Shipping Safes

Safe Shipping Methods

Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)

FreightCenter’s LTL shipping services provide the most cost-effective option for most residential and smaller commercial safes. Through our extensive carrier network, we combine your safe with other freight headed in the same direction, sharing transportation costs across multiple shipments. Our LTL solutions are ideal for safes weighing between 150-4,000 pounds that don’t require expedited delivery.

With FreightCenter’s LTL shipping coordination, your safe will typically be picked up at the curb of your origin address and delivered to the curb at its destination. We arrange for carriers with liftgate trucks to raise and lower the safe, but moving it to and from the curb is your responsibility. FreightCenter can recommend local moving help options for this portion of the process.

Full Truckload (FTL)

When shipping multiple safes or extremely large commercial safes, FreightCenter’s full truckload shipping offers distinct advantages. With our FTL service, your safe is the only item on the truck, eliminating concerns about damage from other freight and reducing handling. We arrange for the truck to travel directly from pickup to delivery without intermediate stops at terminals.

FreightCenter’s FTL shipping provides faster transit times and includes more flexible pickup and delivery scheduling. Our truckload specialists select carriers experienced with high-security safes where minimizing handling and transfer points enhances security. The dedicated nature of FTL shipping also allows for specialized equipment to be included when necessary.

While more expensive than LTL shipping, FreightCenter’s FTL services offer greater peace of mind for valuable safes and provide more predictable delivery timeframes. For commercial safe installations where timing is critical, the additional cost of FTL shipping is often justified by the reliability of delivery schedules.

White Glove Service

For the ultimate in safe shipping convenience, FreightCenter’s White Glove service provides comprehensive support from start to finish. This premium service includes professional movers from our specialized carrier partners who handle every aspect of your safe’s journey, from careful extraction at the origin to precise placement at the destination.

FreightCenter’s White Glove service includes inside pickup and delivery, meaning you don’t need to worry about getting your safe to the curb. Our professional teams bring specialized equipment to navigate hallways, stairs, and tight corners. They’ll place your safe exactly where you want it, remove all packaging materials, and can even assist with basic setup.

This service is ideal for valuable safes requiring extra care, situations where professional installation is needed, or when physical limitations make DIY moving impossible. Though more expensive than standard shipping options, White Glove service eliminates the stress and physical challenges of safe moving.

Expedited Shipping

When time is critical, FreightCenter’s expedited shipping provides accelerated delivery for safes of all sizes. This service utilizes dedicated trucks and prioritized handling to minimize transit time. We can combine expedited shipping with any service level, from basic curbside delivery to comprehensive White Glove service.

Businesses often choose our expedited shipping when security requirements demand minimizing the time a safe is in transit or when installation deadlines are approaching. While premium pricing applies, the ability to precisely schedule delivery makes our expedited shipping valuable for time-sensitive safe transportation.

Preparing Your Safe for Shipping

Shipping a safe involves more than just scheduling a pickup. It requires careful planning and preparation to overcome logistical challenges and ensure a smooth experience. At FreightCenter, we understand the complexities involved in moving heavy items like safes, so we emphasize the importance of readiness from start to finish.

Packaging Requirements

The journey from origin to destination involves multiple handling points, and proper packaging protects your safe at each stage. Begin by securing the safe’s door using the locking mechanism and reinforcing it with tape to prevent accidental opening during transit. This simple step prevents damage to both the door and internal components.

For safes with removable interior components, either remove shelving and drawers or secure them firmly in place. Loose components can become projectiles during transit, causing interior damage that may affect the safe’s functionality. Store removed components separately or secure them with tape and padding.

Protect the exterior finish by wrapping the entire safe in moving blankets, securing them with stretch wrap or tape. Pay special attention to corners and edges, which are most vulnerable to impact damage. For safes with electronic components or keypads, provide additional padding in these areas.

A crucial step often overlooked is proper palletization. Your safe should sit on a sturdy pallet sized appropriately for its dimensions, with no overhang that could lead to damage. The pallet provides forklift access for handling and keeps the safe elevated from potential water or impact damage.

Finally, secure the safe to the pallet using heavy-duty strapping that won’t loosen during transit. Proper strapping prevents shifting and provides stability during the various movements involved in shipping. The investment in quality packaging materials pays dividends in preventing costly damage.

Weight and Dimensions

Accurate measurements form the foundation of successful safe shipping. Carriers allocate equipment and plan logistics based on the dimensions and weight you provide, so precision is essential. Measure height, width, and depth at the widest points, and include any protrusions such as handles or hinges.

Weight accuracy is particularly critical for safe shipping. Underestimating weight can lead to inadequate equipment allocation, creating dangerous situations during handling. Most home scales can’t accurately measure safe weights, so consider using bathroom scales under each corner and totaling the readings, or consult your safe’s documentation for specifications.

Remember to include the pallet in your measurements, as this adds to the overall height. When providing dimensions, always round up to the nearest inch to ensure adequate space allocation. For weight, adding 5-10% to your estimate provides a safety margin that prevents complications during shipping.

Preparing the Location

A successful safe shipment begins with proper preparation of both pickup and delivery locations. Clear a path from the safe’s current location to the pickup point, removing obstacles, rugs, or furniture that could impede movement or create hazards for the moving team.

If doorways present challenges, measure them carefully and compare with your safe’s dimensions. Door removal might be necessary, and handling this before pickup prevents delays and additional charges. For particularly challenging extractions, consulting with a professional mover before shipping day can identify solutions to potential problems.

At the delivery location, similar preparation ensures a smooth transition. Confirm the path to the safe’s final position is clear and that all doorways and passages can accommodate its dimensions. For second-floor or basement placements, verify that stairs and structural elements can support the safe’s weight.

Having a contingency plan is also wise. If unforeseen obstacles prevent the planned placement, identify an alternate location where the safe can be placed temporarily. This flexible approach prevents the need to reschedule delivery or incur additional fees for extended delivery attempts.