How to Ship a Laptop – Tips & Tricks for Maximum Safety
How to ship a laptop without causing any damage is simple; if you still have the original box, wrap it accordingly, use some packing peanuts and ensure there is no room for movement inside the box. Choose a suitable courier, and your laptop is ready to go.
Shipping fragile things have always been an issue because it feels like no matter how hard you try to protect them, there is always a risk of getting things damaged – especially when shipped over long distances.
The same rule applies to laptops.
Figuring out how to ship a laptop is a bit of common sense – you want plenty of cushioning to ensure it stays safe throughout the journey.
This guide will give you all the details necessary to provide cheap and safe shipping.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Prepare
How to Pack Laptops
In this guide, you will learn how to ship laptops safely and efficiently, like a pro. By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of damage during shipping.
1. Prepare the Laptop
Clean the laptop and ensure there is no dust – large particles can scratch it.
Make sure the laptop is powered down – not in standby mode or logged off.
Ages ago, you could remove the battery – no longer recommended for safety reasons.
You will need to send the battery to the device, but ensure it will not accidentally turn on.
Secure the on switch with some tape.
The battery will also require some insulation.
For example, remove it, cover its terminals with tape, and put it back in.
2. Wrap the Laptop and Get the Original Packaging
Wrap the laptop in a thin layer of bubble wrap.
You can also cut a small piece of bubble wrap – laptop size – and stick it between the screen and buttons.
This way, you can protect everything. One layer of bubble wrap is enough.
Stick the laptop in its original packaging if you still have it.
If not, get a small box that can accommodate the laptop and accessories.
Based on how large this box is, you may need to add more bubble wrap around the laptop to ensure it fits perfectly and will not move around.
3. Box the Laptop
Get a bigger box to accommodate the original box and fill the bottom with packing peanuts.
Place the original box in the middle, and add more packing peanuts on the sides.
Close it and shake it a little so the peanuts settle. Open it and add some more.
Do it until there is no movement whatsoever.
4. Seal the Box
Seal the box with plenty of tape.
If it opens up accidentally and the laptop falls out, the result could be catastrophic.
Use more layers of tape and insist around the openings and corners – the most exposed areas.
Place fragile stickers all over it or just write on each side.
There should be warnings about electronic devices and lithium batteries on the box.
It is a warning for postal workers, and while it does not guarantee more care, it is worth playing it safe.
5. Get the Shipping Labels and Ship the Box
Find a courier first – there are more options, and chances are you will need shipping labels for them.
Most of them will charge you per weight.
Get the labels, drop the parcel, and – while not mandatory, it might be a good idea to track and insure it.
After all, a laptop can be quite expensive.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship Laptops?
While weight is the primary consideration, the truth is most couriers will also consider the volume if it is a large box – fortunately, laptops are small and compact.
This is why you need to keep the boxing to a minimum – just enough to add cushioning and protection, but not too much.
If you go for one, the insurance or tracking will also add to your expenses.
Ship a Laptop Domestically
| Shipping company | Est. Delivery time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| UPS Express | 1-2 days | $47.74 |
| FedEx Standard | 2-5 days | $41.18 |
| USPS Standard | 2-3 days | $40.05 (Insurance included) |
Note: Price doesn’t include standard box and labeling charges.
The distance is quite relevant – it is one thing to ship it to the nearest town and another to send it to a different state.
It pays off shopping around because each courier will give you a different rate – besides, a laptop is an electronic device and not just some random toy, so this consideration may also add to the overall shipping costs.
Ship a Laptop Internationally
International shipments will cost more – usually, around $100.
Again, different couriers will give you different quotes, and the receiver’s country is just as important.
Other countries have different rules, which may add to the fees.
The Cheapest Way to Ship Laptops
USPS, UPS, and FedEx are generally the top-rated options because they manage to keep prices low due to the high volume of work.
Reach a small local courier, and your parcel might be the only one to a certain destination – the price will be higher.
Shipping labels will also add to the price, but you can skip the queue and print them for free – you will need shipping software, though.
Pirate Ship is one of the most popular options.
You will need a scale to weigh the parcel, put all the dimensions in, and Pirate Ship will find the cheapest courier.
Once you choose the courier based on weight and dimensions, you must print the shipping labels yourself.
Having labels means you can forget about queues – just walk to the drop counter and leave the parcel there.
Plus, it saves some money.
Pirate ship is a good option, but if you are looking for an alternative to find the best quotes, then you can use our shipping software.
You’ll surely get amazed by finding the cheapest way to ship your laptop.
Final Thoughts
As a short conclusion, laptops are fragile, and even shaking them can ruin components on the inside.
This is why you need to ensure top-notch packaging – take your time and ensure there is no room for movement.
Once secure, there are more options for your package – find the cheapest one, cut the costs by printing your shipping labels, and your parcel is ready to go.
