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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Copier in 2026? Full Price Breakdown

July 15, 2026 · Copier Lease Returns

Shipping a copier costs about $150–$400 locally and $400–$900+ long-distance in 2026. Here is what copier and printer shipping costs, what drives the price, and how to pack and protect a copier for transit.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Copier?

Office copiers are heavy, sensitive, and expensive to replace — so shipping one is not the same as mailing a package. If you're researching how much does it cost to ship a copier, expect roughly $150–$400 for a local move and $400–$900+ for long-distance freight in 2026. Size, weight, distance, and whether you need liftgate or inside delivery drive the final price.

Copier Shipping Cost by Distance

DistanceTypical Cost (palletized)
Local (under 50 miles)$150–$400
Regional (100–500 miles)$300–$650
Long-distance (500–1,500 mi)$450–$900
Cross-country$700–$1,400

Desktop printers ship for far less; large production and floor-standing copiers cost more because of weight and handling.

What Drives the Price

  • Size and weight. A floor-standing multifunction copier can weigh 200–500+ lbs.
  • Liftgate service. Needed when there's no loading dock — adds $75–$150 each way.
  • Inside pickup/delivery. Moving the copier to/from a specific floor or room costs more than dock-to-dock.
  • Distance and freight class. Longer hauls and higher freight class raise the base rate.
  • Crating. High-value or delicate units may need custom crating.

How to Prepare a Copier for Shipping

  1. Remove toner and ink cartridges and bag them separately to prevent leaks.
  2. Remove or secure the paper trays and any loose components.
  3. Tape down the scanner lid and doors so nothing swings open.
  4. Immobilize the scanner carriage if the manual specifies a transport lock.
  5. Wrap in moving blankets, then strap the copier upright to a pallet.
  6. Photograph the condition before pickup for your records.

Standard Freight vs. White-Glove

  • Standard LTL freight: copier is palletized and delivered to a dock or curb — lowest cost.
  • White-glove service: includes inside delivery, placement, and sometimes setup — best for offices without a dock or staff to move heavy equipment.

Save on Copier Shipping

  • Palletize properly to qualify for better freight rates.
  • Bundle multiple units in one shipment.
  • Confirm liftgate needs up front so it's not added at a premium later.
  • Get an all-inclusive quote that lists liftgate, inside delivery, and insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a copier long distance? Most long-distance palletized copier shipments run $450–$900, more for cross-country or white-glove service.

Do I need a liftgate to ship a copier? If either location lacks a loading dock, yes. Liftgate service adds about $75–$150 each way.

Should I remove the toner before shipping? Yes — remove and bag toner and ink cartridges to prevent leaks and internal damage in transit.

Is white-glove delivery worth it for a copier? For heavy floor-standing units going into an office without a dock or equipment, white-glove inside delivery is well worth it.

Get a Copier Shipping Quote

We ship copiers, printers, and office equipment nationwide with palletized freight, liftgate, and white-glove options. Request a free quote or call 1-866-216-7742 with your copier model and pickup/delivery details for an accurate price.

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How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Copier in 2026? Full Price Breakdown | Copier Lease Returns