How to Ship a Mattress
Shipping Troubles giving you Restless Nights?
Learn how to efficiently ship a mattress with FreightCenter. Get expert tips and reliable service for hassle-free transportation.
You might be looking to ship a mattress due to an upcoming move, or maybe you’re sending one to a friend or family member. No matter the reason, shipping a mattress can feel daunting—and expensive. With their large size and weight, mattresses are among the trickiest and priciest items to ship.
That’s where FreightCenter comes in. We make mattress shipping easier, more affordable, and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to ship your mattress safely, what it costs, and whether it’s the right move for your situation. Plus, we’ll show how FreightCenter simplifies the process with expert solutions and reliable support.
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 to ship your Mattress?
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Mattress?
The cost to ship a mattress typically ranges from $150 to over $900, depending on several factors such as size, weight, distance, and the type of service selected. FreightCenter makes it easy to find the most cost-effective option for your needs.
Shipping Distance: The further it has to go, the more it’ll cost.
Mattress Size and Weight: Bigger and heavier mattresses generally come with a higher shipping price tag.
Packaging Requirements: If you need special packaging, like wooden crates or reinforced boxes, this can drive up the cost.
Shipping Method: Standard ground shipping is usually cheaper, while options like expedited or white-glove services will cost more.
Carrier Rates: Different carriers have different pricing, but using a service like FreightCenter can help you compare and find the best deal.
If you want to find the most affordable and reliable way to ship your mattress, you can use FreightCenter’s online quote tool to check rates from top carriers instantly.
Learn How to Ship a Mattress
For Single Mattresses:
- Expert Packaging Guidance: FreightCenter provides resources and recommendations to help you securely package your mattress, using heavy-duty plastic covers, sturdy boxes, and industrial-grade tape.
- Carrier Coordination: We connect you with reliable carriers and coordinate every detail, from pickup to delivery.
- Damage Prevention: Our team advises on best practices to prevent shifting during transit, such as using foam inserts and proper labeling.
- Real-Time Tracking: Stay informed with real-time tracking updates, ensuring peace of mind from start to finish.
For Bulk Mattress Orders:
- Streamlined LTL Solutions: FreightCenter specializes in Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) services, offering efficient options for bulk shipments.
- Optimized Palletizing: Our experts guide you on how to stack, secure, and label pallets to minimize damage and simplify loading and unloading.
- Cost-Effective Rates: Leverage our network of over 50 carriers to access competitive pricing that keeps your shipping costs manageable.
Specialized Care for High-Value Mattresses
Shipping high-value and sensitive mattresses, such as Sleep Number or Tempur-Pedic, requires specialized care to ensure they arrive in pristine condition.
Start by disassembling components when possible—deflating air chambers and separating layers for adjustable mattresses while avoiding bending memory foam to prevent permanent damage.
Wrap mattresses in heavy-duty, moisture-resistant plastic and add bubble wrap or foam padding around sensitive parts. Place the mattress in a sturdy, reinforced box or custom wooden crate to prevent shifting, filling any gaps with foam inserts or packing peanuts for stability. For adjustable bases or electronic components, pack them separately with ample cushioning and label them as “Fragile.”
Proper labeling is essential—mark shipments with “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and “Do Not Stack” to ensure careful handling. Communicate with carriers about the sensitivity of the shipment and choose specialized or white-glove shipping services for added protection. Opt for services with insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation to safeguard against loss or damage.
Additionally, consider climate-controlled transportation for long-distance shipments to prevent warping or moisture damage. By following these steps and partnering with an experienced freight provider like FreightCenter, you can ensure that high-value mattresses arrive securely and in perfect condition, ready for use.
At FreightCenter, we understand that shipping mattresses—especially high-value or specialty types like memory foam, hybrid, or adjustable models—requires careful handling, secure packaging, and reliable delivery. Whether you're a manufacturer, retailer, distributor, or online seller, our expertly tailored freight solutions ensure that your mattresses arrive safely and in perfect condition.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to provide the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) mattress shipping needs. Whether you're shipping a single mattress or smaller shipments of specialty bedding, we ensure secure and affordable transport with top-rated carriers.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads of mattresses. Whether it's standard, memory foam, or adjustable beds, FreightCenter offers competitive pricing for dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight services. No matter the size or volume of your mattress shipments, we’ve got you covered.
When time is critical, our nationwide expedited trucking services ensure your mattresses are delivered securely and rapidly. Whether it’s a single high-value mattress or an urgent bulk order, our freight experts ensure fast, safe, and reliable delivery every time.
The most reliable specialized freight service rates from top carriers are just a few steps away. For sensitive, high-value mattresses—like Sleep Number or Tempur-Pedic—we offer white glove services, international shipping, and climate-controlled transport to ensure your mattresses arrive in perfect condition.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Helpful Tip for Shipping a Mattress
Use Vacuum-Sealed Mattress Bags to Reduce Size and Protect Against Damage: For foam or hybrid mattresses, consider vacuum-sealing them to reduce bulk and protect against moisture and dirt. This not only makes packaging easier but can also help lower shipping costs by reducing the package dimensions. After sealing, wrap the mattress in a sturdy cardboard box or reinforced crate, fill empty spaces with packing material, and clearly label it for proper handling. FreightCenter can help guide you through this process and ensure your shipment meets carrier requirements for safe transit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Mattresses
Q. What is the best way to package a mattress for shipping?
Wrap the mattress in a heavy-duty plastic cover to protect it from dirt, moisture, and damage. For added protection, use a sturdy cardboard box or a custom wooden crate. Seal all edges securely with industrial-grade tape.
Q. Can mattresses be shipped rolled or compressed?
Yes, some foam or hybrid mattresses, such as a Helix Mattress, can be compressed, rolled, and vacuum-sealed for easier shipping. However, traditional innerspring or high-end luxury mattresses should not be compressed as it may damage their structure.
Q. How much does it cost to ship a mattress?
The cost varies based on factors like mattress size, weight, distance, and shipping method. Specialized services for high-value or oversized mattresses can cost more.
Q. What shipping method is best for mattresses?
For single mattresses, standard ground or LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) shipping is common. For bulk or oversized shipments, FTL (Full Truckload) is more efficient. Expedited services are best for urgent deliveries.
Q. Do I need to disassemble anything before shipping?
If the mattress comes with an adjustable base, it’s best to disassemble and pack the base separately. For adjustable mattresses like Sleep Number, deflate air chambers and pack electronic components securely.
Q. How can I protect my mattress from moisture damage?
Always wrap the mattress in a heavy-duty, waterproof plastic cover. If possible, double-wrap it and use water-resistant boxes or crates for long-distance or international shipping.
Q. Do I need insurance for mattress shipping?
Yes, especially for high-value or luxury mattresses. Insurance protects against loss, damage, or delays during transit.
Q. How should I label a mattress shipment?
Clearly label the package with “Fragile,” “This Side Up,” and “Do Not Stack” to ensure proper handling during transit. If shipping multiple mattresses, label each package individually.
Q. What should I do if my mattress is damaged during shipping?
Take photos of the damage and contact the shipping carrier immediately to file a claim. If you purchased insurance, provide the necessary documentation to expedite the process.
Q. How do I prevent a mattress from shifting during transit?
Fill any extra space in the box or crate with foam inserts, packing peanuts, or crumpled paper to keep the mattress securely in place and prevent movement.
Three Things You Might Not Know About Shipping a Mattress
LTL Freight Carriers Require Mattresses to Be Boxed:
When shipping a mattress via LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) freight, most all carriers require mattresses to be securely packaged in a sturdy box. This protects the mattress during transit and ensures it meets carrier guidelines. FreightCenter can guide you through finding the right box and packaging materials to meet these requirements.
Avoid Simple Cardboard Wrapping:
Wrapping a mattress with cardboard and taping it may seem like a quick solution, but it often leads to poor outcomes. This approach leaves the mattress vulnerable to tearing, dirt, and moisture damage during transit. Instead, use a sturdy, properly sized shipping box to ensure optimal protection.
Pickup and Delivery Locations Matter:
Freight rates can change based on whether you’re shipping to or from a residential or commercial location. Residential deliveries may require additional services like liftgate assistance. Shipping to storage units will also be more expensive as carriers deem it a limited access location.
