Heavy packages present unique challenges for shippers. Extra costs for insurance, special handling, and other nuances can make it difficult to find a reliable option that fits your budget.
I’ve shipped my fair share of heavy items during my logistics career—from 120 lb lead batteries to large yet delicate ice sculptures. So I understand the hassle of finding the right carrier for the job.
In this guide, I’ll show you the cheapest way to ship a 100 lb package from A to B, how to sidestep hidden costs, and how to minimize your shipping fees with best-practice strategies.
What you’ll learn
Cost comparisons for major carriers
What factors determine final shipping costs
Crucial hidden costs that can impact your shipping expenses
Money-saving strategies for shipping a 100 lb package
TL;DR:
Key takeaways
The cheapest way to ship a 100 lb package is the FedEx Ground service, which costs $78.81–$204.17.
The fastest ways to ship a 100 lb package are the FedEx Priority Overnight and UPS Next Day Air services, which both aim to deliver by noon the next business day and cost $824.00–$1,301.09.
You can reduce the cost of shipping a 100 lb package by minimizing packaging size, applying frequent shipper discounts, and dropping off your package at a carrier depot.
PRO TIP: Many businesses struggle with the costs and logistics of shipping heavy items like furniture, exercise equipment, and industrial parts. As heavyweight fulfillment specialists, Red Stag Fulfillment has mastered the art of protecting and moving oversized items, and our exclusive carrier rates allow us to lighten your financial load. Get your quote today.
What is the absolute cheapest way to ship a 100 lb package?
The cheapest way to ship a 100 lb package within the United States is with FedEx Ground service.
This option is typically several hundred dollars cheaper than most express services—as well as other ground shipping methods.
Bear in mind that shipping a 100 lb package often comes with additional costs to factor in, such as heavy item charges and insurance fees. There is also an added risk of shipping heavy goods using the cheapest method available, especially if your shipment contains expensive or delicate items. Skirting optional fees such as special handling services increases the odds of your package being damaged during transit.
The cost of replacing lost or damaged shipments should always be considered when weighing the benefits and risks of using inexpensive shipping methods.
Shipping a 100 lb package: Costs summary
To determine the costs for shipping a 100 lb package within the United States, I compared current prices between two major carriers: FedEx and UPS. The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not accept packages over 70 lbs, so I’ve excluded them from this comparison.
I’ve researched the cost of shipping a typical 100 lb item—a ceramic toilet with packaging dimensions of 32” X 20” X 25”—from San Francisco, California, to Seattle, Washington.
Here’s a quick summary of 100 lb package shipping costs:
The cheapest way to ship a 100 lb package is the FedEx Ground flat-rate pricing service, which costs $78.81.
The cheapest way to ship a 100 lb package using express services is the FedEx Ground flat-rate pricing service, which costs $824.00.
The average cost to ship a 100 lb package using ground services is $154.29.
The average cost to ship a 100 lb package using express services is $1,009.41
NOTE: The dimensions of your package will usually affect the cost of shipping. A 100 lb table is likely to cost more to ship than a smaller item of equal weight, such as a lead weight or a bag of cement. Use our dimensional weight shipping calculator to see how packaging size affects the cost of your shipment.
Comparing major carriers
| Carrier | Service Options | Ground | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | FedEx Ground vs. FedEx Priority Overnight | $204.17 | $1,301.09 |
| UPS | UPS Ground vs. UPS Next Day Air | $193.46 | $1,063.78 |
For exact costs based on the dimensions and destination of your package, visit the carrier websites:
Flat rate pricing for shipping a 100 lb package
| Carrier | Service Options | Ground | Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | FedEx Ground vs. FedEx Priority Overnight | $78.81 | $824.00 |
| UPS | UPS Ground vs. UPS Next Day Air | $140.71 | $848.76 |
For more flat-rate pricing, check out the official carrier documents:
NOTE: Flat-rate pricing allows shippers to select a fixed fee based on the package size and the distance it needs to travel. While this option is often cheaper than standard shipping, it usually requires the shipper to purchase specific flat-rate boxes from the carrier.
Factors affecting 100 lb shipping costs
Many factors can change how much it costs to ship 100 lb packages. While weight is important, also consider other variables that may alter the base shipping rate for your goods.
Delivery service
Strict deadlines for time-sensitive shipments may force you to invest in expedited (express) shipping services. These can often cost up to 10 times more than slower, ground deliveries.
Destination
The distance the shipment will travel plays a key role in determining your shipping costs. In most cases, the greater the distance the more it will cost.
International shipments frequently come with hidden costs and higher expenses, such as added insurance fees, customs clearance costs, and air freight fees.
Carrier
Carriers (the companies that will deliver your package) vary in how their pricing is structured and which added services are included in the base cost. One carrier may be cheaper for shipping a 100 lb package with ground services, but a competitor may be cheaper if you need to expedite the delivery.
PRO TIP: Before shipping, check the carrier’s website to find the latest rates—as these companies frequently update their pricing. (The cheapest option today may be less affordable tomorrow.)
Packaging
Flat-rate pricing is often cheaper than using your own packaging, but it means purchasing a flat-rate box that’s not included in the base shipping rate. Carriers offer a predetermined price for shipments based on the dimensions for the package, a maximum weight limit, and the shipping zone of the destination.
Likewise, if you’re using your own packaging, you’ll need to invest in the necessary materials—including packing tape, stickers, and the carton itself.
Many 100 lb shipments require special packaging that’s sturdy and protective to prevent the goods from being damaged during transit.
Important packaging considerations when shipping 100 lb goods:
Sturdy materials: You may need to invest in special packing materials such as foam corners, bubble wrap, and foam peanuts to prevent the goods from moving around during transit.
Special labels: Most carriers require some form of “heavy package” sticker for 100 lb shipments.
Added weight: The more packaging and materials you use, the more your total shipment weight will be.
Poor packaging risks: Unsecured items and weak packaging can result in goods being damaged before they reach their destination.
Additional costs and risks to consider
In addition to the pricing factors I’ve already covered, some less obvious factors may influence the cost of shipping a 100 lb package.
For example:
Collection fees (for packages that require transit to the carrier’s depot)
Freight forwarding fees
Peak season surcharges
Public holiday surcharges
White glove service costs
Tracking and Proof of Delivery costs
NOTE: While many of these hidden fees are optional, the risk of excluding certain services—such as extra insurance or tracking fees—can make it difficult to recoup costs or locate a missing shipment should your goods be lost or damaged during transit.
How to minimize the cost of shipping a 100 lb package
When it comes to shipping a 100 lb package affordably, selecting the cheapest carrier and delivery method is just the beginning. Let’s take a look at some additional ways you can reduce the cost of your shipment.
Freight shipping
Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping is often cheaper than standard parcel shipping when it comes to heavy packages. If your package is not equal to a full truckload, consider sharing space with other shipments to spread the cost of delivery between multiple shipping parties.
Regular shipper rates
If you’re frequently shipping items, you may be able to partner with a specific carrier by creating a business account. This can grant you access to discounted rates for higher shipping volumes.
Alternatively, you could partner with a third-party logistics (3PL) company that has an existing business account with different carriers to benefit from its bulk discounts.
Minimize packaging size
Reducing the dimensional weight of your package can be a great way to optimize 100 lb shipping costs. Use a compact box with tight packaging and avoid any unnecessary packing materials that add extra bulk to your package.
Third-party comparison tools
Save time comparing shipping rates between multiple carriers by entering your shipment details into third-party websites such as ParcelMonkey or Shippo. This will allow you to see different carrier rates side by side and choose the option that suits you best.
Drop-offs and collections
To avoid high fees for collection and residential delivery, consider dropping off or picking up your package at a carrier location. You’ll need to weigh the cost and effort of getting the package to or from the carrier hub, but this tactic is often effective for lowering carrier fees.
