How Much Does It Cost to Ship a TV? [Complete Price Breakdown]

Whether you’re moving house, sending a gift, or off to college, shipping a TV from one place to another can feel like a difficult task. 

I’m here to help break down exactly how much it costs to ship a TV using the most popular carriers and whether you’ll be financially better off buying a new TV instead.

As a former Operations Manager, I’ve shipped thousands of products across states, oceans, and international borders—from bulky items like physiotherapy beds and 60lb lithium batteries to delicate ice sculptures and quantum computing chips.

TL;DR:

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of typical TV shipping costs:

A 32” TV costs $67.81 to $165.61 to ship

A 43” TV costs $88.74 to $190.70 to ship

A 55” TV costs $300.34 to $409.05 to ship

A 65” TV costs $326.91 to $444.40 to ship

Keep reading to see cost breakdowns based on TV size, carrier selection, and distance. 

Is it worth shipping a TV?

Before you ship, consider whether it’s worth shipping a TV first.

Depending on your destination and other factors, selling your existing TV and purchasing a new one at the place you want to ship it to may be more affordable.

Let’s compare the costs of shipping versus selling and rebuying.

*Based on the best-selling models currently available on Amazon.com

When deciding whether to ship or sell and buy new, there are hidden costs and responsibilities to keep in mind. Other factors to consider in the decision:

TV value and age

Moving distance

Packaging costs

Time constraints

Customs clearance fees

Carrier collection costs

NOTE: TVs are bulky items, and the cost may be determined by their dimensional weight instead of their physical weight. That means the length, width, and height of the TV determine the cost, not how much it weighs on a scale. To see if your TV shipping cost will be determined by dimensional weight, use our dimensional weight calculator.

TV shipping cost essentials

It typically costs $67.81 to $451.84 to ship a TV.

This doesn’t include extra costs like packaging, customs clearance, expedited shipping, and insurance.

Here are the average TV shipping costs for three major carriers:

Bear in mind that the size, weight, and destination of your shipment will greatly influence the total cost to ship. You’ll also need to factor in additional costs, such as:

Packaging materials

Insurance requirements

Special handling fees

Customs fees

Pick-up fees

Proof of Delivery fees

Carrier Shipping Costs

To estimate the above costs for shipping a TV, I’ve had to make some assumptions about your shipment.

For transparency, here are the assumptions I made when calculating costs:

Local shipment is LA to LA

Interstate is CA to NY

International is CA, USA to BC, Canada

32” packaging = 38X8X26 box, 11lbs, 228 USD declared value

43” packaging = 49X8X30, 18lbs, 280 USD declared value

55” packaging = 61X10X35, 40lbs, 380 USD declared value

65” packaging = 64X10X40, 55lbs, 1000 USD declared value

65” curved TV packaging =  64X10X40, 60lbs, 1300 USD declared value

Many factors affect how much each carrier charges to ship a TV. The figures above are designed to give you an idea of the costs based on the average dimensions, weight, and value of popular TV models.

Other factors affecting carrier costs:

Distance and zones

Service speed options

Package size and weight

The TV’s dimensions

Declared value of the TV

Number of shipments

Peak season surcharges

Special handling fees

To find the exact cost to ship a TV for your specific situation, you can visit:

USPS Postal Explorer Flat Rate Pricing

FedEx Shipping Cost Calculator

UPS Shipping Cost Calculator

Additional Costs

On top of the carrier fee to ship your TV, you’ll need to factor in additional costs that may influence whether shipping a TV is worth it—or if you ought to buy a new one instead.

Let’s break these down.

Packing materials

TVs are fragile items that require special packaging considerations—especially if you’re shipping long distances.

Materials to consider include:

Carton

Packing materials (bubble wrap, packing paper, etc.)

Packing tape

Cardboard corners

Foam edge protectors

Shipping labels

Fragile stickers

In most cases, these items can be sourced directly from the carrier:

FedEx Shipping Supplies

UPS Store Shipping Supplies

USPS Postal Store

PRO TIP: You may find better deals from online packaging supplies distributors such as ULINE and Grainger. Another option is to visit your local post office or stationery store.

Insurance

It’s a good idea to insure your shipment—particularly for non-local deliveries—as there is always a risk of goods being lost or damaged in transit.

Insurance considerations to keep in mind:

• Carrier coverage.
  Most carriers include some basic level of coverage for lost or damaged goods. However, this is often limited and may not be enough to fully cover valuable electronics such as a TV.
• Additional insurance coverage.
  You can purchase extra coverage, if necessary, to cover the full value of your TV should it exceed the carrier’s included limit.
• Value declaration.
  When shipping a TV, you’ll need to declare its full value—this will determine the cost of additional insurance.

Carrier coverage vs. third-party insurance

While carrier coverage is convenient as it can be added during the booking process and may mean a faster claims process, it can be limited for high-value TVs. Insurance claims may also be denied for inadequate packaging or other technicalities.

Third-party insurance is typically cheaper and more comprehensive. It can include coverage for scenarios excluded by carrier coverage, such as accidental drops during handling. However, third-party coverage will require extra steps in the application and claiming processes. You’ll also need to comply with specific documentation and packaging requirements.

Special handling and white glove services

Shipping a TV, especially a high-value set, may require special handling services to ensure a safe delivery. These services can include:

Extra care during shipping

Careful loading and unloading

Extra attention to fragile items

You may also want to purchase white glove services. These are premium services that include collection, packaging, transport, and installation when the TV arrives.

Cost-Saving Strategies

If you’re looking to save money when shipping your TV, consider if any of the following cost-saving strategies can be applied to your situation:

1. Minimize shipping expenses.
   Choose Ground shipping over air or expedited options, and insure only for the replacement value of your TV.
2. Time your shipment right.
   If possible, steer clear of peak seasons such as Christmas and Black Friday. Booking early can also help you avoid higher shipping fees.
3. Optimize your packaging.
   Use the TV’s original box or cut your packaging down to a minimum size to avoid paying more for a larger shipment. Keep packing tight to further reduce dimensional weight costs.
4. Use online carrier comparison tools.
   Websites like ParcelMonkey and Shippo can help you compare shipping rates between multiple carriers.
5. Apply discounts.
   Some carriers offer discounts when you create an account, apply a promo code, or are a member of a partnered organization.
6. Consider alternative shipping solutions.
   Professional moving companies may offer a better rate than some carriers. Use apps like Roadie or uShip to source cost-effective options.
7. Mitigate risk.
   Lower the risk of damage or failed insurance claims by investing in proper packaging, documenting the condition of your TV before shipping, and comparing insurance options between different providers.