Shipping Medical Supplies
Need to ship medical supplies with speed, accuracy, and care? Whether you're restocking a hospital, fulfilling online orders, or transporting critical healthcare products across the country, FreightCenter provides the experience and carrier network to get it done right.
Shipping Medical Supplies
If you are a medical provider or supplier, you know how urgently hospitals and medical offices need medical supplies. They could relieve someone in pain, provide relief to those in need, or even save a person’s life.
However, shipping medical supplies is also tricky. Some medical supplies, like gloves, masks, and scrubs, are inexpensive but needed in large quantities. There is also expensive medical equipment that is highly valuable and fragile, susceptible to damage and theft during shipping. However, all medical supplies are usually needed quickly and must be shipped via expedited shipping or fast transportation.
Are you shipping medical supplies? Let FreightCenter help you get your equipment and supplies where they need to go fast and securely. Learn more about how we can help below.
Thousands of businesses trust FreightCenter to move their freight faster, smarter, and cheaper! From unbeatable rates to top-notch service, our customers are raving about their shipping success.
See why they keep coming back!
Award-Winning Service, Trusted by Shippers Everywhere!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Shipping Medical Supplies
FreightCenter is trusted by clinics, hospitals, medical distributors, and ecommerce brands across the U.S. for reliable and affordable medical freight shipping.
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Custom Freight Planning
We tailor every shipment to your needs—whether you’re shipping PPE to a hospital or kits to thousands of customers. -
50+ Trusted Carriers
Gain access to a vast network of carriers experienced in handling regulated and sensitive shipments. -
Time-Critical & Temperature-Controlled Shipping
From same-day delivery to climate-controlled freight, we ensure your medical supplies arrive safely and on time. -
Regulatory & Compliance Guidance
Need to ship supplies governed by the FDA, DOT, or OSHA? Our experts help you navigate freight classification and documentation. -
End-to-End Support
From instant quotes to booking, tracking, and paperwork, our agents manage the entire process so you can focus on your patients or customers.
Why Proper Medical Equipment Shipping Is Crucial
Shippers and receivers never want their assets lost or damaged during shipping. Unfortunately, this can be common for medical equipment manufacturers, hospitals, and others in the industry. Medical equipment is expensive and made with fragile glass and thin plastic. They are also valuable, which makes them a perfect target for cargo theft.
Patients may rely on the machines, devices, and supplies you are shipping. Damages during medical equipment shipping can be avoided to ensure your patient’s livelihood, so carriers and freight brokers go the extra mile to ensure medical equipment and supplies reach their destination.
What Type of Medical Supplies or Equipment Can Be Shipped?
Medical supplies include any items used in a medical environment:
- Lasers
- Hospital beds, treatment tables, and other hospital room furniture
- MRI machines
- Covid test kits
- Medication
- CT scanners
- Lab equipment
- Surgical devices
- Computers and peripherals
- X-ray machines
- Bandages, creams, ointments, and or other supplies
- Miscellaneous medical supplies
Read through the Bureau of Industry and Security’s Comprehensive List of Basic Medical Supplies for a complete list of medical supplies and equipment that can be shipped.
How to Transport High-Value or Heavy Medical Equipment
Medical equipment is often oversized and very heavy. Medical supplies and equipment are difficult to ship because they can also be fragile and contain costly components like gauges, lenses, mirrors, and other delicate internal items. To protect some equipment, special requirements must be met for its shipping or storage for its safety.
Specialized medical equipment will require special handling and packaging. Because of this, it is recommended that high-value or fragile medical supplies or equipment should be appropriately crated or boxed before being picked up by a freight truck. White Glove delivery can be a great solution when you need the items delivered inside your business.
How Do You Properly Prepare Medical Equipment and Supplies to be Shipped?
Medical equipment items can’t simply be placed in any type of container and are expected to arrive in one piece at their destination. This is why FreightCenter has specific practices and ongoing education for handling sensitive medical equipment shipping and packaging.
Step One: Your Account Manager will advise you on the best way to prepare your shipments. This means you must ensure it is boxed or crated to meet the shipping requirements for its fragility and value.
Step Two: We will recommend our opinion on the best type of packaging and container it should go in. This way, it can be securely mounted to a pallet or skid, cushioned, and crated for the safest transport available.
Step Three: To ensure safe delivery, find the right company to transport your medical equipment.
We understand that shipping medical supplies isn't just about moving freight. It's about delivering critical products that support healthcare providers, patients, and the medical supply chain. That’s why we offer finely tailored freight solutions designed to meet the unique demands of medical distributors, clinics, and ecommerce suppliers alike. From a single pallet of PPE to full truckloads of equipment, we’ve got the logistics expertise and carrier network to deliver safely, securely, and on time.
Shipping smaller orders of gloves, masks, or wound care kits? Our Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) service combines cost-efficiency with reliable transit times. We group your shipment with others heading the same way, saving you money without compromising delivery precision. Ideal for restocking hospitals, clinics, or ecommerce fulfillment centers.
Moving full skids of medical equipment, clinical kits, or large-volume supply restocks? FreightCenter offers Full Truckload (FTL) options including dry van, flatbed, and temperature-controlled trailers to ensure your shipment arrives intact and ready for use.
Need critical supplies delivered fast? Our expedited freight solutions are designed for hospitals and distributors who can’t afford delays. Whether it’s emergency PPE, diagnostic kits, or back-ordered stock, we’ll help you meet tight delivery windows with speed and confidence.
For high-value, fragile, or regulated items, we offer specialized freight solutions including white glove delivery, inside setup, international shipping coordination, and more. Whether you're shipping ultrasound machines or lab freezers, FreightCenter ensures every detail is handled with care.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Get a Quote to Ship Medical Supplies
From crated hospital equipment to high-volume ecommerce orders, FreightCenter gives you the flexibility, reliability, and support you need to ship medical supplies across the U.S. with confidence.
Get My Medical Supply Shipping Quote
Or call (800) 716-7608 to speak with a freight specialist today.
FAQs About Shipping Medical Supplies
Q. How do I ship medical supplies by freight?
Use clean, secure packaging, palletize when needed, and choose a freight mode based on volume and urgency. FreightCenter helps coordinate the entire process.
Q. What’s the best way to ship small batches of medical supplies?
LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping is ideal for small boxes or partial shipments, offering cost savings without compromising speed or safety.
Q. Can I ship medical supplies to a residential address?
Yes. FreightCenter offers residential delivery options with liftgate service for home health care orders or ecommerce shipments.
Q. How much does it cost to ship medical supplies?
Costs typically range from $200 to $2,500+, depending on shipment size, distance, handling requirements, and freight mode.
Q. What freight class are medical supplies?
Medical supplies usually fall between freight Class 70–150 depending on density, packaging, and type of product. FreightCenter can assist in classification.
Q. Is temperature-controlled shipping available for medical supplies?
Yes. We offer climate-controlled freight options for temperature-sensitive items like test kits, medications, and lab samples.
Q. How do I prepare medical supplies for shipping?
Package items in sealed, tamper-evident containers, cushion fragile products, and label clearly with handling instructions and destination details.
Q. Can I ship medical equipment and devices with FreightCenter?
Absolutely. We provide specialized freight services for fragile, oversized, and high-value medical devices, including white glove delivery.
Q. Do I need insurance when shipping medical supplies?
While not required, insurance is strongly recommended. FreightCenter offers affordable freight insurance for added protection.
Q. How fast can medical supplies be shipped?
With expedited freight, medical supplies can arrive as quickly as same-day or next-day, depending on distance and carrier availability.
Q. Is tracking included when shipping medical supplies?
Yes. FreightCenter provides real-time tracking and shipment updates from pickup to delivery.
Q. Can I ship medical supplies internationally?
Yes. We help coordinate international freight shipping, including customs documentation and carrier selection.
Q. What’s the best freight mode for bulk medical supply shipments?
Full Truckload (FTL) is ideal for shipping large pallets or high-volume orders to hospitals, warehouses, or distribution centers.
Q. Are there packaging regulations for shipping medical supplies?
Yes. Some items must follow FDA or DOT packaging guidelines. Our team ensures you meet the necessary requirements.
Q. Why should I use FreightCenter for shipping medical supplies?
We offer tailored logistics, access to top carriers, competitive rates, and dedicated support for every medical shipment.
Smart Tips for Shipping Medical Supplies
Account for Packaging Weight in Your Freight Quote
Many shippers forget that packaging. Especially insulated boxes, gel packs, or pallets add significant weight. Always calculate your final dimensions after packaging to avoid reclassification fees or delayed pickups. FreightCenter helps you verify accurate specs before booking.
Request Liftgate and Appointment Delivery for Clinics or Residential Addresses
Most clinics, small offices, and homes don’t have loading docks or forklifts. Failing to request liftgate service or a delivery appointment can lead to failed deliveries or unexpected fees. FreightCenter can add these services at booking to ensure smooth drop-offs.
Use Tamper-Evident Seals and Labels for Trust and Compliance
Even for non-hazardous supplies, using tamper-evident tape or seals adds an extra layer of trust, especially for hospitals and pharmacies. Label boxes with contents, handling instructions, and “Do Not Break Seal” warnings to improve chain-of-custody visibility.
