional blanket wrapping averages $20–$50 per item, while custom wooden crating for a glass tabletop can run $200–$500.

Save Big with Freight Consolidation Hubs

If you want to save 25–45%, look into freight consolidation. Instead of a door-to-door service, your furniture is sent to a regional terminal, grouped with other shipments heading to the same area, and moved in bulk.

Step	What Happens	Potential Savings
Drop-off	You deliver furniture to a local hub	Save $75–$150 on pickup fees
Grouping	Furniture is consolidated with other loads	Save 20–35% on base rates
Transit	Bulk shipment moves across the country	Lower per-cubic-foot cost
Pickup	You collect from the destination hub	Significant final-mile savings

Example: Shipping a dining set from Atlanta to Seattle might cost $1,200 as a solo shipment. Through consolidation, that price could drop to $750–$850, especially if you arrange terminal pickup.

Shipping Cost by Furniture Type

Estimates for standard long-distance (1,000+ miles) shipping.

Furniture Item	Parcel/LTL Cost	White Glove Cost
Dining Room Set (Table + 4 Chairs)	$700 – $1,200	$1,300 – $1,800
Sofa / 3-Seater Couch	$500 – $900	$800 – $1,200
Sectional Sofa (Large)	$800 – $1,500	$1,500 – $2,500
Queen Mattress & Box Spring	$400 – $700	$600 – $1,000
Large Dresser / Armoire	$500 – $1,000	$800 – $1,400
Office Desk (Large)	$450 – $800	$700 – $1,100
End Table / Nightstand	$150 – $350	$300 – $500
Area Rug (Large, Rolled)	$200 – $450	$400 – $600

Shipping Fees by Method (Volume & Service)

If you are moving multiple pieces or a full room, use these service-level brackets.

Service Level	Description	Estimated Fee
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)	Shared truck; curbside delivery.	$300 – $1,500 (per load)
White Glove Delivery	Inside placement + Assembly + Cleanup.	$800 – $3,000+
Small Container (e.g., ReloCube)	You pack, they drive (approx. 1 room).	$1,300 – $2,500
Full Truckload (FTL)	Dedicated truck for 3–4 bedroom home.	$4,500 – $10,000+

Common Surcharges & “Hidden” Fees

The “base rate” rarely includes these common logistical challenges.

Fee Name	Estimated Cost	Why It’s Charged
Residential Surcharge	$50 – $150	Delivering to a home vs. a business dock.
Liftgate Service	$75 – $150	Required if the truck needs a hydraulic lift.
Inside Delivery	$50 – $200	Bringing the item across the threshold.
Stair Carry Fee	$50 – $100 per flight	Labor for navigating stairs or small elevators.
Additional Handling	$30 – $60	Charged for items over 50 lbs or 48+ inches.
Full Value Protection	1% – 2% of value	Comprehensive insurance for damage/loss.
Oversized Package	$90 – $300	Items exceeding standard carrier girth limits.

The “Cubic Feet” Math

Most freight companies in 2026 use Dimensional Weight. Even if a chair is light, if it takes up a large “box” of space in the truck, you will be charged as if it were heavy.

• The Formula:
  (Length×Width×Height)÷139=Dimensional Weight (lbs)

You will be billed for whichever is higher: the actual weight or the dimensional weight.

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3 Ways to Slash Your Shipping Bill

1. Time it Right: Moving between May and September (peak season) can inflate prices by 30%. If you can, ship mid-week or during the winter.
2. Maximize Space: Disassemble whatever you can. Remove table legs, take out drawers, and detach sofa sections. Smaller “cubage” equals a smaller bill.
3. The “Keep or Toss” Audit: Before shipping a $500 dresser that costs $400 to move, ask yourself if it’s worth it. Sometimes it’s cheaper to sell locally and buy new at your destination.

Getting Ready for the Road

Moving furniture across the country is a significant investment, but it doesn’t have to be a financial disaster. By comparing multiple quotes, understanding the “per-mile” logic, and considering freight consolidation, you can ensure your favorite armchair makes it to its new home safely and affordably.