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2020/12/16 11:04:59

How to Ship Furniture: A Complete Guide to Delivering Furniture Cheaply and Safely



In recent years, furniture has made a name for itself among other major export commodities. Buyers are now expanding their shopping exploits across the world to find affordable quality pieces. China, in particular, has become a go-to destination for furniture shoppers thanks to its numerous furniture markets that offer variety and great prices.

The challenge, however, for both actual and prospective furniture buyers, is often how to ship their purchases safely and affordably. It defeats the purpose to have gone to the trouble of sourcing for furniture only to lose it in transit or end up paying thrice its value in shipment costs.  

If you are holding off on importing furniture due to such concerns, here is a guide on how to navigate the shipment process.

What Are Your Shipping Options?


Rail, road, and water cargo transport are all viable options that you can use to ship your furniture. Nevertheless, each of them is suitable for different scenarios.

Road



Road transport is one of the best ways to ship furniture across the country especially if the distance is relatively short. You could negotiate reasonable rates and it is a direct delivery from the source to your doorstep.

Rail



Using a cargo train is a good idea if the distance to be covered is vast. This will, however, depend on the quality of cargo train services in your jurisdiction. The modern-day Silk Road that connects China and Europe, for example, makes it easy for buyers in the regions to ship their cargo via rail. That said, there is only so much distance a train can cover. Beyond a certain point, it becomes too expensive and even impossible in some instances.

Ship 



When all else fails, you can always rely on water transport via ship. It is the best solution for taking overseas delivery of furniture. It may take a while for your shipment to arrive but if you use a trusted service, it will eventually get there.

Air 


The use of air freight service for furniture is somewhat rare due to the high costs involved. It is, nonetheless, ideal for high-value and fragile items. On the upside, should it be within your budget, it is fast and quite a reliable way to ship small volumes of furniture.

Finding a Service Provider



Regardless of what mode of transport you choose, you will likely have to rely on the services of a shipping company. So, how do you choose a reliable shipping service provider among the many options available? Consider important factors such as:

  • Affordable rates - compare different companies against each other to see which is most pocket-friendly. Further, weigh the prices against the value of services being offered. 

  • Tracking provisions - reputable shipment firms have systems that allow you to track your shipment in real-time. This is essential for your peace of mind and also for planning purposes.

  • Clear and honest communication - your inquiries should be met with honest informative answers. It would be a terrible experience to be given the run-around as to the whereabouts of your shipment.

  • Reputation- not every customer review is honest or fair but it is advisable to do your due diligence on a firm before entrusting them with your merchandise.

  • Delivery times - if you have to wait too long to receive your shipment, perhaps you would be better off finding a more efficient service provider.

  • Complementary services - a shipping company that offers extra services in their packages such as collecting the shipment, packing, or last-mile delivery, is worth working with.

Recommended Courier Services For Shipping Furniture



World-renowned courier services such as UPS and FedEx may be your safest bet. They have well-established systems that facilitate smooth deliveries across many locations. However, you may still need to verify whether they serve both your region and that which you are shipping your furniture from. Sometimes, not all regions are covered in their delivery network and this may require you to explore other options.

Speaking of options, there are other less-known independent shipping contractors that are often alluringly cheaper than major courier services. It can, however, be tricky to ascertain their credibility. If you choose to go this route, be thorough in your due diligence, and ensure that you secure all relevant documents pertaining to the transaction.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Furniture?



Furniture Shipment costs are determined by several variables including:

  • Distance- the longer the transit, the higher the shipment cost.
  • Weight and size - large heavy furniture will cost you more to ship.
  • Delivery times - if you would like your furniture delivery fast-tracked it would cost more than if you waited for ordinary delivery times.
  • The nature of the shipment - some firms will charge more for fragile furniture that requires extra care.
  • Extra costs- a collection of the furniture from the source, packing, and last-mile delivery are some of the extra costs that you may incur aside from the main shipping cost.

If you prefer to prepare beforehand, some couriers offer price charts that you can use to estimate shipping costs. You could also try your luck with online shipping cost calculators.

How to Ship Furniture Cheaply



You might be wondering if there is anything you could do to lower your shipping costs. The answer is yes.

For starters, it would be helpful to plan your furniture purchase in advance. A last-minute rush may deny you the opportunity to compare shipping companies and prices. It could also mean that you would have to pay extra charges if you would like the furniture delivered within a certain time frame. All these expenses can be avoided with just a little foresight.

In addition, you may want to take up a crash course in furniture packing. Given as the size of your furniture shipment impacts shipping costs, aim for a compact package. One way to do this is by dismantling the furniture into panels or parts. Alternatively, if you admit that packing is not among your talents, you could ask your furniture dealer to handle it for you as an after-sale service.

How to Ship Furniture Safely



The heartache and disappointment that comes with receiving a damaged furniture shipment are indescribable. It pours all your furniture sourcing efforts down the drain. To avoid such troubles, it is imperative that your chosen means of shipping is safe and reliable. Some steps you could take to ensure safety include:

Proper packing




Well-packaged furniture is likely to withstand the motions of travel better than a loose package. 
The following steps could be helpful.

  • Wrap each furniture unit in bubble wrap to provide cushioning against scuffs and bumps. Secure the wrapping with tape.

Extra tip: avoid using cling film as it traps heat and could ruin wooden surfaces
  • Take your time to arrange the wrapped units in corrugated boxes or sturdy crates.
  • Secure the box to make sure the package will remain intact.

Proper Documentation



Ensure to have a full inventory list of every unit of furniture in your shipment. If you are shipping unassembled units, you will need records for each part and panel. Cross-check your list against any that your courier might make. This list will be very helpful if your package is tampered with; pilferage is not uncommon in the shipping industry. Items can sometimes also be misplaced if they fall off from the package.

Receipts are equally essential as they are proof of payment that you may need during pick up or delivery. This includes the receipts you got after buying the furniture. In the event of loss or damage, they will be a reference point of the value you should be indemnified for.

Insurance


If the worst-case scenario happens and your furniture gets lost or damaged in transit, freight insurance would certainly come in handy. Some courier services provide some limited insurance cover while others offer none at all. This is why it is highly recommended that you read the fine print. 

For more comprehensive cover, consider getting added insurance for your furniture shipment. More so if it is of high monetary or sentimental value to you.

Last-mile Delivery



Sea and rail shipping only gets your furniture to the warehouse in your local area. Depending on your shipment arrangement, this means you will either need to fetch the items or have them delivered. This last step of the shipment process is what is referred to as last-mile delivery.

As with all the other steps of shipping, it would behoove you to plan for this before the shipment arrives. Some warehouses charge additional fees if you fail to collect your shipment within a set time frame. Further, planning could help you figure out if you need extra help with unpacking and furniture assembly. Keep in mind that if you shipped your furniture in a container, you will have a limited window to unpack before the container is collected.

Conclusion

Shipping struggles are some of the major constraints that limit most furniture buyers to their local manufacturers. Yet, there are so many furniture designs to explore and enjoy all over the world. If this sounds like a dilemma you have been grappling with, you now have all the tips to ship in any furniture you like. Finally, here is one last furniture tip to tide you over; you will find the best furniture deals, complete with shipping assistance, at international furniture fairs. Try them.

Looking for the latest furniture designs and the best suppliers?

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