Shipping a PC can be overwhelming, especially with unclear cost estimates.
As a fulfillment company with a decade of experience, we understand the cost structure and the gray areas.
Plus, we know all the costly mistakes people commonly make.
We’ve split this guide into three parts:
01
Quick overview of cost ranges.
02
Full cost breakdown by PC size, carrier, and distance (local, interstate, and international).
03
Cost-saving strategies and mistakes to avoid.
TL:DR:
Overview of PC shipping costs for those in a hurry.
Mini-tower PC costs $40.24 to $134.42 to ship
Mid-tower PC costs $54.55 to $162.35 to ship (minor disassembly and optimized padding)
A full-tower PC costs $100.92 to $288.67 to ship (minor disassembly, optimized padding)
A disassembled PC with each part padded separately costs $480.40 to $724.27 to ship.
NOTE: These price ranges are broad because they include extremes–from local shipping for a mini tower to international shipping for a disassembled PC (with each part padded separately and packaged into a large shipping box). The cost ranges will be clearer in the following section–when we break them down by PC size, distance, and carrier.
PRO TIP: Selling PCs online often comes with its share of headaches, as delicate components and heavyweight shipping costs create a complex challenge. That’s where Red Stag Fulfillment powers up your operation. We’re specialists in handling high-value electronics with proven packaging solutions that protect everything from gaming rigs to workstations. With our exclusive carrier rates and tech-focused expertise, we’ll help you deliver customer satisfaction while protecting your bottom line. Get your personalized quote now.
Cost of shipping a PC–by size & distance
| PC Case & Boxing | PC Size, Box Size, and Weight | Local Shipping (LA to LA) |
Interstate (LA to NY) |
International (LA to Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini tower | PC size: 14x6x14″ Box size: 20x10x20″ Weight: 20 lbs | $40.24 | $101.24 | $133.15 |
| Mid tower | PC size: 18x8x19″ Box size: 24x12x24″ Weight: 30 lbs | $54.55 | $120.65 | $162.35 |
| Full tower | PC size: 22x10x24″ Box size: 28x15x28″ Weight: 40 lbs | $100.92 | $215.74 | $288.67 |
| Mid-size PC (parts padded separately) | PC size: 18x8x19″ Box size: 27x26x40″ Weight: 35 lbs | $480.40 | $632.25 | $724.27 |
Carrier cost vs. total cost
The carrier fees come down to 3 key factors:
Shipping distance
Package size, weight, and value
Transport mode (We used ground shipping to calculate costs.)
Additional costs include:
Packaging materials
Coverage/insurance
Seasonal and size surcharges
Other fees (customs, pickup, delivery, etc.)
NOTE: Computer shipping costs will likely be based on the dimensional weight rather than the actual weight. Instead of going by the numbers on the scale, the carrier will charge based on the package’s size. To see if that applies to your PC, use our dimensional weight calculator.
Computer shipping cost–the essentials
The average cost to ship a PC is $265.
Below are the average shipping costs of the three major carriers–USPS, UPS, and FedEx.
| Carrier | Average Cost to Ship a PC |
|---|---|
| USPS | N/A (see below) |
| FedEx | $268.89 |
| UPS | $260.99 |
*USPS cannot ship full tower PCs due to size limitations (108” combined weight and girth maximum), which skews their average cost.
For a fairer comparison of costs, see the table below, which compares domestic shipping costs for mini, mid, and full-tower PCs (with optimized padding/packaging).
Full cost breakdown by carrier
| Carrier | Mini tower | Mid tower | Full tower | Mid-size PC with significant disassembly (CPU, GPU, PSU, cooler) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | ||||
| USPS Ground Advantage-Retail Zone 1 | Local: $46.35 | Local: $63.20 | Local: $120 | Local: too large to ship |
| USPS Ground Advantage-Retail Zone 8 | Interstate: $102.25 | Interstate: $120.65 | Interstate: $279.25 | Interstate: too large to ship |
| Priority Mail International | International: $133.15 | International: $162.35 | International: too large to ship | International: too large to ship |
| FedEx | ||||
| FedEx Home Delivery or FedEx Ground | Local: $43.98 | Local: $54.55 | Local: $123.29 | Local: $502.84 |
| FedEx Ground | Interstate: $104.48 | Interstate: $149.41 | Interstate: $215.74 | Interstate: $677.25 |
| FedEx International Ground | International: $142.07 | International: $194.58 | International: $294.16 | International: $724.27 |
| UPS | ||||
| UPS Ground / UPS Standard (shipped from retail location) |
Local: $40.24 | Local: $55.29 | Local: $100.92 | Local: $480.40 |
| UPS Ground / UPS Standard (shipped from retail location) |
Interstate: $101.24 | Interstate: $143.49 | Interstate: $216.76 | Interstate: $643.80 |
| UPS Ground / UPS Standard (shipped from retail location) |
International: $134.42 | International: $184.57 | International: $288.67 | International: $742.03 |
To calculate these estimates, we made assumptions and approximations.
These include:
Local shipping is within the LA area, from Long Beach to Montebello.
Interstate is from LA to NY.
International is from LA to Calgary, Canada.
We aimed for 4-6” of space between the box and the PC. That’s optimized packing, as it allows for basic disassembly (HDD, SSD, PSU, CPU, and graphic card) and layered padding.
Mini tower packaging specs–20x10x20” box, 20 lbs.
Mid tower packaging–24x12x24” box, 30 lbs.
Full tower packaging–28x15x28” box, 40 lbs.
Packaging of the disassembled PC (with all parts padded separately)–oversized 27x26x40” box, 35 lbs.
Declared value* for each PC is $1,000.
We chose the cheapest option for every PC size, distance, and carrier (typically ground transport).
You’re only shipping a PC tower and not computer equipment like monitors or keyboards.
NOTE: *Declared value is the carrier’s maximum liability. It’s not insurance (more on that in a minute). Learn more and see declared value examples in our guide on shipping coverage here.
Still, these are theoretical estimates.
To find the exact cost for your PC, use the carrier calculators:
Other transport costs
Carrier fees are the most significant part of the computer shipping costs.
Other factors and hidden fees can add to the overall price.
Other fees include:
Packaging and padding materials
Higher carrier coverage or third-party shipping insurance
Expedited transport
Enhanced shipping and special handling
Packing and padding materials
PC components are sensitive and need extra care when padding and boxing.
Safe computer shipping comes down to three key points:
01
Secure components that won’t fall out of the slots (separate packing of those that might).
02
Enough space in the box so the disassembled parts don’t contact and damage one another.
03
Snug fit between packaged parts and case to minimize the risk of shifting damage.
Learn more and see step-by-step packing instructions in our guide on how to ship a PC without breaking it.
Let’s get back to the cost of packaging materials.
You might need:
A shipping box (typically $20-40). We based our calculations on standard FedEx boxes.
Padding–bubble wrap, air pillows, packing paper, etc.
Cardboard and Styrofoam sheets
Protective corners–foam or cardboard
Additional stickers (Fragile, This Side Up, Handle with Care)
Packing and isolation tape
Ties and straps–Velcro, zip, etc.
Anti-static bags and bubble-wrap pouches for the electronic parts (typically $20-40 on Amazon)
BOTTOM LINE: Packing materials for PC shipping can cost $50-200, depending on the package size and supplies you have on hand.
Carrier coverage and third-party insurance
Basic carrier coverage is free (typically up to $100).
A higher declared value adds to shipping costs. The surcharge is about 1% to 2.5% of the package’s worth.
REMEMBER: Carrier coverage is not insurance.
The coverage is the maximum amount the company is liable for if they damage or lose your desktop computer.
There are exceptions and limitations.
PRO TIP: If you’re shipping computers, read the fine print of carrier coverage terms or get third-party insurance, especially for longer distances and expensive custom builds.
Third-party shipping insurance is typically more comprehensive than carrier coverage because it offers:
Protection against a wider range of damage scenarios
Fewer claim exclusions and limitations
More straightforward claim processes
Coverage for both external and internal damage
Higher claim approval rates
Depending on the terms, it can cost between 0.5% and 4% of the PC’s worth.
It adds steps and paperwork to the process but pays dividends in peace of mind.
BOTTOM LINE: The assumed value of our reference desktop computer is $1,000. You’d typically pay up to $40 for third-party insurance in this value range.
Expedited transport costs much more
Expedited shipping is less cost-effective than ground.
Here’s an example:
Shipping the mini-tower PC via FedEx Ground from LA to NY will cost $43.98.
Shipping the same package via FedEx First Overnight will set you back $182.65.
That’s over 320% more.
Enhanced services for shipping computers
Some premium services include expert packing, pickup, and careful handling.
For expensive custom-built PCs, consider paying extra for a pack-and-ship service like this one from UPS.
How to save when shipping computers—7 tips
Minimize disassembly
01
If you remove parts from the chassis, you actually increase the number of components that need to be individually wrapped. In turn, you’ll likely need a larger box. (Less disassembly means fewer parts and a smaller shipping box.)
Only remove the parts that are at risk of falling out in transit.
Basic disassembly typically includes removing the drives, power supply units, CPU coolers, and graphic cards.
Optimize padding to make the packaged PC smaller
02
Instead of padding each part separately, layer them between sections of padding. Aim to optimize the box space but allow for 3-4” of padding between parts. Double-box only when shipping computers with extra-sensitive (or valuable) components.
Choose a cost-effective shipping method
03
Forego the enhanced options like next-day air and go with standard ground shipping. It’s much cheaper. There’s no significant risk trade-off between standard and expedited shipping.
Declare the computer’s actual value
04
Don’t overshoot the value estimate. You’ll pay extra and still need to prove the value when filing a claim.
Ship outside peak seasons
05
Avoid shipping around Christmas and Black Friday. If you have no way around it, plan ahead and book in advance.
Consider local shippers
06
List the PC shipping job on aggregator* sites like uShip. Local moving or shipping companies might transport your desktop computer for less than the major carriers.
Compare costs with online tools
07
Compare costs and choose the cheapest shipping method. Use online comparison tools on websites like Shippo.
*An aggregator is a platform where multiple carriers can bid on shipping jobs.
Ship PCs efficiently & safely with a trusted partner
If you’re selling PCs online, efficient shipping is the backbone of your business.
Partnering with a robust 3PL company like Red Stag can streamline the logistics and simplify your life.
We know what a single lost PC means for your brand and bottom line. So we offer guarantees like zero shrinkage and two-day dock-to-stock.
Ready to protect your PCs and your profits? Let’s start a conversation today.
