How to Ship a Rug: Our Top Tips

The global market for carpets and rugs is worth over $48.9 Billion in 2023, making it a profitable industry for eCommerce merchants.

So if you are thinking about shipping rugs, you want to learn the best practices on how to do so. Due to the abnormal shape, packing and shipping a rug requires more care, so there’s no damage during transit. We’ll cover everything you need to know about shipping rugs so that you can start shipping rugs like a well-seasoned pro.

How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Rug?

There’s no standard cost for shipping any item, especially for rugs. No matter what, the following factors impact the shipping cost of your package, such as:

• Courier service
• Delivery speed
• Weight of package
• Shipping distance
• Package dimensions

We’ll give you a rundown of the costs of shipping a rug with some major couriers and compare them to Easyship’s high-volume discounts. This way, you can decide the best courier service you want to use.

How to ship a rug domestically

Let’s assume you're shipping a 60 x 6 x 6 rug (in a corrugated cardboard box) from New York to Los Angeles that weighs 30 pounds. This section will highlight how much it costs to ship this 30-pound rug with major courier companies, USPS, UPS, and FedEx.

Shipping with UPS®

Shipping with USPS

Shipping with FedEx

How to ship a rug internationally

Let's also assume that you ship the same rug shipment from New York to the United Kingdom. We’ll calculate your international freight carrier rates with USPS, FedEx, and UPS  in this section.

Shipping with UPS

Shipping with USPS

Shipping with FedEx

The cheapest way for shipping rugs with Easyship

Now, we’ll calculate how much it costs to ship a package with Easyship’s competitive shipping rates for shipping from NY to LA and NY to the UK.

Shipping domestically with Easyship

Shipping internationally with Easyship

As we can see, eCommerce merchants instantly save more on shipping domestically and internationally. So instead of paying retail shipping rates, merchants can save more with a shipping platform dedicated to helping eCommerce businesses scale their business globally.

Related post: What’s The Cheapest Way to Ship Large Packages?

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How to Package Rugs for Shipping

Packaging rugs properly is an integral part of the shipping process, especially if you want your package to arrive without damage. We'll provide a step-by-step process on packaging rugs so you can adopt the best practices for your business.

1. Roll up the rug

The first thing is to roll up the rug you want to package. You want to ensure you roll the rug tightly and small to reduce shipping costs. Pay attention to the direction that most of the fibers lean as it will help you achieve a tight roll.

Roll your rugs along the width area from the fringed ends, and do not roll from side binding to side binding. This step ensures that there are no wrinkles or creases.

2. Don’t forget wrapping the rolled rug

Use acid-free paper or breathable fabric like cotton across the pile when wrapping the rug to keep it from attracting moths that can damage the rug. Avoid using plastic because it can cause the rug to be moist and change the texture. A good wrap will ensure a tighter roll for your rug and easier shipping, so make sure to keep this in mind when you wrap your rug.

3. Tie the center of the rolled rug to keep it in place

Once you're done wrapping the rug, you want to make sure it is in place with twine or a rope. While tying, avoid putting too much pressure on it so that you won't have marks on the rug. Tie it well so that the rug is perfectly tight and fastened.

4. Measure and weigh your rolled rug

By now, your rug is compact and ready to be measured. Measuring it is essential for shipping. Find the rug's length, width, height, and diameter using a tape measure. To note, it's best to add 3-4 inches to accommodate packaging materials.

5. Add cushioning materials to the ends of the rug

You never can tell how your rugs will be handled during transport, so you should pad them with some cushioning materials. Also, make sure you tape the extra paddings to keep the rug secured. Choose padding materials like cotton and refrain from using newspapers.

6. Place rug into a plastic sleeve

To secure the rug throughout the shipping journey, use an extra layer of plastic. You can also throw in some mothballs to keep insects away. Then, attach the sleeve with tape.

7. Place rug in a shipping box

Generally, shipping couriers recommend packaging rolled rugs in corrugated boxes to ensure your shipment’s safety. Also, make sure your box fits the dimensions of your rug when you're purchasing it.

8. Choose a shipping courier for shipping the rug

Having done the steps above, you have to be on the lookout for a courier that will help you send your rug. Whichever courier you eventually decide to use, make sure they give written estimates, have an insurance policy in place, and verified credentials.

Alternatively, using a shipping platform like Easyship grants you instant access to 24/7 customer care so you can have an optimal shipping experience without stress.

Tips on Wrapping a Rug for Shipping

Now that you have packaged your rug and are ready to ship, we’ll go over some valuable tips to ensure you can ship rugs like a pro.

Choose a properly-sized box

You have to pick the correct box for the rug you want to ship. Choose a box that is not airtight so the rug can breathe. This will also leave room for cushioning materials. Also, picking the correct box can help you get the most accurate shipping cost.

Clean the rug before shipping

Ensure your rug is properly cleaned and free from debris before you ship. You can also hire those who specialize in cleaning rugs to make your job easier. Also, make sure that the rug is dry before you start packing. This step will prevent it from having a foul odor or attracting insects.

Utilize shipping insurance

Shipping insurance can help you keep your packages safe by giving your packages maximum protection. Shipping insurance also provides a cash-back guarantee over uncertainties like damages, theft, or loss when shipping fragile or high-value items.

Double-up on packing materials

Make sure your rug is packed correctly and layered with enough cushioning and packaging materials to prevent moisture or dirt from getting into it. Afterward, seal the package by taping every side of it.

Consider signature upon delivery

This tip will help you ensure that your rug gets to its location safe and secure. In addition, requiring a signature upon delivery ensures the rug was delivered to its intended recipient. Plus, this added option minimizes the risk of package theft.

Shipping a Rug with Easyship

Whether you're an eCommerce merchant or you just want to ship a rug to a friend, shipping does not have to be a stressful task for you. By learning how to safely package rugs and knowing the best shipping tips, you’re one step closer to shipping rugs like a pro.

Luckily, Easyship doesn’t just offer the best prices but also premium shipping tools designed to help you create a seamless shipping experience, such as the following:

• Easyship Shipping Rates Calculator: Access high-volume discounts from major couriers. Plus, get instant access to delivery lead times from premium shipping couriers
• Easyship Branding Suite: Easyship provides a delivery experience consistent with your brand. Add your logo and advertising materials to your packing slips, landing pages, and tracking emails
• All-One-Dashboard: Manage all your orders and create shipments in one place. Plus, upload CSVs or sync directly from your eCommerce store

Ready to ship? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and get instant access to high-volume discounts for shipping rugs

Shipping a Rug FAQ

How do I ship a tufted rug?

You want to make sure you protect the rug with cushioning materials when shipping a tufted rug. Plus, make sure you choose a heavy-duty box with 3-4 inches of extra space to add packaging materials to secure your rug.

How do you ship a rug cross country?

Use a shipping platform to help you cater to your eCommerce needs. This way, you get all the benefits of a major shipping courier, but for a fraction of the retail cost.

How much does a rug weigh?

On average, rugs weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds. However, rugs come in all shapes and sizes, so that the weight will vary.

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