Shipping Safes
Shipping Safes: The Complete Guide to Safe Transport
Got a safe to ship? FreightCenter handles safes of all sizes with our secure and efficient shipping services.
Essential Resources for Shipping Safes
Freight Class Calculator Carrier Options for Heavy Freight Packing and Crating Services
Shipping a safe doesn’t have to be complicated. FreightCenter handles safes of all sizes with our secure and efficient shipping services backed by 25+ years of logistics expertise. Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, our team understands the unique challenges of transporting these heavy, valuable items and will ensure they arrive intact and secure.
What You Need to Know About Shipping Safes
Shipping a safe requires specialized knowledge and careful planning due to their weight, dimensions, and value. Most homeowners and businesses only ship a safe a few times in their lifetime, making it unfamiliar territory for many. This unfamiliarity, combined with the significant weight and value of most safes, creates unique logistical challenges that require expertise to navigate successfully.
The average home safe weighs between 200-1,000 pounds, while commercial safes can easily exceed several thousand pounds. This weight alone necessitates special equipment and careful handling procedures. Beyond weight, safes are designed to be difficult to move—an intentional security feature that becomes a challenge during shipping.
Security during transit is another crucial concern. When shipping a safe, you’re not just transporting a heavy object; you’re moving something designed to protect valuable or sensitive items. Ensuring the safe remains secure throughout its journey requires careful planning and proper carrier selection.
Key Considerations for Safe Shipping
- Weight challenges require specialized equipment and handling procedures
- Dimensional restrictions may necessitate custom shipping solutions
- Valuable safes need appropriate insurance and security measures
- Some safe types have additional regulatory shipping requirements
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 Transport Your Safe
Expertise in Freight Shipping & Safe Shipping Solutions:
With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is your trusted partner for shipping all types of freight, including safes. We understand the unique requirements for shipping safes—whether it’s ensuring their proper crating, handling, or security—and we’re here to guide you through every step of the logistics process. Our goal is to make safe shipping easy to understand and book. Whatever your shipping needs, FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions for Safe Shipments:
At FreightCenter, we prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We leverage our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates for shipping safes, while providing personalized solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you need special handling, a liftgate for heavy safe deliveries, or expedited shipping, we’ve got you covered. We’re ready to provide the best shipping solutions for safes that don’t compromise safety or budget.
Personalized Customer Support for Your Safe Shipments:
FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers with exceptional service, especially when shipping valuable and sensitive items like safes. Our friendly customer support team is here to assist you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics for your safe, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we ensure your safe is transported securely and efficiently. Choose us for reliable service, affordable quotes, and peace of mind when shipping your safe.
Safe Shipping Methods
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
LTL shipping represents the most cost-effective option for most residential and smaller commercial safes. This method combines your safe with other freight headed in the same direction, sharing transportation costs across multiple shipments. LTL is ideal for safes weighing between 150-4,000 pounds that don’t require expedited delivery.
With LTL shipping, your safe will typically be picked up at the curb of your origin address and delivered to the curb at its destination. The carrier will use a liftgate truck to raise and lower the safe, but moving it to and from the curb is your responsibility. Many customers coordinate with local moving help for this portion of the process.
LTL carriers utilize sophisticated tracking systems that allow you to monitor your safe’s journey from pickup to delivery. While transit times are longer than dedicated shipping options, the cost savings make LTL the preferred choice for most safe shipping needs.
Full Truckload (FTL)
When shipping multiple safes or extremely large commercial safes, full truckload shipping offers distinct advantages. With FTL, your safe is the only item on the truck, eliminating concerns about damage from other freight and reducing handling. The truck travels directly from pickup to delivery without intermediate stops at terminals.
FTL shipping provides faster transit times and often includes more flexible pickup and delivery scheduling. This method is particularly valuable for high-security safes where minimizing handling and transfer points enhances security. The dedicated nature of FTL shipping also allows for specialized equipment to be included when necessary.
While more expensive than LTL shipping, FTL offers greater peace of mind for valuable safes and provides more predictable delivery timeframes. For commercial safe installations where timing is critical, the additional cost of FTL shipping is often justified by the reliability of delivery schedules.
White Glove Service
For the ultimate in safe shipping convenience, White Glove service provides comprehensive support from start to finish. This premium service includes professional movers who handle every aspect of your safe’s journey, from careful extraction at the origin to precise placement at the destination.
White Glove service includes inside pickup and delivery, meaning you don’t need to worry about getting your safe to the curb. Professional teams bring specialized equipment to navigate hallways, stairs, and tight corners. They’ll place your safe exactly where you want it, remove all packaging materials, and can even assist with basic setup.
This service is ideal for valuable safes requiring extra care, situations where professional installation is needed, or when physical limitations make DIY moving impossible. Though more expensive than standard shipping options, White Glove service eliminates the stress and physical challenges of safe moving.
Expedited Shipping
When time is critical, expedited shipping provides accelerated delivery for safes of all sizes. This service utilizes dedicated trucks and prioritized handling to minimize transit time. Expedited shipping can be combined with any service level, from basic curbside delivery to comprehensive White Glove service.
Businesses often choose expedited shipping when security requirements demand minimizing the time a safe is in transit or when installation deadlines are approaching. While premium pricing applies, the ability to precisely schedule delivery makes expedited shipping valuable for time-sensitive safe transportation.
Preparing Your Safe for Shipping
Shipping a safe involves more than just scheduling a pickup. It requires careful planning and preparation to overcome logistical challenges and ensure a smooth experience. At FreightCenter, we understand the complexities involved in moving heavy items like safes, so we emphasize the importance of readiness from start to finish.
Packaging Requirements
The journey from origin to destination involves multiple handling points, and proper packaging protects your safe at each stage. Begin by securing the safe’s door using the locking mechanism and reinforcing it with tape to prevent accidental opening during transit. This simple step prevents damage to both the door and internal components.
For safes with removable interior components, either remove shelving and drawers or secure them firmly in place. Loose components can become projectiles during transit, causing interior damage that may affect the safe’s functionality. Store removed components separately or secure them with tape and padding.
Protect the exterior finish by wrapping the entire safe in moving blankets, securing them with stretch wrap or tape. Pay special attention to corners and edges, which are most vulnerable to impact damage. For safes with electronic components or keypads, provide additional padding in these areas.
A crucial step often overlooked is proper palletization. Your safe should sit on a sturdy pallet sized appropriately for its dimensions, with no overhang that could lead to damage. The pallet provides forklift access for handling and keeps the safe elevated from potential water or impact damage.
Finally, secure the safe to the pallet using heavy-duty strapping that won’t loosen during transit. Proper strapping prevents shifting and provides stability during the various movements involved in shipping. The investment in quality packaging materials pays dividends in preventing costly damage.
Weight and Dimensions
Accurate measurements form the foundation of successful safe shipping. Carriers allocate equipment and plan logistics based on the dimensions and weight you provide, so precision is essential. Measure height, width, and depth at the widest points, and include any protrusions such as handles or hinges.
Weight accuracy is particularly critical for safe shipping. Underestimating weight can lead to inadequate equipment allocation, creating dangerous situations during handling. Most home scales can’t accurately measure safe weights, so consider using bathroom scales under each corner and totaling the readings, or consult your safe’s documentation for specifications.
Remember to include the pallet in your measurements, as this adds to the overall height. When providing dimensions, always round up to the nearest inch to ensure adequate space allocation. For weight, adding 5-10% to your estimate provides a safety margin that prevents complications during shipping.
Preparing the Location
A successful safe shipment begins with proper preparation of both pickup and delivery locations. Clear a path from the safe’s current location to the pickup point, removing obstacles, rugs, or furniture that could impede movement or create hazards for the moving team.
If doorways present challenges, measure them carefully and compare with your safe’s dimensions. Door removal might be necessary, and handling this before pickup prevents delays and additional charges. For particularly challenging extractions, consulting with a professional mover before shipping day can identify solutions to potential problems.
At the delivery location, similar preparation ensures a smooth transition. Confirm the path to the safe’s final position is clear and that all doorways and passages can accommodate its dimensions. For second-floor or basement placements, verify that stairs and structural elements can support the safe’s weight.
Having a contingency plan is also wise. If unforeseen obstacles prevent the planned placement, identify an alternate location where the safe can be placed temporarily. This flexible approach prevents the need to reschedule delivery or incur additional fees for extended delivery attempts.
Shipping safes requires precision, security, and expert handling to ensure these heavy, high-value items arrive safely at their destination. At FreightCenter, we provide customized shipping solutions tailored to meet the unique challenges of transporting safes—whether it's a gun safe, home safe, bank vault, or commercial security safe.
Rail freight is a cost-effective and reliable option for transporting heavy safes over long distances. This method is ideal for bulk shipments or when moving large, commercial-grade safes across regions. Advantages of rail shipping include:
For extremely heavy safes, such as bank vaults, large fireproof safes, or industrial security units, heavy-haul trucking is the best solution.
When time is critical, hot shot shipping provides a fast and efficient way to move safes. This method is perfect for:
Emergency safe replacements for businesses or financial institutions.
Small-to-medium-sized safes that need rapid delivery.
Point-to-point direct shipping, reducing transit time and handling.
For international shipments or large-volume safe exports, ocean freight offers a secure and cost-effective transport method.
Location-Specific Safe Shipping Tips
Residential Safe Shipping
Moving a safe from a home environment presents unique challenges that require careful planning. Most residential spaces weren’t designed with safe movement in mind, creating obstacles that must be addressed before shipping day. Narrow hallways, tight corners, and doorways often become bottlenecks that complicate safe extraction.
Advance planning makes all the difference in residential safe shipping. Schedule your pickup when sufficient help is available, whether family members or hired assistance. The weight of most safes makes this a team effort, and adequate personnel prevents injury and property damage.
Floor protection is another crucial consideration in homes. The concentrated weight of a safe can damage flooring, particularly hardwood, tile, or linoleum. Place plywood sheets along the movement path to distribute weight and prevent costly damage. For carpeted areas, consider using plastic runners that allow the safe to slide more easily while protecting the carpet.
Equipment access can be challenging in residential environments. Ensure adequate space exists for dollies and other moving equipment, and identify a clear path to the curb where the carrier will perform pickup. If stairs are involved, specialized equipment may be necessary, and communicating this need in advance ensures proper preparation.
Office & Commercial Safe Shipping
Commercial environments present different challenges for safe shipping. Building policies often regulate when and how freight can move through the facility, requiring coordination with building management. Many office buildings restrict freight movement to service elevators and specific access points, so confirming these details before scheduling is essential.
Elevator reservations are often necessary when shipping safes from multi-story commercial buildings. Service elevators have weight limits that must be verified against your safe’s specifications, and many buildings require scheduled time slots for freight movement. Booking these resources in advance prevents day-of complications.
For minimal disruption to business operations, consider scheduling pickup outside normal business hours. This approach eliminates concerns about customer impressions and employee access, while often providing more flexibility for maneuvering in common areas that would otherwise be occupied.
Security protocols in commercial buildings add another layer of complexity to safe shipping. Coordinate with security personnel to ensure they’re aware of the scheduled pickup and can facilitate access for the carrier. Providing proper identification and authorization documentation prevents delays at security checkpoints.
Special Locations
Certain locations present extraordinary challenges for safe shipping. Basements are particularly problematic, often requiring specialized equipment for navigating stairs. If your safe is currently in a basement, professional extraction services may be necessary before standard shipping can proceed.
Upper floors in buildings without freight elevators create significant obstacles. Weight limits on passenger elevators typically prohibit safe transport, necessitating alternative extraction methods. In some cases, crane services or specialized pulley systems may be required to move safes from upper floors.
Rural properties introduce different challenges, primarily regarding access for delivery vehicles. Ensure your driveway can accommodate large trucks and that any bridges or culverts on your property can support their weight. Identify potential turning challenges or low-hanging branches that might impede access.
Gated communities and secured buildings require advance coordination to prevent delivery delays. Provide access codes or make arrangements with security personnel to allow carrier access during the scheduled delivery window. Without this preparation, deliveries may be rescheduled, creating additional costs and delays.
Explore more tips and considerations for shipping your safe with FreightCenter. Contact us today to plan your safe’s shipment or for personalized assistance.
Safe Shipping Costs Explained
Understanding the factors that influence safe shipping costs helps you budget appropriately and identify potential savings opportunities. Safe shipping pricing is more complex than standard package delivery, incorporating numerous variables that affect the final cost.
Primary Cost Factors
Weight stands as the most significant factor affecting shipping costs for safes. Carriers base their pricing on weight brackets, with costs increasing as weight increases. This makes accurate weight measurement crucial for obtaining precise quotes. For extremely heavy safes, specialized equipment requirements further increase costs.
Distance naturally impacts shipping costs, with longer journeys commanding higher prices. However, the relationship isn’t strictly linear, as carriers often have established lanes with preferential pricing. Sometimes shipping to a more distant major hub can cost less than delivery to a closer rural location due to route efficiency.
Dimensional factors become relevant when a safe is particularly large or has an unusual shape. When dimensions exceed standard freight parameters, carriers apply dimensional weight calculations that may increase costs. These adjustments reflect the space consumption on the delivery vehicle rather than actual weight.
Accessorial services add to the base shipping cost but provide valuable assistance for safe transport. Common additions include liftgate service for loading and unloading, inside delivery, limited access location fees, and appointment scheduling. While these services increase the overall cost, they often prove essential for successful safe shipping.
Insurance represents a crucial but often overlooked cost component. Basic carrier liability provides minimal protection, typically far below a safe’s actual value. Additional insurance ensures full coverage in case of damage or loss, with premiums based on the declared value. For valuable safes, this protection is essential despite its impact on total shipping cost.
Money-Saving Tips
Flexible scheduling offers one of the best opportunities for reducing safe shipping costs. By allowing carriers to pick up and deliver within broader timeframes, you access better rates than those available for specific appointment times. For non-urgent shipments, this flexibility can yield significant savings.
Terminal pickup and delivery represent another substantial saving opportunity. Instead of residential pickup and delivery, dropping your safe at the carrier’s terminal and retrieving it from the destination terminal eliminates residential service fees. While this option requires additional effort on your part, the cost savings can be considerable.
Proper preparation reduces the risk of accessorial charges that can significantly increase shipping costs. Having your safe ready for immediate loading prevents delay fees, while accurate dimensions and weight avoid costly adjustment charges. Simple preparation steps often prevent expensive complications during shipping.
Comparing quotes from multiple carriers ensures you’re getting competitive pricing for your safe shipment. FreightCenter’s platform automatically provides options from numerous qualified carriers, allowing you to balance cost considerations with service requirements. This transparent comparison often reveals surprising price variations for identical services.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Types of Safes We Ship
FreightCenter has extensive experience shipping all varieties of safes across the country and internationally. Understanding the specific type of safe you need to transport helps us recommend the most appropriate shipping method and handling requirements.
Home Safes
Home safes come in various forms, each with specific shipping considerations. Gun safes are among the most commonly shipped, typically weighing between 200-1,000+ pounds and requiring careful handling to protect both the exterior finish and the interior locking mechanisms.
Fire safes are designed with special insulation that protects contents from extreme heat, but this insulation adds significant weight and requires proper support during transit. Wall safes, though smaller, present unique challenges as they must first be carefully extracted from their wall location before shipping.
Floor safes might be the most challenging home safes to ship, as they’re typically embedded in concrete and require professional extraction before transport. These safes are exceptionally heavy for their size and require reinforced packaging to prevent damage to their precision locking mechanisms.
Commercial Safes
Businesses rely on various specialized safes, each with unique shipping requirements. Deposit safes used by retail establishments feature specialized drop mechanisms that must be secured before transport to prevent damage. Data safes protect electronic media with additional humidity and temperature controls that need special consideration during shipping.
Pharmacy safes present unique challenges due to their regulatory requirements and specialized internal configurations designed for medication organization. Jewelry safes often incorporate multi-layered security features and delicate interior components that require extra protection during transit.
Commercial safes frequently weigh several thousand pounds and may require partial disassembly before shipping. Our logistics experts understand these complexities and can coordinate the specialized services needed for successful commercial safe transport.
Industrial Safes
The largest category of safes, industrial safes often present extreme challenges in weight and dimensions. Vault doors for banks and high-security installations can weigh upwards of 5,000 pounds while being awkwardly shaped for standard shipping. These items frequently require specialized rigging equipment and custom crating.
Records safes designed for document storage combine significant weight with strict handling requirements to protect their fire-resistant properties. Custom safes built for specific security applications often have unusual dimensions or security features that need specialized handling protocols during shipping.
FreightCenter has successfully shipped industrial safes of all types, working with specialized carriers equipped to handle these extreme requirements. Our experience ensures even the most challenging safe shipping projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Get Your Safe Shipping Quote Today
Ready to ship your safe? Get an instant quote now or call 800.716.7608 to speak with our safe shipping specialists. Our team is standing by to help you create the perfect shipping solution for your valuable safe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Safes:
Q. Can I ship my safe internationally with FreightCenter?
Short answer: Yes! While FreightCenter specializes in domestic shipping, we can send and receive safes and freight internationally. Give us a call at 800.716.7608
Q. What should I do if my safe is too heavy to move to the curb?
If your safe is too heavy to move alone, consider hiring professional movers specializing in heavy item transportation. FreightCenter can coordinate with movers to ensure your safe is picked up safely and efficiently.
Q. How do I prepare my safe for shipping?
When preparing your safe for shipment, it’s essential to take several steps to ensure its safe transport:
- Measure the dimensions and weight accurately to ensure doorways and transportation equipment compatibility.
- Secure any loose items inside the safe to prevent shifting during transit. Use padding or blankets to protect the exterior from scratches and other damage.
- Lastly, ensure the safe is easily accessible at the curb for pickup and delivery by FreightCenter. These preparations help minimize the risk of damage and ensure a smooth shipping experience.
Q. Are safes covered by insurance during shipment?
Shipping insurance can cover safes, but checking the specifics with the shipping provider or carrier is essential. Many shipping companies offer insurance options for valuable or high-weight items, including safes, and it may be advisable to insure the contents as well as the safe itself.
Q. Can I ship a safe with contents inside?
It’s generally recommended to empty the contents of a safe before shipping to avoid potential damage or issues during transit. However, if the safe must be shipped with its contents, ensure that all items are securely packed inside, and check with the carrier to ensure their policies regarding shipping safes with contents.
Q. How much does it cost to ship a safe?
The cost of shipping a safe depends on several factors, including its size, weight, shipping distance, and transportation method (LTL, full truckload, rail, or ocean freight). Additional services like liftgate delivery, inside pickup, or white-glove service may also impact the price. To get an accurate estimate, request a free freight quote from FreightCenter.
Q. What type of freight service is best for shipping a safe?
The best shipping method depends on the size and weight of your safe:
- LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) – Ideal for smaller home or office safes that don’t require a full truck.
- Full Truckload (FTL) – Best for large, heavy, or multiple safes that require dedicated truck space.
- Heavy-Haul Freight – Required for oversized commercial vaults or bank-grade safes that exceed standard weight limits.
- Hot Shot Shipping – A fast, direct option for urgent safe deliveries.
- Rail or Ocean Freight – Suitable for bulk shipments or international deliveries.
Q. Do I need special equipment to load or unload my safe?
Due to their weight, safes often require specialized equipment for safe handling. FreightCenter can coordinate:
- Liftgate service for curbside deliveries.
- Pallet jacks and forklifts for heavy-duty safes.
- White-glove service for in-home or business placement.
If you’re unsure whether you need special handling, contact our freight experts for guidance.
Q. Are there any restrictions on shipping certain types of safes?
Most safes can be shipped without issue, but there may be restrictions on safes containing firearms, hazardous materials, or lithium batteries (for digital keypad locks). Some states and countries require permits or special documentation for certain types of safes. FreightCenter can help ensure compliance with all shipping regulations.
Q. How long does it take to ship a safe?
The transit time for shipping a safe depends on the distance and shipping method.
3 Advantages of Shipping Safes with FreightCenter
Expertise in Safe Shipping
Our award-winning team has previous experience shipping safes, ensuring your valuables arrive at their destination secure and undamaged. We’re partnered with a 50+ network of professional carriers, including companies specializing in safe shipping. You handle the packaging, and we handle the rest.
Personalized Shipping Options
Do you need to ship your safe internationally? No problem! Do you need a liftgate? We got you! FreightCenter’s user-friendly online booking allows you to customize your order so your safe is well cared for at affordable rates you can’t find anywhere else.
Incredible Customer Support
FreightCenter’s professional team is on your side. We’ll guide you through every step in the shipping process, from initial quoting to post-shipment support. We prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure your needs are met 100%. Your safe is in good hands.
