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Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies

Experiment with Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies With FreightCenter
From microscopes to centrifuges, FreightCenter protects your lab equipment and supplies while freight shipping them. Our experts connect you to the right carriers and offer competitive rates and custom solutions to get your equipment to its destination, whether that's a laboratory, classroom, or research facility.

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Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies

A laboratory wouldn’t be complete without a wide variety of instruments and resources to assist in research, diagnostics, and experimentation. Lab equipment is some of the most unique machines and devices out there; however, they are also fragile, sensitive, and under scrutiny from regulatory compliance laws.

Whether you’re shipping microscopes, centrifuges, or chemical supplies, FreightCenter ensures your lab equipment is handled with care, precision, and speed. Our expert logistics team works with leading carriers to provide seamless freight solutions tailored to laboratories, research facilities, universities, and healthcare providers. By working with us, your lab equipment will get to its destination on time and without compromise.

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Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies why choose

Why Choose FreightCenter For Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies?

Specialized Freight Expertise: FreightCenter understands the critical nature of transporting sensitive lab equipment and supplies. Our logistics specialists are trained to handle complex freight needs, including fragile instrumentation, HAZMAT compliance, and temperature-sensitive items. With our guidance, your lab shipments are routed safely and efficiently, minimizing risk at every step.

Carrier Network Access: We partner with over 50 top-rated national and regional carriers to offer you a wide range of shipping options. This means better availability, competitive pricing, and access to carriers with experience in moving medical, scientific, and technical equipment. We do the heavy lifting when it comes to vetting carriers—so you don’t have to.

Custom Freight Solutions: Every lab shipment is different, and our solutions are built to match. Whether you need liftgate service for delivery to a ground-level facility, white glove handling for fragile equipment, or climate control for sensitive chemicals, we tailor every shipment to your needs. FreightCenter ensures the service level fits the nature and value of what you’re shipping.

Security and Insurance: Protecting your valuable lab equipment is our priority. We offer freight insurance options to give you peace of mind and protect against unforeseen damages or losses in transit. Plus, our carrier matching process emphasizes secure handling practices from pickup to delivery.

Full-Service Support: From quote to delivery, our team of freight experts is here to help. We provide real-time tracking, paperwork assistance, claims support, and proactive communication throughout the shipping process. You’ll never feel like you’re navigating complex freight logistics alone, because you won’t be.

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What Qualifies as Lab Equipment and Supplies?

Lab equipment and supplies are tools used by healthcare professionals and scientists who work in a laboratory or hospital setting. They encompass a wide range of items used in research, diagnostics, healthcare, and education, including:

  • Microscopes and optical instruments
  • Centrifuges and incubators
  • Analytical balances and scales
  • Glassware (beakers, test tubes, flasks)
  • Bunsen burners and hot plates
  • Refrigerators and freezers for samples
  • Fume hoods and filtration systems
  • Chemical reagents and biohazard containers
  • Protective gear (gloves, goggles, lab coats)

 

These items often require specialized freight handling due to their sensitivity, fragility, and regulatory requirements. However, they are also a necessity; healthcare workers and patients, for example, rely heavily on laboratory equipment and supplies to receive life-saving diagnoses and treatment. The stakes are high when shipping lab equipment and supplies, so it is essential to know how to ship successfully, its challenges, and the costs of shipping lab equipment and supplies.

Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies

How to Ship Lab Equipment and Supplies

Shipping lab equipment and supplies involves precise planning to avoid damage and ensure compliance with transportation standards. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Inventory and Classify: List your items and classify them accurately for NMFC codes and insurance.
  2. Use Protective Packaging: Use foam inserts, anti-static wraps, and strong crating for fragile items.
  3. Label for Safety: Mark fragile, hazardous, or temperature-sensitive shipments.
  4. Choose the Right Carrier: Use vetted carriers experienced in transporting delicate or hazardous lab goods.
  5. Insure High-Value Items: Protect your shipment against loss or damage with freight insurance.
  6. Track in Real-Time: Use GPS and tracking tools to monitor your freight throughout transit.
What's The Best Shipping Options for Lab Equipment Freight?

Lab equipment and supplies can be delicate, fragile, and difficult to move without proper measures taken. FreightCenter understands this, providing unique, customizable services that address your shipping needs and makes the freight shipping experience stress-free and affordable. Here are some options for shipping that best fit lab equipment shipping:

LTL Shipping

LTL shipping is an ideal option for laboratories shipping smaller quantities of equipment, such as microscopes, boxes of glassware, or cases of reagents. It allows you to share truck space with other shipments, significantly reducing costs without compromising on care. What sets FreightCenter apart is how we pair shippers with LTL carriers experienced in handling delicate and high-value items—something not all brokers can promise. Our team helps you choose the right freight class, package properly, and avoid overpaying for space you don't need.

Temperature-Controlled Shipping

Many lab supplies, especially chemicals and biological samples, require stable temperature conditions throughout transit. Temperature-controlled freight ensures those materials remain viable and safe during their journey. FreightCenter partners with a trusted network of carriers that offer reliable refrigerated and climate-controlled solutions across the country. What makes us different is our proactive communication—we don’t just book the shipment and forget it. Our team monitors conditions and coordinates closely with carriers to ensure uninterrupted cold chain integrity.

Lift Gate Delivery

Not every laboratory has a loading dock—and trying to unload a 400-pound lab freezer without proper equipment can risk damage or injury. Lift gate delivery solves that by using a mechanical platform on the truck to safely lower the shipment to the ground level. FreightCenter makes this simple by automatically identifying whether your location requires lift gate service during the quote process and matching you with carriers that can accommodate it. Our approach reduces surprises and helps avoid costly re-delivery fees or shipment delays.

White Glove Services

For delicate or high-value lab equipment, white glove service is a premium option that includes inside delivery, unpacking, and sometimes even light setup. This is especially useful for universities, hospitals, or labs receiving bulky, sensitive items like incubators or centrifuges. FreightCenter offers access to white glove carriers who specialize in technical and scientific freight—and our logistics team will guide you through every step, from quoting to scheduling delivery with the right level of care. It's not just delivery—it's peace of mind.

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Tips for Packaging Lab Equipment and Supplies

  • Always secure glassware in bubble wrap or foam and place it in partitioned boxes.
  • Use palletization for bulk equipment and shrink-wrap it tightly to prevent shifting.
  • If shipping chemicals or biological samples, follow DOT and HAZMAT guidelines.
  • Secure calibration tools in shock-absorbing cases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Lab Equipment and Supplies

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Q. Can I ship hazardous materials with my lab equipment?

A.

Yes, you can ship hazardous materials such as chemicals and reagents alongside lab equipment, but strict regulations apply. You’ll need to comply with DOT and HAZMAT requirements, including proper labeling, documentation, and packaging. FreightCenter can match you with certified carriers who are equipped to handle HAZMAT freight safely and legally, while also advising on required paperwork.

Q. Do I need to palletize my lab supplies?

A.

Palletizing is strongly recommended, especially for bulk shipments or when sending multiple boxes. It stabilizes your cargo, simplifies loading and unloading, and reduces the risk of damage. FreightCenter agents can guide you on pallet configuration and help determine the best method based on the equipment’s weight, fragility, and shipping method.

Q. How should I package glassware for shipping?

A.

Glassware should be individually wrapped in bubble wrap or foam and packed in double-walled boxes with dividers. Items should be tightly packed to prevent shifting. For larger shipments, use pallets and consider crating. FreightCenter can recommend carriers and services best suited for transporting fragile, breakable items.

Q. What’s the best way to ship fragile lab equipment?

A.

The best way to ship fragile lab equipment is by using strong, secure packaging materials such as custom foam inserts, shock-absorbing crates, and anti-static wrap when needed. Label the shipment as “Fragile” and choose a freight service that minimizes excessive handling, such as white glove or dedicated truckload shipping. FreightCenter helps you select the most appropriate carriers with proven experience in handling scientific and medical equipment, ensuring your shipment is transported safely and securely.

Q. How fast can lab equipment be shipped?

A.

Shipping speed depends on distance, service level, and carrier availability. Standard LTL shipping may take 2–7 business days, while expedited or same-day options are available for time-sensitive shipments. FreightCenter offers a wide selection of expedited and priority freight services to help you meet tight deadlines.

Q. Is insurance available for my shipment?

A.

Yes, freight insurance is highly recommended for valuable or sensitive lab equipment. Standard carrier liability may not cover the full value of scientific instruments or specialty items. FreightCenter offers optional insurance coverage and will assist with the claims process if needed.

Q. Can you ship to research labs or universities?

A.

Absolutely. FreightCenter regularly coordinates shipments to and from universities, hospitals, biotech firms, and independent labs. We understand the nuances of delivering to campuses, medical centers, and research facilities—including scheduling constraints, limited dock access, and specialized delivery needs.

Q. What documents do I need for shipping chemicals?

A.

You’ll need a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), proper labeling per HAZMAT guidelines, and potentially a shipper’s declaration of dangerous goods. FreightCenter can help you understand which documents are required for your specific shipment and connect you with carriers authorized for chemical transport.

Q. Can you ship lab refrigerators or freezers?

A.

Yes, lab refrigerators, freezers, and other large appliances can be shipped through FreightCenter. These items typically require liftgate service for delivery, and sometimes temperature control or white glove service, depending on sensitivity. Our logistics experts ensure these needs are communicated clearly to the carrier, so your shipment arrives in working condition.

Q. Are temperature-sensitive materials supported?

A.

Yes. Many lab shipments contain temperature-sensitive materials like reagents, blood samples, or biological materials that must be kept cold or frozen. FreightCenter partners with carriers that offer refrigerated, climate-controlled, or insulated container services to ensure temperature integrity from pickup to delivery.

Q. Can you assist with inside delivery?

A.

Yes, FreightCenter offers white glove services that include inside delivery, unpacking, and placement of equipment in its intended location. This is especially useful for large, heavy, or delicate equipment being delivered to labs in office parks, medical centers, or campuses where dock access may be limited.

Q. Do you offer international shipping for lab equipment?

A.

Yes, FreightCenter provides international freight solutions that include ocean and air shipping, customs support, and coordination of paperwork. We also offer crating and packaging recommendations for global transit to ensure your lab equipment arrives safely overseas.

Q. How do I track my lab equipment shipment?

A.

You can track your shipment in real time using FreightCenter’s online tracking tools. Our system gives you visibility from dispatch to delivery, and our team is available to provide updates or handle any delivery exceptions.

Q. What if my equipment is damaged in transit?

A.

If your lab equipment arrives damaged, document the issue immediately with photos and notes, and report it to FreightCenter. We assist you with the claims process and can help you determine if freight insurance will cover the loss. Proper packaging and selecting the right service level are the best ways to prevent damage.

Q. How do I get a shipping quote?

A.

You can get a free, no-obligation quote through FreightCenter’s website or by calling one of our freight experts. We’ll gather details about your equipment, packaging, pickup and delivery locations, and timing needs to provide the most accurate rate options from our carrier network. Just call us at (800) 716-7608, or try our free online quoting tool to get started!

Compliance, Calibration, and Certification Support

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Regulatory Compliance Made Simple

FreightCenter understands the complex regulations behind shipping lab materials—especially when it comes to hazardous goods, chemicals, or bio-samples. Our team helps ensure you’re compliant with DOT, HAZMAT, and international regulations every step of the way.

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Maintain Calibration Integrity

Sensitive lab equipment can lose calibration if jostled or improperly handled. We help you choose the right packaging and carriers to minimize vibration and impact—so your equipment arrives ready to use, not re-calibrate.

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Shipping Documentation Support

From MSDS forms to customs declarations and certificates of origin, FreightCenter helps you prepare the right documents to prevent shipment delays or rejections. We make the paperwork process easy, so you can focus on science—not shipping.

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