Ship Christmas Trees Nationwide with Confidence
The Best Christmas Tree Shippers
Ensure your Christmas trees arrive fresh and on time with FreightCenter's specialized shipping services. We handle your holiday shipments with care so you can spread festive cheer without worry.
How Do You Ship Christmas Trees?
Are you looking to ship Christmas trees? Many Christmas tree farms are located across the country in states such as Oregon, Washington, California, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Shipping Christmas trees that are real is a difficult task, with many carriers saying no altogether. While holding a tight capacity, it’s important to have a company like FreightCenter on your side to find you the right equipment for the job at an affordable rate. When it comes to Christmas tree shipping, here are a few best practices:
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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
Choose FreightCenter for your Christmas Trees Shipping
FreightCenter specializes in Christmas tree shipping, offering expert handling, packaging, and transportation solutions across trucking, rail, sea, and air. We ensure compliance with all safety and regulatory standards, including proper labeling and documentation. Our services include comprehensive insurance for added protection and shipment tracking for instant shipment visibility and proactive updates. With efficient communication channels, FreightCenter ensures swift problem-solving and peace of mind throughout the shipping process.
Shipping Christmas Trees: Individual vs. Bulk Shipments
Shipping Christmas trees, whether individually or in bulk, requires careful planning to ensure they arrive fresh and intact. The shipping method you choose depends on the number of trees being transported, their destination, and the budget for delivery.
Shipping Individual Christmas Trees
When shipping a single Christmas tree, the focus is on protecting the tree during transit while keeping costs reasonable. Trees are typically wrapped in netting to keep branches secure and then placed in a sturdy, breathable cardboard box or burlap wrap. This helps maintain moisture and prevents damage. Smaller trees (under 6 feet) can often be shipped via parcel carriers like FedEx, UPS, or USPS, while larger trees may require LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight services. Timing is crucial—most individual trees are shipped within a few days of being cut to preserve freshness.
Bulk Shipping for Christmas Tree Farms and Retailers
For large-scale shipments, Christmas tree farms and suppliers use full truckload (FTL) freight or specialized refrigerated trucks to transport multiple trees at once. Bulk shipments are carefully stacked and secured inside the trailer to prevent crushing or shifting. Some growers coordinate directly with retailers for scheduled deliveries to ensure trees reach stores or distribution centers at peak holiday demand. Wholesale orders often include additional logistics considerations, such as coordinating shipments across different states and complying with USDA regulations on transporting live trees.
Whether shipping a single tree to a household or delivering hundreds to a retail location, proper handling, packaging, and timing are essential to ensure customers receive fresh, high-quality Christmas trees in time for the holiday season.
The best trailers for shipping Christmas trees depend on the distance, environmental conditions, and the volume of trees being transported. Here are the top options:
When shipping Christmas trees over long distances, maintaining freshness and quality is key. Temperature fluctuations, road conditions, and transit time all impact how well trees arrive at their destination. That’s why temperature-controlled trailers are the best choice for long-haul shipments, ensuring that trees stay vibrant and healthy throughout their journey.
Perfect for moderate-distance deliveries or cooler climates, enclosed trailers help maintain freshness without the need for additional climate control measures, making them a budget-friendly option for tree farms, retailers, and holiday markets.
For high-volume Christmas tree shipments, flatbed trailers offer an efficient and cost-effective solution. Their high-capacity design allows trees to be vertically stacked, maximizing the number of trees that can be transported in a single trip.
To ensure trees remain fresh and undamaged, proper securing techniques are essential. Trees must be tightly strapped and covered with protective tarps to shield them from wind, weather, and road debris during transit.
Avoid flatbed in harsh weather unless tarps are used. For long trips, reefer trailers are preferred as they prevent drying out. Flatbed allow easier stacking but require more effort to secure the load properly.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter is Here To Help You Ship Your Freight
FreightCenter knows how important it is to deliver your freight safely and punctually. With over 25 years in the business, we’re committed to giving our customers the best shipping experience without breaking your budget. We’re partnered with over 50 carriers nationwide, which we leverage to offer discounted rates you can’t find anywhere else. We also provide tailored solutions for your shipping needs, including expedited shipping, white glove services, and specialized freight shipping. And best of all, repeat customers can earn points for special rewards every time they ship with us!
Ready to ship something now? Our agents are prepared to help you get started on shipping right. Get a free freight quote using our free quote tool, or call us at (800) 716-7608.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How are Christmas trees packaged for shipping?
Christmas trees are typically wrapped in netting or burlap to protect the branches and maintain their shape. They may also be placed in breathable cardboard boxes for added protection during transit.
Q. Can Christmas trees be shipped individually?
Yes, individual Christmas trees can be shipped through parcel carriers or LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight. Smaller trees (under 6 feet) are often shipped in boxes, while larger trees may require special handling and freight services.
Q. How are Christmas trees shipped in bulk?
Bulk shipments are usually transported using full truckload (FTL) freight, with trees stacked carefully to prevent damage. Refrigerated trucks or climate-controlled transport may be used to maintain freshness.
Q. What shipping methods are best for Christmas trees?
The best shipping method depends on the quantity and destination. Parcel carriers work for single trees, while freight services (LTL or FTL) are ideal for large orders. Some farms also use regional carriers specializing in agricultural transport.
Q. Are there any regulations for shipping Christmas trees?
Yes, trees crossing state lines may need to comply with USDA regulations to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. Some states require agricultural inspections or quarantine measures before shipping.
Q. What is the best time to ship Christmas trees?
Most Christmas trees are shipped from late November to mid-December. It’s best to plan shipments early to avoid delays and ensure trees arrive fresh before the holiday season.
Q. Can Christmas trees be shipped internationally?
Yes, but international shipments require additional permits, inspections, and compliance with customs regulations. Quarantine and fumigation may be necessary in some countries.
Q. What happens if a Christmas tree is damaged during shipping?
Carriers often have policies for handling damaged shipments. If a tree arrives damaged, customers should document the issue with photos and contact the seller or shipping provider for a replacement or refund.
Q. Can artificial Christmas trees be shipped the same way as real ones?
No, artificial trees are typically boxed and can be shipped via standard parcel services without the special handling required for real trees. They don’t require refrigeration or moisture control.
Q. What should I do if my Christmas tree shipment is delayed?
If your tree shipment is delayed, check the tracking information and contact the carrier for updates. If the delay is extensive, consider requesting a replacement or refund if the tree arrives dry or damaged.
3 Christmas Tree Shipping Tips
Avoid using flatbed in harsh weather
Without proper enclosed protection, the trees are vulnerable to wind, debris, and inclement weather.
Dry Vans are recommended
It is best to transport trees by a dry van or a refrigerated truck. Since the trees grow in cold weather, they are prone to overheating and drying. This can happen in an enclosed space without circulation.
Less pickups the better
Shipments with three or more pickups and/or deliveries scheduled should be avoided. It’s crucial to get the trees in water as soon as delivery is complete. The more pickups and deliveries, the longer the trees go without water. By choosing a truckload service, your freight agents will find a dedicated truck to pick up and quickly transport the trees.
