Shipping Restaurant Equipment
Expert Solutions for Shipping Restaurant Equipment
Fast, reliable, and secure shipping solutions for all your restaurant equipment needs. From ovens to refrigeration units, FreightCenter ensures safe delivery every step of the way. Get a custom quote today and keep your kitchen running smoothly!
In the fast-paced world of food service, reliable and efficient shipping of restaurant equipment is essential. Whether you’re launching a new restaurant, upgrading your kitchen, or relocating, understanding how to safely and efficiently ship restaurant equipment is key to minimizing downtime and ensuring your business runs smoothly.
At FreightCenter, we specialize in providing tailored, secure, and cost-effective shipping solutions designed for the unique demands of the restaurant industry.
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 Trust FreightCenter for Shipping Restaurant Equipment?
FreightCenter combines experience, expertise, and a commitment to customer satisfaction to ensure your equipment arrives safely and on time. Our nationwide network of trusted carriers and logistics experts simplifies the shipping process from start to finish. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Industry Experience: 25+ Years of handling diverse restaurant equipment shipments.
- Customized Solutions: Tailored services to meet specific shipping needs.
- Reliable Carrier Network: Connections with top carriers for efficient and secure transport.
- Customer Support: A dedicated team is available to guide you through every step.
- Tracking & Updates: Real-time shipment tracking for peace of mind.
Comprehensive Restaurant Equipment Shipping Services
From cooking appliances like ovens and grills to refrigeration units and food preparation tools, we manage the shipment of diverse restaurant equipment. Our experience extends to handling delicate furniture, storage units, and even oversized machinery. Whether it’s a single piece or a full kitchen setup, FreightCenter ensures safe and efficient delivery tailored to your timeline and budget.
How Does Our Shipping Process Work?
We start with a personalized consultation to understand your unique shipping requirements. Our logistics team then identifies the best transportation method, whether it’s Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) for smaller items or Full Truckload (FTL) for larger shipments. We guide you through packaging best practices to minimize risks, and throughout the transport, you can track your equipment in real time. Final-mile delivery services, like liftgate or inside delivery, are available for convenience.
How to Ship Restaurant Equipment
Preparing restaurant equipment for transport involves several essential steps to ensure the safe and secure transportation of the items. Here is a guide on how to prepare restaurant equipment for transport:
Clean and Sanitize The Equipment
Before transporting any restaurant equipment, it is essential to thoroughly clean and sanitize it to help prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain the equipment’s condition. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning each specific piece of equipment. Be sure to remove any food debris, grease, or other residues.
Disconnect and Secure Loose Parts
It is crucial to disconnect any removable parts or accessories for specific equipment, such as grills, ranges, fryers, broilers, and ovens, including grates, racks, heating elements, knobs, burners, and any other components that can be removed. Secure these parts separately by wrapping them in protective material or packing them in a separate container.
Empty and Clean Refrigeration and Storage Units
If transporting refrigeration and storage units, ensure they are emptied of any perishable or non-perishable contents. Thoroughly clean and sanitize the interior and exterior of the units, including removing any shelves or removable parts. Allow the unit to dry completely before transport to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Secure Doors and Fastenings
Inspect the equipment to secure all doors, lids, or other fastenings. This includes checking hinges, latches, and locks. Use appropriate tools to tighten or adjust fastenings to prevent movement during transport if necessary. Cover delicate parts with protective padding or bubble wrap, especially for equipment with glass or fragile components.
Disconnect Utilities and Secure Cords
Carefully disconnect the connections following proper procedures for equipment connected to utilities such as gas, water, or electricity. Secure any loose cords or hoses to prevent damage during transport. Use zip ties or cord organizers to keep cables neatly secured and out of the way.
Provide Proper Packaging and Protection
For smaller items or equipment with delicate components, it is advisable to package them in suitable containers or boxes. Use appropriate packing materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts to provide cushioning and protection during transport. Label the containers or boxes clearly to indicate their contents for easy identification. Restaurant equipment should be in boxes strapped to sturdy wooden pallets. Try to ship them in manufacturer boxes.
Cost to Ship Restaurant Equipment
We understand that shipping restaurant equipment requires specialized care, cost-efficiency, and reliable service. Whether you’re transporting commercial ovens, refrigerators, or delicate kitchen appliances, we offer unique solutions to make the process smoother and more affordable.
Customized Shipping Solutions FreightCenter works with a vast network of trusted carriers to provide competitive rates and flexible options tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re shipping locally or nationwide, we help you choose the most cost-effective and efficient method, from less-than-truckload (LTL) to full truckload (FTL) services.
Freight Class Expertise: Restaurant equipment can vary widely in size, weight, and fragility. Our team of shipping experts helps you accurately classify your freight to avoid unnecessary charges. We also offer guidance on proper packaging to reduce the risk of damage during transit, saving you potential replacement costs.
Volume Discounts: If you’re shipping multiple pieces of equipment or recurring shipments, We can help you access volume discounts through our established carrier relationships. We negotiate the best possible rates to ensure you’re getting maximum value for every shipment.
Real-Time Tracking and Support: We provide advanced tracking tools so you can monitor your shipment every step of the way. Our dedicated customer service team is always available to answer questions, resolve concerns, and ensure your equipment arrives safely and on time.
Cost-Saving Tips and Resources: We offer resources and personalized advice to help you optimize your shipping strategy. From consolidating shipments to selecting the right carriers, we share cost-saving tips that align with your business goals.
With FreightCenter, you gain a partner committed to reducing shipping costs while ensuring your restaurant equipment is handled with care. Let us help you streamline your logistics and deliver your equipment safely and efficiently.
Used Restaurant Equipment Shipping
Whether you need to ship new or used restaurant equipment, FreightCenter can help. We work with many auction companies, auction sites, and wholesalers of used restaurant equipment to offer competitive prices.
Shipping restaurant equipment requires flexible solutions to meet unique demands. FreightCenter offers various transportation options tailored to the size and nature of your equipment, ensuring safe and cost-effective delivery.
For smaller equipment shipments that don't require a full trailer, our LTL service is an efficient and budget-friendly option. It's perfect for items like commercial mixers, smaller refrigeration units, and food preparation equipment.
When shipping large or multiple pieces of restaurant equipment, such as oversized ovens or full kitchen setups, FTL is the most secure option. Your equipment occupies the entire truck, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring faster transit.
If your shipment is too large for LTL but doesn't require a full truck, PTL is the ideal solution. It's a cost-effective option for irregular or bulkier items, such as stacked furniture or multiple cooking units.
For businesses importing or exporting restaurant equipment, we offer international shipping solutions that simplify customs and ensure seamless delivery. From proper documentation to logistics planning, we help ensure your equipment arrives safely across borders.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Types of Restaurant Equipment We Ship
Grills, Charbroilers, and Sandwich Grills
Grills are appliances used for cooking food over direct heat and come in many types and styles. Electric and gas flat-top grills are two of the more popular types.
Charbroilers and sandwich grills are also commonly used throughout the restaurant industry as they can produce high heat levels and create distinctive grill marks on the food. Charbroilers are either gas-powered or electric. Chicken and hamburgers come to mind when I think about that unique grill flavor we get from our favorite foods. Electric or salamander broilers may be used depending on a chef’s preference.
Sandwich grills are also known as panini presses or sandwich presses. They have two heated plates that clamp down on the sandwich and are a part of delis and cafes.
Commercial Ovens
Ovens are a necessity for most restaurants, and there are various types:
Standard Ovens: Electric or Gas ranges are in most restaurants and sent the most. Ovens also range from coal to wood to solid fuel. Ventless oven ranges are a common type as well. Commercial ovens are typically made of stainless steel, glass, wood, brick, or a combination.
Convection Ovens: Convection ovens have fans circulating hot air throughout the cavity, allowing food to cook more evenly and quickly than in a standard range. They are ideal for baking pastries, bread, and other baked goods.
Combination Ovens: Combination ovens are versatile and can be programmed to perform various cooking functions, including baking, roasting, steaming, and grilling. They are often used in commercial kitchens that need to prepare a wide range of dishes.
Pizza Ovens: Pizza ovens are designed to cook pizzas quickly and evenly. They are often used in pizzerias and other restaurants that serve pizza.
There are many types of Pizza ovens that we ship:
- Wood-Fired Pizza Ovens – Wood is the fuel source and gives the pizza a smokey flavor with crispy crusts.
- Gas Pizza Ovens – Offer consistent heat distribution and precise temperature control.
- Electric Pizza Ovens – Similar to gas ovens in that they offer consistent heat and accurate temperatures.
- Conveyor Pizza Ovens – Popular in fast food pizza chains as the pizza moves on a conveyor belt through a cooking chamber.
- Deck Pizza Ovens – Made of ceramic or stone decks, the pizza is placed for cooking.
- Rotating Deck Pizza Ovens – These ovens have the features of a deck oven with a rotating mechanism for even cooking.
- Countertop Pizza Ovens – Ideal when there is limited space in the kitchen.
- Brick Pizza Ovens – Similar to wood-fired ovens, bricks are heat-retaining material. They can be wood, gas, or electric fired.
- Hybrid Pizza Ovens – Combine different fuel sources and provide flexibility with varying methods of cooking and flavor profiles.
- Portable Pizza Ovens – These are compact ovens used for events, catering, or home gatherings.
Commercial Deep Fryers
In restaurants, several commercial deep fryers are commonly used to prepare fried foods efficiently and consistently. Here are some popular styles:
Countertop Deep Fryers – These compact fryers sit on a countertop for smaller restaurants and kitchens with limited space.
Floor Model Deep Dryers – Floor-standing fryers are larger and needed for higher-volume restaurants. They will have multiple fry baskets to handle more food.
Open Pot Fryers – allow direct access to the frying area and are used for items with batter or coatings that would stick to a fry basket.
Pressure Fryers – These fry foods under pressure and quickly. A certain colonel cooks their fried chicken this way.
Restaurant Refrigerators and Freezers
All restaurants use refrigerators and freezers. The commercial-grade versions of these are huge and heavy. We can help you ship them and save money. Upright models or worktop models can be shipped today using our freight services.
Large-scale walk-in coolers and freezers can be shipped by calling us directly and speaking with a National Account Manager. FreightCenter’s shipping experts can assist with any restaurant equipment shipping special requests.
Ship Restaurant Equipment and Save Money
As a high-volume freight broker with deeply discounted contracts with many of the top freight carriers in the U.S., FreightCenter typically saves our customers 25%, 50%, 75%, or more.
FreightCenter is where the best freight carriers compete for your business. If you need help, FreightCenter’s shipping experts are waiting to help you at 800.716.7608. Start shipping with FreightCenter and get the biggest bang for your shipping dollar.
Shipping Restaurant Equipment FAQ
Q. What is restaurant equipment shipping?
Restaurant equipment shipping involves transporting large, heavy, and often fragile items like ovens, refrigerators, grills, and commercial kitchen appliances. FreightCenter connects shippers with carriers experienced in handling these complex shipments.
Q. How does FreightCenter handle restaurant equipment shipping?
FreightCenter partners with specialized carriers to ensure restaurant equipment is securely packed, safely transported, and delivered on time. We offer solutions for LTL (Less-Than-Truckload), FTL (Full-Truckload), and white-glove services for heavy and delicate items.
Q. What types of restaurant equipment can I ship with FreightCenter?
FreightCenter can arrange shipping for a wide variety of restaurant equipment, including ovens, fryers, refrigerators, freezers, grills, prep tables, dishwashers, beverage dispensers, and smaller commercial kitchen tools.
Q. How should I package restaurant equipment for shipping?
Secure equipment by using crates, palletizing, and wrapping with bubble wrap, moving blankets, or foam padding. Use heavy-duty packing materials to prevent damage and ensure all parts are stabilized during transit.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer white-glove shipping for restaurant equipment?
Yes, FreightCenter provides white-glove services for restaurant equipment, including professional packing, loading, inside delivery, and placement. This is ideal for delicate or high-value items that require extra care.
Q. Can FreightCenter handle oversized restaurant equipment shipments?
Absolutely! FreightCenter specializes in coordinating shipments for oversized and heavy equipment, ensuring proper permits, equipment, and experienced carriers are in place.
Q. How much does it cost to ship restaurant equipment?
The cost depends on factors like equipment size, weight, shipping distance, and service level. Use FreightCenter’s online freight calculator or contact our experts for a customized quote.
Q. How long does it take to ship restaurant equipment?
Transit times vary based on distance, shipment size, and service type. FreightCenter will provide an estimated delivery window upon booking and offers real-time tracking for all shipments.
Q. Does FreightCenter provide LTL shipping for restaurant equipment?
Yes, FreightCenter offers LTL shipping for smaller or single pieces of restaurant equipment. This cost-effective option allows you to share trailer space with other shipments.
Q. What happens if my restaurant equipment shipment is damaged?
In the unlikely event of damage, contact FreightCenter immediately to initiate a freight claim. We guide you through the process and help ensure a quick resolution.
Q. Can FreightCenter arrange for pickup and delivery at specific times?
Yes, we offer customized pickup and delivery scheduling to accommodate restaurant opening hours, construction timelines, or other specific requirements.
Q. Do I need insurance for my restaurant equipment shipment?
While FreightCenter partners with reliable carriers, we recommend purchasing freight insurance to protect your equipment during transit. Our team can assist with insurance options.
Q. How do I prepare large appliances like refrigerators or ovens for shipping?
Disconnect and clean appliances, remove detachable parts, and secure doors with tape or straps. Pack using custom crates or heavy-duty pallets and ensure proper padding to prevent damage.
Q. Does FreightCenter offer international restaurant equipment shipping?
Yes, FreightCenter provides domestic and international shipping solutions for restaurant equipment. Our team can help navigate customs, regulations, and documentation for global deliveries.
Q. Why choose FreightCenter for restaurant equipment shipping?
FreightCenter offers industry expertise, competitive rates, access to specialized carriers, real-time tracking, and dedicated support—ensuring your restaurant equipment is shipped safely and efficiently.
3 Tips for Shipping Restaurant Equipment
Disassemble When Possible
Breaking down equipment into smaller, manageable pieces can reduce the risk of damage and lower shipping costs. For example, removing detachable parts like legs, shelves, or doors can make items easier to pack securely and optimize space during transit.
Use Custom Crating for High-Value Items
For fragile or high-value equipment, custom-built crates provide superior protection compared to standard packaging. This is especially helpful for glass components or delicate electronic parts, helping to avoid damage and expensive replacements.
Check Door Dimensions at Delivery Locations
Ensure the equipment can fit through entryways, hallways, and kitchens at the destination. Oversized equipment may require special handling or adjustments at delivery, which can add unexpected costs or delays.
