Shipping Paper and Paper Products
Move your paper and paper products with confidence.
From reams to rolls, FreightCenter helps you ship smarter with faster quotes, expert advice, and trusted freight services. When you ship with FreightCenter, you know your paper products are safe and secure!
Paper and paper products are not as easily shippable as they may seem. While parcel companies have nailed down how to mail paper envelopes and documents, freight shipping paper products come with their own challenges. Shippers must plan their shipment carefully to avoid moisture damage, shifting during transit, and unexpected costs that come with shipping more delicate, sensitive materials. Whether you’re a distributor, a manufacturer, or a retailer, having a reliable freight shipping solution is key to delivering your goods safely and on time.
This is where FreightCenter comes in! We connect you with top-rated carriers and provide shipping tools and expert support so that you can move your paper products easily and efficiently. From full truckload options for bulk rolls to LTL services for packaged reams, we make paper product shipping streamlined, cost-effective, and reliable. With our help, you can switch gears and focus on your core business objectives. We’ll transport your paper and paper products with ease!
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!
Why Choose FreightCenter for Paper and Paper Products?
Access to Top Carriers: We work with hundreds of reputable, trusted freight carriers experienced in handling paper goods, from rolls to boxed products. By finding the best carrier for your paper shipping needs, you are guaranteeing the safe and secure delivery of your products to their destination.
Real-Time Rate Comparisons: Our online quoting tool makes it easy to view our discounted rates from our network of carriers. Just plug in basic information about your shipment, including exact dimensions and the delivery and pickup addresses, and instantly compare rates and transit times from multiple carriers to find the best deal for your shipment.
Expert Shipping Support: You aren’t alone on this freight shipping journey. Our team of freight shipping professionals has experience shipping paper products and can tailor solutions that fit your shipping needs. They can also help you prepare documentation, select the correct freight transportation mode, and avoid costly shipping mistakes.
Shipment Tracking and Insurance: Don’t ship your paper and paper products blindly. Monitor your shipment every step of the way with help from our customer service team! We also provide third-party freight insurance, which provides protection for your shipment in the event of damage or losses.
What Paper Products Can FreightCenter Ship?
When you think of freight shipping paper products, we don’t just mean large rolls of laminated paper or boxes of printer paper. We mean everything that’s made of paper! FreightCenter can help ship a wide variety of paper goods and materials, including:
- Pallets of office and printer paper
- Paperboard and corrugated sheets
- Rolls of craft or recycled paper
- Boxes of envelopes and stationery
- Tissue paper and paper towels
- Napkins, plates, and other disposable paper goods
- Packaging inserts and cardboard dividers
All of these paper products can be shipped via traditional means, including LTL, truckload, partial, expedited, and specialized shipping. The shipping service you go with will depend on the shipment’s dimensions, weight, and the number of products you wish to ship. While shipping paper products is straightforward enough, several challenges could potentially threaten your shipment’s safe, secure delivery. Let’s observe a few of these challenges and how you can overcome them with FreightCenter’s assistance!
Challenge #1: Moisture Damage
Paper is highly susceptible to moisture, which can lead to warping, curling, or the complete ruin of your shipment. Whether you’re shipping tissue rolls, cartons of envelopes, or bulk packaging materials, exposure to humidity or condensation can quickly turn a profitable load into a loss.
Solution: Wrap pallets with waterproof shrink wrap, use moisture-barrier liners, and request dry van service from your carrier. If you’re unsure what is the best option for your paper product, FreightCenter can give you pointers on how to package your paper products best and provide information on third-party packaging companies that can do all that packaging for you!
Challenge #2: Load Shifting and Crushing
Loose stacks or improperly balanced pallets can shift in transit, especially in LTL shipments where handling is more frequent. Paper products, while heavy and compact, can be crushed easily under improper stacking or unsecured freight.
Solution: Use reinforced palletization techniques—like strapping, corner boards, and stretch wrap—and avoid stacking pallets too high. FreightCenter can guide you through packaging best practices and even connect you with carriers experienced in handling dense, stack-sensitive freight like paper.
Challenge #3: Freight Class and Cost Confusion
Paper and paper products often fall into higher freight classes due to their density, which can affect pricing if classified incorrectly. Many shippers end up overpaying or face billing adjustments due to incorrect classing.
Solution: Work with a team that understands paper freight classifications. FreightCenter helps you determine the right freight class up front to avoid reclassification fees and keeps your shipping costs predictable.
Challenge#4: Delivery to Limited-Access Locations
Many paper products, like paper utensils, plates, cups, stationary, books, and more, are delivered to schools, offices, restaurants, or retail stores—locations that may not have loading docks or forklifts available. This results in additional location service fees, which can get expensive.
Solution: Plan ahead by requesting liftgate delivery or inside delivery services if your drop-off point requires it. When you book through FreightCenter, we help you flag these accessorial needs up front, so your delivery is smooth and on schedule.
What's the best way to ship your paper goods? FreightCenter offers a variety of shipping options to get your products from point A to point B. Check out some of our services that benefit paper product shippers the most.
If you’re shipping smaller quantities of boxed paper goods—like reams of printer paper, cases of notebooks, or disposable tableware—LTL freight shipping is a cost-effective and efficient option. You’ll share truck space with other shipments, keeping costs lower while still getting reliable service. This is ideal for shippers who don’t need a full trailer but still want secure, palletized delivery. FreightCenter makes it easy to compare LTL rates and transit times from top national and regional carriers.
Full truckload shipping is the go-to solution for large-scale shipments, such as multiple pallets of corrugated sheets or oversized rolls of kraft or specialty paper. With FTL, your paper products have exclusive use of the trailer, reducing handling and the risk of damage. FreightCenter helps you secure competitive rates and find a carrier with the right equipment to handle your full-load paper freight from origin to destination.
Sometimes paper products are needed in a hurry—whether it’s urgent delivery for a major print job, last-minute packaging supplies, or school materials ahead of a new term. Expedited freight shipping ensures your products arrive on time, often within 1–2 days depending on distance. FreightCenter’s carrier network includes options for time-critical deliveries, giving you peace of mind when deadlines can’t be missed.
Shipping fragile or custom paper goods—like high-end stationery, handmade papers, or archival-quality materials—may require more than standard shipping. That’s where white glove and specialized services come in. With inside delivery, liftgate service, and expert handling, FreightCenter ensures your sensitive shipments are treated with the care they deserve.
For long-distance or cross-country paper freight, intermodal shipping combines the affordability of rail with the flexibility of truck transport. This is an excellent choice for high-volume shipments like bulk packaging inserts or paperboard materials where speed is less urgent, but savings and sustainability matter. FreightCenter’s intermodal options provide a smart, eco-friendly alternative without compromising service quality.
Not every delivery location has a loading dock or forklift on-site—especially offices, schools, or smaller retail shops. That’s where liftgate service becomes essential. If you’re shipping pallets of printer paper, cartons of disposable goods, or other heavy paper products, requesting liftgate delivery ensures your shipment can be safely lowered to the ground at its destination. FreightCenter makes it easy to add this service during booking so your delivery goes smoothly without the need for extra equipment.
Some businesses run from home offices or ship to customers in residential areas. Whether you're sending out packaging supplies, craft paper, or printed materials to a non-commercial location, FreightCenter offers residential freight services designed for these unique deliveries. With experienced carriers and flexible delivery options, we help you avoid delays or added fees by making sure every detail is handled ahead of time.
When you’re delivering high-volume or delicate paper products that need to go beyond the curb—such as into a school supply room or office storage space—inside delivery and pickup can be a huge benefit. This service ensures your freight is brought or carried out from inside the building, rather than left at a loading area or driveway. FreightCenter can coordinate this level of service for shipments that need special care or placement upon arrival, keeping your delivery and pickup process seamless and stress-free.
Cost of Shipping Paper and Paper Products
The cost of shipping paper and paper products can vary depending on several factors:
- Weight and Dimensions: The weight and dimensions of the package significantly impact shipping costs. Heavier or larger packages may incur higher charges. Consider using a postal or courier service’s online calculator to estimate shipping costs based on the weight and dimensions of your package.
- Shipping Method: Evaluate the urgency and value of the shipped paper products to determine the most suitable shipping method. The chosen shipping method also affects costs. Overnight or expedited shipping options are more expensive than standard or ground shipping.
- Distance and Destination: Shipping costs can differ based on the shipping distance and the destination. International shipping, remote locations, or areas with limited accessibility may incur higher fees. It’s advisable to inquire about specific rates with the chosen shipping service.
- Additional Services: Additional services, such as insurance, tracking, or signature confirmation, may be available at an extra cost. These options can provide added security and peace of mind, especially when shipping valuable or irreplaceable paper items.
If you desire actual numbers, however, then here are some rough estimates for shipping paper and paper products:
| Paper Product | Estimated Shipping Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet of Printer Paper (LTL) | $150 – $300 | Ideal for bulk orders shipped to offices or distributors. |
| Roll of Kraft Paper (FTL or LTL) | $200 – $500+ | Heavier rolls may need full truckload or specialized handling. |
| Case of Tissue Products (LTL) | $120 – $250 | Lightweight but requires moisture protection and careful palletizing. |
| Bulk Corrugated Sheets (FTL) | $400 – $800+ | Requires flatbed or box truck depending on size and quantity. |
Note: These numbers are purely hypothetical and do not reflect the final rate you will pay for your shipment. Please consult with your FreightCenter agent to get a more precise quote for your shipment.
Let FreightCenter Handle Shipping Your Paper and Paper Products!
Shipping paper and paper products can be more complicated than it seems. With the threat of moisture and shifting during transport, you need a reliable carrier that can deliver your products efficiently and safely. To find that carrier, you’ll need FreightCenter. Our team of freight professionals can help you compare rates from our network of carriers, tailor solutions for your shipping needs, and solve issues and dilemmas along the way. We’re here to ensure your rolls, reams, and stacks of paper products get to where they need to go, on time and in pristine condition.
Ready to ship your paper products with FreightCenter? Call us at (800) 716-7608 to speak to one of our agents, or try our instant online quoting tool for yourself to start saving on your paper goods!
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
How are Paper and Paper Products Transported?
Proper packaging and protection are critical when shipping paper products. Here are key preparation tips to avoid damage during transit:
- Palletize shipments to keep items stable and easy to handle.
- Use waterproof wrapping to protect the paper from moisture, especially during LTL shipments or in humid regions.
- Secure items with corner boards and strapping to prevent shifting and bending.
- Label each package clearly with contents, weight, and handling instructions.
- Stack smart by placing heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing.
- FreightCenter can also arrange specialized handling or equipment services for large-volume paper rolls or fragile paperboard items.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Paper and Paper Products
Q. Can I ship large rolls of paper with FreightCenter?
Yes! FreightCenter can arrange FTL shipments or specialized equipment for large-format paper rolls or packaging materials. These oversized items may require careful loading and carrier selection, which our freight experts can help coordinate for safe and efficient delivery.
Q. What’s the best way to ship reams of paper?
The best method is LTL shipping with the paper securely stacked and wrapped on a pallet. Keep paper dry using shrink wrap and corner protectors to avoid damage from moisture or shifting in transit. It’s also smart to label pallets clearly and keep stacks even to prevent crushing during handling.
Q. How do I protect paper products from water damage during transit?
Wrap items in moisture-resistant materials, use waterproof pallet covers, and avoid storing shipments near condensation-prone areas in trailers. For long-haul shipments or those crossing humid regions, choosing a dry van carrier is ideal. FreightCenter can help you find carriers who specialize in transporting sensitive, moisture-prone freight.
Q. What freight class is paper usually categorized under?
Depending on density and packaging, paper typically falls under Freight Class 55 to 70, but we can help you determine the exact classification. An incorrect freight class can result in costly reclassification fees, so it’s important to get it right. FreightCenter’s quoting system helps you avoid surprises by calculating the most accurate class based on your shipment specs.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer insurance for paper shipments?
Yes. You can purchase third-party freight insurance through FreightCenter for additional protection, especially when shipping high-value or sensitive products. While paper isn’t inherently fragile, damage from moisture or improper handling can occur, making insurance a smart choice for peace of mind.
Q. How can I reduce shipping costs for paper products?
Bundle shipments, choose off-peak transit times, and compare carrier rates using FreightCenter’s quoting tools for the best value. Minimizing the number of accessorials and optimizing packaging can also lead to savings. Our team can assist you in identifying cost-effective strategies specific to your shipment.
Q. Can you ship to residential addresses?
Yes, but there may be extra fees. Residential deliveries often require liftgate service, and the carrier may need to schedule a delivery window. Be sure to let your FreightCenter rep know in advance so your quote includes the correct accessorials.
Q. Is paper considered hazardous material?
No, standard paper products are not classified as hazardous. However, if the paper has been treated with chemicals (like certain coated or specialty papers), you should review the material safety data sheets (MSDS) and consult with your freight provider. In such cases, FreightCenter can assist in determining whether hazmat documentation is needed.
Q. Can I schedule recurring shipments of paper goods?
Absolutely. FreightCenter offers recurring shipping setups for regular deliveries and long-term contracts with volume discounts. This is especially helpful for paper suppliers or businesses that maintain a consistent inventory replenishment schedule.
Q. What kind of packaging is best for tissue paper and disposable paper goods?
Use lightweight boxes with moisture barriers and make sure the contents don’t shift during transit. Palletizing these items provides stability and helps avoid over-compression. Using corner boards and wrap can also prevent edge damage or tearing.
Q. How long does it take to ship paper products?
Transit time depends on the distance, carrier, and service level. LTL may take a few days for regional shipping and up to a week for cross-country routes. FreightCenter’s online quote tool shows estimated transit times to help you plan accordingly.
Q. Do you offer inside delivery for heavy paper pallets?
Yes, inside delivery and white glove services are available. This is great for offices, schools, or warehouses without a loading dock. Be sure to request this service during booking so your delivery goes smoothly and without delays.
Q. Do I need a forklift to receive paper pallets?
Not necessarily. We offer liftgate service if you don’t have loading equipment at your receiving location. Just make sure to let your FreightCenter rep know during the quoting process so the appropriate services are arranged.
Q. What are some of the paper products I can ship with FreightCenter?
FreightCenter can help you ship a wide variety of paper and paper products, including printer paper, tissue rolls, corrugated sheets, kraft paper, envelopes, notebooks, packaging inserts, disposable paper goods, and more. Whether you’re moving full truckloads of bulk rolls or smaller LTL shipments of boxed stationery, our network of carriers is equipped to handle your specific needs with care and efficiency.
3 Interesting Facts about Paper and Paper Product Shipping
Moisture is the #1 Enemy of Paper Shipments
Unlike many freight items, paper doesn’t bounce back from a little water damage—just a hint of humidity can ruin an entire pallet. That’s why moisture protection is one of the most underrated yet essential parts of shipping paper products. From waterproof pallet wrap to climate-controlled trucks, FreightCenter can help you choose the right protective measures to keep your shipment crisp and clean.
Paper Products Are Dense—Which Affects Your Freight Class
Paper may seem lightweight when you’re holding a single sheet, but stack enough together and it becomes deceptively heavy. This density affects your shipment’s freight class, which in turn impacts your shipping costs. FreightCenter’s quoting system takes product type and density into account to calculate an accurate class, helping you avoid surprise charges down the line.
You Can Ship Recycled Paper and Still Stay Green
Shipping recycled paper doesn’t mean giving up sustainability. Many shippers now choose intermodal or eco-friendly carriers to lower emissions while transporting recycled materials. FreightCenter offers greener options like rail-based freight services that reduce your carbon footprint without compromising reliability—great for companies focused on environmental responsibility.
