Need to ship a rug but feel overwhelmed by unclear cost estimates?
As a fulfillment company, we’ve shipped hundreds of thousands of bulky items over the years—rugs included.
We know what affects rug-shipping costs—and how to lower them.
Below, we’ll compare shipping rates across carriers, rug sizes, and distances.
We’ll also share money-saving tips to help you lower the costs without adding risk.
TL;DR:
Quick overview of typical rug-shipping costs
A 2’x6’ runner rug costs $18.99 to $69.97 to ship
A 4’x6’ rug costs $30.84 to $101.32 to ship
A 6’x9’ rug costs $77.96 to $283.65 to ship
An 8’x10’ rug costs $391.8 to $54.57 to ship
Below, we’ll do a complete cost breakdown by rug size, carrier, distance, and other factors like declared value and insurance.
In other words–we’ll provide context for the prices above and what they mean for your rug.
What you’ll learn
Average rug-shipping costs
Variables that affect shipping prices
Cost-saving strategies for shipping a rug
Insights regarding boxing versus wrapping a rug for shipment
Shipping rugs is hard. We make it easy.
Rugs are bulky, heavy, and awkward—exactly the kind of shipping Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in. Custom packaging, damage protection, and exclusive oversized-shipment rates ensure your rugs arrive safely, affordably, and on time.
Contact us today for your custom quote.
Is it worth shipping a rug?
For cheaper rugs, the cost of shipping might exceed the price of a similar rug purchased in the intended destination.
Still, the rug could hold significant sentimental value, so isn’t just about dollar figures.
Nevertheless, let’s compare the costs of shipping a common rug to the price of buying a new rug.
| Rug Size | New Rug Price* | Local Shipping (LA to LA) |
Interstate (CA to NY) |
International (CA to Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2’x6′ | $15 to $50 | $18.99 | $54.15 | $62.70 |
| 4’x6′ | $20 to $75 | $30.84 | $95.62 | $92.60 |
| 6’x9′ | $59 to $130 | $77.96 | $190.90 | $192.92 |
| 8’x10′ | $79 to $160 | $391.80 | $515.57 | $438.58 |
*Range based on most popular rugs by size on Amazon.com
Listed costs vs. actual costs
The standard parcel shipping prices listed above are the lowest options across carriers for these distances.
The total costs will be higher than the carrier fees and can vary depending on the exact distance, shipping method (ground, air, next-day, etc), and other costs that aren’t covered by the table:
Packaging costs
Carrier collection
Customs fees
Added cost of higher declared value or shipping insurance
NOTE: The shipping cost for larger rugs will likely be determined by the dimensional weight (rather than the actual weight). Dimensional weight is a way for the carrier to charge based on size instead of the numbers on the scale. To see how you might be charged for your rug, use our dimensional weight calculator.
Rug shipping costs–the essentials
It typically costs $18.99 to $515.57 to ship a rug.
That range is shipping only, based on various distances and rug sizes.
Below are the average costs across three major carriers–USPS, FedEx, and UPS.
| Carrier | Average Cost to Ship a Rug |
|---|---|
| USPS | $102.67 (USPS has lower weight and size limits for standard shipping, and some rugs from our calculations (e.g., 6’x9′) go over them. |
| FedEx | $184.64 |
| UPS | $187.12 |
The actual total costs for shipping your rug will vary.
The three major factors are size, weight, and shipping locations.
Other factors to bear in mind include:
Packaging materials
Higher declared value or third-party insurance
Enhanced or expedited transport
Other fees–proof of delivery, pick-up, customs
Carrier shipping costs–by rug size and distance
| Carrier | 2’x6′ rug | 4’x6′ rug | 6’x9′ rug | 9’x12′ rug |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | ||||
| USPS Ground Advantage-Retail Zone 1 | Local: $23.35 | Local: $58.25 | Local: $124.20 | Local: too large to be mailed |
| USPS Ground Advantage-Retail Zone 8 | Interstate: $54.15 | Interstate: $122.45 | Interstate: $283.65 | Interstate: too large to be mailed |
| Priority Mail International | International: $62.70 | International: $92.60 | International: too large to be mailed | International: too large to be mailed |
| FedEx | ||||
| FedEx Home Delivery or FedEx Ground | Local: $19.95 | Local: $32.58 | Local: $87.12 | Local: $391.80 |
| FedEx Ground | Interstate: $60.48 | Interstate: $105.64 | Interstate: $190.90 | Interstate: $529.25 |
| FedEx International Ground | International: $67.53 | International: $98.87 | International: $192.92 | International: $438.58 |
| UPS | ||||
| UPS Ground / UPS Standard (shipped from retail location) | Local: $18.99 | Local: $30.84 | Local: $77.96 | Local: $405.07 |
| UPS Ground / UPS Standard (shipped from retail location) | Interstate: $54.96 | Interstate: $95.62 | Interstate: $196.54 | Interstate: $515.57 |
| UPS Ground / UPS Standard (shipped from retail location) | International: $69.79 | International: $101.32 | International: $204.70 | International: $474.07 |
To calculate the cost estimates above, we’ve made assumptions and approximations, including:
Local shipment is within the LA area–Baldwin Park to Glendale, CA.
Interstate shipment is from LA to NY.
International shipment is from LA to Canada (Westbank, British Columbia).
The dimensions used are for boxed rugs with 1-3 inches of padding on all sides (final dimensions of packaged rugs below).
2 x 6 feet rug measures 24 x 10 x 10 inches and weighs 6 pounds.
4 x 6 feet rug measures 48 x 10 x 10 inches and weighs 12 pounds.
6 x 9 feet rug measures 72 x 12 x 12 inches and weighs 27 pounds.
9 x 12 feet rug measures 96 x 14 x 14 inches and weighs 54 pounds.
The declared value was the free default coverage ($100 with most carriers).
We used this roll dimension calculator to estimate the outer diameter of the rolled rug.
The reported costs in the excerpts are the lowest for the rug size and distance.
Factors that affect carrier costs include:
Size and weight of the package
Enhanced/expedited shipping fees (like special handling or next-day)
Higher declared value
Seasonal surcharges
Number of packages
Surcharges for shipping oversized packages
To compare the exact shipping costs for your rug, use the following calculators:
Additional costs of shipping a rug
The total cost of shipping a rug will be the sum of carrier fees and additional costs.
Let’s break down the potential added costs.
Packing and padding materials
You might decide to ship the rug without special boxing.
It’s common.
You fold/roll the rug and cover it with plastic sheeting.
That’s the cheapest option in terms of packing materials, but it increases the damage risks.
Packing the rug into a box takes time and adds costs, but it lowers the damage risks.
If you pack the rug, you might need:
Cardboard–corrugated sheets and/or rolls
Tape–packing and general adhesive
Plastic sheeting
Padding-bubble wrap, air pillows, foam, packing paper
Shipping labels and stickers
NOTE: Larger rugs make for oddly shaped packages, so it’s hard to find boxes that fit the dimensions exactly, which should include the size of the roll plus a few inches of padding. The easiest way to package rugs is to fashion a box using cardboard sheets. You can get them from Amazon or supply distributors like ULINE and Grainger.
Carrier coverage vs. third-party rug insurance
If you’re shipping a valuable rug, getting insurance that goes beyond the free carrier coverage is wise.
The options are:
- Higher declared value.
Most carriers offer free coverage up to $100. Declaring a higher value will add to the shipping costs but also increase the carrier’s maximum liability if they damage or lose your rug.
Carrier coverage is not insurance because it’s subject to limitations. Your claim might be denied in some scenarios–like damage caused by improper packaging or an “Act of God.” - Third-party shipping insurance.
Insurance is more comprehensive and flexible than carrier coverage. On the downside, it adds steps and paperwork to the process.
White-glove and pack-and-ship services
If you’re shipping an expensive area rug, consider paying extra for white-glove services.
These might include:
Door-to-door delivery
Custom boxes
Boxing and unboxing
Specialty packing
Extra care in handling
Personal scheduling
BOTTOM LINE: These services add to the cost, but you’re buying expert help and peace of mind. Here’s an example of a pack-and-ship service by UPS.
Cost-saving strategies when shipping rugs
If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, the list below is for you.
It includes eight ways to save money without cutting corners or introducing new risks.
Plan ahead and choose a cheaper transport mode
01
Early planning allows you to choose the cheapest transport mode and still ship your rug on time.
If you’re shipping at the last minute, you might have to choose an enhanced (and more expensive) transport mode, like next-day air.
Cost difference
Let’s use the 4’x6’ rug (shipped from LA to NY via FedEx) to illustrate the potential difference:
FedEx Ground will cost $105.64.
FedEx First Overnight will cost $534.77.
That’s over 400% more.
The trade-off is time. FedEx ground will get the rug to New York 5 days later than First Overnight.
With planning, the added time might be a non-issue.
Book early and avoid peak seasons
02
Shipping a rug around Christmas or Black Friday will cost more.
If possible, avoid it.
If not, book early to potentially offset some of the added cost.
Optimize the box size
03
Shipping charges for rugs are typically based on dimensional weight instead of actual weight. Thus, the smaller the package, the lower the cost.
You have two options:
Packing the rug into a smaller box with less padding.
Shipping it without a box.
The optimal padding between the rolled rug and the box is 1-3 inches.
That’s enough to protect the rug if the box is compromised, yet it allows for minimal shifting.
Ship it without a box
04
Most rugs are not fragile, so shipping without a box might be acceptable.
You fold/roll it, pack it into plastic sheeting, and affix the shipping label directly to the plastic.
The video below illustrates the process.
Size and cost difference
Without the box, the outer edges of the rug become the width and height.
Implications for shipping size:
The assumed dimensions of a boxed 4 x 6 feet rug are 48 x 10 x 10 inches.
Unboxed, the same rug will be around 48 x 7 x 7 inches.
The costs of shipping via FedEx Ground from LA to NY for the two sizes are $105.64 and $57.47.
That’s almost double for the boxed option.
Find last-minute shipping options
05
If you’re not in a hurry to ship the rug, call carriers regularly and ask about last-minute shipping options.
Just as an airline discounts airfare to fill empty seats at the last minute, some carriers discount shipping costs if they have unfilled cargo space.
Timing and luck are key.
Compare prices across carriers
06
In this guide, we’ve compiled comparison cost tables for reference rugs and distances.
To find the cheapest option for your specific package, use price-comparison tools like Shippo or Parcel Monkey.
Look into alternative shipping options
07
Post a job on aggregators* like uShip and wait for the offers.
You might find a good deal with a local carrier or a moving company.
*An aggregator is a platform where multiple carriers can bid on shipping jobs.
Find and apply discounts
08
Some carriers offer discounts for the first shipment from a new account. If you don’t have an account, this might be the opportunity to save a pretty penny by registering.
Occasionally, you might find a promo code through a simple online search.
Choose multiweight over freight shipping
09
If you’re shipping an oversized rug that exceeds size limits (below), it will be transported as freight* instead of a parcel, which typically costs more.
| Measurement | UPS | FedEx | USPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length and girth** combined (inches) | 165 | 165 (130 for Express) | 108 (130 for Retail Ground, charged as oversized) |
| Length (inches) | 108 | 108 | * |
| Weight (pounds) | 150 | 150 | 70 |
*Girth–(Width+Height) x 2
**You can read more about the differences between shipping and freight here.
If you’re exceeding the limits because you’re shipping multiple rugs, you might save money by choosing a freight carrier that offers multiweight pricing.
“Multiweight” means they compare the prices of shipping the rugs as one and separate packages and choose the cheaper option.
For example–instead of shipping three rugs as one freight package, you ship them as three separate parcels.
If this is your situation, you might save money with Fedex’s multiweight pricing.
Need a reliable partner to ship rugs?
If you’re selling rugs online, consider partnering with a trusted 3PL company like Red Stag Fulfillment.
We fulfill the orders; you focus on what matters most–marketing and growth.
We’re award-winning industry leaders with the experience, infrastructure, and people to take on the task.
That’s why we offer unparalleled guarantees–like 0% shrinkage (we lose it, we pay for it).
